Pure & Natural Ingredients

This is a complete list of all the ingredients we use in our products. You will see different ingredients listed in our soaps, because we don't make them ourselves. Full ingredients are listed for every product under its Ingredients tab, and each ingredient name links straight to its entry here. We don't use water in our products, so these wonderful ingredients are undiluted. Our motto is: if it's not good for your skin, it doesn't go in.

Calendula flower extract

calendula officinalis

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is grown for us in Somerset, in our own patch and by our Growing Collective of local growers. They grow it without pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilisers. We dry the flowers quickly and infuse them into oil while they're fresh, which gives our calendula oil its deep orange colour.

What does calendula do for skin? Calendula has been used in herbal traditions for centuries, and it's one of the best-loved skincare herbs. It's soothing, suits every skin type and is tolerated by most people with sensitive skin, so it's ideal for any skin in need of extra care. It's rich in useful compounds, including carotenoids (which give the oil its colour), flavonoids, triterpenoids such as oleanolic acid and lupeol, phenolic acids, quercetin and saponins. See all our calendula creams.

It is possible to be allergic to calendula, although this is rare. The allergy is usually to a sesquiterpene lactone compound. If you are allergic to these compounds, be aware you will be allergic to all daisies (the Compositae or Asteraceae family), including chamomile, dandelion, arnica, feverfew, chrysanthemum and sunflower.

Marshmallow root extract (organic)

althaea officinalis

Marshmallow root is the very best herb we've found for hydrating and softening skin, which is why it's often called an anti-ageing herb. We use it ourselves to rescue our dry hands after gardening without gloves. It's fantastic for very dry or rough skin, and perfect for anyone washing or sanitising their hands a lot, cleaning, hairdressing, or working with building materials or harsh chemicals. It softens hard skin on feet, heels, elbows and knees, but is gentle enough for the face, lips and even eyelids.

Comfrey leaf extract

symphytum officinale

Comfrey grows wild across Britain, and its leaf has been used in skincare for centuries. Its old country names, knitbone, boneset and bruisewort, show how highly it was valued. It's rich in allantoin, a compound widely used in skincare for its soothing, softening properties. We use only the leaf, grown in Somerset, in our Comfrey and Calendula Rub and Foot Balm.

Zinc oxide (mineral)

CI 77947

Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in skincare for many years. It's soothing, water-repellent and tolerated by people with very sensitive skin, so it's often found in nappy creams. Because it forms a water-repellent barrier, it can protect skin from moisture damage when cleaning, washing up or hairdressing. For the same reason, it's hard to wash out and can mark clothes and nappies.

We only use non-nano zinc oxide, so it won't be absorbed into the skin. It shows white on the skin if applied liberally: to avoid this, just use less and rub it in well.

Zinc oxide is useful for oily skin and any skin in need of extra care.

Sunflower oil (organic)

helianthus annuus

Sunflower oil is a well-known skincare ingredient because it contains up to 75% linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid also known as vitamin F. "Essential" means your body can't make it, so it must come from your diet or be applied to the skin. Linoleic acid is one of the main fatty acids the skin uses to make ceramide 1. When it comes to skin barrier function, applying it to the skin can work more quickly, because the outer layers of your skin are, in effect, detached from the bloodstream (read more here). Certain foods can boost ceramide production over time, but sunflower oil applied to the skin has been shown to quickly improve and maintain the skin barrier without side effects, even in babies (provided there's no allergy to sunflower).

Ceramides are often described as the mortar between the bricks of your skin barrier, which holds moisture in and keeps pathogens out. A damaged skin barrier causes trans-epidermal water loss, which leads to dry skin and, in time, wrinkling and sagging. A compromised barrier can also lead to irritation and infections and make many chronic skin conditions worse.

Fatty acid profile:

44–75% linoleic acid
14–43% oleic acid

Sunflower oil is also rich in vitamins E, A and D, which make it nourishing and rejuvenating. It's non-comedogenic and won't block pores, so it suits all skin types, and it's often recommended by dermatologists. We infuse it with calendula, marshmallow and comfrey, and use it in our extra-care and night-time products.

Babassu oil (organic)

orbignya oleifera

Babassu is rich in vitamins A and E, phytosterols and glucosides, making it a great skin nourisher and anti-ageing ingredient. It's rich in these fatty acids:

Lauric acid 40–48%
Myristic acid 15–20%
Palmitic acid 7–11%
Oleic acid 10–15%
Linoleic acid 2–4%

Babassu has similar antimicrobial properties to coconut oil, but it's much lighter and less likely to clog pores (it's non-comedogenic). It has excellent emollient properties and helps both oily and dry skin. As a tropical oil, it's very sun-stable and won't oxidise on the skin, making it perfect for daytime use.

