Understanding Skin Irritation and the Benefits of Gentle, Natural Skincare

Have you suddenly started reacting to your favorite moisturizer? You’re not alone—and your skin might be asking for a reset. We have all been there. You might have even gone to the doctors and they have prescribed you some really strong creams and in some situations, steroid creams. 

Many brands market strong formulations with ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. Overuse or layering multiple actives can lead to barrier damage, redness, and sensitivity. While some brands use "natural" scents or essential oils for a luxury feel, these can be irritating—especially for sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Some products contain preservatives like methylisothiazolinone or denatured alcohol, which may trigger dryness, stinging, or allergic reactions. Charcoal, clay, or physical exfoliants promoted in masks and scrubs by brands can be too abrasive, stripping the skin and causing microtears or inflammation. Products in jars or dropper bottles may become contaminated or degrade faster, especially if actives are unstable (e.g., vitamin C), potentially leading to irritation over time. Always patch-test and introduce new products gradually—particularly from brands known for potent or complex ingredient blends.

How our natural, handmade products are gentler and formulated without irritants.

Natural, handmade skincare products are often gentler on the skin because they are typically formulated with minimal, non-synthetic ingredients. Here's why they can be less irritating:

* Handmade products often avoid synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, dyes, and sulfates—all common irritants found in mass-produced cosmetics.

* These products usually contain fewer ingredients, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions or sensitivity. The focus is often on nourishing oils, botanical extracts, and soothing butters.

* Handmade brands often use subtle, natural scents from essential oils (in low concentrations) or omit fragrance altogether, making them better suited for sensitive skin.

* This reduces the need for strong preservatives and ensures fresher, more stable formulations with a lower risk of degraded or reactive ingredients.

* When actives are used, they are typically in lower, skin-friendly concentrations or derived from natural sources (like fruit enzymes instead of synthetic acids).

That said, “natural” doesn’t always mean non-irritating—some natural ingredients (like certain essential oils or botanical extracts) can still cause reactions in sensitive individuals. However, the overall minimalist and thoughtful approach to formulation in handmade skincare tends to make them milder and more skin-friendly.

We only use natural raw products (organic where we can) that are sourced ethically and suitable for vegans. everything we put in our products has its place and we do not add anything for the sake of it, so you can be sure there are no hidden nasties. Here are a few skin-soothing ingredients we use in our gentle, handmade skincare — and why they’re effective:

Butters

* Shea Butter: Rich in vitamins A, E, and F, shea butter deeply moisturizes, softens dry skin, and helps restore the skin barrier. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for calming irritated or sensitive skin.

* Avocado Butter: Packed with antioxidants, lecithin, and essential fatty acids, avocado butter soothes inflammation, nourishes dry skin, and promotes skin regeneration.

* Mango Butter: Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, mango butter contains vitamins A and C, helping to soften skin while reducing redness and irritation.

* Cocoa Butter: A natural emollient that helps lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental stressors. It’s especially effective for dry or rough patches.

Oils

* Coconut Oil: Moisturizing and antimicrobial, coconut oil soothes dry, flaky skin while offering a protective barrier against irritants.

* Sweet Almond Oil: Gentle and nutrient-rich, this oil is packed with vitamin E and helps calm itching, inflammation, and dryness without clogging pores.

* Calendula Oil: Known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, calendula oil calms irritation, soothes sensitive skin, and supports skin recovery.

* Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it a great balancing moisturizer. It calms irritation, hydrates, and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Essential Oils (used in low, skin-safe concentrations)

* Vanilla Essential Oil: Offers a warm, calming scent and contains antioxidants that can support skin health and relaxation.

* Lavender Oil: Known for its calming scent and skin-soothing benefits, lavender oil helps reduce inflammation, supports healing, and may ease redness and irritation.

* Chamomile Oil: Rich in azulene and bisabolol, chamomile oil reduces redness, soothes inflamed skin, and has mild antibacterial properties.

These ingredients work together to nourish, protect, and soothe the skin—making them ideal for gentle, effective skincare formulations.

Not sure where to start? Try our original one butter butter—designed for sensitive, reactive skin. Our reviews will speak for themselves, with feedback such as "it helps with skin irritation relief" our handmade soothing butters could just be the natural skincare remedy for sensitive skin that you are looking for.