Camellia’s rich history can be traced back over 5000 years to roots in China and Japan. The oil has played an important role in Geishas’ beauty routines for centuries and is still a staple ingredient for natural beauty potions in Asia today.  There are over 20,000 varieties of this famed plant! While green tea is made from the leaves of camellia sinensis, our golden yellow oil is gently extracted from the seeds of camellia oleifera. Also known as tea seed oil, it shares many powerful antioxidant compounds with green tea in addition to nourishing fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Camellia’s high antioxidant content offers the skin much-needed protection from free radicals and environmental aggressors, therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, this light and easily assimilated oil is a significant source of Vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids, making it deeply nourishing, calming, and healing. Camellia oil’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties offer great relief for inflamed skin and increase the wound healing and cell regenerating process.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Pendulum Potion and The Happy Galaxy

The sacred shea tree has been sharing its various gifts with countless communities in its native Africa for thousands of years. Its adventurous history is said to go back all the way to Cleopatra’s reign when the iconic ruler supposedly never traveled without her jars of this decadent butter. Besides being part of Cleopatra’s famous, luxury beauty routine, and long before it became a starring ingredient in many of today’s nourishing, natural skin care products, this special fruit was treasured and well-utilized by African cultures in numerous ways.

The shea tree's wood, for example, is said to have been used to make beautiful caskets for respected leaders, while its fruit and butter offered an essential source of nourishment and medicine for entire tribes. Its appreciation and significance throughout Africa continues today, where shea butter is rightly known as “women's gold” as its production provides employment and income to women in 19 African nations.

The long, intensive process of bringing this fruit to its final buttery state requires much patience.  Shea trees start to bear their first fruits only after a decade of growth, but once they start, they continue sharing their nourishing treasures with us for up to 200 years. After the fruits have been harvested, the nuts are removed, boiled, and extracted from their shells by hand. The containing seeds are crushed, roasted, and then beaten with water, which helps to release their famously rich fats that form into a butter.

This precious, smooth, and nutritive gift provides deep nourishment, leaving skin plump, soft, and protected. Its high content of healthy, anti-inflammatory fats are quickly absorbed, locking in the necessary moisture to ensure skin stays hydrated throughout the day. The antioxidant-rich phenolic compounds offer a great healing and soothing remedy for many inflammatory conditions, from sunburns to rashes, dermatitis, and rosacea. Shea butter’s dose of vitamins A and E is said to promote cell renewal and slow the signs of premature aging by reducing the exposure of oxidative stress in the skin. Shea butter is said to also increase collagen production, restoring the skin’s natural elasticity and firmness.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

If I have a signature as a formulator, the glory of this bean is certainly a part of it. I believe in cacao as more than just a special sweet treat or even as an ingredient to lend a hunger-inducing aroma to all but one formula in our core facial collection.

Exceptionally high in antioxidants, raw cacao blocks free radicals, protecting skin against damage to collagen and elastin while promoting and renewing skin cell tissue. Cacao contains omega 6 fatty acids and raw enzymes, both of which help in cellular repair and rejuvenation. Topical use increases blood flow to the skin, reducing inflammation and redness, slowing the visible aging process, and supporting healthy moisture content.

Sourcing
Nearly all of the cacao on the planet is produced for consumption in the massive food and fragrance industries, where the priority is strictly to maximize aromas and flavors with aggressive toasting processes. Unfortunately, the excessive heat used to achieve the characteristic chocolate scent you are accustomed to greatly diminishes the nutritional value of this precious food ingredient. It was an uphill battle to find producers who are instead dedicated to the gentle extraction and distillation of aromatic raw materials that preserve and honor the bean’s high antioxidant content.

I am committed to ever-increasing my quality standard, taking every challenge as an opportunity to dig deeper into our core values. After years searching the world, testing cacao samples from a zillion vendors, navigating ingredient adulteration and dilution and the underbelly of labeling loopholes that plague our industry, I can say without hesitation we have earned access to the best of the best with each form of cacao we incorporate into our treats. From our rich and succulent cacao butter to our exclusive, freshly-made raw oleoresin, to our nutrient-dense powdered bean, our cacao is a point of pride and total joy.