Shea butter (raw, organic)

butyrospermum parkii

We only buy unrefined organic shea butter, because refining removes nutrients. It's very easily absorbed, doesn't feel greasy and won't clog pores. Shea butter is known for its excellent emollient qualities, and because it's a humectant, it draws moisture to the skin from the air around it. It contains the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (vitamin F). We use it in our daytime products because it's very rich in the antioxidant vitamins A and E, which prevent oxidation in sunlight and so reduce potential free radical damage. These antioxidants and its intensive hydration give shea butter its reputation as an anti-ager.

Fatty acid profile:

Palmitic 4%
Stearic 41%
Oleic 46%
Linoleic 7%
Arachidic 2%

Beeswax (organic)

cera alba

Beeswax is a humectant, which means it draws moisture to the skin, and it forms a protective layer that seals moisture in. It's great in harsh weather and for protecting delicate skin, like lips, from chapping. It's rich in vitamin A, very softening, antimicrobial and soothing.

We only buy organic beeswax. Organic rules mean bees must be kept in good conditions, and there are limits on how much honey can be taken from the hives. We believe beeswax is a better environmental choice than vegetable waxes, which inevitably come from large monocrops that often threaten biodiversity. We realise some people don't want to use animal products at all, so we also have a range of 100% vegan products.

Macadamia nut oil (organic)

macadamia ternifolia

Macadamia is a light, easily absorbed oil, known to be very similar to human sebum. It's known for its emollient properties and is rich in phytosterols, which improve the skin barrier and seal in moisture. It's mainly monounsaturated fatty acids, which are sun-stable. Macadamia nut oil is very rich in vitamin E and has been shown to have anti-ageing properties. People with tree nut allergies should avoid it.

Fatty acid profile:

Oleic acid 60%
Palmitoleic acid 19%
Linoleic acid 1–3%
Alpha-linolenic acid 1–2%

Jojoba oil (organic)

simmondsia chinensis

Jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E, which gives it anti-ageing properties. It's said to help maintain good collagen synthesis and is antibacterial. It's non-comedogenic and won't block pores, and it's said to be soothing. Because it's really a wax, it's very protective and seals in moisture well. It's sun-stable, won't oxidise on the skin, and may limit free radical damage when skin is exposed to UV light. Its high percentage of eicosenoic acid helps keep the skin's oil in balance, giving a dewy, plump complexion without feeling greasy.

Fatty acid profile:

Oleic acid 9.3%
Eicosenoic acid 76.7%
Erucic acid 12.1%
Nervonic acid 1.0%

Coconut oil (virgin, organic)

cocos nucifera

We buy unrefined (virgin) coconut oil, because refining destroys its many beneficial compounds. Coconut oil is almost legendary for its skincare benefits. It's quickly absorbed, has excellent emollient properties, and is antimicrobial and soothing. As a tropical oil, it's high in antioxidants and sun-stable, so it's perfect for daytime use and won't oxidise on the skin. Coconut oil can make some people spotty, so we don't use it in products for the face and don't recommend it for oily or acne-prone skin (although we think this only affects certain people). Because we use the unrefined version, it smells divine.

Fatty acid profile:

Lauric acid 49%
Myristic acid 18%
Caprylic acid 8%
Palmitic acid 8%
Capric acid 7%
Oleic acid 6%
Linoleic acid 2%
Stearic acid 2%

Avocado oil (organic)

persea gratissima

We buy organic unrefined avocado oil. When you see the colour, you know it's good: deep green and full of nutrients. It's famously rich in vitamin E, and also contains vitamins A and D and potassium. It's sun-stable, won't oxidise on the skin, and may lessen free radical damage when skin is exposed to UV light.

Fatty acid profile:

Oleic acid 47.2%
Palmitic acid 23.6%
Linoleic acid 13.4%
Docosadienoic acid 8.88%
Palmitoleic acid 3.58%
Linolenic acid 1.60%
Eicosenoic acid 1.29%
Myristic acid 0.33%

Rosehip oil

rosa canina

Rosehip oil is known as an anti-ager because of its high levels of vitamins C and A (retinol is derived from vitamin A). It also contains carotenoids, which are similar to vitamin A and help maintain good collagen production. It's said to reduce wrinkles and help prevent stretch marks and scarring. We value it for its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that people with atopic eczema are often lacking. It isn't sun-stable, so it's best used at night.

Fatty acids:

Oleic acid
Palmitic acid
Linoleic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid

Apricot kernel oil

prunus armeniaca

Apricot kernel oil is a lovely light oil that's easily absorbed and suits all skin types. It's rich in the antioxidant vitamins A and E, so it's anti-ageing. It's high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, so it's very sun-stable.

