Discover Acaya: Elevate Your Smile with Malaysian Luxury Toothpaste!

Move over, skincare – oral care is stepping into the spotlight and stealing the show!

This year has seen a surge of innovative oral care brands making waves, and we can’t help but take notice of the rising stars like Happy Brush, Gigi, and the latest game-changer, Acaya.

What’s the story behind Acaya? It’s the brainchild of three best friends: Sook Li, Silvia, and Kit.

These dynamic trio is fueled by a passion for health, science, and aesthetics, especially when it comes to products that look stunning and smell divine. Just a sneak peek into Acaya’s offerings will leave you intrigued!

With pharmacy degrees in hand from Melbourne, Silvia and Kit embarked on their careers while Sook Li took her expertise to Singapore’s hospital pharmacy scene. Who knew that their paths would converge again in Malaysia, igniting their entrepreneurial spirit?

“After being apart for six long years, destiny brought us back together in Malaysia, ready to embark on this exciting new venture,” they shared.

But how did a toothpaste brand arise from their friendship?

It All Started as a Lighthearted Idea

Believe it or not, it all began as a playful joke during the pandemic.

“We were talking one day and asked ourselves, if there are perfumes for our bodies and even our hair, why not one for our mouths?”

While brushing teeth is a fundamental routine, they felt that it could be so much more than just mundane. Why not create an “oral perfume” toothpaste to make it exciting?

At first, they laughed it off, but after digging into the research, they discovered that many conventional toothpastes are laced with questionable chemicals that could pose long-term risks.

On the flip side, while 100% natural toothpastes often ditch essential ingredients, they can fall short in preventing cavities. It was the perfect opportunity to create something truly unique!

“We saw a chance to merge our expertise into something truly meaningful,” they explained. “Thus, we began crafting our own blend of natural ingredients and dental science.”

They embraced a vision of luxury, introducing exquisite flavors that cater to those who love to pamper themselves without sacrificing oral health.

But venturing into the brand world wasn’t without its challenges. Coming from clinical backgrounds, they knew it would be a steep climb.

“We took a deep breath and dove in headfirst, fueled by excitement, courage, and an overwhelming support system,” they reflected. “It’s the love for what we’re creating that keeps us motivated.”

A Journey of Three Years

Curious about the name “Acaya”? It’s derived from “Art of Caring for Your Ya,” with “Ya” being the Chinese term for teeth.

“Fun fact: the modern toothbrush was invented in China. We thought it would be a delightful nod to history,” they added.

From inception to production, the trio dedicated nearly three years to perfect their toothpaste formula, collaborating with R&D teams from both local and European labs.

Their pharmacy knowledge allowed them to sift through clinical research for insights and ensure that every ingredient was precisely measured to meet scientific standards.

“We were determined to create something original, not just another generic formula with a new label,” they insisted.

Choosing nano-hydroxyapatite as the key ingredient for cavity prevention, they recognized a growing trend of consumers opting for fluoride-free alternatives.

While many fluoride-free options lack effective cavity prevention ingredients, Acaya’s toothpaste strikes a balance with scientifically-backed benefits.

“This sets us apart from those 100% natural brands that might not provide proven protection against cavities,” they emphasized.

Opting for a “natural where possible, science where needed” philosophy, their formulas boast about 90% natural ingredients.

“There were moments when tweaking an ingredient or dosage jeopardized our formulation, forcing us back to square one. It was frustrating, but we pushed through.”

Sook Li, Silvia, and Kit, co-founders of Acaya

Proudly manufactured in Malaysia at a GMP-certified facility, Acaya products are registered with relevant health authorities and hold halal certification.

Luxury Redefined in Oral Care

Soon, brushing won’t feel like a chore anymore! The Acaya team reimagines toothpaste beyond the typical mint or herbal flavors, curating exquisite blends for an indulgent experience—think luxurious body wash vibes.

Currently, they offer two unique flavors: First Date and Summer Tales.

While they wanted to elevate the ordinary, they also recognized that fresh mint flavors appeal to the masses. So, First Date combines verbena, green apple, and pineapple, while Summer Tales incorporates notes of citrus, cassis, apricot, and peach.

Not to mention, the elegant packaging enhances the experience. Their triangular toothbrush packaging adds a touch of sophistication!

“We hope people genuinely enjoy using our beautiful toothpaste, feeling proud to showcase it on their bathroom vanity,” they noted.

This blend of functionality and luxury makes Acaya a delightful gift option too.

At a price point of RM40 per tube, it’s positioned as a premium choice. “To put it in perspective, each tube lasts nearly two months for regular users, costing less than three cups of your favorite coffee for an upgrade in your oral wellness,” they explained. “Now that’s a deal!”

Building a Business from the Ground Up

Starting Acaya meant investing their own savings. “As our parents said, we invested ‘close to half of a medium-sized apartment’ to get things rolling,” they admitted.

Fortunately, their leap of faith has paid off. “The feedback has been incredible; people are astonished at how enjoyable oral care can be and take pride in supporting a homegrown brand,” they shared.

Now, they’re collaborating with lifestyle stores, hotels, and dental clinics across Malaysia and have successfully established 20 distribution points—more are on the horizon!

Looking ahead, they plan to expand their product line to cover all facets of oral care and venture into neighboring countries.

“Our vision is to become the go-to brand for oral care products that fuse top-tier quality with a touch of luxury and self-care,” they expressed. “We want Acaya to be the first choice for anyone seeking to elevate their oral care routine.”

Even with the challenges posed by industry giants, this trio is ready to tackle obstacles with unwavering faith in their mission and product.

• Discover more about Acaya here.
• Explore other articles about innovative startups here.

Featured Image Credit: Acaya