Ingredients

 

 

Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) an odourless oil suitable for most skin types.  Contains  vitamins A, D and E.  Helps soften the skin. Used in our hand and foot creams, as well as our facial oil.

Avocado (Persea Gratissima)  Good for dry or dehydrated skin.  It contains vitamins A, D and E, proteins, lecithin and fatty acids.  We add avocado to our night cream and facial oil.

Barley (Hordium Vulgare) is a wonderful ingredient for soaps as it exfoliates.  This increases circulation and removes dead skin, for an all over glow.  We add our Northumbrian barley to our lemon and barley soap.

Beeswax     Beeswax adds a firmness to our soaps and is also used as a base ingredient in our lip balm.

Borage Oil   (Borago Officinalis) Borage oil is a wildflower commonly called the “starflower” due to its star shaped bright blue flowers.  Research has shown that borage oil has a significant effect on improving the health and appearance of skin tissue, and can also provide relief to people who suffer from chronic skin disorders such as enzema and atopic dermatitis.  We use Borage Oil in our Night Cream.

Carrot Oil  (Daucus Carota Sativa) Carrot Seed Oil is highly regarded for skin care.  It is used to nourish, tighten and rejuvenate skin.  It visibly improves skin tone, elasticity and general skin health, and  is claimed to slow the progression of visible wrinkles.  Carotenoids are a class of easily assimilated anti-oxidants, which are present in a wide range of fruit and vegetables, but most abundant in carrots.  Anti-oxidants protect human cells from harmful free-radical attack.  Free radicals are stray oxygen molecules that attack healthy cell walls and react with polyunsaturated fats to create a chain reaction of unlimited free-radical regeneration.  Free-radicals are produced by a wide range of environmental pollutants, including UVR.  If left unchecked by anti-oxidants, free radicals damage both the structure and function of cell membranes, resulting in premature aging, cancer and an array of degenerative diseases.  Carotenoids, when either topically applied or ingested, directly reduce the damaging effects of UVR, enhance skin immunity and help heal sunburn.  We use carrot oil in our Night Cream, it gives it a characteristic yellow colour.

Castor Oil (Ricinus Communus) Soothing to the skin, we use this in our soap-making for its wonderful lathering quality.

Citric Acid/Sodium Bicarbonate (Citric Acid and Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) A safe powder used to make bath bombs.  Both ingredients are used in the food industry.  Citric Acid is a natural preservative and Sodium Bicarbonate, a raising agent.  Bath Bombs are gentle on the skin, as they do not contain sulphates.  Great for children, and fun too.

Clay    White Clay (Kaolin) also known as China or White Clay, is basically kaolinite and is the mildest of all clays. White Kaolin Clay is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. White Kaolin Clay does not draw oils from the skin and can be used on dry skin types. Pink Clay or Rose Clay is mild kaolin clay that can be used on normal to dry skin to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin while improving the skin's circulation. Rose Clay is tinted with iron oxides and gives a beautiful pink colour. We use both white clay and pink clay in our natural face mask.

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) has been called the ultimate moisturizer, and has been used to keep skin soft and supple for centuries. It is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats known, and melts at body temperature so that it is readily absorbed into the skin. Cocoa butter is often recommended for treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. When applied topically, it creates a barrier between sensitive skin and the environment and also helps retain moisture. All of our creams contain cocoa butter.

Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera) An excellent oil for soap making as it lathers so well and produces a nice hard bar. We use coconut in our soaps and that is why you can even wash your hair with our soaps.

Cold Process Soap-Making An ancient process by which fats/oils/water/lye come together in a chemical process known as saponification to form soap.  We only use the cold process technique and never use pre-made soap bases.  (see glycerine)

Colourant CI17200(pink) CI42090 (blue) When you see these numbers in the ingredients list, they are the water based cosmetic colours which we add to our bath bombs and some soaps. 

Emulsifying Wax (Cetearyl Alcohol) This wax is used for combining oil and water in all our creams. It is derived from plant-based alcohols and derivatives.

Essential Oils Highly Concentrated oils distilled from the different parts of plants. We use essential oils in almost all our products.

Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) in skincare Geranium is used to create a balance between oily and dry skin, since it has the unique properties to balance sebum production in the skin (because it is an adrenal cortex stimulant) making it invaluable for those with combination skin, dehydrated  or oily skin.  Due to this balancing action, it helps to boost and improve the elasticity of the skin.  For people suffering with acne, who are burdened with an over-oily as well as congested and sluggish skin, geranium is a God-send, as it not only helps to reduce sebum production and return it to normal levels, it also helps to clear the congestion from the skin.  Geranium essential oil also calms irritated skin, clearing acne, boosting poor circulation, and helping to sort out bruises, burns, cuts and eczema.  When boosting the lymphatic system, excess water that may have been retained in the tissue is also raised, which again translates  to a firmer skin.   Geranium also speeds up healing due to its cicatrisant properties, making it excellent for promoting healing of any minor wound, ulcer, sore or burn.  We use Geranium in our Rosehip and Grapefruit Seed Extract day cream.

