Artisan skincare using essential oils, bio active oils and plant butters

Essential Oils

Powerhouse, highly concentrated, and potent plant oils that can have amazing benefits for skin as well as uses in aromatherapy and perfumery. 

Care should be taken using these oils and never apply to skin undiluted. Not recommended during pregnancy, while nursing, or for some people with allergies or sensitive skin. Always patch test essential oil products before using on skin. Not to be taken orally.

• Amyris

Amyris helps soften and soothe dry or irritated skin and has anti microbial, antibacterial and anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a woody fragrance not dissimilar to Sandalwood and can be used in perfumes. It has regenerative and anti-aging benefits for skin.

• Bergamot

Bergamot is the main flavour profile in Earl Grey tea but is also widely used in perfumery with fresh citrus and floral tones that enliven and invigorate. It has healing properties for skin.

• Blue Tansy

Blue Tansy essential oil has an intense blue colour and a complex sweetly herbaceous aroma. The colour comes from Chamazulene in the oil - also found in German Chamomile and Blue Cypress oils -  imparting its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered excellent for aging or sun-damaged skin.

• Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot Seed oil can aid in regenerating skin tone and elasticity. It also helps detoxify and heal aggravated skin.

• Cedarwood Atlas

One of the earliest essential oils, CA has a long history of use as incense and perfume, popular for its woody masculine scent, and for its harmonising and balancing effects on the mind and body. It helps balance oil production and tone the skin with its astringent and antiseptic properties.

• German Chamomile and Yarrow

German Chamomile is another blue oil, imbued by the powerful anti-inflammatory compound Chamazulene also found in Blue Tansy. German Chamomile is a key healing oil for red irritated skin and is very popular in skincare formulations to nurture dry and reactive skin. The soothing effects of German Chamomile are known to help calm the mind and promote restful sleep.

• Blue Cypress

Australian Blue Cypress is a dark blue, somewhat viscous oil with anti-inflammatory properties similar to German Chamomile. Soothing and restorative, this oil is used for dry skin to aid hydration.

• Helichrysum/Everlasting

Everlasting is a complex skin oil considered to calm reactivity and help regenerate the skin. It speeds healing and renewal, and is one of the best oils to minimise scars or stretch marks.

• Frankincense

Used since ancient times, Frankincense oil is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree and remains highly valued to this day for its distinctive warm, spicy scent and health benefits. Frankincense can help to firm and rejuvenate the skin, balance oil production, and even skin tone.

• Geranium/Rose Geranium

A wonderful oil for the skin, Geranium’s balancing effect recommends it to all skin types.

• Jasmine

One of the most expensive oils to produce due to the large amount of flowers needed to make the oil – around 8000 flowers make only 1ml of essential oil – picked by hand at night when the exquisite scent is strongest. Jasmine is a favourite for skin care, especially for mature or dehydrated skin and we love using its amazing perfume in our formulations.

• Lavender Oils

Lavender has been used for thousands of years for its healing, antiseptic and sedative properties and is well known as a versatile ‘first aid’ oil. Healing, soothing, antiseptic and analgesic properties make it suitable for minor burns and wounds, and general skin care for all skin types. Its distinctive fragrance is used in some of our formulations and in our bath tea.

• Magnolia

Magnolia essential oil shows calming and soothing properties for skin and its complex floral aroma makes it a sophisticated natural perfume. It is used in Chinese medicine to move Qi through the body.

• Marjoram

Marjoram oil is a comforting and deeply relaxing oil.

• Myrrh

Like Frankincense, this is another powerful and revered healing plant. Myrrh resin has been used for centuries in medicinal and religious practices and is one of the oldest aromatic substances known. Myrrh contains terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, active compounds with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used in perfume and is the subject of ongoing studies in oral health and cancer research.

• Neroli

Neroli oil comes from the blossoms of Bitter Orange, and is beloved for its seductive qualities and sweetly intoxicating scent. Prized alongside Jasmine and Rose as one of the most highly valued and expensive essential oils, Neroli is a beautiful oil to use in various aromatherapy products and we use it as a fragrance oil. 

• Patchouli

Patchouli is especially helpful for cracked, chapped or dry skin and dermatitis. This oil has an exotic earthy perfume and can be used in body or massage oils for relaxation and to help ease stress and anxiety.

• Peppermint

Peppermint oil helps clear congestion and has local anaesthetic and antiseptic properties – great for itching, redness and irritation of the skin or scalp. Its invigorating aroma and cooling properties.

• Rose Centifolia/Damascena/Otto

Rose oil is one of the most beloved essential oils. In any of the purest botanical  forms above, it’s also one of the most expensive as around 60,000 roses are required to make a single ounce. Rose oils soothe and hydrate dry sensitive skin, and are especially beneficial for mature skin to soften, revitalise and calm.

• Rosemary

Rosemary is probably best known as a culinary herb but it’s also a powerful reviver of body and mind. Rosemary oil is used to focus mental alertness and is known as the herb of remembrance. It is used as a scalp and hair tonic, stimulating circulation for healthy hair growth and condition. The antioxidant derivative of rosemary has natural preservative qualities that helps to extend the freshness of oils.

