Our story...
Sally founded the company in 2007. She realised that most reasonably priced skincare was full of nasty stuff, so she decided to experiment with making her own natural, ethical moisturisers based on shea butter. After refining her recipes, she began selling her lotions and potions at local farmers' markets and later, at the world-renowned Broadway Market in London. When her best friend Emma joined in, they started making cream up in York, sending out the web orders and doing fairs in the North.
As the company celebrates its 18th birthday, Sally and Emma have decided to send their secret recipes down to Cornwall to the next generation of shea alchemists... Claire (Sally's daughter), Rosy (Claire's oldest friend) and Anouk (Sally's daughter-in-law).
Emma still makes batches of cream up in York, and we also have a workshop near Falmouth in Cornwall.
We're kicking off this new chapter of the company with a new look. You'll notice some changes to our labels over the next few months, and we'd love to know what you think!
A new generation...
Meet the team
Claire
Alchemist
I've always loved the Face Cleanser with carrot. It's great for my sensitive combination skin. I use the Beautiful Baby cream everyday when I get out of the shower, it's so gentle, nourishing and absorbs so quickly. I also love the Tinted Moisturiser, in the tin it looks deceptively dark, but once you rub it in, it gives your skin a subtle healthy glow, I always get compliments on my skin when I wear it!
And their favourite products
Rosy
Anouk
Alchemist
A firm favourite in our house is the Beautiful Baby cream which we have used on our daughter since she was tiny. It’s so gentle on her delicate skin and feels like a treat after bathtime. For myself, the Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream is my morning ritual, it’s thick and indulgent without being sticky and adds a soft glow under my makeup that has made my highlighter powder a bit redundant. P.S. I love wrinkles, I’m just not about that dry skin!
My favourite is the Light Night Cream, its always on my bedside table. I love how it sinks straight into my skin without any heaviness. I go for the geranium-scented one, it smells divine and feels like a little luxury before bed. I wake up with supple, nourished skin and it’s especially comforting when my face is feeling dry or tight in the winter.
Archie
Alchemist
Designer
I love the Beautiful Baby Cream. After a days surfing and a quick rinse It feels wonderful on my skin and makes me feel fresh as a daisy. I also love that I can go running just a few hours after using it and it doesn’t feel like my pores are sticky or blocked. It’s the number one thing I take in my wash bag after toothbrush on all my surf trips.
Meet the original alchemists
And their favourite products
Sally
Founder & Alchemist
I love the Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream, it's extremely nourishing. I put it on just before I go to bed and my skin feels plump and dewy in the morning!
Emma
Alchemist
My favourite cream is hand cream. I always have one in my bag. Most of the year I use the Intense Hand Cream. My hands tell me when they need it. It sinks into the skin, smoothing and softening those dry patches. In the winter when I cycle the tips of my fingers get very cold and are prone to cracking. I use the Healing Hands then, every day and this stops the tips from splitting.