Herbal Ingredients

HERBS IN PRODUCTS

alkanet root (Alkanna tinctoria) extract	plant-derived	Also known as dyer's bugloss, alkanet root yields a red dye that allows the soap to be coloured naturally. In combination with the soap's oils, which are acidic, alkanet root turns a deep purple.
aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) juice	plant-derived	Aloe vera is in many of our products as its mucilage gives it rich emollient and anti-irritant properties. It is cooling, soothing and restorative to the skin, especially if affected by wind and sun.
benzoin (Styrax benzoin) extract	plant-derived	Obtained from the resin of styrax (or benzoin) trees, benzoin has a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance. We use it for its antiseptic properties and because it is beneficial for dry, chapped skin. It is a good natural preservative for home-made cosmetics.
apple (Pyrus malus) extract	plant-derived	Apple is in Red Clay Shaving Cream to help refine skin tissue. Its astringent action firms the skin, closes pores and dresses shaving cuts. Malic acid, a protein digester found in apples, loosens and removes dead skin cells.
bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosis) extract	plant-derived	Bladderwrack is rich in minerals and trace elements that boost the health of our skin and hair. It also contains mucilage, which is soothing and softening. It is very restorative and helps to relax muscles and joints.
carrageenan (Chondrus crispus) Irish moss	plant-derived	Obtained from Irish Moss, a type of edible seaweed, carrageenan is used in cosmetics as a natural thickener. It has skin-softening properties and is mineral-rich. It is in our Calendula Cleanser and Clay Mask for its emollient and thickening actions.
calendula (Calendula officinalis)	plant-derived	Calendula is one of the most popular herbs in skincare due to its ability to repair skin tissue. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions, making it soothing on irritated skin. It is an important base in many of our products.
carrot (Daucus carota) extract	plant-derived	A highly nutritive herb, carrot is very beneficial for encouraging healthy skin due to its beta-carotene content. Its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties are very soothing, which is why we use it in products for very dry or sun-parched skin.
chamomile (Matricaria recutita) extract chamomile (Matricaria recutita) oil German chamomile	plant-derived	A valuable herb and oil for skin and hair, chamomile is soothing yet antiseptic. It contains bisabolol, volatile oil and flavonoid components that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Despite being mildly astringent, it benefits sensitive and allergic skin types.
chickweed (Stellaria media) extract	plant-derived	Chickweed, also known as stellaria, is a choice herb for dry, irritated or itchy skin. It is vitamin- and mineral-rich and it has a soothing action. As a vulnerary herb, it helps improve the health of skin tissue.
cleavers (Galium aparine) extract	plant-derived	An astringent herb that cleans and tones, cleavers is beneficial for improving the skin’s appearance. It stimulates lymphatic circulation, which supports toxin removal, and its tannins help refine pores. These actions promote brighter skin.
comfrey (Symphytum officinale) extract	plant-derived	Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, comfrey is a key herb to nourish and repair skin. It contains allantoin, which stimulates tissue growth, while its tannins and mucilage soothe, soften and strengthen tissue.
elderflower (Sambucus nigra) extract	plant-derived	Elderflower is astringent, making it an important herb for cleansing greasy skin. Its vitamin A and C content also help stimulate tissue repair. It is popular with people who like a fresh scent that is not too floral.
eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) extract	plant-derived	Eyebright, as its name suggest, benefits the eyes. It contains tannins and volatile oils, which gives it astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. In our White Tea Eye Gel, it tightens the delicate skin around our eyes and helps reduce puffiness.
gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica) extract	plant-derived	Gotu kola has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine for skin health for thousands of years. Its saponin content promotes lipid and protein development, which stimulates collagen and tissue formation. It improves circulation and is anti-inflammatory, thus benefiting the complexion.
green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract	plant-derived	Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which reduce cellular damage and slow the effects of ageing. It is also mildly astringent, so will tone and soothe the skin. We use it in our Lemongrass Sun Spray to support sun-exposed skin.
ground rice (Oryza sativa)	plant-derived	Rice is composed primarily of starch. When ground, it makes a gentle but effective exfoliant due to its mildly abrasive texture. It forms the base of our Honey & Orange Scrub.
hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) extract	plant-derived	Hawthorn contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as flavonoids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. It helps to stabilise collagen and is therefore important in maintaining the health of skin tissue. We use it in our hand creams.
horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastaneum) extract	plant-derived	Traditionally used to improve the tone and function of skin, veins and capillaries, horse chestnut is an astringent and circulatory tonic. It also contains a phytochemical called esculin, which has some UV- absorbing capacity. This adds to its skin-protective quality. See esculin
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) extract, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil	plant-derived	Lavender is a soothing, calming herb for delicate and sensitive skin. It is antiseptic, due to its volatile oils, and regenerative, due to its flavonoids. Both herb and essential oil are in many of our products, including our Baby Range.
marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract	plant-derived	See calendula
marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) extract	plant-derived	Marshmallow is rich in mucilage, which means it is beneficial for smoothing and softening dry, rough skin. We use marshmallow for key areas that need attention such as the lips, hands and feet.
meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) extract	plant-derived	This is an oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant, which we use in Chamomile Cleanser. The oil is very stable, with high levels of antioxidants. It absorbs easily into the skin, and is very moisturising and rejuvenating.
myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) extract myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) oil	plant-derived	Myrrh has a reputation in oral care due to its antiseptic and astringent properties. This makes it an important ingredient in our mouthwash, mouth freshener and lip balm. The oil is also regenerating on the skin.
nettle (Urtica dioica) extract	plant-derived	Nettle is a nutrient-rich herb that is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It stimulates circulation and is a traditional remedy for dandruff. It also is very soothing on the skin.
oak (Quercus robur) bark extract	plant-derived	Oak is a traditional herb for darkening the hair due to its high quantity of tannins, which make a natural brown dye. It is in our Rosemary & Thyme Shampoo and Rosemary & Jojoba Conditioner.
oat (Avena sativa) extract	plant-derived	Oats are rich in vitamins and minerals that are very nourishing to the skin. They also have an emollient action, making them soothing. Oats add to the softening action of our Red Clay Shaving Cream and Calendula & Oat Lotion.
olive leaf (Olea europea) extract	plant-derived	Olive leaf extract has antimicrobial properties and helps restore damaged skin. It is an important ingredient in our Olive Leaf Moisturiser, which targets skin affected by shaving. We also use it in Rose & Almond Night Cream for dry skin.
orange flower (Citrus amara) extract	plant-derived	A sweet-smelling extract, orange flower is beneficial for dry or mature skin and for fair or grey hair. It is very rejuvenating and helps to reduce the effects of ageing on the skin. It also adds highlights to fading hair.
peach (Prunus persica) powder	plant-derived	The peach kernel can be ground into a powder that is mildly abrasive. We include it in our Pumice Foot Scrub where, in combination with pumice, it helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and invigorate the feet.
rose (Rosa centifolia) extract rose (Rosa centifolia/ Rosa damascena) oil	plant-derived	Sweet-smelling rose exhibits mildly astringing and cooling actions. It is rejuvenating and soothing for skin that is dry, inflamed, sensitive or itchy. It also improves the appearance of mature skin, especially where capillaries may have broken.
rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil	plant-derived	Rosemary is a versatile plant with a refreshing, woody fragrance. It reputedly improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, as well as being antiseptic, warming and detoxifying. As an ingredient, the essential oil and extract enhance the health of skin and hair.
sage (Salvia officinalis) extract	plant-derived	Sage is essential for healing skin abrasions. It stimulates circulation and is an antimicrobial. In hair care, it promotes a healthy scalp and helps to reduce dryness and dandruff, as well as improving the quality of hair colour and texture.
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) extract	plant-derived	Cooling and drying due to its astringent action, St John’s wort combines with calendula to form the base of our Cologne. It tones and tightens, and with its anti-inflammatory action, it is beneficial for the skin if applied after shaving.
sodium usnate	plant-derived	Sodium usnate is a compound isolated from lichen for its effective antibacterial properties. We use it in our deodorants because it helps to reduce bacterial growth and its associated odour.
thyme (Thymus vulgaris) extract thyme (Thymus vulgaris) oil	plant-derived	Thyme stimulates blood flow to an area, so as an ingredient in our shampoo and conditioner, it increases circulation to the head, and thus improves the health of the scalp. Its antimicrobial action also helps clean the hair and scalp.
white tea (Camellia sinensis) extract	plant-derived	White tea is rich in antioxidants, which protect the skin from ageing and improve its tone and quality. In our White Tea Eye Gel it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines by renewing cellular structure in the skin.
witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) extract	plant-derived	Witch hazel has an important application in skin care due to its effective ability to astringe and tone. It is very beneficial for oily skin, helping to reduce secretions and refine pores. It is cooling and refreshing.
yarrow (Achillea millefolium) extract yarrow (Achillea millefolium) oil	plant-derived	Yarrow is known for its tannin content, which makes it astringent and therefore valuable for treating oily or broken skin. Rich in vitamins A and C, and with circulatory-stimulant properties, it helps to improve the skin’s health and overall complexion.