MILK & HONEY · Vanilla & Linden Blossom

Grass-fed, pasture-raised suet tallow contains copious amounts of vitamins A, D, K, E, and B12. It is rich in essential fatty acids that help maintain the skin's structural integrity. Its abundant nutrient profile supports the natural production of collagen. It provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, all of which help to treat and soothe dry skin and immune responses like eczema and rosacea. As an occlusive material, tallow mimics the skin's natural barrier, protecting it from environmental and elemental wear and tear and helping retain essential moisture.

In today's world, where sustainability and ethical practices are becoming increasingly important, it's essential to find innovative ways to minimize waste and make the most of our resources. One such approach is tallow skincare, which utilises an often-overlooked byproduct of the farming industry. Tallow, derived from the rendered fat of cattle, has been used for thousands of years as a natural skincare ingredient. However, what many people don't realise is that tallow is typically made from suet, a part of the animal that is considered waste in the farming industry. Most meat-based farms primarily focus on harvesting the meat that people commonly consume. Once these desired parts are harvested, the remaining suet and other non-traditional parts are often discarded. However, tallow skincare offers a sustainable solution by transforming this overlooked byproduct into nutrient-dense balms.

About 30% of our skin’s sebum (the natural substance that coats our skin) is a natural wax ester. It helps kill germs, smother viruses, and creates a protective barrier for locking in moisture. There are many reasons this protective wax ester in our skin diminishes. Loss is normal in mature skin and common after illness, poor nutrition, as a side effect of certain medications, and following aggressive cleansing or treatment protocols. When our natural sebum production has been compromised and the wax ester depleted, skin can be left feeling and looking dry, tired, and dull.

This is where the golden magic of jojoba comes in. Your skin recognises the liquid wax produced from the seed of the jojoba plant as similar to its own natural wax ester. When applied topically, skin pores remain open, allowing jojoba to penetrate beyond the epidermis layer, carrying other important nutrients with it. It is in these deeper layers that cell regeneration and cell synthesis occur.

Jojoba naturally contains a balance of vitamins A, B, D, and E which are known as skin healing vitamins, as well as minerals like chromium, copper, and zinc, all of which nourish and protect skin from environmental stressors. Essential fatty acids omega 6 and 9 help to regenerate skin cells and repair damaged skin tissue. Jojoba’s wax ester fills the gaps between skin cells, soothes and slows their metabolism and protects skin against accelerated skin aging. Jojoba is naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and hypoallergenic.

There are not many aromas that evoke the instant sensation of desire and comfort, like that of vanilla. Whether the star of the hunger-inducing scent of freshly baked cookies or the seductive fragrance of your favorite perfume, vanilla is treasured by many. The sweet smell of vanilla has been shown to be a highly effective antidepressant, mood enhancer, and health booster due to a component called vanillin hydroxybenzaldehydem. Soothing and harmonizing, vanilla has been shown in studies to help comfort, stabilize, and induce feelings of relaxation.  

This sacred spice has been used in ritual offerings and as medicine and perfume by the Aztecs. This is where the irresistible and hopelessly addicting blend of vanilla and chocolate was born, as the Aztecs flavored their cacao-based drink with this prized, tropical bean.

Cuttings of this ancient orchid were eventually taken to Africa by the French, where now 80% of the world’s natural vanilla is produced. It generally takes three to five years for the vanilla plant to produce any blossoms. Not only does each flower require hand pollination, but it takes many additional months following harvest for curing to occur. Vanilla is one of the most labor-intensive of our ingredients to produce and is now the second most expensive spice in the world (following saffron).

Highly sedative, vanilla helps to reduce skin inflammation and its powerful antibacterial components aid in clearing skin infections. Rich in skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals, vanilla naturally reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its high content of antioxidants helps protect the skin from environmental damage, ensuring an even skin tone.

The linden tree has long stood as a symbol of peace, vitality, and gentle protection, its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellow blossoms gracing village squares and sacred groves across Europe. When the linden blooms, the air transforms—thick with golden sweetness, carrying the hum of bees drunk on nectar, and the faint rustle of leaves in the summer breeze. Underneath its boughs, generations have gathered for rest, communion, and healing.

Revered for centuries as “The Tree of Life”, the linden holds a place in the herbal traditions of the Celts, Slavs, and Germanic tribes. It was believed that no harm could come to those who sought shelter beneath its branches. The blossoms, delicate yet potent, were brewed into calming teas and soothing infusions to ease fevers, calm anxious minds, and soften the burdens of the heart. 

The magic of linden extends to the skin. Its flavonoid-rich blossoms are naturally anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, offering gentle support for sensitive, stressed, or reactive complexions. Linden works with the body’s rhythms—reducing redness, softening roughness, and helping the skin retain moisture. It is especially loved for its ability to comfort irritation and encourage repair, making it a cherished remedy in traditional apothecaries. Modern research echoes this ancient wisdom. Linden’s bioactive compounds help protect the skin from oxidative stress, while its soothing mucilage content hydrates and calms. Those with dry, sensitive, or easily inflamed skin find relief in its gentle touch.