Argan Oil: Traditional Medicine & Luxury Cosmetic Ingredient

argan-oilArgan oil is exceptional, rare oil produced by pressing the kernels of the fruit of the Argan tree, which grows mainly in the semi desert regions of Morocco. For centuries it has been used by the indigenous Berbers, for its cosmetic, nutritive and medicinal properties. To make a litre of pure Argan oil you need 32 kilograms of fruit. Continue reading

The packaging Challenge

Inlight PackagingHow do you make packaging beautiful, luxurious, sustainable, and pleasure to behold – when you are one of the most pristine and uncompromising organic beauty companies in the world? For Dr Mariano Spiezia this was a serious challenge! Back in 2001, he started the organic skincare revolution, when he launched the first 100% organic skincare range to be certified by The Soil Association. Continue reading

The Beauty of Midwinter

Crantock Bay in Winter“Beauty is a manifestation of secret natural laws, which otherwise would have been hidden from us forever.”
 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We cannot allow the winter blues to diminish our joy and the vision of beauty surrounding us. Of course, grey sky, chilly wind and rain can affect us, but let’s use our inner strength and ability to adapt to the winter’s conditions, without complaining too much! Continue reading

ALS (Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate) in Skincare

With so many companies making claims about being free from this, or free from that, it often appears that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to “safe cosmetics”.  There are buzz words and phrases used by skincare companies to imply that they are free from potentially harmful chemicals.  “Free from SLS” and “Free from Parabens” are some of the most common, and although I highly advise that you look for products free from parabens and SLS, I also recommend that you look a little closer at all the ingredients… Continue reading

My Commitment to Safe Skincare

Yes to LifeI still remember the day in 2001 when I went, with my wife Loredana, to a meeting held in local hospital here in Cornwall. The meeting was about women who had received surgery for breast cancer. The atmosphere was gentle and everybody was talking and commenting on their personal experience. I was very touched by some of the stories I heard; of the strength of the women, their positive attitude, sense of community, and their ability to transform their experiences into personal growth. Continue reading

The Health Benefits of Vanilla

VanillaVanilla (vanilla planifolia) is a magnificent climbing orchid originating from Mexico and Central America.  It can grow up to 30 metres high, and has beautiful greenish-yellow flowers that open for a day each.  In the wild there is only a 1% of chance that the flowers will be pollinated, as they depend on a rare local bee, the Melipona, as a carrier. Continue reading