Fair Trade
Historically, cacao has been and still is a significant source of tropical deforestation. At the same time, it is a crop on which many conservationists and natural resource managers base their hopes for an agriculture industry that not only provides a livelihood for tropical farmers but also helps to conserve biodiversity in the tropical landscape. Growing cacao under a canopy enhances the soil, protects it from erosion, provides non-cacao products to the farmer and a refuge for an array of animal groups like birds, insects, small mammals, and reptiles. The leaf litter provided by a shade canopy is particularly important for the life cycle of the insects that pollinate the cacao blossoms.

Farmers that choose to grow cacao using sustainable methods rely on organic or premium markets for the higher prices they must charge for making a commitment to increasing biodiversity and embracing environmentally-friendly agriculture. Although chocolate is a huge ($70+ billion annually) global business, only about 6-8 percent of this revenue makes its way back to the cocoa farmers, many of whom run small family operations. Labor abuse is rife in many cocoa regions, and reports of farmers enslaving thousands of child workers have sparked widespread criticism of the industry.

Labor and environmental issues have inspired the formation of several organizations and associations of wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to growing cacao sustainably, providing fair wages and opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. We are committed to supporting this vital effort by choosing makers that produce organically and ethically under Fair Trade guidelines.

“Chocolate is the answer. Who cares what the question is.”
—Everyone, Everywhere

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

One of Africa’s ancient botanical treasures, the marula tree has been sharing its gifts with local communities for centuries. Indigenous to South Africa and Madagascar, the marula tree belongs to the same plant family as cashew, mango, and pistachio. Marula fruit has been a staple in African cuisine for a long time, where it’s transformed into delicious juices, jams, and even alcoholic beverages, such as the famous South African cream liquor, Amarula.

Besides its yummy taste, the yellow fruit offers numerous skin-beneficial nutrients and is said to contain a whopping 4 times as much vitamin C as an orange. The tree’s generosity doesn’t stop at the fruit; the nutty, golden marula oil has been widely used for its medicinal benefits and has been part of countless beauty rituals. Boasting an incredibly high content of antioxidants, including skin-boosting Vitamins C and E, marula oil provides a protective shield against damaging effects of the environment while simultaneously helping to renew healthy skin cells. Further, it increases healthy collagen production and slows down the aging process. The antibacterial properties of the antioxidants and tocopherols assist in fighting off harmful pathogens, naturally speeding up the healing process of wounds and scars. Its anti-inflammatory essential fatty acid content not only helps to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, but also to reduce redness and improve elasticity.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

Known as the “tree of life” in its stunningly beautiful native Africa, one can only imagine the significant role the majestic Baobab tree has played for thousands of years. Throughout the average lifespan of over one thousand years (!!), each tree generously shares its fruits and water, as well as provides shelter and traditional healing remedies for local communities and wildlife.

Baobab’s nourishing fruits have been valued in Africa for centuries and boast of immune boosting vitamins, antioxidants, and strengthening minerals. The baobab fruit has six times as much vitamin C as an orange, 50% more calcium than spinach, and its antioxidant activity is four times that of a kiwi. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus, and the seeds are packed with protein.

Baobab’s clear, golden yellow oil is extracted in a single cold pressing process, allowing this lightly nutty liquid to retain its unusually rich nutritional profile. Its powerful antioxidants provide the skin protection against free radical damage, therefore slowing down the skin’s visible aging process. Celebrated for its extremely high content of Vitamin C, the oil helps to maintain skin’s collagen production, encourages skin cell regeneration, improves elasticity and firmness, and accelerates the healing process of wounds and scars. Essential fatty-acids deeply moisturize the skin, effectively treating and healing inflammatory conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and acne.  

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

I am often asked what my favorite ingredient is to work with, and while it can feel a bit like choosing between children, blue tansy wins without question. This magical oil is the single most powerful ingredient I use and it is the one plant I go to when it's time to get serious. My own highly reactive skin changed dramatically after discovering its benefits over a decade ago.

Of all the active compounds found in blue tansy, chamazulene (a mighty anti-oxidant) and a-bisabolol are known powerhouses famous for their anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties. Effective for treating a plethora of conditions ranging from eczema to sun damage, blue tansy acts on a cellular level, relieving heat to reduce skin inflammation. Additionally, a-bisabolol compounds act as a catalyst, helping our other active ingredients, such as our helichrysum, to better penetrate the skin and offer its highest possible efficacy.

Applied topically, blue tansy oil works magic to clear rashes and allergic reactions, psoriasis, rosacea, and all forms of acne. With its unparalleled ability to bring peace to troubled complexions, it is like a meditation and spa vacation for your skin. Equally captivating is blue tansy’s extensive contribution to the long-studied emotional benefits that come with aromatherapy and alternative medicine practices.

