Based in Suffolk, England, we are a small family team headed by Margaret, Colin and daughter Abi (see picture, from left to right: Abi & Margaret). Since establishing the Essential Care brand as a trademark and mail order company in 2003, we have been on a mission to make the purest skincare on earth.

The skincare products have a longer history: Margaret began researching the formulations in the 1980s, after rekindling a lifelong passion for natural medicine by studying aromatherapy and herbal medicine. Motivated by the lack of products suitable for her own and her family's very sensitive and eczema-prone skin, she set about creating truly effective formulations, based only on organic herbs, plant oils and natural active ingredients that are compatible with the most sensitive skin. A longer history is available on our press release.

The formulae and products, still hand-made by Margaret, are unique to us.

Our philosophy is simple: All ingredients must have therapeutic value, as well as making the product a joy to use. We use herbs and essential oils in therapeutic concentrations for optimum benefit. Plant oils must be virgin and cold-pressed so that they have their full antioxidant vitamin-content intact, so as to actively nourish the skin and protect it from premature ageing. Our products are free from all potentially unhealthy synthetic chemicals.

We will not compromise the quality and effectiveness of any of our unique products to cut costs. We continually source natural raw materials to offer our customers the best value for money, highest quality, organic, pure, and ethical products.

We support fair trade, natural farming methods and have an active commitment to the care of the environment. This encompasses organic certification of our products, choosing materials which are locally-sourced where possible, are from sustainable and renewable resources, free from chemical contaminants, and are either recycled or can be recycled safely.

All the ingredients we use, except for the emulsifier beeswax, are plant-derived. All Essential Care products are handmade in small batches to ensure maximum freshness. Our products are tested on a panel of willing human volunteers and NEVER on animals. We ensure that our raw materials suppliers follow the same policy.

Essential Care is a European leader in certified organic skincare. We are distributed in independent health stores and boutiques, pharmacies, department stores and luxury grocers in over 12 European countries. With over 60 products, we offer one of largest bodycare ranges certified to Soil Association organic standards.

Although Essential Care is growing, as a practitioner based, family-run organisation personal customer service is our priority - from friendly, caring, professional advice to prompt order dispatch. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like further information about our products and how they may help you. We would love to hear from you.

Read about Abi & Margaret's interview for the Organic Heroes series on the Soil Association website.

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