Natural Ingredients

We have made it our mission to create + encourage all natural, cruelty free and no waste skincare using effective yet gentle solutions that harness the incredible power of plants.

Our key Native Ingredients

Totarol

Origin and History
Also known as nature’s super ingredient, Totarol is a naturally occurring extract found at the heartwood of the native New Zealand Totara tree. It is certified organic and is sustainably sourced right here in New Zealand.
The Totara tree is revered as a symbol of strength among Māori and renowned for its resilience against rotting, the heartwood was prized for its durability without any form of treatment. This is because the tree produces Totarol as a natural defence against microbial-induced rotting.

Benefits for skin
Totarol contains antioxidant properties and related diterpene compounds from the tree. It is a rich source of Vitamin E and helps to fight those unwanted signs of aging, such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles by delivering a boost of free-radical fighting antioxidants to the skin. This helps to protect the skin from surface pollutants in our environment that attack skin cells.

Found in
Botanical Body Balm, Man Balm, Baby Balm, Lip Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered, Natural Deodorant

Harakeke (Phormium tenax)

Origin and History
Unique to New Zealand, Harakeke is one of our most ancient plant species. Supporting a large community of animals, providing shelter and an abundant food resource. Tui, bellbirds/ korimako, saddlebacks/tīeke, short tailed bats/pekapeka, geckos and several types of insects enjoy nectar from the flax flower. Although we still call it flax today, harakeke is actually a lily.

Benefits for skin
In addition to rich hydration from the linoleic acid (one of the best moisturizers born from nature) Harakeke oil also boasts phytosterols that help ease redness/irritation and speed up the turnover of surface skin cells supporting healthier cells beneath the surface to reveal faster. The oil derived from Harakeke works by balancing out the skin’s natural oils and supporting healthy inflammation management. Essential fatty acids, omega 6 and oleic work together to help speed cell turnover, lifting away deposits that block pores while managing the regeneration of new collagen and elastin proteins, strengthening the skin’s dermal layer, resulting in skin looking younger and ageless.

Found in
Botanical Body Balm, Man Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered

Manuka

Origin and History
Traditionally Mānuka was used by Tangata Whenua by infusing the leaves to be drunk for kidney and urinary problems, and the vapour from the boiled leaves inhaled to treat colds and respiratory problems, a decoction of the bark was also used as a mouthwash, a sedative and the list goes on.

Benefits for skin
The active elements within Mānuka are high in volatile oils, tannins, flavonoids and triterpenes. This combination has been found to be antibacterial, anti fungal, anti microbial, anti inflammatory and also anxiety reducing. This power plant has been studied most recently for its honey and oil. Both these ingredients help to combat skin irritation and aid in healing wounds and reducing risk of infection as well as protecting the skin from bacteria. The strength of its antibacterial and antimicrobial effects is what makes Mānuka oil and honey so special.

Found in
Manuka Oil is found in: Botanical Body Balm, Man Balm, Lip Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered, Natural Deodorant, Bath Soak
Manuka Honey is found in: Lip Balm, Skincare (coming soon)

Natural Oils, Butters and Waxes

New Zealand Beeswax (cera alba)

A natural humectant, which means it attracts moisture and retains it by creating a protective barrier that seals and locks moisture in aswell as protecting your skin from environmental pollutants.
The Vitamin A it contain boosts skin cell production and helps with the overall appearance of the surface. Beeswax is also known to exfoliate, repair damage, and soothe itchiness and irritation.

Used in: Baby Balm, Lip Balm, Man Balm, Botanical Body Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered, Natural Deodorant

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

A flower that belongs to the marigold family. Calendula has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant. The high levels of antifungal, anti flammatory and antibacterial properties make it perfect for soothing irritated skin. Damaging free radicals are what cause our skin to increase the appearance of dullness, fine lines and wrinkles, because Calendula has a high flavonoid content it actually helps regulate cellular activity and fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress on your body.

Used in: Lip Balm, Botanical Body Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Referred to in ancient medical writings as an important medicinal herb. Chamomile is often used in things like teas, but the soothing plant has uses beyond improving our insides. Scientifically shown to block signals in the body known as prostaglandin, which are responsible for inflammation. Making Chamomile a perfect ingredient for people with sensitive skin who are looking to calm irritated skin.

Used in: Baby Balm, Lip Balm, Botanical Body Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered

Sunflower oil (Helianthus)

Is non-comedogenic meaning it won’t clog pores. Absorbing quickly into the skin to deliver a serious dose of hydration. Sunflower oil contains high levels of linoleic acid, a fatty acid found naturally in our skin’s sebum because of its' high fatty acid concentration, sunflower oil has great emollient benefits, helping to improve skin barrier function and maintain hydration aswell as containing anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm the skin.