High resonance blue tansy is called on to help combat depression, reduce anxiety, heal sleep disorders and insomnia, and soften the feeling of being out of control. Used therapeutically, blue tansy releases the stuck emotions of anger and allows for more flow in our lives. We are able to let go, feel less overwhelmed and more at one with ourselves.

Sourcing

Blue tansy is one of the most difficult to procure ingredients I incorporate into my formulas, and one of the most often adulterated. While a quick Google search will turn up many outlets that offer “blue tansy” for sale, lab testing will verify that many readily available sources are cut with chamomile and colored with dyes - none of this listed in the ingredients labeling, and is often unbeknownst to even those selling or developing products with it.

Much goes on in the steps between the harvesting farms, multiple middlemen and brokers, and the final consumer - particularly with the most expensive exotic oils, such as this one. Adulteration and misrepresentation is a troubling and prolific part of this industry, and one we dedicate vast efforts and resources to overcome. We have been working tirelessly over the years to secure our relationships with incredible farms who grow and harvest this powerful plant for us at the highest level of potency and efficacy and who can ensure each season that we are delivered only the purest, safest, and most effective and authentic extraction of true blue tansy (tanacetum annuum) on the planet.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon and The Happy Galaxy

One of the most studied, recognized, and versatile flowers, lavender’s rich history as a medicinal, culinary, and spiritual plant dates back thousands of years. Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, Romans were said to have used the holy flower to scent their baths, beds, clothes, and even hair, a fact that is reflected in the Latin root of the herb’s name “lavare” meaning “to wash.” Besides Romans, many ancient cultures and healers around the world have used lavender in medicinal treatments and religious ceremonies.

In the Middle Ages, it was believed that spouses who placed sprigs of lavender between their bedsheets would never argue. Tibetan monks and Ayurvedic healers are said to have used these purple beauties to treat depression and calm the mind, while in European folk medicine, lavender tea was prescribed to relieve insomnia and tension. It’s been proven in modern medicine that the scent of lavender increases alpha waves in the area of the brain responsible for relaxation, helping to soothe common anxieties and allowing for better sleep at night.

Besides its incredible aromatic and sedative properties, lavender boasts of skin healing benefits that make it a time-tested first aid treatment. True lavender essential oil is one of the most beneficial remedies for inflammatory conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and eczema. Its superior anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, as well as regulate the over-excretion of sebum, increasing the healing process of scars at the same time. As a powerful antiseptic and pain reliever, lavender makes an invaluable remedy for burns, wounds, and all types of skin trauma, effectively regenerating scar tissue and the skin overall, leaving it healthy, glowing, and blemish-free.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Problem Solver, The Happy Galaxy and The Good Stuff

When I think of geranium flowers, I’m transported to visions of Europe, where windows and balconies of historical buildings are overflowing with these bright, happy flowers. However, the variety that we use for our treats, Pelargonium Graveolens, is part of the Pelargonium genus and has no resemblance to the common geranium. The difference is significant as Pelargonium Graveolens has superior skin healing properties that are unique to this variety.

Native to southern Africa, this aromatic evergreen shrub has been used for centuries by tribal healers, and to this day, is a popular remedy among herbal practitioners to treat everything from a sore throat to digestive issues and skin inflammation.  

Geranium rose’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects are thought to come from gallic acid and other phenols, which are antioxidant compounds that play a protective and healing role in skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Further, the high antioxidant content of this precious, rosy-scented oil protects against the effects of damaging free radicals on the skin cells. Its astringent and cicatrisant properties not only tone the skin, but effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and fine lines.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Youth Dew and The Happy Galaxy

Although there are many species of Myrrh, ours (Commiphora myrrha) is native to the Arabian Peninsula, Somalia, Yemen, and parts of Ethiopia. Highly prized by many ancient civilizations including the Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese, this precious resin was primarily used as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, for embalming, and religious ceremonies. Its rich, warm, balsamic scent and medicinal properties have been cherished by many for centuries.

To harvest the sap, myrrh trees are tapped several times a year and left to secrete its resin for about a week to ten days. Once dried and hardened, it is collected and aged even further before being sorted, graded, and sold. The resin is then either ground into a fine powder or distilled into an essential oil.

