Coconut. Since the days of the early Spanish Explorers the coconut tree has been used by humans for a huge variety of culinary and non culinary purposes. Coconut oil can be extracted from the flesh of the fruit using a variety of methods. When added to soap coconut oil produces a harder bar with wonderful lathering qualities and when added to a cream the small molecular structure means it is easily absorbed through the skin.

Shea Butter is one of the best known of the ingredients that Africa has to offer. The fact that it melts at body temperature, that it is unusually high in essential fatty acids such as oleac, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids all make it a firm favourite with the cosmetic cream industry.

Its name comes from the word s'í from the Bamana language of Mali and is grown across West Africa. Its production still comes from the traditional methods where the nut is cracked, crushed, roasted and then grinded in order to separate the oils. While the work can often be hard and gruelling some of the stages are also a social activity where the women can get together and share stories.

Aloe Vera is an incredible plant that has been widely used by skincare products because of its super soothing qualities that can hydrate all skin types. Its anti bacterial qualities mean it is even used in the treatment of wounds, burns and minor skin infections.

Aloes are xerophytes, plants that are adapted to survive in areas of low erratic rainfall, and are common to arid and semi are lands.Kenya is home to over 57 different native species of Aloe and they can be easily propagated and planted to complement the use of land for livestock production. We are working with an organisation that is helping local farmers to produce quality gel and realise fair prices in an international market.