• Sandalwood

Sandalwood is considered one of the most precious oils for skin care. It contains antioxidants that help to maintain the buoyancy and structure of skin cells. It can reduce dryness and replenish moisture in the skin.

• Ylang Ylang

We adore the exotic floral scent of Ylang Ylang essential oil and its deeply seductive and sensual notes. Known as an aphrodisiac and beautifully relaxing oil,  it’s in our Bloom body butter and sensational massage oil.

CARRIER OILS & WHY WE LOVE THEM (Caution: some oils should be avoided when pregnant or nursing or if you have tree nut allergies)
 

• SWEET ALMOND OIL
Sweet almond oil has high quantities of oleic acid, which has emollient properties, helping skin become soft, supple, and more radiant. It is packed full of vitamins E, A and D, fatty acids, potassium and zinc. Moisturising and deeply nourishing for skin. Avoid using if pregnant or you have tree nut allergies.

• ARGAN OIL
Renowned for its restorative and anti-ageing benefits, Argan Oil’s rich vitamin E content helps to hydrate and heal the skin, as well as protect cell membranes against oxidation. Vitamin E also aids the appearance of stretch marks and scar tissue. High levels of Omega 6 linoleic acid and rich proteins moisture and aid elasticity. Argan is well known as a hair oil but is also a skin powerhouse.

• AVOCADO OIL

Avocado oil is a superfood for skin, packed with vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fatty acids. Studies in Japan have revealed that avocado oil can significantly increase the levels of collagen found under the skin, helping us fight the signs of aging. Avocado oil is high in lecithin and potassium, and very high in sterolins, which are reputed to reduce the presence of age spots, sun damage and scarring, as well as moisturising and softening the skin.

• BAOBAB OIL

Baobab oil is highly moisturising and displays emollient qualities effective in improving skin elasticity and softness. It is a rich source of vitamin A which is actively involved in renewing cell membranes and the natural process of skin rebuilding. Baobab oil is also high in vitamins C, D and E,Omega 3, 6, and 9, and contains magnesium, potassium and calcium.

• BLACK CUMIN OIL

Black cumin has long been taken internally to help improve the condition of hair, skin and nails. We can get a number of the same benefits by applying the oil topically. This oils power to help restore the natural health and vitality of skin comes from vitamins A, B and C, along with calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc giving skin the tools to recover and repair itself. Like many of the other oils we have chosen to use in our skincare, black cumin seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that provide deep, lasting moisture and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• BAKUCHI OIL

Bakuchi or Babchi is a plant that has been used extensively in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a source of Bakuchiol, a potent antioxidant that stimulates skin cell turnover and improves skin tone and texture.

• CACAY OIL

 Cacay oil is easily absorbed into the skin and super rich in Vitamins A Retinol), E, and F (linoleic acid). It is reported to contain three times more retinol than other popular anti-aging oils including Rosehip. Retinol helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, fights pigmentation, and helps to boost collagen. It aids skin elasticity, evens skin tone, improves texture and can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. 

• CAMELLIA OIL

The "beauty secret" of Japan’s legendary geishas, camellia oil has been recognised for its highly regenerative and restorative effects on the skin. Camellia oil is known for its excellent moisture-retaining ability, is suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone skin, absorbs easily, and leaves skin feeling smooth and supple. Camellia also possesses antioxidant, disinfectant, and germicidal properties. Camellia is rich in oleic acid, vitamins A, B and E, various minerals, and squalene (an important component of the skin's natural emollient system).

• COCONUT OIL
Rich in short and medium-chain fatty acids, Coconut oil is popular in a culinary sense but is gaining traction in cosmetics and skincare due to its excellent healing properties. It's one of the most commonly-used oils in soap-making, and can be applied directly to the skin. Great hair treatment, moisturiser, and make-up remover.

• FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL

Capric Caprylic Triglyceride (CCT or MCT) can be derived from Palm Oil (we are not fans) or Coconut oil however only Coconut derived product may be referred to as fractionated Coconut Oil. It is an excellent emollient and rapidly penetrates, providing a beautiful after-touch when applied to the skin. It is an odourless carrier for some of our oil perfumes and scents.

• HEMP SEED OIL

Hemp oil is considered to have many benefits for both body and skin when used topically or taken orally. Its essential fatty acids (especially Gamma-linoleic acid) are useful in assisting skin cell generation, regulating oil production (helping to control acne), skin hydration and have anti-aging properties. It is also used to treat atopic dermatitis. It is a key player in our Hemp & Aloe Balm.

• JOJOBA OIL

The composition of Jojoba’s molecular structure is similar in many ways to sebum produced by skin which is perhaps why it is so nourishing, protective and moisturising. Jojoba oil is also an excellent emollient and is non-comedogenic. It is prized for its revitalising, soothing, regenerative qualities for skin, hair and nails.