Glycerine is a by-product of the soap-making industry, a colourless, syrupy liquid, derivative of olive oil.  Glycerine naturally holds moisture from the atmosphere, therefore is most beneficial in skincare. Traditional handmade soaps naturally produce glycerine which is why handmade cold process soaps are so much better than mass produced soap which have had their glycerine extracted. We add glycerine to our face creams for extra moisturisation. 

Grapefruit Seed Extract (Citrus Paradisi)  is taken from the seeds, pulp and membrane of the grapefruit.   Grapefruit seed oil contains vitamins C and E and also has bioflavanoids and antioxidants. Grapefruit seed oil can be used to treat a variety of health complaints and is a natural antibiotic.  We use it in our day cream.

Honey (Mel) Our honey, like our beeswax is sourced locally, whenever possible. We use honey in our lip balm to not only to sweeten, but for the benefits honey has on the skin, as a natural healer.

Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinesis) is a botanical extract of the seed of the jojoba tree.  It is in fact not actual oil, but rather what is known as a wax ester.  Of all the compounds in nature, this wax ester is the most similar to human skin oil (sebum) It is theorised that applying jojoba to the skin can “trick” the skin into thinking it is producing enough oil, thus balancing oil production.  We use Jojoba in our Rosehip and Grapefruit Extract day cream and in our Rosehip and Vitamin E facial oil.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)  One of the most versatile aromatherapy oils, Lavender is widely used to aid relaxation.  As well as its wonderful aroma Lavender has many health benefits, which include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect and enhance blood circulation. It is easy to see why it is in so many of our products! We use Lavender in our Rosehip and Grapefruit Seed Extract day cream and in our Lavender soap.

Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Nettles are packed full of chlorophyll and have astringent qualities.  They are great for the hair and even rumoured to cure balding.  We love the green colour they provide for our Peppermint and Nettle Soap.

Olive Oil (Olea Europaea) A key ingredient in a wide variety of soaps, creams, lotions, shampoos and other cosmetic products.  Olive Oil, just on its own provides a wonderful moisturiser for the hair, skin, lips and nails.  Olive Oils cosmetic properties were known to the ancient cultures around the Mediterranean, and addition to its health benefits, which they intuitively knew to be true.  All of our Soaps are made with a blend of oils including Olive Oil.

Panthenol (Panthenol D) This vitamin is often referred to as Pro-Vitamin B5. As it’s name indictates this ingredient contains Vitamin D.  It has a syrupy texture and helps retain moisture in the skin.  We use this in our Carrot and Avocado night cream

Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin) or Hippy Juice as it was often known, reminiscent of the 70’s Patchouli has a wonderful woody fragrance.  Patchouli is an aromatherapy oil used for calming the nervous system and can even help with certain forms of depression.  We use it in a blend with Sweet Orange and Ylang Ylang in our Night Cream and Facial Oil.  We also use Patchouli with Ylang Ylang in our Soap.

Peppermint  (Mentha Piperita)  An uplifting oil with cooling and calming qualities, so it is little wonder we put this in our foot creams to help cool and sooth.  We also make a Soap with Peppermint and Nettles

Preservative  (Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol) All products that contain water require a preservative, otherwise your cream would grow very harmful bacteria.  This could be fatal to eyes and mucus membranes. We use a very low amount <1% of a very safe complete preservative system which is paraben free* 

Raspberry Powder (Maltidextrin Rubus Idaeus) Raspberries are freeze dried to save all the vitamins they contain.  We use Raspberry powder in our Face Mask, It is un-perfumed, however the faint smell of raspberries is present. All those vitamins on your face...lovely.

Rosehip (Rosa Rubiginosa) has been clinically tested and shown to help minimise the appearance of wrinkles, smooth skin and dramatically improve skins moisture levels.  Rosehip contains vitamin A which helps delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration and promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase.  The result is firmer, smoother and more youthful skin with greater elasticity. Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and vitamin e, which further promotes healthy skin.  In particular, it is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, which are important skin nutrients.  It has been used successfully to treat stretch marks, uv damage from overexposure to the sun, scars from surgery, burns and acne, eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles and premature skin aging.  We use Rosehip in our Rosehip and Vitamin E Facial Oil and our Rosehip and Grapefruit Seed Extract day cream.

