Meet our 40 Under 40: The skincare innovator with big goals
Meet the winner of the Inspiring Future Leaders Award.
In 2017, Elaine Tang was on maternity leave when she developed the first product – Lavender Cocoa Butter – as part of Melvory Skincare.
A pharmacist by trade and mum on a mission, Elaine was searching for a product to treat her children’s painful eczema after off-the-shelf creams had failed to help.
Taking matters into her own hands (and to the lab), Melvory Skincare started as a DIY eczema remedy and has since grown into a nationally awarded skincare brand.
The Melvory range is cruelty-free, environmentally friendly and handmade in SA.
Elaine has a world-first innovation landing in 2025 and is eyeing the global stage.
“We have big goals and we aren’t afraid to strive for them,” she says.
Tang was the winner of the South Australian Business Chamber Future Leaders Award, which recognised the vision, thought leadership and achievement of a leader in the private or public sector.
SA Business Chamber General Manager – Marketing, Events, Communications, Customer Engagement Dougie Parr said Tang was an example of “visionary leadership and courageous thinking”.
“It’s not every day we get the opportunity to recognise someone whose personal story, business journey, and future ambitions come together so powerfully — someone who not only leads with passion and determination, but who is actively shaping the future of their industry and inspiring others to do the same,” he said.
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“This leader has her eyes set firmly on global impact. Her business is evolving into an innovative, scalable enterprise with a strong foundation in purpose and heart. She isn’t chasing growth for growth’s sake — she’s building something that matters, and she’s taking others with her on the journey.
“Whether it’s mentoring aspiring female entrepreneurs, engaging in community initiatives, or leading a business with environmental and social values at its core, she exemplifies what it means to inspire the leaders of tomorrow.”
Tang joined a cohort of 39 other talented young people aged under 40.
Read about the full 2025 40 Under 40 list here.
