our ingredients

vauxhall gardens is located in the niagara region of southern ontario
we handcraft our products using all-natural, ethically-grown ingredients
learn more about the ingredients we use below

A

• aloe leaf juice (Aloe barbadensis)

  aloe juice is well known for its rejuvenating action and has been used for centuries in both eastern and western healing. the reverence for aloe continues today with its effectiveness in preventing aging and the regeneration of cells and its ability to make hair feel and look smoother because of its cohesive effect on split ends 

• apricot kernel oil (Prunus armeniaca)

  apricot kernel oil is excellent for all skin types and delivers rich, nourishing hydration without 'heaviness'

• aqua

  water is a main ingredient in topical product formulations however, we don't use just plain old water! if you check closely on our skin care products ingredients' list you will notice that we instead list vauxhall-grown and distilled hydrosols. hydrosols, or 'living waters', are fresh plant chemistry that truly characterize the plant just as it was growing in the field 

• argan oil (Argania spinosa)

  argan oil is considered to be the rarest oil in the world primarily because the argan tree grows in a very small area in Morocco and is under protection of unesco. the oil is expressed from the kernels of the tree by women of the Berber tribe exclusively and the highly desirable properties for the skin and hair that argan oil provides have allowed these tightly regulated cooperatives to flourish. Find out for yourself why this oil was given the nickname ‘liquid gold’!

• arrowroot powder (Maranta arundinacea)

  from the root of the arrowroot plant which is dried and finely ground to become arrowroot powder which is very silky and absorbs moisture efficiently

• avocado oil (Persea gratissima)

  pressed from the fruit, avocado oil is rich in vitamins, anti-oxidants and trace minerals. extremely calming to inflamed skin, avocado is also excellent for dry skin and 'plumping' wrinkles making them less evident. avocado oil is thick and rich yet is rapidly and thoroughly absorbed by the hair for deep conditioning and super healthy hair

B

• beeswax

  millions of local bees contribute to the production of many of our wonderfully natural and effective products (many vegans permit the use of beeswax in topical preparations when it is ethically sourced). beeswax provides a inimitable natural barrier on the skin that allows for superior healing with a great, natural 'feel'

• btms (behentrimonium methosulfate (and) cetearyl alcohol)

  derived from natural colza oil, this emulsifier resists washing out thus imparting excellent conditioning and detangling properties. exceptionally mild, it leaves the hair with noticeably manageable body and spring

• bergamot oil (Citrus bergamia)

  bergamot essential oil contributes antiseptic properties which makes it a wonderful sensory addition to topical preparations.

• borage seed oil (Borago officinalis)

  borage oil is the richest known source (20—26%) of gamma-linolenic acid (gla) which is an omega-6 fatty acid that provides anti- inflammatory relief to the skin. so light! so nutritious! keeps skin looking radiant without any residual 'greasy' feeling

C

• C12-15 alkyl benzoate

  conditioning, detangling and gloss agent, this ester is created from a reaction of benzoic acid and coconut oil. a natural and effective way to add shine and reduce static

• caffeine

  anti-oxidant, astringent and said to have a slenderizing effect because it works to reduce puffiness. also has an energizing effect

• cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi)

  a fresh, camphorous aroma with a slightly fruity note. cajeput essential oil has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times and provides excellent healing qualities to all types of skin conditions

• calendula officinalis c.v. calypso orange

  starting over a decade ago with the most potent variety of calendula known, our calendula is now truly landrace. we harvest calendula seed every year and plant it every spring where it thrives here on the biosphere reserve

• camellia seed oil

  camillia seed oil is considered a precious oil which is highly retorative, emollient and rapidly absorbed by the hair shaft thus providing a burrfering quality that acts as a shield fro harsh environmental pollutants. the camellia seed is cold~pressed to preserve the rich content of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids plus extremely high content of vitamin e

• cannabis sativa seed oil

  very high levels of essential fatty acid are found in hemp seed oil which aids in the prevention of dehydration and de-fatting of the skin. as with all small seed oils, it is a high-performance, nutrient dense oil

• castor seed oil (Ricinus communis)

  ricinoleic acid is found only in castor oil and this acid has shown to be extremely effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of bacteria. castor oil acts as a protective barrier on your skin and hair protecting it against harsh environmental conditions. it is also a humectant which draws moisture and helps to replenish moisture loss. will keep hair shiny, soft and strong

• carrot oil (Daucus carota)

  carrot oil is considered a precious oil and is highly valued for its ability to deeply nourish and enhance the skin and hair. the carrot oil we use is solvent extracted from fresh carrots. when first starting out formulating our products, carrot seed oil was readily available and priced within the realm of possibility. carrot seed oil is cold-pressed from the itty-bitty little carrot seeds so you can imagine the time required to grow/harvest/press the carrot seed to make even a small amount of oil. today, while writing this, i checked to see what the cost comparison between the carrot oil we use today made with fresh carrots and carrot seed oil cold-pressed from carrot seeds ... one litre carrot oil is $78.35 and one litre of carrot seed oil is $479.99 (if you can find it available)