To this day, it is still one of the most widely used essential oils in aromatherapy thanks to its superior antiseptic, antimicrobial, vulnerary, and anti-fungal properties, which make myrrh the perfect natural remedy for preventing and treating wounds from infections, as well as fighting off harmful bacteria. When applied topically, its potent antioxidants help to reduce puffy or swollen skin while alleviating discomfort. A powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, myrrh tones the skin, helps reduce the appearance of scars, and offers relief for skin inflammations such as acne and eczema.    

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Honey Mud and The Pendulum Potion

Boswellia Serrate is a tree native to India that produces special compounds found to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Among the valuable Boswellia tree extracts that researchers have identified, several stand out as being most beneficial, including terpenes and Boswellic acids, which protect healthy cells.

Frankincense has the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, and defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes, as well as to protect the skin's appearance as it matures. It may help tone and lift skin, reduce the severity of scars and acne, and heal wounds. It is also considered beneficial for fading stretch marks, surgery scars, marks associated with pregnancy, and healing dry and cracked skin. Studies suggest that it’s the pentacyclic triterpene (natural, steroid-like) structure of frankincense oil that contributes to its soothing effect on irritated skin and its ability to reduce redness and skin irritation.

It’s also believed that the beautifully aromatic oil transmits messages to the limbic system of the brain, which is known to influence the nervous system. When inhaled, frankincense has been shown to reduce heart rate and high blood pressure, and lessen the symptoms of anxiety and chronic stress with its calming, grounding scent. This natural sleep aid helps open breathing passages, allowing you to ease into a gentle sleep.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Pendulum Potion and The Honey Mud

There are not many aromas that evoke the instant sensation of desire and comfort, like that of vanilla. Whether the star of the hunger-inducing scent of freshly baked cookies or the seductive fragrance of your favorite perfume, vanilla is treasured by many. The sweet smell of vanilla has been shown to be a highly effective antidepressant, mood enhancer, and health booster due to a component called vanillin hydroxybenzaldehydem. Soothing and harmonizing, vanilla has been shown in studies to help comfort, stabilize, and induce feelings of relaxation.  

This sacred spice has been used in ritual offerings and as medicine and perfume by the Aztecs. This is where the irresistible and hopelessly addicting blend of vanilla and chocolate was born, as the Aztecs flavored their cacao-based drink with this prized, tropical bean.

Cuttings of this ancient orchid were eventually taken to Africa by the French, where now 80% of the world’s natural vanilla is produced. It generally takes three to five years for the vanilla plant to produce any blossoms. Not only does each flower require hand pollination, but it takes many additional months following harvest for curing to occur. Vanilla is one of the most labor-intensive of our ingredients to produce and is now the second most expensive spice in the world (following saffron).

Highly sedative, vanilla helps to reduce skin inflammation and its powerful antibacterial components aid in clearing skin infections. Rich in skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals, vanilla naturally reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its high content of antioxidants helps protect the skin from environmental damage, ensuring an even skin tone.

Sourcing note:
Unfortunately, today less than one percent of “vanilla” you find in food or fragrance comes from the vanilla flower itself (yes you read correctly – not even one percent), rather from synthetic reproductions. Our organic vanilla CO2 extract boasts an impressive 26% vanillin content, the component which gives it its rich, natural aroma. The manufacturing process of a CO2 extract involves none of the heat or moisture associated with steam distillation. The result is a deep and gentle extract, free from any chemical residue. Ours is a genuinely spectacular product made strictly from Madagascar beans. We are incredibly selective with each of our ingredients, but especially so when it comes to the standard of our difficult-to-obtain vanilla. With extremely limited stock available, we invest at a premium cost to ensure we can always maintain our obsessive quality commitment. Our same maker provides us with our fresh ground vanilla bean powder, equally expensive, and exceedingly delicious. It’s my favorite bin in the kitchen to lean into for a big breath of heaven mid-day!

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Jasmine Garden and The Honey Mud

Schisandra has been regarded and treasured by the Chinese Empire as a superior herb for its unparalleled powers to protect health and prolong life. A woody vine full of fruits and fragrant flowers, it is native to the moist, temperate forests of northern China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East. Schisandra is known as “wu-wei-zi,” the Chinese name for “five flavor berry,” which refers to the five flavors and corresponding elements of traditional Chinese medicine (sweet/earth, sour/wood, bitter/fire, salty/water, and pungent/metal). This unique characteristic makes Schisandra one of the fundamental herbs in Chinese Medicine and is even today highly regarded for its healing powers. For centuries it has been used as a harmonizing tonic, treating diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that it finally gained recognition as an adaptogenic herb, thanks to a number of studies which showed significant evidence of its superior, stress-protective effects and its power to increase physical stamina.

