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About Us

OUR STORY

I didn’t set out to start a skincare brand. My background is in Marine Biology, a degree that taught me to think analytically, to look at systems, to ask why something works before accepting that it does. For a long time, those skills had nothing to do with skincare and everything to do with my love for the ocean. Quite honestly, if I’m not in it, I’m on it in some sort of floating device.

My skincare journey started with an essential oil kit my sister gave me. I was sceptical at first. I knew enough about natural compounds to hold them to a high standard but having not had experience with essential oils, I was dubious that they could have an impact in any significant way. But when a back injury gave me a reason to try them, something shifted. I started asking questions I couldn’t stop asking: what else does nature already have figured out? What are we putting on our skin and why? Are products in cleaning and skincare products actually helping or harming us? What goes down the drain and what impact is it having on the environment?

From curiosity to formulation

I stripped the harsh cleaners out of the house, made my own alternatives and gradually turned the same attention to skincare. I took my first course and it reminded me of chemistry lessons…just with a much better outcome. My head was full of possibilities. Then my training with Formula Botanica helped me close the gaps. It pushed me to think like a scientist rather than a hobbyist, to build formulas on solid foundations rather than good intentions and vague experimentation.

When people told me the products were good, the next step was getting them out there. The only responsible way to share them was to do it properly by becoming fully compliant, properly assessed, with nothing left to chance.

What I make now starts with two questions: what is this product meant to do and which ingredients are most effective at achieving that? Nothing goes in because it sounds good on a label or is trending. Everything earns its place.

I love that you can assemble something genuinely effective from a handful of well-chosen ingredients. It’s not something most people think to do but with the right training and the right questions, it’s entirely possible. Sugarbush exists because I believe simpler skincare, made with a scientist’s rigour and a genuine respect for what nature already does well, is better for your skin and better for the world it washes into.

Lauren x

 

OUR PRODUCT PACKAGING

Sugarbush products are packaged to protect what’s inside while keeping unnecessary materials to a minimum.

Lotion bars and lip balms come in fully recyclable aluminium tins — a material that can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. Lotion bar refills are available on request and come with a wax paper liner inside a recyclable cardboard box.

Shampoo bars are wrapped in tissue paper with a paper label. Conditioner bars have a wax paper liner and tissue paper with a paper label. Aluminium travel tins are available for both, making them fully refillable for travel or everyday use.

Exfoliating face masks are supplied in sealable kraft bags. The bags have an inner plastic film lining to protect the contents and preserve shelf life. We’re aware this isn’t ideal and are looking at alternatives as the range develops. 

 

INGREDIENTS

Every ingredient in a Sugarbush product is chosen because it earns its place in the formula, not to pad out an ingredients list or follow a trend. Where possible, Lauren sources from UK-based suppliers, with an eye on quality, traceability and responsible sourcing practices.

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.