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About Us

OUR STORY

Lauren, the person behind Sugarbush, resides in Plymouth, UK, with her husband and two children.

Her educational background lies in Marine Biology, and through her degree and subsequent career, she gained a comprehensive understanding of the impact humanity is having on the planet. Every area has felt the presence of humans, often resulting in significant consequences.

Her journey from being a Marine Biologist to a business owner was primarily accidental and evolved gradually. It all began with an essential oil kit. Despite her knowledge of the connections between the natural world and modern medicine, she initially held skepticism. Ten small bottles arrived in the mail and sat there until she experienced a back injury. With nothing to lose, she decided to give them a try. Surprisingly, within a few days, she began to feel almost normal again. From that moment, she began to contemplate the possibility of finding natural alternatives to medicines, cleaning products, and skincare that she could create herself. This consideration became especially important as both of her children struggled with eczema, and some research suggested that skin products and synthetic cleaners might be contributing to their skin issues. Over a period of three years, she gradually substituted store-bought household cleaners with homemade alternatives, delved into remedies for various ailments like colds and cuts, and eventually explored skincare. Since then, she has refined the extensive list of products in these areas, streamlining it to the essentials that maintain their household without the need for harsh cleaners or synthetic products.

After years of contemplation, and with the COVID-19 pandemic occurring in the midst of it all, she decided it was time to take the leap. Her product range is currently small and focused on skincare. She genuinely believes that skincare (and household products) don’t need to be complex to serve their purpose; simplicity and straightforwardness are achievable. Her products primarily consist of natural ingredients (for more information on the ingredients, you can find it here). She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to introduce her products to others, given her deep affection for them and the joy she derives from their creation. She hopes that others will love her products as much as she does.

ETHICS & ENVIRONMENT

Through our own journey, we realise and value the importance of protecting our natural resources and the environment in which we live. We all have a responsibility to consider the long-term impacts of the products we create. At the core of our business is a commitment to ensuring our business operates in a way that minimizes impact.

OUR PRODUCT PACKAGING

We strive to use the most suitable packaging that will preserve the integrity of the product and prevent damage in transit while also taking the environment into account. Our lotion bars and lip balms come in aluminium containers which are fully recyclable and can be 100% reformed in the recycling process.

Additionally, we offer a refill option for lotion bars so that you can reuse your tin multiple times. The refill option comes in a recyclable cardboard box lined with greaseproof paper. While the greaseproof paper is not currently recyclable and should be disposed of in household waste, we are currently seeking alternatives that will serve this purpose. Using greaseproof paper ensures the cardboard can still be recycled. We’ll keep you posted on our progress. 

Our bath bombs are wrapped in recyclable cellophane called Polyolefin to preserve the integrity of the bath bomb. We are continuing to look for alternatives. Bath bombs in gift sets come in cardboard boxes supported with crinkle-cut paper to ensure your bath bombs reach you in one piece. As our business grows, we will continue to seek ways to reduce our impact.

INGREDIENTS

We source our ingredients from UK suppliers who share our commitment to appropriate sourcing of ingredients. Essential oils are farmed all over the world and we have a responsibility to ensure their farming is ethical and environmentally sound, both in terms of the planet and the people who tend and harvest the plants. We do our due diligence in only using suppliers that share this ethos.

Beeswax

A natural wax produced by bees, beeswax acts as a thickener in cosmetics and is used widely in balms and gels as well as candles. In cosmetics, it acts as a barrier, helping the skin to retain moisture. It is also rich in Vitamin A, helping to soothe, exfoliate, and rejuvenate the skin.

Bicarbonate of Soda

A versatile and multipurpose product often used in natural cleaning products due to its mild abrasive properties. It is an excellent deodorizer.

Citric Acid

Used as a bath bomb ingredient to give that characteristic fizz!

Cocoa Butter

This hard, brittle oil comes from the cacao bean. As a result, it smells slightly of chocolate! It is used in soap, body butter, lip balms, and other skin or hair treatments. It is moisturizing, nourishing, and improves elasticity of the skin as well as being rich in phytochemicals. These improve blood flow to the skin and slow aging by protecting the skin from sun damage. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Corn Starch

Also known as corn flour, it is commonly used in the kitchen as a thickening agent. We use it in our bath bombs to make a more solid ball.

Eucalyptus

This distinctive essential oil, steam distilled from the leaves, has a very fresh scent. Its top properties include antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic. This makes it a great addition to products to help ease pain and discomfort. It is also a top oil associated with wound care.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

This oil is commonly used as carrier oil. It is made by separating the solid parts of coconut oil from the liquid, leaving a clear, odorless oil. It is hydrating but lightweight so is suitable for most skin types.