• chamomile essential oil (Matricaria chamomilla)

  german chamomile essential oil is the sweetest of all chamomile's and is nature's gift for relaxing and rejuvenating.  a deep indigo blue from the high azulene content, chamomile has powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities and will thoroughly treat and soothe dry, irritated skin

• cinnamon leaf essential oil (Cinnamomun zeylanicum)

  please note that vauxhall uses only cinnamon leaf essential oil (not cinnamon bark which causes major irriation) in our formulation. Makes a warming liniment to relax tight muscles, ease joint pain, cramps and increases circulation

• clary sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)

  clary sage essential oil is a subtle middle note which is used to bridge ethereal top notes and lingering base notes while bringing detoxifying elements to the skin and stimulating circulation

• cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao)

  cocoa butter is used to heal and deeply moisturize the skin

• coconut oil (Cocos nucifera)

  coconut oil is solid at room temperature but miraculously melts upon touching the skin. perfect for preventing moisture loss, coconut oil supplies a light barrier for longer-term protection from dryness. quickly absorbed by the skin, its performance without greasiness is legendary

• cranberry seed oil (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

  pressed from the cranberry seed, this oil has a very unique composition giving it excellent anti-oxidant activity and skin nurturing benefits. it also provides natural sun protection and helps prevent photo damage

• cupuacu butter (Theobroma grandiflorum)

  prized for its rich content of phytosterols to benefit dry, damaged skin, cupuacu butter offers true hydration for improved elasticity and anti-inflammatory activity. cupuacu is also well known for its ability to absorb damaging UVA/UVB rays for natural sun protection

• cypress oil (Cupressus sempervirens)

  cypress is a very fresh and clean smelling essential oil with a spicy, herbaceous, slightly woody/evergreen aroma that promotes circulation. aromatherapists credit cypress with being extremely calming and uplifting while environmentalists love that production of this essential oil is sustainable as cypress trees live for over 1,000 years

D

• D-alpha Tocopherol

  Vitamin E preserves the quality of the lotion.

• Diazolidinyl urea (and) 3-IODO-2-proplylbutlcarbamare (and) Propolene glycol

  Liquid Germall Plus is a broad spectrum preservative.

E

• ewax

  a beautiful cream or lotion is created when a water phase and an oil phase has been emulsified. in order to emulsify oil and water, a wax must be used. emulsifying wax (ewax) is scientifically described as: cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, peg-150 Stearate, stearate-20. science always makes things seem scarier than they are however each of these ingredients are quite mundane and low-low-risk for potential damage to the skin. we are big fans of our long-term supplier of ewax as it whips the oil and water phases into a delicate, light texture that allows our vauxhall-grown ingredients burst to through with their maximum phytonutrient delivery

F

• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii oil or Olibanum)

  Frankincense has been revered throughout the ages for its remarkable skin rejuvenating properties.

G

• Geranium Bourbon Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens flower)

  Creates balance on the skin and in the soul. Boosts and enhances the skin’s elasticity and calms any irritation. Geranium Bourbon essential oil has an astringent quality which helps skin find balance between oily and dry skin. Smells heavenly and is a great stress reliever too.

• Glycerin

  Glycerine is a natural ingredient with emollient-like properties that smooth, soften and assists the hair shaft to retain moisture. Ours has been infused with Vauxhall grown Attar of Rose Geranium. A super charged humectant!

• grapefruit seed extract (Citrus grandis)

  grapefruit seed extract is known as a natural preservative and imparts to the skin the ability to fight fungal and viral infections

• Grape Seed Oil (Vitis vinifera)

  Very light and easily absorbed by the skin, Grape seed oil is lightly astringent.

• Guar Gum

  Derived from the ground endosperm of the guar plant, this powder thickens all of the ingredients into a light gel.

H

• Hazel Seed Oil (Corylus avellana)

  Hazelnut oil is a highly nutritious oil which is quickly absorbed by the skin leaving it super soft. Hazelnut oil is deeply penetrating and stimulating to the circulatory system resulting in toned and tightened skin.

• Helichrysum italicum Flower Oil

  Helichrysum provides a serious compendium of benefits to the skin but don’t overlook its aromatherapy benefits either: assists in unty- ing the deepest of emotional knots, restores freedom and compassion to the eternal soul. Wow!

• Hydrosol

  A concentrated distillate of our botanicals Matricaria recutita c.v. Bodegold and Pelargonium capitatum c.v. Attar of Roses.