Used in: Baby Balm, Lip Balm, Man Balm, Botanical Body Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered

Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)

As we age our bodies’ store of collagen, the protein that helps skin maintain elasticity, naturally depletes. Because of coconut oil is primarily made up of saturated fats, it is believed to be a great collagen-boosting supplement to improve skin elasticity. Also worth noting is it's ability for repairing your skin’s natural barrier and trapping in moisture, because of these properties it can help to soothe rashes, combat dry and/or flaky skin, and speeds up the healing process.

Used in: Baby Balm, Natural Deodorant

Grape Seed Oil (Vitis vinifera)

The high amount of omega chain fatty acids and vitamin E contained in Grapeseed oil make it a popular topical treatment for skin. Research has shown that Gravesend oil improves skins moisture, softness and ability to bounce back aswell as aiding to diminish signs of hyperpigmentation. Grape seed oil helps the Vitamin E and C in your skin to be more effective and efficient at preserving your skin.

Used in: Lip Balm, Man Balm, Botanical Body Balm

Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima)

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidants found in Avocado oil help your skin to stay elastic and smooth. Packed with beta carotene, protein, Lecithin, fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E that help to keep your skin moisturized and increase collagen metabolism. It has also been shown to shield skin from some of the UV light and assist in protecting against skin damage.

Used in: Lip Balm, Botanical Body Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered

Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus Armeniaca)

Known for it's extremely nourishing qualities, rich in vitamins A, C, and E. It has been a commonly used medicine in traditional Chinese practices to treat skin disorders for century’s. Soothing and antiflammatory apricot kernel oil makes a wonderfully rich emollient.

Used in: Botanical Body Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered

Argon Oil (Argania spinosa)

A multipurpose oil, Argon brings moisture to skin, scalp and hair. Protecting hair from everyday damage by reducing split ends and encouraging a healthy scalp. Some studies show that Argon oil can help prevent hair loss for fuller, thicker hair. The anti-sebum effect it has regulates the amounts of sebum on the skin, which helps promote a smoother and calmer complexion.

Used in: Man Balm

Borage Oil (Borago officalis)

Applicable for all skin types, Borage has been used in traditional folk medicine to alleviate aching joints and aid in balancing hormones. Today Borage is widely used for the significant effect it has on improving the health and appearance of skin tissue.

Used in: Botanical Body Balm, Face Skincare (coming soon)

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis)

Naturally rich in fatty acids, vitamin E , vitamin D and various minerals that help soothe the skin from irritation, protect the skin from UV radiation damage and restore the skin’s moisture barrier. Sweet almond oil offers deeply nourishing properties that work to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Used in: Baby Balm

Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus idaeus L.)

Raspberry seed oil offers broad spectrum protection providing SPF 8 UVA and SPF 28-50 UVB. It's high contents of vitamin A and E, omega 3, 6 and 9 and essential fatty acids means it aids to protects skin from premature aging, dryness, and UV radiation.

Used in: Lip Balm

Mango Butter (Mangifera indica)

Rich with antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins that nourish the skin and boost its elasticity and suppleness. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also known to boost the skin’s luster and natural radiance while reducing the appearance of dark spots.⁣
Mango Butter is obtained from the seed kernel of mango fruit.

Used in: Lip Balm, Botanical Body Balm, Botanical Body Balm - Composed, Botanical Body Balm - Empowered

Shea Butter

A versatile nourishing butter that works like an emollient, softening and smoothing dry skin. Shea butter conatins vitamins A, E and F which play a major role in your skin. It also contains substances known to reduce skin swelling and help heal cracked skin.

Used in: Baby Balm, Man Balm, Natural Deodorant

Natural Extracts, Actives & Preservatives

Magnesium Hydroxide
A safe and naturally occuring compound that has the ability to kill odour-causing bacteria on the skin while causing no damage to the dermis (skin layer). Magnesium hydroxide is alkaline while our skin is naturally acidic, which allows it to balance out the underarm environment & neutralise odour-causing bacteria on the skin's surface.

Used in: Natural Deodorant
New Zealand Glacial Clay
A high purity bentonite clay sourced from Canterbury. It is known for its ability to absorb toxins and detoxify toxins, heavy metals, chemicals and other impurities from the skin and body. 

Used in: Face Skincare (coming soon)
Tapioca Starch
A natural extract from the roots of the South American cassava plant. In our range it is used to help absorb excess moisture in our deodorants. 

Used in: Natural Deodorant
Tocopherol Vitamin E
Pure Vitamin E is used across most of our range as an antioxidant to help extend the shelf life of our products by preventing the oil components from oxidising.