The Journal

A record of botanical inquiry, landscape, and the science of slow-formulated care.

An ongoing exploration into the "why" behind our formulations. It is where we document the tension between the rugged resilience of the Cederberg landscape and the precise requirements of modern dermatology.
Sun Damaged Scalp Relief: How to Soothe a Sunburned Scalp
Sun Damaged Scalp Relief: How to Soothe a Sunburned Scalp
Sunburned scalp after long days outdoors? Learn how gentle Lavender and Buchu hair bloks can soothe UV damage and support scalp comfort. Read more...
The Anatomy of a Pore: How Solid Oils Help Prevent Comedogenic Blockages
The Anatomy of a Pore: How Solid Oils Help Prevent Comedogenic Blockages
A clear look at why pores clog, and how solid, anhydrous oils can support barrier health and help reduce comedogenic blockages. Read more...
Skincare for the African Sun: Why localized ingredients work better for us
Skincare for the African Sun: Why localized ingredients work better for us
African sun demands skincare that understands heat, dryness and sweat. Here's why local ingredients like Buchu and Rooibos work better here. Read more...
Own Less, Skin Better
Own Less, Skin Better
A minimalist skincare routine can improve barrier health, reduce irritation, and make sustainable beauty feel practical. Read more...
Hard Water Havoc: Protecting Hair When Traveling to London or Europe
Hard Water Havoc: Protecting Hair When Traveling to London or Europe
London and many parts of Europe are known for hard water, and the minerals in that water can leave hair dull, dry, tangled, flat, or oddly heavy. We look at... Read more...
Rooibos vs Green Tea: Understanding Antioxidant Load in Skincare
Rooibos vs Green Tea: Understanding Antioxidant Load in Skincare
Comparing rooibos and green tea antioxidant load reveals that efficacy in skin goes beyond laboratory measurements. Read more...
Shea Butter Science: Molecular Weight, Dermal Penetration & Barrier Health
Shea Butter Science: Molecular Weight, Dermal Penetration & Barrier Health
Why shea butter feels deeper than other fats, and how molecular weight shapes skin barrier repair and lasting moisture. Read more...
Britain's Beauty Goes Waterless: Explore The Science & Sustainability of Solid Skincare
Britain's Beauty Goes Waterless: Explore The Science & Sustainability of Solid Skincare
Waterless skincare is gaining ground in the UK. We explore the science, sustainability, and everyday advantages of solid, anhydrous routines. Read more...
The Death of the Plastic Bottle: Visualizing a Year's Worth of Waste Saved
The Death of the Plastic Bottle: Visualizing a Year's Worth of Waste Saved
What does a year of personal care look like without plastic bottles? We turn our routine into a clear visual of waste avoided. Read more...
The Gym Bag Essential: Why Solids Are the Ultimate Post-Workout Skincare
The Gym Bag Essential: Why Solids Are the Ultimate Post-Workout Skincare
Discover why solid skincare is the ultimate gym bag essential for post-workout routines. Learn how waterless formulations support skin recovery. Read more...
Winter Skin Cracking: Understanding The Barrier With A Few Tips & Solutions
Winter Skin Cracking: Understanding The Barrier With A Few Tips & Solutions
Every winter, we watch the same story unfold on our hands, shins, elbows, and lips. The air gets thin and sharp. Hot water becomes a comfort. Indoor heating becomes a... Read more...
Waterless Rituals: What Solid Skincare Teaches Us About Skin, Soil, and Self
Waterless Rituals: What Solid Skincare Teaches Us About Skin, Soil, and Self
From Waterval Farm in the Cederberg, we explore why waterless solid bars matter: pH, barrier health, botanicals like buchu, and the quiet discipline of using less. Read more...
The Benefits of Sulfate-Free Shampoo: A Kinder Cleanse for Scalp, Hair & Planet
The Benefits of Sulfate-Free Shampoo: A Kinder Cleanse for Scalp, Hair & Planet
If you’ve ever flipped over a shampoo bottle and seen the words “sulfate-free,” you may have wondered—what exactly are sulfates, and why are more people avoiding them? Read more...
Shea Butter for Skin and Hair: Nature’s Ultimate Moisturiser and Healer
Shea Butter for Skin and Hair: Nature’s Ultimate Moisturiser and Healer
Harvested from the resilient shea tree in West Africa, shea butter has long been considered a sacred balm for skin and hair. Read more...
Cocoa Butter in Skincare: Deep Moisture with a Silken Touch
Cocoa Butter in Skincare: Deep Moisture with a Silken Touch
If you’ve ever used a cocoa butter body lotion, you already know the feeling—velvety skin, a soft chocolate scent, and that lingering sense of nourishment. Read more...
Olive Oil for Skin and Hair: Nature’s Liquid Gold
Olive Oil for Skin and Hair: Nature’s Liquid Gold
Used for centuries across the Mediterranean, olive oil has earned its status as one of nature’s most nourishing gifts. Packed with antioxidants and skin-softening fatty acids, this golden oil hydrates deeply,... Read more...
Rosemary Oil vs. Minoxidil: A Natural Alternative for Men’s Hair Loss?
Rosemary Oil vs. Minoxidil: A Natural Alternative for Men’s Hair Loss?
Hair loss affects over 50% of men by the time they reach 50. And for many, the go-to treatment has been minoxidil (aka Rogaine). But what if nature had a... Read more...
Activated Charcoal for Skin: The Ultimate Detox Ingredient
Activated Charcoal for Skin: The Ultimate Detox Ingredient
Few natural ingredients are as instantly recognisable—and effective—as activated charcoal. With its rich black hue and powerful detoxifying properties, activated charcoal has become a beloved staple in modern skincare. Read more...
Rosemary in Skincare and Haircare: Nature’s Invigorating Tonic
Rosemary in Skincare and Haircare: Nature’s Invigorating Tonic
When you think of rosemary, your mind might go to Mediterranean cooking—but this aromatic herb is far more than a kitchen staple. Read more...
Rooibos for Skin: The Antioxidant-Rich Ingredient Your Routine Needs
Rooibos for Skin: The Antioxidant-Rich Ingredient Your Routine Needs
When it comes to natural skincare ingredients, few are as steeped in both heritage and healing potential as Rooibos. Read more...
Lotion Bars vs. Traditional Lotion: Which is Better?
Lotion Bars vs. Traditional Lotion: Which is Better?
If you’ve ever stood in a skincare aisle wondering whether to choose a liquid moisturizer or try one of those curious-looking solid bars, you’re not alone. Read more...
Buchu Oil: The South African Secret for Clear Skin and a Healthy Scalp
Buchu Oil: The South African Secret for Clear Skin and a Healthy Scalp
In the world of natural skincare, there are a handful of plant-based ingredients that have stood the test of time. One such botanical treasure—still relatively unknown to the global market—is Buchu... Read more...
How to Use a Shampoo Bar (Step-by-Step Guide + Tips)
How to Use a Shampoo Bar (Step-by-Step Guide + Tips)
In recent years, shampoo bars have gained well-deserved recognition as a sustainable, minimalist, and highly effective alternative to liquid shampoo. Read more...