Whilst what we eat has a direct impact on all of our organs, the biggest organ of all – our skin – is often the last thing we consider when we think about the importance of good nutrition.⁠ ⁠ We talked to Jana Papajova, a Nutritional Therapist, for her expert advice on what to eat (and what to avoid!) for healthy, glowing skin, from the inside out. 🌿⁠ ⁠ Follow the link in our bio to read the full article.

We cannot think of a better way to restart events than exhibiting and selling at Herbival, a new one-day festival from the Garden Museum that puts herbs centre stage. ⁠ ⁠ There will be tastings, talks, pressings, practical workshops and shopping from a carefully curated edit of botanically-led brands, including ours! ⁠ ⁠ Come and meet us in person (finally!), learn more about our products and vision and get a chance to win products in our raffle. 🌿🎁⁠ ⁠ Sunday 6 June, 10.30am – 5pm. ⁠ ⁠ Follow the link in our bio for more information and we hope to see you there!

The world has never been more aware of the need to change how we source our energy.⁠ ⁠ From volcanoes, micro-algae and even bacteria and "thin air", discover the latest innovations that aim to replace fossil fuels and unsustainable energy sources with renewable and clean ones. 🌍⁠ ⁠ Follow the link in our bio to read the full article⁠.⁠

Ingredient Focus: Radish Root Ferment⁠ ⁠ This is another fantastic example of an innovative ingredient with multiple functions.⁠ ⁠ Plants and microorganisms have natural mechanisms by which they protect themselves from their environment and other competing organisms.⁠ ⁠ Leuconostoc kimchii. L. kimchii is one of the 15 species of microorganisms used in the culture to produce the Korean dietary staple known as Kimchi, a type of fermented cabbage. ⁠ ⁠ Leuconostoc kimchii. L. kimchii has two ways of protecting itself from other microorganisms: by acidifying its environment and also by producing an antibacterial peptide. A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, our body’s basic building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin. These amino acids are connected to one another and have been found to have skin moisturisation properties.⁠ ⁠ So to make this ingredient, radish roots are fermented with Leuconostoc kimchii. L. kimchii. After fermentation is complete, willow bark extract is added and the result is a natural antimicrobial ingredient for skincare products that is also a skin conditioner and moisturiser. ⁠ ⁠ What’s not to like about it? You can find it in our: Hemp & Algae Face Cream, Arnica & Cupuaçu Body Moisturiser and Fruits & Seeds Eye Cream.⁠ ⁠ Follow the link in our bio to find out more.⁠

Despite the beauty industry making huge strides in diversity and inclusion, ageism is still a problem that hounds us all.⁠ ⁠ Particularly if you’re a woman or femme-presenting person, society has an obsession with getting us to believe that the natural biological process of ageing is something that should be feared and avoided at all costs.⁠ ⁠ How did we end up in this mess? ⁠ ⁠ Follow the link in our bio to read the full article⁠.⁠

At Whitfords we love multifunctional ingredients and Aspen Bark Extract is a great example of innovation applied to skin care to provide multiple benefits.⁠ ⁠ This magnificent tree grows in giant colonies and it has the remarkable ability to sprout new trees from the roots, even if the tree burns during a fire. And because the roots can grow and spread up to a meter in just one year, each tree’s root system can cover a very large area.⁠ ⁠ In North America, where the raw material is extracted using water as a solvent, Aspen is a major focus of forest management, with annual limits set for how many cubic meters can be used for timber.⁠ ⁠ The bark of the Aspen tree is rich in natural salicylates that protect it from invading parasites. Traditionally used for medicinal purposes by Native American nations of Québec, we use this botanical extract in our Fruits & Seeds Eye Cream to help keep it free from microbial activity.⁠ ⁠ On top of that, salicylates are great for promoting cellular renewal for a smooth and even skin texture.⁠ ⁠ It’s also very mild and does not cause irritation.⁠ ⁠ To read more about our Fruits & Seeds Eye Cream, follow the link in our bio.

For decades, excessive beauty packaging has been a critical component of marketing cosmetic products. ⁠ ⁠ However, as sustainability and plastic-free packaging becomes more of a priority for consumers, the days of traditional packaging might be numbered.⁠ ⁠ - What are the latest innovations in cosmetic packaging?⁠ ⁠ - What’s stopping / delaying change? ⁠ ⁠ - The problem with biodegradable plastics for skincare products.⁠ ⁠ Click on the link in our bio to read the full post.⁠

Ingredient Focus: Organic Cardamom Seed Oil⁠ ⁠ Cardamom is a herb that grows wild, up to 4 metres (13 feet) and is cultivated in India and Sri Lanka. It has long, green silky blades and small yellow flowers, with a violet tip. The oblong grey fruits that follow the flowers, contain many aromatic seeds. ⁠ ⁠ The glorious essential oil extracted from the seeds by gentle steam distillation has a spicy, slightly nutty aroma and the one we use at Whitfords is certified organic by the Soil Association, which means you can be sure that it has been produced to the highest ethical and environmental standards.⁠ ⁠ The Soil Association’s standards exceed the UK government’s minimum requirements for organic products in many areas, but particularly in animal welfare, GM and the use of pesticides. Standards are constantly reviewed to ensure they deal with current issues.⁠ ⁠ Follow the link in our bio to find out more about our Arnica & Cupuaçu Body Moisturiser.

For our second blog post, we make a start on the fascinating topic of our largest organ: our skin.⁠ ⁠ Did you know our skin is home to over 1,000 different species of bacteria, most of which live around our hair follicles?⁠ ⁠ Why is sebum so important?⁠ ⁠ What is sensitive skin and how do we deal with it?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Click on the link in our bio to read the full post.⁠ ⁠ And remember to let us know in the comments below if you'd like us to cover any particular topics!

Ingredient Focus: Heptyl Undecylenate ⁠ ⁠ This palm-free skin softener is 100% plant-derived from castor oil. ⁠ ⁠ We use it as a natural alternative to synthetic silicones and mineral oil to achieve a luxurious, exquisitely soft and nourished feel.⁠ ⁠ You can find it in our 16-Oil Replenisher and our Papaya & Bakuchiol Gel Serum.⁠ ⁠ Follow the link in our bio to try them today!

We're really excited to be launching Whitfords' blog today and for the first post we're diving head first into a topic that is very close to our hearts and underpins everything we do (or not do!) at Whitfords: plastic waste. ⁠ ⁠ Did you know that under the new post-Brexit rules, the UK can continue to ship plastic waste to developing countries? We look at the problems and we also look at possible solutions and very exciting projects and initiatives.⁠ ⁠ Click on the link in our bio to read the full post.⁠ ⁠ Let us know in the comments below if you'd like us to cover any particular topics!

We've updated our website with beautiful images and lots of information on all our wonderful botanical ingredients. ⁠ ⁠ Can you guess the ingredient from this close-up photo? 🤔⁠ It's innovative, sustainable and it provides hydration and anti-inflammation benefits.⁠ ⁠ Click on the link in our bio to find out!