Sensitisers  Many aromatherapy oils and fragrance oils contain Allergens which are skin sensitisers.  These allergens may cause an allergic reaction. Although there are many allergens, there are 26 that must be listed on all cosmetic labelling. (If they exceed 0.001%)  Lavender for example contains geraniol, limonene and linalool, therefore at the end of any cosmetic label which contains lavender you will see these listed.  You may also see the following: Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Citral, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Anise Alcohol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Citronellol, Farnesol, d-Limonen and Linalool.

Shea Butter  (Butyrospermum Parkii) Also called African Karite Butter, This refined butter is expressed from the pits of the fruit of the African Butter Tree.  It is creamy and white in texture, moisturising and gentle to the skin.  Shea Butter gives a luxurious feeling to finished products.  We use Shea in all of our Soaps.

Sodium Hydroxide  (NaOH) Used in the making of Cold Process Soap.  An ancient process by which fats/oils/water/lye (sodium hydroxide) come together in a chemical process known as saponification to form soap.  We only use the cold process technique and never use pre-made soap bases. You will see that all ingredients on a soap label have been saponified, therefore will read for example Sodium Cocoate ie Coconut Oil which has been saponified. 

Stearic Acid  (Stearin) A white, waxy natural ingredient found in many fats and oils.  It helps stabilise creams and gives them a nice pearly feel.  We use Stearic Acid in all of our creams.

Sweet Orange  (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis)  Assists the lymphatic system, helping to detoxify a congested skin and although it is a good general skin tonic, it is great for older more mature skin, dealing with dermatitis, as well as acne and soothing a dry irritated skin. The general tonic action seems to stem from the action it has on supporting collagen formation in the skin, which is required for a healthy, young-looking skin.  We put Sweet Orange in our Facial Oil and our Night Cream.

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate)  is a strong antioxidant that prevents premature aging. According to the book "Healing with Vitamins: the Most Effective Vitamin and Mineral Treatments for Everyday Health Problems and Serious Disease," vitamin E oil prevents the formation of wrinkles by blocking free radical damage. It treats wrinkles by boosting collagen production, a connective tissue that keeps skin elastic. Vitamin E oil also treats wrinkles by supporting new skin cell growth and speeding up cell regeneration.   Vitamin E is in our day cream and in our Facial Oil.

Water (Aqua) It goes without saying that water is the most important ingredient for our health.  Water is the main component in all of our emulsions.  We use water to make soap too.

Wheat Germ (Triticum Vulgare) Very high in vitamin E.  Wheat Germ Oil is very good for dry skin, scars and stretch marks.  We use Wheat Germ in our night cream.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga Oderata)  A sensual oil, that when used as a massage oil or diluted in the bath, can assisist with physical exhaustion, insomnia, depression, anxiety, nervous tension and stress while having a calming and aphrodisiac effect.  On the skin it can assist in the correcting and balancing of overly dry as well as overly –oils skin.  We use Ylang Ylang in our Bath Ylang Ylang and Patchouli Soap, Facial Oil and Night Cream.

 

WE NEVER USE:-

Palm Oil  Palm oil only grows in the tropics, where, if cultivated in an unsustainable way, it can have negative impacts on people and the environment. These include indiscriminate forest clearing, habitat loss for threatened and endangered species, poor air quality from burning forests and peatlands, and threats to the rights and interests of local communities. A report published in 2007 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) acknowledges that palm oil plantations are now the leading cause of rainforest destruction in Malaysia and Indonesia. Of even greater concern is the fact that demand for palm oil is predicted to increase, and forests constitute most of the remaining suitable areas for plantations.  In 2003, WWF began to address this problem by setting up the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) with other non-government organisations  and the palm oil industry.There is enough land already cleared that is suitable for palm oil production to more than satisfy current and future demand. However, given there is currently such a small market for sustainable certified palm oil, it’s actually more cost-effective for manufacturers to use palm oil from sources that destroy virgin rainforest.  At present there still remains some uncertainty surrounding legitimate sustainable palm oil, and we feel too little is being done to rectify this and will not use it in any of our products.

Parabens, are preservatives found in many mass produced cosmetics which have faced criticism as they are known to contain carcinogens (cause cancer).  Often the big beauty houses are the worst culprits, looking for the longest shelf life for their global brands.

Petrochemicals The World Health Organisation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have published findings that mineral oil has been determined to cause cancer in humans. We do not use any petrochemicals or mineral oils in any of our products.