Ingredients A-Z
We believe that using superior first cold-pressed virgin plant oils and active herbs extracted without heat to conserve their precious antioxidants and other vital constituents, is the key to success of our unique organic skincare. We follow the precautionary principle to formulate the purest cosmetics possible.
Our 30-year focus on sensitive skin means that we also have a unique position on potential allergens. We avoid all synthetic chemical irritants and possible allergens like artificial fragrance. In addition, we exclude lanolin, wheat, dairy and soya derivatives, salicylic acid, peanut oil, common allergen tree nut oils, and more...
Click on any of the ingredients below to see its properties.
Acacia (Acacia Senegal) (Organic)
Used for centuries in food and medicine, the sap of this small African tree is soothing and emollient and helps give smudge-resistance to our mascara
Sugar Cane Alcohol (Organic)
Food grade and fermented from organic sugar cane, it forms part of the botanical extraction of our biodynamic herbs.
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) (Organic)
Aloe Vera Juice has an incredible reputation as a potent healer of the skin and internal surface linings, which is legendary and well documented. It comes from the same plant family as garlic and as such can be used both internally (being eaten or drunk) or externally (by being applied).
First discovered by the Egyptians over 5000 years ago, it was reported that Cleopatra bathed in Aloe Vera juice to anti-age and mentions of its healing powers have been found in the bible.
Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima) (Organic)
The rich green cold-pressed oil from the fresh fruit is unique amongst oils. It can penetrate quickly into the lower skin layers where its high content of vitamins A, D, E, lecithin, phytosterols and Omega 9 fatty acids promote healing, skin regeneration and protection from the aging effects of UV light and pollution.
Baobab
Beeswax (Cera Alba) (Organic)
Starter hives are carried high into the trees of pristine forests away from marauding animals. In exchange, some beeswax is carefully collected without harm to the bees and simply filtered to remove impurities, thus retaining all its wonderful properties and honeyed aroma. Revered for millennia for its antiseptic, wound healing benefits, it also gives non-pore clogging protective emollience to our therapeutic balms, Lip Silk, lipsticks and concealers.
Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia) (Organic)
This beautiful essential oil is cold-pressed from Italian bergamot fruit peel and has a delightfully uplifting citrus aroma which helps relieve nervous anxiety. Considered a ‘balancing’ oil, it is gently antiseptic, toning and cleansing for the skin and being bergaptene-free, causes no photo-sensitivity.
Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum) (Organic)
Extracted from the ripe berries of a tropical plant widely used as a culinary spice, this warming and comforting essential oil also stimulates the circulation and relaxes tissues to ease muscular pain and fatigue.
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) (Organic & Biodynamic)
Commonly known as the garden marigold, its bright orange petals are high in beta carotene (pro-vitamin A) and flavonoids. We use a highly concentrated form in many of our products for its potent skin healing, soothing and antioxidant properties.
Candelilla Wax (Candelilla Cera) (Organic)
The coating on the candle-like leaves of this plant protects it from the harsh, dry, Mexican desert conditions. In the same way it provides a breathable film and protects the skin from dehydration.
Carnauba Wax (Copernicia Cerifera) (Organic)
A hard plant wax which contributes firmness and emollience to our organic cosmetics.
Castor Oil (Ricinus Communis) (Organic)
Cold-pressed from the castor bean, this oil has a unique fatty acid composition and despite its thick consistency, is deeply absorbed by the skin. Soothing, moisturising and protective, it is also considered anti-inflammatory. It gives these benefits to our lip products and baby balm.
Cedarwood (Cedrus Atlantica) (Organic)
Steam distilled from wood trimmings of the Atlas cedarwood tree, this is the only true cedarwood essential oil recommended for Aromatherapy and during pregnancy. Relaxing and antiseptic, it helps clear bronchial tubes, oily skin and scalp disorders and makes an excellent room freshener and insect deterrent.
Cetearyl Alcohol
A solid wax produced from coconut oil which supports the consistency, emollience and moisturisation of our creams and lotions. Not to be confused with ethyl alcohol (ethanol/methanol).
Cetearyl Glucoside
An emulsifier from coconut and corn sugar. Its liquid crystal structure supports the integrity of the skin’s natural oil and moisture balance and aids the delivery of active ingredients into the skin.