Geranium

Often referred to as “poor man’s rose”, Geranium essential oil is steam distilled from the whole plant. It is known as the oil of balance, bringing balance to skin, mind.

Jasmine

If Rose is the Queen of Flowers, then Jasmine is the King of Flowers. In undiluted form, it can be overpowering but when blended and diluted, it creates a more sophisticated scent while maintaining its properties. These include aiding relaxation and creativity. It is widely used in perfumes. While Jasmine grows in abundance, the volume of flowers needed to produce the essential oil makes it a valuable commodity.

Jojoba Oil

This carrier oil is extracted from the seed of the Jojoba plant and is typically a golden liquid that contains high levels of Vitamin E. It is highly moisturizing so widely used in lip balms, butter, and moisturizers. Its composition also mimics the sebum found naturally in the skin.

Lavender

Lavender means “to wash” in Latin. It is universally the go-to oil for all things calming and relaxing and is most commonly associated with aiding sleep or relaxation. However, it is also amazing for the skin in helping treat itchiness from bites or stings as well as sunburn.

Lemon

This uplifting and refreshing essential oil cold pressed from the rind of lemons is often associated with cleaning owing to its simple, fresh fragrance. It has fantastic antioxidant properties and is a natural cleaning agent that helps brighten skin complexion.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is used in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of Vitamin A. This scent has a citrusy aroma that has regenerative properties, helping to lift your mood, reduce stress, and focus on the positive. It also helps ease muscle aches and inflammation.

Litsea

The fruit of Litsea Cubeba is steam-distilled to extract the essential oil. The aroma is a wonderful combination of citrus with fruity and floral undertones, making it refreshing and cleansing.

 

Mica Powder

Cosmetic micas are fine powders made from minerals such as iron oxide and tin oxide. They are natural colorants.

Neroli

Extracted from the flowers of the orange plant, this essential oil has hints of orange with a more floral emphasis. As a result, it is a highly desirable fragrance that can be heavily diluted without losing potency. As a fragrance, it brings feelings of tranquillity and is often used to aid recovery from headaches, and anxiety and aid sleep.

Palmarosa

Similar in fragrance to Geranium, Palmarosa is commonly used in blends to help recover from mental exhaustion by soothing and calming the mind. It helps stimulate skin cell action, improving general skin appearance.

Rose

The Queen of Flowers! The petals of this gorgeous bloom are steam distilled but the yield is small, making it a luxurious addition to any product. The scent creates a feeling of connectivity, intimacy, and love. Its properties include reducing redness and puffiness in the skin.

Rosemary

In ancient times, Rosemary was believed to drive away evil spirits. Today, it is used for its refreshing and stimulating scent. The leaves are steam distilled to release the essential oil. Among its many properties, it can help with fatigue and improve focus by improving brain function.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a solid oil widely used in cosmetics. It comes from nuts on the shea tree and is native to Western Africa. It has many benefits of which the primary ones include intensive moisturization, healing, and regenerative properties for the skin. Shea Butter is high in Vitamin E, Pro-Vitamin A, and Vitamin F. It easily penetrates the skin without clogging the pores.

Spearmint

The whole plant is steam distilled to extract this more subtle cousin of Peppermint. While it has the same properties as all varieties of mint, it doesn’t contain Menthol so doesn’t have the typical cold feeling associated with mint. When blended with other fragrances, such as Geranium, it takes on more perfume-like qualities. It is excellent at leaving the user feeling refreshed.

Sweet Orange

Did you know, the orange is native to China? The Chinese were the first to recognize the value of orange peel in treating colds and coughs. This invigorating essential oil is a perfect addition to blends or products to create an energizing effect and feelings of happiness. It can also help boost circulation and act as a detoxifying agent for the skin.

Tocopheryl Acetate

A synthetic version of Vitamin E produced from Acetic Acid. It has natural antioxidant properties and plays an important role in cosmetics that contain essential oils. Using this in our products stops peroxides from forming in the product, which can be harmful to the skin and make the product rancid. Using it ensures our products stay fresh and of high quality. It also penetrates the skin where a small percentage is converted to free tocopherol, acting as an antioxidant in the skin, helping to protect the skin from sun damage and promoting the regeneration of healthy cells.

Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-Ylang is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac owing to its evocative scent. Intensely floral but soothing at the same time, it brings a spa-like quality to any product.