About me
apple & bee Botanical skincare came about out of necessity for me to find suitable skincare that would calm, soothe and replenish my ever changing skin. For me it started over 30 years ago with a career in Beauty Therapy and Aromatherapy, working within some of the big skincare companies . As my forties approached my skin suddenly became reactive to everything and I was diagnosed with four different skin conditions, Polymorphic light eruption, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. I tried everything the doctor prescribed and nothing worked for me other than harsh steroids which thinned my skin and gave me other skin conditions from their over use. Kinesiology at my local hospital showed that I was allergic to several things, mainly preservatives, which are unfortunately in everything. I started experimenting and going through all my tried & trusted cosmetic science books, cross referencing everything with the latest advances in skincare. I used to make and sell natural skincare to friends and family 20 years ago so I was used to formulating with natural ingredients. My approach emphasizes the use of plant-derived ingredients, which are perceived as safer and more effective than synthetic alternatives. My formulations are preservative-free, because of my reactions to them, so clean beauty products that minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals which can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
One of the defining characteristics of apple & bee skincare is our commitment to waterless formulations. This approach not only conserves water but also enhances the potency of the active ingredients. By eliminating water, I can create concentrated products that deliver higher levels of botanical extracts, thereby maximizing their effectiveness. My waterless formulations can contain up to 50% more active ingredients compared to traditional products, leading to improved skin benefits. Using just the finest unrefined organic butters and cold pressed oils, botanical extracts, powders, clays and essential oils. We are cruelty free, no synthetic nasties, colours or synthetic fragrance, no alcohol or fillers, just preservative free, waterless natural goodness.
Moreover, the vegan aspect of my botanical skincare further contributes to my ethos. Vegan formulations exclude all animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for those who adhere to strict ethical standards. The use of plant-based components not only supports cruelty-free practices but also aligns with my principles of sustainability, as many of my botanical ingredients are sourced from renewable resources and fairtrade organisations supporting local communities.
Everything is carefully formulated by me then handmade in small batches in my rural Lincolnshire kitchen, stability tested for several months before going off for safety assessments, this offers full transparency and compliance with legislation. I choose packaging and labels that are eco friendly, my labels are recycled kraft paper making them vegan and biodegradable. My glass jars are recyclable and represent the forest, these darker jars offer UV protection for maintaining product freshness and they have sustainable wooden lids. My brand name represents me, my surname and my spirit animal the bee, to whom I am forever thankful for pollinating and producing many of the botanicals I use. If you are reading this, thank you for choosing apple & bee, and supporting a small business, I am here because of you, forever grateful and hoping that I can help one other person feel better within the skin they have or inspire someone to follow their dreams, lots of love, Clare.xx
