Cover Sophia Khan, the co-founder of Ulu Soleil, whose personal journey sparked the beginning of Ulu Soleil
Sophia Khan, the co-founder of Ulu Soleil, whose personal journey sparked the beginning of Ulu Soleil
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Now proudly available on Sephora Malaysia shelves, here’s how Ulu Soleil turned skincare into self-care
What began as a personal remedy for stretch marks has blossomed into one of Malaysia’s most beloved homegrown beauty brands. For Sophia Khan, the co-founder of Ulu Soleil, it all started with shea butter and the desire to turn a simple necessity into a sensory ritual. That small moment of curiosity became the foundation for a brand that now stands proudly on Sephora Malaysia shelves and in the routines of women who believe skincare should feel like self-love.
See more: Clean perfumes versus fresh scents: how to tell them apart
“Shea butter saved my skin, but the experience? Zero stars,” she says. “It felt like smearing butter on toast, except the toast was me. I wanted that daily struggle to feel like a luxury experience, not a sticky chore.”
Above Ulu Soleil’s skin-loving essentials, designed to make every routine feel indulgent
Ulu Soleil’s skin-loving essentials, designed to make every routine feel indulgent
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That frustration became the seed of an idea. What if body care could feel indulgent, even joyful? What if the rituals we reserve for our faces extended to our bodies? The result: Ulu Soleil Body Balms, a collection that reimagines everyday care as a moment of calm and pleasure.
Even as a child, Sophia admits, experimentation was second nature. “I was the kid mixing face masks in the kitchen with honey and oats. I loved figuring out what worked.” That curiosity has evolved into a brand celebrated for its rich textures, evocative scents and deeply sensorial approach to skincare.
Rooted in motherhood
Motherhood, she says, softened her—and in doing so, shaped Ulu Soleil’s identity. “Before, I was only focused on what worked. After, I started caring about how it felt.” Her nightly ritual is sacred: once the children are asleep, she retreats into quiet, applying her balms in the soft light of evening. “No phones or distractions. It’s my time to breathe and reset.”
It’s this balance of discipline and tenderness that grounds both her life and her brand. “My kids keep me humble,” she shares. “Nothing grounds you like your own minis.”
Malaysia makes incredibly good skincare. I hope people feel proud when they see Ulu Soleil.
A Malaysian dream on Sephora shelves
Above Ulu Soleil on the shelves of Sephora Malaysia
Ulu Soleil on the shelves of Sephora Malaysia
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Today, Ulu Soleil stands proudly among international brands at Sephora Malaysia, a milestone that still feels surreal to its founders. “I used to joke with my husband about making it into Sephora. It felt so far-fetched. And now, there it is, sitting beside brands I grew up admiring.”
But beyond the shelves, she hopes Ulu Soleil carries something deeper: a sense of Malaysian pride. “Malaysia makes incredibly good skincare. I hope people feel proud when they see Ulu Soleil. Every scent, every word on our packaging carries a bit of home.”
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Looking ahead with purpose
Above The Lip Peptide Balms that are made with Hexapeptides, SPF50, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter
Above The Ulu Soleil Sun Stick, enriched with SPF50 and niacinamide
The Lip Peptide Balms that are made with Hexapeptides, SPF50, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter
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Above Ulu Soleil's body balm and sun stick collection
Above Ulu Soleil’s skin-loving essentials, designed to make every routine feel indulgent
Ulu Soleil's body balm and sun stick collection
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For all its success, Ulu Soleil’s growth remains intentional. “We believe in sustainable consumerism,” she explains. “Every product should serve a real need and feel like an experience—not just a purchase.”
As for the future, she’s not in a rush to conquer the world. “If we can bring the same Ulu Soleil magic to face care, then maybe. But we never create just to fill space.”
Ultimately, she hopes Ulu Soleil’s legacy lies not in trends, but in feeling. “I want women to fall back in love with ritual, not just results. The slow, beautiful kind that reminds you you’re alive in your own skin.”
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Images: Ulu Soleil
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As Senior Lifestyle Writer, Aina writes across the lifestyle vertical, covering wellness, travel, arts and entertainment. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she previously worked at CLEO Malaysia, where she headed the lifestyle, culture and entertainment sections.
