Cocoa butter is naturally occurring and is pressed from the cocoa bean.  I like to use unrefined organic and although deodorised, which still retains that familiar cocoa aroma Cocoa butter is very stable and naturally high in anti-oxidants.  It provides a protective barrier to the skin to prevent & restore moisture loss.  Cocoa butter is also thought to be excellent for helping to maintain skin elasticity.

Shea Butter

A naturally occurring butter, cold-pressed from the seeds of the Karite tree.  Shea butter is an outstanding emollient so a perfect choice for very dry, dehydrated skins.  It is a very gentle butter and therefore, an excellent choice for sensitive skins (even a babie’s skin).  The healing properties of shea butter are quite exceptional.  It also contains a high level of phytosterols which can help to regenerate the skin cells.

Mango Butter

A rich and exotic butter that has fantastic moisturising qualities and is high in anti-oxidants, it is similar in many ways to cocoa butter. Melts readily on the skin and is highly emollient.

Palm Oil

The palm tree grows across the equatorial regions of the world, from places like Malaysia and Columbia to west Africa. It is produced from the flesh of the palm fruit and is a highly saturated oil due to its palmitic acid content.

Palm oil is fantastic in soap as it saponifies easily and it has a high vitamin E content, However, there have been huge concerns about the devastating effects palm plantations are having on ancient forests and endangered species, Malaysia in particular (stimulating the formation of Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil in 2004). The Palm Oil I use is  organic palm oil is sourced from sustainable, eco-friendly crop plantations in Columbia who are signed up to RSPO.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil comes from crushed copra, the dried meat of the kernels of the coconut. It is a white, semisolid, highly saturated fat . It lathers readily and makes a fine cleanser which is why I've chosen to include it in my soaps it also has excellent moisturising qualities  The coconut oil I use has been gently and respectfully refined using a steam process to retain its wonderful benefits.  No chemicals have been used in this process.

Hemp Oil

Unrefined hemp seed oil is cold pressed from the seeds of Cannabis sativa.  It has a rich, deep green colour. In addition to its excellent absorbancy into the skin, it is possibly nature's most comprehensive and complete combination of fatty acids. Great for dry irritated or aging skin.

Castor Oil

Added to soaps it helps lather and makes more bubbles, particularly useful in hard water areas.

Rice Bran Oil

Originating from the Americas, this is a light and emollient oil rich in vitamin E. It is well known for its nourishing properties  ageing.  It can also help to balance the skin's oil secretions.

Kokum Butter

Kokum Butter is rich in essential fatty acids, which aid in cell oxygenation and make nutrients more readily available for use by skin tissues. Kokum Butter also contains antioxidant vitamin E. Kokum Butter is a non-comodegenic (non pore-clogging) material that aids quick absorption and adds a great texture to emulsions. Kokum Butter helps regenerate tired and worn skin cells and supports skin elasticity and general flexibility of the skin wall. It has been used traditionally in India to soften skin and restore elasticity and as a balm for dry, cracked, rough and calloused skin.

Sweet Almond butter

A great moisturiser that hydrates the skin and restores elasticity.