With this in mind we decided that we needed to make an exfoliator and mask. We wanted a product that would keep well, that didn't need a preservative, that was gentle enough to become part of a cleansing ritual and that could be used as either a mask or an exfoliator.
We thought about botanicals; what we could grow or forage, what would have a really great effect on the skin. We thought about a base – a clay but which kind? We also wanted a natural emollient, an anti-inflammatory and a pore cleanser that would make the skin soft and we needed a plant that would help to reduce scarring and tone the skin.
We grew and foraged, mixed and chopped, stirred and tested and the Mineral Powder was born. It contains many plants that are proven to be excellent for repairing, soothing, toning and conditioning the skin.
We use Elderflower, Calendula, Chamomile and Stellaria – we grow all of these plants biodynamically ourselves and spend countless hours picking, drying and then removing the petals/leaves. The Calendula is hand cut to make it small enough, it can't be ground, the petals form unhelpful clumps. The Elderflower is picked, dried and then the flowers need to be rubbed off the flowering head to avoid any twiggy bits ending up in the powder. It is a labour of love.
To this we add ground Seaweed – it is a magical ingredient, softening, soothing and a perfect exfoliator. It is collected off the coast of the Isle of Harris for us. We chose green clay as the base because it softens the skin whilst tightening pores and removing dead skin cells. The final ingredient is medicinal grade Sandalwood powder – we buy it from a friend. Sandalwood is not only beautifully scented but it also has great scar reducing properties.
The finished product smells of the sea and the earth – it utilises the very best of mountain, land and sea. It is a product born of an island.
To use the powder as an exfoliator, simply mix a spoonful with sufficient Cleansing oil to make a loose paste and then gently rub it onto the face in small circular movements. Don't scrub, you don't need to, the ingredients will do their work with gentle application. Leave for a minute and then rinse off. Finish with a spritz of one of our Aromatic Waters.
To make a mask, simply take a spoonful of powder, add a spoonful of runny honey and sufficient Aromatic Water or Cleansing oil to make a very loose mixture, spread onto the face, leave for 10 minutes and rinse off.
And that's it – the story of Bio Active Mineral Powder, one of our favourite, most labour intensive products.