Tested effective natural cosmetics, but above all, cosmetics with purpose View all

From the study of the most delicate skins to the expert care of yours

My name is Mafalda Soto, and I am a pharmacist.

Over fifteen years ago, I traveled to Malawi to collaborate on a health project with people with albinism. What was supposed to be nine months turned into nine years that completely changed my way of understanding skin and care.

I learned that skin can be extremely delicate but also profoundly wise: it only needs respect, protection, and honest science.

From that experience, UMOA was born, along with our philosophy 'Care to Care':

taking care of ourselves while caring for other more vulnerable people.

Today we apply all that knowledge, the result of years studying one of the most sensitive skins in the world, albino skin, to create treatments that reinforce, soothe, and protect yours.

UMOA and Beyond Suncare, the NGO we co-founded, share the same mission: to unite scientific research and social commitment.

Each formula is born from the same rigor with which we develop sunscreens in Africa, and every purchase helps keep the health and dermatological education programs of Beyond active.

More than 15 years of experience dedicated to your skin.

At UMOA, we formulate based on the experience gained from years studying delicate skins: how to repair their barrier, soothe inflammation, and preserve their natural balance.

This knowledge has allowed us to create effective, safe, and deeply respectful cosmetics, based on active ingredients that strengthen, hydrate, and protect without disrupting the skin's rhythm.

REAL EXPERTISE IN DELICATE SKINS: effectiveness and respect in every formula.

LATEST ON THE BLOG View all

Exosomes in Skincare: What They Are and Why They’re Transforming Skin Health
Exosomes in Skincare: What They Are and Why They’re Transforming Skin Health

Exosomes are tiny cellular messengers that help the skin repair itself. This guide explains how they work, why size and concentration matter, who can benefit most, and which ingredients (peptides, niacinamide, humectants) pair best for firmer, calmer, more resilient skin.

 

Ceramides in Skincare: What They Are & How They Work
Ceramides in Skincare: What They Are & How They Work

Ceramides are essential lipids that keep the skin barrier strong, hydrated, and resilient. This guide explains how they work, where they act, and how to choose the right ones for your skin type. Learn what biomimetic blends mean, why balance matters more than percentage to restore calm and comfort your skin.

Facial Hydration: How to Know if Your Skin is Dehydrated (and Which Ingredients Actually Work)
Facial Hydration: How to Know if Your Skin is Dehydrated (and Which Ingredients Actually Work)

Discover how to distinguish between dry skin and dehydrated skin, and which ingredients truly hydrate your skin—from hyaluronic acid to ceramides and botanical oils. Learn how to strengthen your skin barrier and restore its balance.

The lack of hydration is one of the main causes of dry, dull skin with premature signs of aging. If your skin feels rough, flaky, or uncomfortable, it’s time to improve your hydration routine.