Chamomile, German (Chamomilla Recucita) (Organic)
Traditionally acclaimed for calming sensitive, irritated skin our specially selected herb type has a proven anti-inflammatory action equal to that of mild cortisone – but without the side-effects.
Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis Nobilis) (Organic)
With a beautiful sweet, fresh aroma this essential oil is calming, relaxing and soothing to skin and senses. Excellent for children, the elderly and during pregnancy.
Chickweed (Stellaria Media) (Organic & Biodynamic)
This common native plant is acclaimed for its ability to calm, soothe and relieve itching.
Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea) (Organic)
Not to be confused with common sage (Salvia officinalis), this essential oil has a warm nutty, uplifting aroma and is toning and sebum balancing to the skin. In Aromatherapy its powerful relaxant and hormone balancing qualities are used during labour, menstruation and the menopause.
Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao) (Organic & Fairtrade)
With the scrumptious aroma of chocolate, this unrefined butter melts on contact with the skin, is richly emollient and packed with skin-caring and protective antioxidants. Calorie-free indulgence!
Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera) (Organic & Fairtrade)
Extracted from the fresh fruit of the coconut palm, virgin and organic coconut oils are a world apart from the chemically refined, bleached and deodorised conventional type. Delicious and healthy to eat, virgin coconut oil is high in protective antioxidants and antibacterial fatty acids. This ‘miracle’ oil of the Tropics suits all skin types and is light, non-greasy and rapidly absorbed giving deep hydration and conditioning to skin, scalp and hair. Research shows it can improve skin elasticity helping prevent premature ageing and wrinkle formation. It is a key ingredient in our face, body and hair products.
Coco Glucoside
An extremely gentle, eco-friendly foaming cleanser made by the fermentation of corn sugar and coconut.
Echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea) - (Organic & Biodynamic)
A herb with excellent anti-septic, anti-viral and immune stimulating properties, it supports the treatment of oily skin and blemishes in skin care.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) - (Organic)
Steam distilled from the leaves, eucalyptus essential oil has a fresh, invigorating aroma and is highly antiseptic for the respiratory system and correctly diluted, revitalising to the skin.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Steam distilled from precious resin ‘tears’, this essential oil has a warm, spicy, balsamic aroma. Calming to the mind and respiratory system, it is also restorative to dry and ageing skin.
Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) (Organic)
A beautifully fragrant essential oil with an herbaceous rose-like scent. It has restorative, toning and balancing properties for all skin types, especially mature skin. Considered hormonally balancing, it can also ease PMS and menopausal symptoms.
Glycerine Organic
Our plant derived glycerine comes from a guaranteed palm-free source. It helps the skin retain vital moisture and is a key ingredient in our Silk Touch cleanser.
Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi) - Organic
Expressed from the peel of ripe grapefruit this essential oil can be uplifting at times of stress and pressure and is gently toning to the skin.
Green Clay (Illite)
French green clay is pure, extremely fine and rich in a broad spectrum of minerals. It gently deep cleanses by absorbing impurities and removes dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin.
Honey (Organic)
Used for centuries for its skin soothing, moisturising, anti-bacterial and healing qualities, our honey is harvested with respect for the bees and ecology, from pristine forest hives. Find it in our Honey and Oat Cleansing Bar.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) (Organic & Biodynamic)
An ancient fern-like plant rich in bioflavonoids, vitamin C and minerals, particularly silica, known to strengthen skin tissue. It soothes and promotes the health of skin, hair and nails.
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) (Organic)
Cold-pressed from the seeds of a sub-tropical shrub, this unique liquid wax has a similar composition to the skin’s natural oils. Antioxidant, light-textured and quickly absorbed, it has excellent moisturising qualities for all skin types. Studies also show it has anti-inflammatory benefits too.
Kaolin clay
A pure, fine, English mineral clay which is non-drying and suitable for all skin types. It soothes, absorbs impurities and helps to give a satin-smooth texture to our eyeshadows.
Lactic acid
Occurring naturally in the body and in fermented foods, our food-grade pure lactic acid is produced by the natural fermentation of non-GM plant sugars. It is part of the Natural Moisturising factor (NMF) of the skin and also helps maintain the natural protective acid mantle of the skin and hair.
Lavandin (Lavandula Hybrida) (Organic)
An intensely fragrant lavender, used in our soaps and bodywash.
Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) (Organic)
A beautifully fragrant essential oil with many qualities for skin and senses. Deeply relaxing it is highly effective for muscular aches, headaches and insomnia. An excellent all-round first aid remedy, it can be sparingly applied neat to burns, minor wounds, spots, insect bites etc.
Lecithin
Extracted from 100% non-GM European sunflower seeds, lecithin is a vital component of all cell membranes binding oil and water to maintain moisture levels. It protects skin, scalp and hair from moisture loss and oxidation.
Lemon (Citrus Limonum) - (Organic)
Cold expressed from the peel of ripe lemons, this fresh, vibrant essential oil is uplifting, refreshing, antibacterial and toning for oily and dull complexions. Excellent as a room freshener.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) - (Organic)
Extracted from a scented grass used in medicine and cooking, the essential oil has a delicious refreshing lemon aroma with insect deterrent properties. Its toning, sebum reducing and anti-microbial benefits are particularly beneficial to oily skin.
Levulinic Acid
A natural plant acid, which helps to maintain the acid balance of products and the skin to increase resistance to microbial infection.
Maca Root
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) - Organic
A fresh, herbaceous essential oil with deeply relaxing and pain relieving properties.
Mica
A natural mined mineral which imparts a light-reflecting sheen to our some of our colour cosmetics. It is ecologically and ethically obtained according to organic standards.
Mineral Pigments
Iron oxides, titanium dioxide and silica provide colour to our cosmetic range. They are prepared under controlled conditions for total purity and lack of heavy metals to meet stringent organic certification standards, which also guarantees the absence of synthetic dyes, carmine and nano size particles.
Myrtle (Myrtus Communis) (Organic)
Associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, myrtle essential oil’s aromatic scent calms the senses and eases tension. Astringent, toning and antibacterial for the skin.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) (Organic & Biodynamic)
Rich in minerals and chlorophyll, this native plant stimulates skin tone and circulation and improves hair and scalp conditions.
Oatmeal (Avena sativa) (Organic)
Long used for the relief of itchy, irritated skin, oats are soothing and emollient. Finely milled, their gentle exfoliation helps leave skin soft and smooth.
Olive Oil (Olea Europaea) (Organic)
Produced by a small dedicated family co-operative in southern Spain, our superb extra virgin oil comes from the first cold-pressing of the fruit, conserving all its full antioxidant vitamin E and other vital constituents like squalene (a natural skin component). In ancient Greece, athletes ritually rubbed this “liquid gold” all over their body in the firm belief it conferred strength and youthfulness. More recent research has shown that olive oil has an excellent moisturising effect on the skin and leaves a breathable protective film that holds in moisture. It is used widely in our skincare and to make our mild long-lasting Castile cleansing bars suitable for the most sensitive skin.
Orange, Sweet (Citrus aurantium dulcis) (Organic)
A refreshing, uplifting essential oil extracted from the peel of Mediterranean oranges. It can energise and calm tension, is excellent for skin toning and as a cheering antiseptic room freshener, especially around children.
Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin) (Organic)
An essential oil with a rich, earthy/woody aroma, helpful for relieving emotional stress and dry, cracked or ageing skin.
Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) (Organic)
This invigorating essential oil relieves respiratory congestion and well diluted is calming, cooling and toning to the skin.
Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) (Organic)
A unique source of Omega 5 fatty acid this oil is highly moisturising and provides relief for dry, irritated and mature skin. As well as improving skin elasticity and helping reduce fine lines, new research shows that its high level of antioxidants can visibly reduce UV damage.
Poppy (Papaver Orientale) (Organic)
Poppy seeds have wonderfully gentle exfoliating properties and are fully biodegradable.
Rose (Rosa damascena, centifolia) (Organic & Biodynamic)
It takes the petals of around 1kg of roses to produce 1-2 drops of pure rose otto essential oil. We use both the precious essential oil and hydrolat of these exquisitely fragrant petals for their unrivalled uplifting fragrance and skin benefits. Highly antioxidant, the hydrolat contains vitamins A,B,C,D, E, along with 21 amino acids and a broad spectrum of minerals giving it amazing skin calming, soothing, toning and cell regenerative qualities, particular beneficial to sensitive and ageing skin.
Rosehip (Rosa canina) (Organic)
The deep orange fruit of the rose is exceptionally high in vitamins and plant sterols which promote tissue regeneration and healing.
