Natural Ingredients

A-Z of Natural Ingredients

Apricot Kernel Oil

Easily absorbed, light and high in linoleic acid, this oil is intensely moisturising and nourishing for the skin without stickiness or greasiness. Acts quickly to soothe and hydrate dry skin areas. Contains high levels of Vitamin A, which speeds up cell turnover, and vitamin E for moisturising.

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

This oil warms, soothes, and relieves inflammation and the pain of aching muscles. It also helps improve circulation and muscle tone.

Black Seed Oil

Extremely regenerating as it is rich in unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, which helps repair the skin barrier to improve moisture and elasticity. It’s also a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, helping to heal cuts and prevent scars.

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)

Extracted from the castor bean, this oil has a unique fatty acid composition so that despite its thick consistency, it’s deeply absorbed by the skin. What’s more, Castor oil is a natural emollient long valued for its ability to soften and lubricate dry, rough skin. This makes it great for elbows, heels, knees, hands, and other areas prone to drynes and damage.

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)

Warming with naturally calming properties, this oil is rich in plant-based phytoestrogens, and has traditiionally been used in women’s blends.

Coconut Oil

A light, moisturising and nourishing oil, that’s suitable for all skin types. Almost 50% is made up of Lauric acid, a fatty acid that is anti bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. It also contains high amounts of myristic acid, which has wonderful cleansing and purifying properties. It contains Vitamin A, which speeds up cell turnover and vitamin E for moisturising.

Cold pressed or mechanical pressed plant oils

A mechanical press crushes and squeezes oils out of the fruit, seed, or nut at a low temperature, preserving as much of the oil’s nutritional value and aroma as possible. This process, known as “cold pressing”, does not involve any added solvents. “Cold pressing” and “mechanical pressing” are essentially the same thing, as they both rely on friction (which does cause some heat). However, “mechanical pressing” can use slightly higher temperatures, and certain types of oils may also require some heat during the pressing process to facilitate better extraction. Both are still considered very gentle and natural extraction methods.

Essential oils

Essential oils are the concentrated extracts from the aromatic leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, peel or roots of plants. All the essential oils we use in our Skincare and Home Fragrance are pure, therapeutic grade, and most of the essential oils in our skincare are also organic. These oils are all sourced from reputable UK suppliers who batch test for purity. We also use steam distilled essential oils, as this is the most natural method of extraction. We never use synthetic fragrance which you may see in many high street products labelled as “Parfum” or “Fragrance”. In fact, many products that include essential oils often also add cheaper synthetic fragrange oils as well – so always read the product label! And remember – you only get aromatherapy benefits with Essential Oils.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii and Boswellia serrata)

Sourced from the resin of Boswellia trees and used for centuries in traditional remedies, these amazing oils have many aromatherapy and skincare benefits. They are thought to help with menstrual tension, nausea and headaches and the high concentration of boswellic acids may also help skin that has become wrinkly or saggy, toning the skin and improving suppleness. They may also help balance and uplift emotions and promote relaxation. As these oils are extracted from trees which grow wild and are not cultivated on farms, it is very difficult to obtain certified organic frankincense essential oils (organic certification being used for managed agricultural crops). However, our frankincense oils are all theraputic grade and batch and purity tested by our UK suppliers.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

Excellent for balancing and harmonising the emotions, and it’s also wonderful in skincare as it is thought to help balance the skin’s sebum. One of our favourate natural fragrances it’s rosy and feminine and we use it across our menopause collection.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Deeply relaxing and calming, this oil is often used to promote restful sleep. Its regenerative properties also make it a wonderful treatment for damaged skin as it’s also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. 

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)

Refreshing and uplifting, this essential oil helps cleanse and deodorise skin. It’s antibacterial and antiseptic and also used to promote circulation and lymphatic support. Acts as a good insect repellent!

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Warming and anti-inflammatory, helps damaged skin as well as reducing pain and inflammation, muscle aches, stiff joints and fatigue. Helps revive body and mind and improves circulation.

Safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorus)

Rich in oleic and linoleic acid, two essential fatty acids that can work wonders for your skin. These acids help to nourish and hydrate dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Helps minimise the look of wrinkles. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for soothing irritation and redness. Excellent for mature, dry, sensitive or irritated skin.

Sweet Almond Oil

This super nourishing oil is a natural moisturiser, rich in Vitamin E, and is also a powerful natural antioxidant. Easily absorbed, it’s soothing, softening and conditioning, helping repair skin damage and protecting it from harmful UV rays.  

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)

This bright, zesty, and refreshing oil is often used to help raise mood and energy levels, and it’s great in skincare as it’s also purifying and cleansing for the skin.  

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

A powerful antioxidant that we add to all our products because it helps to naturally prolong the shelf life of our oils. Vitamin E also works as a strong defence against environmental damage to the skin, such as pollution and UV rays.