J

• Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

  The most surprising thing about Jojoba is that it is not an oil at all rather it is a liquid wax. The greatest benefit to the hair is that it is very healing and moisturizing and every hair type will respond favourably to it. It is prized in skin and body care because it keeps the skin soft and supple while locking in moisturer.

• Juniper Essential Oil (Juniperus communis)

  The fresh, woody-sweet aroma of Juniper essential oil is very calming to the spirit while alleviating any inflammation on the skin or underlying muscle.

K

• Kokum Butter (Garcinia indicia seed)

  Kokum Butter has excellent emollient proper- ties that are quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy feel. Helps with skin regeneration.

L

• lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

  mont blanc lavender is grown at high altitudes and under pristine conditions.  this essential oil was distilled from these particular flowers and is exceptionally beautiful on the skin

• lemongrass essential oil (Cymbopogon schoenanthus)

  aromatherapists value lemongrass essential oil because its fragrance is very uplifting - absolutely everyone loves its smell. skin care formulators love lemongrass because it leaves a person feeling clean, refreshed and renewed

• lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

  the crisp, sweet, fresh smell of lime is extracted from the skin of young fruit and provides a burst of revitalizing properties

M

• macadamia oil (Macadamia ternifolia)

  intensely rich and nourishing, macadamia oil is of a slightly thicker consistency and loaded with omegas. this soothng lusciousness is deeply nourishing to skin and oh! so gentle! even safe for little babies (human and fur) 

• mango butter (Magifera indica)

  fair trade compliant mango butter provides superior healing qualities and promotes skin regeneration. thick and creamy, indigenous people in forested areas of southeast asia have used mango butter to great effect for hundreds of years. will soften even the roughest, toughest skin

• marula oil (Sceracarya birrea)

  africa’s greatest botanical gift, the marula tree, produces an oil that contains 4 times more vitamin C than an orange! the oil is pre-dominantly oleic acid (good for hydrating and smoothing the skin) and has higher free-radical scavenging capabilites than most seed oils. find out why this rich golden goodness has been dubbed ’miracle oil’ 

• chamomile hydrosol (Matricaria recutita c.v. Zloty Lan)

  what happens when you distill the dainty flowers of this potent chamomile cultivar?  you get a chamomile hydrosol with loads of anti-inflammatory chemistry. we know that chamomile contains loads of the magnificent compound azulene which is so ferocious yet so gentle when dealing with complicated and fragile skin conditions

  meadowfoam seed oil (Limnanthes alba) 

  canadian-grown meadowfoam blooms in the late winter/early spring giving the illusion of 'foam' on the growing field. the oil extracted is loaded with natural vitamin e and omegas and provides a similar skin-experience to mythical whale oil except that it is sustainable and you don't have to slaughter a beautiful creature of the sea in order to obtain it

N

• neroli oil (Citrus aurantium amara)

  neroli essential oil is distilled from orange flowers grown in italy. a soft, ethereal orange scent that is pure bliss for the skin and soul

O

• oatmeal (Avena sativa)

  oatmeal is so soothing to the skin and when gently ground it provides a gentle yet thorough exfoliating experience

• olive oil (Olea europaea)

  for centuries, renowned beauties from the mediterranean region demonstrated how olive oil made skin lustrous and the hair thick, glossy, healthy. the body craves rich omegas to replenish and this versatile oil is famous for its ability to calm dry and irritated skin

P

• palm oil (Elaeis guineensis)

  palm oil is solid at room temperature and contains high amounts of glycerides which imparts incredible softness to the hair and a light moisture barrier to the skin. palm oil's reputation has been sullied by the unethical and repugnant growing methods employed in order to meet the high-demand for this desirable plant-based oil. fortunately, large palm oil purchasers voluntarily formed a roundtable for sustatainable palm oil (rspo) and in 2015 declared victory over unscrupulous growers/suppliers who were the cause of so much destruction. vauxhall has been committed to purchasing rspo palm oil since 2008 and gladly pay a premium for this delightful natural ingredient that has a transparent origin

• palmarosa essential oil (Cymbopogon martini oil)

  palmarosa essential oil is very moisturizing and stimulates cell regeneration with a fragrance that calms the mind yet has an uplifting effect

• panthenol

  also known as provitamin b5, it is used widely in hair care products because it has well-documented strengthening properties and adds highly desirable luster to your lovely locks

• pelargonium capitatum c.v. attar of rose

  'attar of rose' geranium is the great 'balancer' of the plant world. extremely effective in regulating the sebum glands so that it naturally provides relief to dry skin while equally effective in reducing oil production for those who are troubled by oily skin. this delightful botanical goes far beyond skin and scalp as it will also bring emotional well-being into balance as well

• peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita)

  peppermint essential oil is both warming and cooling: the menthol makes the skin feel cool but the stimulation to the muscle makes it also feel warm. always refreshing and uplifting

• phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, sorbic acid

  this is a broad spectrum preservative with no parabens or formaldehyde. phenoxyethanol is an aromatic ether alcohol, caprylyl glycol is an emollient base and sorbic acid is a natural product that offers protection from yeast, fungus and mold. your hair will be happy!

