Introducing Skincare by Samuel Gravan

In this article, Samuel shares the inspiration and crafting processes behind his recently launched skincare collection.

I started experimenting with natural skincare from quite a young age. I have always been particular about what I put on my skin. I remember in my late teens being dissatisfied with a lot of the skincare products on the market. I would look at product ingredient lists and question the number of foreign chemicals and preservatives being used. I always wanted to know that the products absorbed into my skin were natural and of the highest quality.

It was in my mid twenties that I began experimenting with making my own natural skincare products. I started with a body wash, learning the process of traditional saponification using olive and coconut oils, and later incorporating castor, sunflower and avocado oils into liquid soap blends. Getting the right proportions took time, as did sourcing the best quality oils. I also experimented with adding a little essential oil to add an olfactic dimension too.

I am delighted to be able to offer a body wash as part of this new skincare collection. Rest assured, I have had a good few years to finesse the formulation, and this version is fragranced with a beautiful blend of geranium leaf and bergamot essential oils. It is very gentle and does not dry out the skin. In fact, I would describe it as suitable for all skin types. The texture is very smooth, and the scent is crisp and zesty.

A similar, though slightly less concentrated handmade castile base is used for the new face wash as well. I use this every day, as it is lightly foaming and purifying. It is also a great makeup remover too. I usually follow up with a face oil and a light application of moisturising creme.

It was around 2018 that I decided to have a go at developing my own face oils. I had always found commercial face oils to be a bit lackluster, and it prompted me to start researching different oil suppliers from around the world. I have spent a lot of time sourcing the highest quality oils for this collection, and the difference is really noticeable. The freshness and potency is truly on another level. 

The first fully realised face oil I developed was the Rosehip face oil blend. I have been using this blend for many years now, but this is the first time I have presented it as part of a collection.

The primary ingredient is an antioxidant-rich Bulgarian rosehip oil that’s been harvested using a slow CO2 extraction process, which is really the best process for harnessing the full properties of the seed. I have tried a lot of rosehip oils. The oil in this particular product is sourced from a biodynamic multi-generational farm in Bulgaria, and you can immediately tell the quality based on the depth of colour, not to mention the perfomance on the skin. This face oil is a staple in my routine. It wears well without being greasy and leaves a natural glow.

I have a few other face oils developed too, each with their own unique properties and benefits. The day oil is quite a light formulation, I usually apply this in the morning. It has a touch of orange blossom in it too.

The raspberry seed night oil is a little heavier, with avocado oils for added nourishment. I love the soft vetiver scent included in this, and it makes a great treatment for the skin, especially in the winter.

The superfruit face oil is probably the most potent of the collection. It features a blend of plum-, raspberry-, passionfruit- and apricot- kernel seed oils, which are all antioxidant-rich. It’s a very effective overnight treatment, and quite luxurious too. I use this one every 2 - 3 days for a more intensive overnight facial treatment.

I mentioned that I always cleanse before applying a face oil, and then finish with a moisturising creme… and I have to admit, the creams are my absolute favourite. They have an amazing texture without being greasy. Both the day face creme and night face creme are rich in shea butter, aloe leaf juice and apricot kernel oil. In fact there are over 40 ingredients used in the cremes. I also add a very subtle blend of rose absolute, neroli and sandalwood essential oils to these too. They are slow absorbing and leave a matte finish. 

Like the body and face washes, I make the cremes from scratch four times a year. I often sell out before the next batch is made, which is good in a way, because you are always guaranteed to receive a fresh product. I don't use synthetic preservatives, so I would say the shelf life is less than your typical industrially-produced products. I usually recommend you use the product within three years of purchase, although realistically 12 months is more ideal.

It’s taken a long time to develop this collection and it is very exciting for me to be launching it. The products are all hand crafted with outstanding ingredients. And of course, the natural fragrance in many of the products adds a luxurious sensory aspect too. The skin just glows and feels dewy and hydrated. I really hope you enjoy using these as much as I do.