Fatty acid profile:

Oleic acid 60–70%
Linoleic acid 19–23%
Palmitic acid 2–6%
Stearic acid 1–1.5%
Palmitoleic acid 0.2–1%

Borage oil (organic)

borago officinalis

We love borage oil for its high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid often lacking in people with difficult skin. It's also rich in linoleic acid, which is great for maintaining good skin barrier function. Studies have found that borage oil applied to the skin reduces trans-epidermal water loss and benefits the skin barrier. These essential fatty acids are vital for healthy skin but aren't sun-stable, so we use borage in high percentages in our products recommended for night-time use.

Vitamin E oil (natural, gluten free, from soy)

tocopherol

We only use gluten-free natural vitamin E derived from soya, not the synthetic version derived from petrochemicals. Vitamin E is a family of oil-soluble antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage by halting free radical damage. Vitamin E also moisturises and helps maintain skin barrier function. Because it's such a powerful antioxidant, it stops the oils in our products going rancid and gives them a long shelf life.

However, it isn't classed as a cosmetic preservative. Preservatives are antimicrobial ingredients that stop bacteria growing in the water in a product. Because they kill bacteria, they're harsh by nature and often cause irritation. We don't use water in our products, so we don't need antimicrobial preservatives.

Palmarosa essential oil

cymbopogon martinii

Palmarosa is known to keep sebum balanced and is valuable for dry or oily skin. It can also calm the nervous system, so it may help with stress-related skin issues. It's cytophylactic, which means it supports healthy cell renewal and so helps keep skin healthy.

Clary sage essential oil

salvia sclarea

Clary sage is known to be antimicrobial. It also helps keep sebum production in balance and is a mild astringent, which makes it great for oily skin.

Benzoin resin

styrax benzoin

Benzoin resin comes from the bark of the styrax benzoin tree. It's soothing, helps keep skin supple, and has astringent and antimicrobial properties. We use benzoin in our Beauty Balm and Body Butter, and it smells divine! In very rare cases it can cause irritation, which is why we also make an Unfragranced Beauty Balm. If your skin is very sensitive, it's worth ordering samples first to see how you get on.

Patchouli essential oil

pogostemon cablin

Patchouli is great for very dry, cracked skin and is said to help maintain good collagen production. It's also antibacterial.

Rosemary essential oil (organic)

rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary essential oil is soothing and has antibacterial properties.

Geranium essential oil

pelargonium graveolens

Geranium has antibacterial and astringent properties and helps balance sebum production. It's known for helping skin shed dead cells and renew itself, which is why it's great for many skin types.

Juniper essential oil

juniperus communis

Juniper is a mild astringent and is antimicrobial. It's great for skin in need of extra care.

Frankincense essential oil

boswellia serrata

Frankincense essential oil has been used in skincare for centuries and is said to be soothing and rejuvenating. It's often called liquid gold. Its fragrance is said to be calming, and it's used in meditation and religious ceremonies.

Lavender essential oil

lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is known to cleanse and soothe skin and to support healthy cell renewal. It's also said to be calming and is often used to promote good sleep.

Vetiver essential oil

vetiveria zizanoides

Vetiver oil has a wonderful scent and antimicrobial properties.

Rose flower extract

rosa centifolia

Rose is well known for lifting anxiety and balancing moods, and is rumoured to boost confidence and even be an aphrodisiac. It's certainly connected with romance and femininity.

Chamomile (Roman) essential oil

anthemis nobilis

Chamomile is the go-to plant if you're feeling stressed or anxious: chamomile tea is a great bedtime cuppa and can help you sleep well. On the skin, chamomile is known for its soothing action on irritated skin, and it's one of the few essential oils considered safe for babies. It contains chamazulene, a natural antihistamine, which gives chamomile essential oil its blue colour.

It is possible to be allergic to chamomile, although this is rare. The allergy is usually to a sesquiterpene lactone compound. If you are allergic to these compounds, be aware you will be allergic to all daisies (the Compositae or Asteraceae family), including calendula, chickweed, dandelion, arnica, feverfew, chrysanthemum and sunflower.

Myrrh essential oil

commiphora myrrha

Myrrh has long been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions. It's one of the oldest known essential oils and has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Myrrh is known for its antimicrobial properties and its soothing effect on the skin.

Ginger essential oil

zingiber officinale

A warming ingredient that's good for the skin as well as delicious. It contains many antioxidants that protect the skin against free radical damage, and so can reduce the effects of ageing.

Lemongrass essential oil

cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass essential oil has antiseptic properties and is said to help relieve stress.