Thanks to its content of potent antioxidants, these bright red, peppercorn-sized berries support healthy cellular function and stabilize cell membranes, successfully preventing and protecting against environmental damage. Schisandra is a must for mature and sun damaged skin and its anti-inflammatory and sedative powers offer relief for hyper-reactive, stressed, and sensitive skin.

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When you learn Helichrysum comes from the Greek “Helios,” meaning the sun, and “chrysos,” signifying gold, you are right to assume this must be a magical herb. Helichrysum has been appreciated for its powerful healing benefits for centuries. Some sources even suggest it was offered to Greek Gods.

Native to the Mediterranean region in Europe, Helichrysum has been a staple in medicine thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and high antioxidant content. Once picked, this beautiful flower retains its distinctively vibrant yellow color without fading or withering, which explains why it’s also referred to by the names “Immortelle” or “Everlasting.”

The “everlasting” traits of Helichrysum are exactly why I utilize this powerful flower. Helichrysum’s unique chemical compounds, such as curcumene, di-ketones, and neryl-acetate make this herb a superior skincare treatment that offers unparalleled anti-inflammatory and regenerative powers. Helichrysum stimulates the production of healthy skin cells, combats metabolic cellular aging, and therefore effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars. This wonder plant is also an effective remedy in cases of burned or sun-damaged skin thanks to its potent, pain-relieving abilities and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the antifungal and antimicrobial effects of this “sun gold” oil are said to offer protection from various skin irritations, including rashes and other infections.

Sourcing note:
Did you know that it takes over 2,200 pounds of plant material to produce only 2.2 lb of this precious oil? This makes Helichrysum one of the most expensive and labor-intensive herbs to procure, and as an unfortunate result comes with a history of adulteration. We ensure that we only source our organic oil in the most reliable way possible: directly from the manufacturer. Ours is a family-run company located in the South of France, known for their unparalleled ethics and quality.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon

*Limonene is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Limonene is a compound found in the essential oils of many plants such as lemon, lime, lemongrass, neroli, grapefruit, tangerine, peppermint, rose, sage, fennel, and geranium. Limonene is responsible for the sweet, lemon-like, pungent aroma we associate with citrus fruit.

Besides being a powerful antioxidant, limonene works as a penetration enhancer. When used in association with other natural, skin-friendly ingredients, we are able to enjoy the maximum benefits of each.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Youth Dew, The Honey Mud, The Pendulum Potion, The Happy Galaxy and The Good Stuff

*Linalool is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Linalool is most often produced in plants’ floral tissue. The Lauraceae plant family, which includes laurels, cinnamon, and rosewood, is a readily available source. The Rutaceae family, which contains citrus plants, is also a natural source, along with lavender, coriander, palmarosa, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange flowers (neroli). Birch trees and even some fungi produce linalool as well!

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Youth Dew, The Honey Mud, The Pendulum Potion, The Happy Galaxy and The Good Stuff

*Citral is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Citral is the compound responsible for bringing citrusy zing to lemongrass, lemon myrtle, lemon, grapefruit, and other zesty plants. It’s also the component that attracts butterflies and helps honey bees to find their way home.

Citral exists in both a synthetic form, typically manufactured for use in perfumery and as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within plants’ floral tissue.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Youth Dew and The Happy Galaxy

*Citronellol is not an isolated ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Citronellol exists in both a synthetic form, typically manufactured for use in perfumery, and as a natural component of essential oils. Ours is produced naturally within the floral tissue of rose and geranium rose.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Youth Dew, The Happy Galaxy and The Good Stuff

*Geraniol is not a singular ingredient we add to our formulas, rather it is a naturally occurring, non-synthetic component within our pure essential oils.

Geraniol is a compound found in within our bulgarian rose oil, rosa centifolia flower extract, and geranium rose. It is a phytonutrient naturally present in lemon, bergamot, carrot, coriander, geranium oil, lavender oil, ylang ylang oil, nutmeg, orange, blueberries, and blackberries.

Geraniol is a concentrated source of natural antioxidants and has been extensively studied for its potential to protect cells against DNA damage. It is known for preventing oxidative stress and bringing free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects to the skin.

Featured in: The Blue Cocoon, The Youth Dew, The Happy Galaxy and The Good Stuff