• MEADOWFOAM OIL

Meadowfoam Oil is pressed from the seeds of Limnanthes alba and contains over 98% long-chain fatty acids, and has high quality triglyceride levels. In addition, it has three new long chain fatty acids that were previously unknown before its discovery. It has amazing emollient capabilities, maintaining hydration by locking in moisture when applied to skin and hair. Its luxurious texture is non greasy and it has been shown to inhibit the enzymes that degrade skin collagen as well as helping to offset the impact of UVB light. A very stable oil, Meadowfoam can help to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles and is an excellent de-frizzing oil for hair.

• POMEGRANATE OIL

Pomegranate seed oil can boost collagen production, enhances skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of scarring and promotes the reversal of skin damage. It is one of the only plant sources of conjugated fatty acids, and extremely high levels of punicic acid (78%). This acid has been called a "super CLA" (conjugated linoleic acid). CLA helps skin retain moisture by boosting ceramide synthesis in skin cells; this fortifies the skin barrier and helps to retain moisture in the skin.

• PRICKLY PEAR OIL

Prickly Pear Seed Oil is a fast-absorbing and highly versatile oil, high in omega 6 and 9, vitamin K and tocopherol. It is a potent antioxidant and often used in anti-ageing cosmetics. It helps to improve skin elasticity and is an effective moisturiser that leaves the skin feeling velvety soft without feeling greasy. Said to protect against free radicals, stimulate cellular renewal and calm inflammation.

• ROSEHIP OIL

Famed for its regenerative qualities, Rosehip oil is one of the world's most popular skin repair oils. It is a powerful treatment when used directly on the skin due to  its concentration of vitamins, essential fatty acids and phenols that help to repair and protect the skin. Many of the pharmacological properties and therapeutic claims surrounding Rosehip oil relate to its high content of flavonoids, o-ketonic compound (3-penten-propyl-ketone), and trans-retinoic acid. Used regularly, Rosehip oil has a deeply nourishing effect on ageing and dehydrated skin. It's useful for dry, damaged and irritated skin and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

• SEABUCKTHORN OIL

Sea Buckthorn oil is derived from the berry and is jam-packed with 190 nutrients and phytonutrients including loads of vitamin C (collagen booster, anti-inflammatory and brightener), B1, B2, A, K and E. It also has omega 3,6 and 9 and is the only plant source we are aware of omega 7. Studies have confirmed anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and regenerative properties for this oil. 

RAW BUTTERS - the business!

• Aloe Vera Butter

Aloe Vera is packed with vitamins, minerals and has a long history of assisting with burns and other skin damage. The butter we prefer is an extract of Aloe Vera leaf combined with coconut oil that is soft at room temperature and melts on contact with skin. It is deeply moisturising and healing for skin, is completely oil miscible and contains no preservatives or colouring agents.

• Cocoa Butter

Cocoa Butter comes from the fruit of the Cacao tree (Theobroma Cacao from which we get chocolate). The butter we prefer is then naturally refined to remove most of the very strong chocolatey aroma. Cocoa Butter is another powerhouse for body care, helping to improve elasticity, hydrates and moisturises, and helps protect skin from environmental factors like windburn.

• Garcinia Indica (Kokum) Butter

Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E, Kokum butter is derived from the fruit of the Kokum tree, and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Kokum butter has a high fatty acid content, comprising of up to 80% of stearic-oleic-stearic (SOS) triglycerides. It is non-greasy and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), promoting elasticity and skin regeneration. 

• Mango Butter

Mango butter is produced by pressing the kernel from the mango tree and refining the extracted fats. This base butter has soothing, moisturizing and protective properties. Ideal for irritated, burnt or peeling skin, it’s a fantastic after-sun ingredient. It acts as a ultra-moisturising body care ingredient and is ideal for people who suffer from dry skin. Can also minimise the appearance of wrinkles and stretch marks.

• Olive Butter 

Olive Butter is derived from olive oil and is obtained by cold pressing of selected fruits followed by a full refining process. The natural oil contains essential fatty acids, but also contains unsaponifiables as natural waxes, which are collected during the refining and deodorization process, and from the squalane production process. 

• Shea Butter

Shea butter is obtained from the pressed seeds of the Karite tree (Butyrospermum parkii). It can be sold raw or refined (as we prefer) to remove impurities and odours. It is used as a luxury skin care ‘butter’ due to its deeply moisturising emollient nature and can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, calm and soothe irritated skin.

BITS

We also use a range of other ingredients including Vitamin E/tocopherol as a natural preservative and antioxidant; NZ honey (active Manuka or floral); NZ beeswax; Arrowroot or cornstarch; Rose petals, dried lavender and hibiscus flowers, chamomile flowers; NZ sea salt; Dead Sea Salts; Himalayan Pink Salts; Epsom Salts; Magnesium flakes; Vegetable wax (ceatyl alcohol); Rosemary antioxidant; Niacinamide (Vitamin B3); Hyaluronic acid; Witch hazel; Vegetable glycerin.