• pine

  we all know what pine smells like, well, that woody, turpentine-like resinous scent also provides antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties availing it for cases of arthritis, joint and muscle aches, gout and rheumatism.

• propolene glycol, diazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate

  commonly known as e-wax, this is an excellent emulsifier which is used in natural skin care products because of its mildness and lovely conditioning properties.

• prunus dulcis

  we take the beautiful, emollient carrier oil, sweet virgin almond oil, then infuse it with vauxhall-grown botanicals. the result? beautiful, healing oils that sparkle with the same vitality as the plant growing in the field. 

• purified Water, potassium oleate, potassium cocate, glycerin, sodium chloride, citric acid

  these ingredients, the main ones being natural fats and oils, make an organic true soap which is gentle and non drying.

Q

• quaternium-79 hydrolyzed silk protein

  derived from virgin palm oil, this natural silk protein provides unrivalled antioxidant properties while its ability to retain water results in optimum conditioning and increased strength. intense hydration that offers protection to the hair shaft.

R

• Rose Hip Oil (Rosa rubiginosa)

  Rosehip oil is exceptionally active and will improve the skin’s texture while reducing scars and skin discoloration. Many anti-aging qualities as well. Extra Virgin Rosehip oil contains high levels of vitamin E, A and essential fatty acids which effectively assists cell regeneration and has super healing qualities.

• Rosemary Leaf Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)

  Rosemary essential oil is amazing for the hair: it helps stimulate follicles so that hair grows stronger and longer, it slows down premature hair loss and graying of hair and is also extremely beneficial for dry and flaky scalps.

• Rosemary Oleoresin Extract

  Rosemary oleoresin extract (ROE) is an all natural preservative which skin just happens to love!

• Rose Otto

  Rose Otto essential oil is the byproduct of steam distillation (not solvent extracted like Rose Absolute) and is one of the most complex and expensive essential oils known. Simply the best for dry, sensitive and mature skin.

S

• Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides oil)

  Sea Buckthorn oil was pulp extracted which significantly improves the quantity of delicious nutrients delivered to your skin. High concentrations of vitamins, carotenoids, tocopherols and saturated fatty acids. Unsurpassed anti-aging properties.Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ~ lye

• Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)

  Fair Trade Compliant Shea Butter from Ghana. Adds body, soul and impressive hydrating qualities to this rich cream.

• Sesame Seed Oil (Sesamum indicum)

  Revered in many parts of the world forits detoxification and purification abilities, Sesame oil provides restructuring and anti-oxidant activity to the skin.

• Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

  Lye

• Spikenard Root Essential Oil (Nardostachys chinensis)

  Spikenard essential oil from Nepal is steam distilled extracted from it rhizome roots.  Its many rejuvenating properties will have mature and delicate eye skin rejoicing.

• Squalene (Olive)

  Olive squalene is a botanical lipid that mirrors human lipids in molecular structure and weight. Replenishes the skin with regenerative activity which will restore a more youthful appearance.

• Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus annus)

  Sunflower oil is very similar to the skin’s sebum. High in vitamins A, D and E and essential fatty acids.

• Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus)

  Rich in many vitamins, Sweet Virgin Almond oil helps to promote healthy hair growth and circulation to the scalp. Infused with Calendula officinalis c.v. Calypso Orange petals it really boosts the oils ability to soothe and revitalize the scalp.

T

• Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

  Tea Tress Essential Oil is healing and gentle to the skin yet has powerful antibacterial properties. A powerful immune stimulant and will help keep the skin clear of blemishes.

• Tocopherol

  Vitamin E protects skin against environmental damage. 

• Turmeric Root Extract (Cucuma longa)

  Turmeric essential oil is viewed as a strong relaxant and balancer.  A spicy, fresh woods aroma it is widely used as an antiseptic in skin care.

V

• Vitamin E (D-alpha tocopherol)

  Vitamin E will give that deep down healthiness and shine back to your hair, and acts as a natural antioxidant. We use the MT-50 Full Spectrum vitamin E for superior skin cell and membrane protection.

W

• Wheat Germ Oil (Triticum vulgare)

  Wheat germ oil is loaded with nutrients and provides conditioning and moisturizing properties.

Z

• Zinc Oxide

  Zinc oxide has a 300 year history of safely protecting damaged skin with no known adverse reactions.