My name is Yvonne and I make the organic creams at the Perfumery. All the ingredients in our creams and balms are approved by the UK Soil Association. When formulating our cream recipes we take great care in choosing the oils, taking into consideration their nourishing, moisturising and re-hydrating properties. Making cream is almost like making mayonnaise - you are basically mixing oil with water. We use an emulsifying wax to stabilise the cream and also use mild preservative to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria. Any substance that contains water needs a preservative.

I have chosen our Organic Rose Otto Cream as an example. Below is some information on the ingredients in the Rose Otto Cream.

Apricot Kernel Oil

This oil is extracted from the pit inside the apricot fruit which contains the kernel. It has many benefits: it is nourishing and soothing and assists in the proper absorption of the oils in the skin, thus improving skin health.

Borage Oil

This oil comes from the seeds of the borage plant and is sometimes known as starflower. Borage is an emollient and helps soothe sensitive skin. Borage is the richest known source of an essential fatty acid called GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid). Also known as Omega 6, this fatty acid is found mostly in plant based oils.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of a rose bush which grows in the southern Andes. It is high in Retinol (VIT A) and also Vitamin C. Rosehip oil assists in the prevention of skin ageing and is very effective in halting the damage the sun does to the skin.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a pressed oil from the fruit of the avocado. It is good for moisturising and nourishing the skin and assists in the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin. It is easily absorbed into deep tissue and is a wonderful emollient (these soften and soothe the skin).

Macadamia Oil

Macadamia oil is expressed from the nut meat of the macadamia nut. It is wonderful for dry and ageing skin. Macadamia oil is also an anti-oxidant which helps to withhold the damaging effects of free radicals in the skin cells. Rich in Vitamin E, its light and non-greasy texture makes it a great option for skin care products.

Rose Otto

Rose oil makes a great skin oil for all skin types particularly for dry, sensitive or ageing skin. 60,000 roses are needed to distill a single ounce of oil (or 60 roses per drop) which brings the high cost of rose oil into perspective (€11,000 per litre for organic rose otto). Rose scent is rich, sweet and deeply floral. It has excellent emollient and hydrating properties, and it helps to calm irritated skin and maintain good skin tone, elasticity and colour. It is a soothing non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising ingredient. Although gentle it has a profound effect on the skin when used regularly.

I make these creams in small batches by hand at the Perfumery. If you would like any information regarding any of the creams you can contact me via email: yvonne [at] burrenperfumery.com