While many cakes crumble when made gluten-free (pun intended), this one remains deliciously intact. It’s my all-time favourite recipe that is as simple as it is scrumptious. Additionally, it can easily be made dairy-free.
Gluten-free Carrot Cake Read More »
Green Gold: Unveiling the Secrets of Harvesting and Processing
In this blog, I will unveil my secrets (but not all the secrets 😜) to harvesting and processing Kawakawa.
Discover how I incorporate this potent herbal ingredient into all of my skincare products.
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Green Gold: Unveiling the Secrets of Harvesting and Processing Read More »
Making the Switch: A Guide to Natural Deodorant and How it Can Benefit You
If you’re considering switching to natural deodorant but don’t know where to begin or what to expect, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!
Read More…
Changing to Natural Deodorant Read More »
THE NATURAL, SKIN-HEALING POWER OF KAWAKAWA
It was her upbringing in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, foraging in her backyard surrounded by native plants, that inspired Kara Cowin to start Kara Kawa.
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INCI: Cannabis sativa
Part of the plant used: Seeds
Extraction Method: Cold pressed, unrefined
Origin: New Zealand
Properties: Vitamin-rich, anti-inflammatory, great moisturiser, skin-soothing, can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Used In: Face Lotion, Body Lotion. As well as Lavender Soap, Charcoal & Coffee Soap, and Salvation Soap.
INCI: Mentha piperita
Part of the plant used: Leaves
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Origin: India
Properties: Has antiseptic properties, reduces irritation, redness and itching. Uplifting warm scent.
Used In: Charcoal & Coffee Soap.
INCI: Cananga odorata
Part of the plant used: Flower
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Origin: India
Properties: Softens and balances the skin. Relaxing sweet scent. Calming and soothing.
Used In: Xmas Soap.
Extraction Method: Derived from the fermentation of glucose or corn syrup
Properties: Gluten-Free. Humectant, thickener. Attracts and helps the skin to retain moisture.
Used In: Face Lotion and Body Lotion.
INCI: Tocopherols
Properties: Natural. A vitamin found in many different plant oils. An antioxidant used to prevent the oxidation of oils.
Used In: Face Lotion and Body Lotion.
INCI: Lecithin
What is it made from: Soy
Properties: A stable emulsifier for a large variety of emulsions. Found in a lot of foods.
Used In: Face Lotion and Body Lotion.
Properties: Infused with natural essential oils, with notes of Coriander, Amyris, Sandalwood, Amber, and Musk.
Used In: Xmas Soap.
INCI: Sodium chloride
Extraction Method: Solar evaporation process
Origin: New Zealand
Properties: High levels of calcium and magnesium.
Used In: Bath Salts.
INCI: Rosa
Extraction Method: Dried
Properties: They smell lovely and look amazing floating in the bath. Calming, relaxing.
Used In: Bath Salts.
Properties: Certified organic lip balm flavour made using organic oils and all-natural flavour ingredients. Raspberry flavour oil has a sweet scent and taste.
Used In: Raspberry Lip Balm.
INCI: Citrus sinensis
Part of the plant used: Orange Peel
Extraction Method: Cold pressed
Origin: Brazil
Properties: Soothes irritated, dry and acne-prone skin. Increases circulation. Calming and uplifting scent.
Used In: Sweet Orange Deodorant and Xmas Soap.
INCI: Olea europaea
Part of the plant used: Fruit
Extraction Method: Cold pressed, unrefined
Origin: Australia
Properties: Light flavour and scent. Olive Oil contains large amounts of antioxidants that help fight diseases, it is an anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties.
It is high in monounsaturated fatty acids that make it perfect for restoring and moisturising the skin.
Used In: Kawakawa Infused Olive Oil.
INCI: Cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate
What is it made from: Olives
Properties: Emulsifying wax, thickener, used to combine oil and water. Palm-oil free.
Used In: Face Lotion and Body Lotion.
INCI: Leptospermum scoparium
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: MGO83+, locally sourced. Antibacterial properties.
Used In: Manuka Soap.
INCI: Leptospermum scoparium
Part of the plant used: Leaves and Twigs
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Origin: New Zealand
Properties: Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal. Good for acne, fungal infections, cuts, burns, skin irritations and heaps more.
Used In: Manuka Soap.
INCI: Mangifera indica
Part of the plant used: Kernel
Extraction Method: Naturally refined
Origin: India
Properties: soothing, moisturising and protective properties. Great for peeling and irritated skin. Super nourishing, good for dermatitis.
Used In: Salvation Soap.
INCI: Rubia tinctorum root
Part of the plant used: Root
Extraction Method: Dried and ground
Properties: It has been used for centuries as a dye for textiles and cosmetics, offering colours ranging from light pink through deep red to mauve. Dispersed in Sweet Almond Oil makes red colour.
Used In: Xmas Soap.
INCI: Sodium hydroxide
Properties: Lye in the form of Caustic Soda/Sodium Hydroxide is used in Kawakawa Soap.
Lye converts fats and oils into soap. Through the soap cooking process, all of the lye is cooked out of the soap, leaving you with a lovely block of Kawakawa Soap.
Used In: All Kara Kawa soaps.
Properties: Lavender Fragrance Oil is infused with natural essential oils including lavender. This fragrance oil has a combined scent of lavender, bergamot, and cedar to give the Kawakawa Lavender Bath Bombs a lovely floral classic lavender scent.
Used In: Bath Bombs, and Lavender Soap.
INCI: Lavandula angustifolia
Part of the plant used: Flowers
Extraction Method: Dried
Origin: New Zealand
Properties: Lavender flowers carry the same properties as Lavender Essential Oil.
Used In: Bath Salts.
INCI: Lavandula angustifolia
Part of the plant used: Flowers
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Origin: New Zealand
Properties: Antiseptic, calming, relaxing, healing wounds, digestion, antispasmodic. Clear eczema, psoriasis, acne, and many more skin ailments.
Used In: Bath Salts.
INCI: Kaolin
Origin: China
Properties: Draws impurities and oils from the skin, moisture absorbing, great for deodorant.
Used In: Deodorant.
INCI: Kunzea ericoides
Part of the plant used: Leaf
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Origin: New Zealand
Properties: Kanuka is similar in action to Manuka. Antimicrobial, great for healing wounds, acne and fungal infections.
Used In: Manuka Soap.
INCI: Sodium Chloride
Origin: Himalayan mountains
Properties: Helps detox the body and remove bacteria. Contains more than 80 minerals and elements, including potassium, iron and calcium.
Used In: Coarse and fine used in Bath Salts.
INCI: Phormium tenax (harakeke) seeds
Part of the plant used: Seeds
Extraction Method: This is a by-product of making Harakeke Milk. Made in house by Kara Kawa
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: Makes an awesome exfoliant.
Used In: Harakeke Soap.
INCI: Phormium tenax (harakeke seed) milk
Part of the plant used: Seeds
Extraction Method: Soaked in distilled water, then blended and strained in house by Kara Kawa
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: Replaces the water part of the soap making process.
Used In: Harakeke Soap.
INCI: Phormium tenax (and) prunus amygdalus dulcis (harakeke seed pods infused sweet almond) oil
Part of the plant used: Seed Pods
Extraction Method: Infused in house by Kara Kawa
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: Antiseptic, can heal burns, disinfectant. Has a very dark orange colour to it.
Used In: Harakeke Soap.
Properties: This fragrance contains natural essential oils, including cedarwood, geranium, ginger and patchouli.
Used In: Salvation Ginger & Saffron Soap.
INCI: Glycerol
What is it made from: rapeseed and/or soybean oil
Properties: From vegetables – Palm Oil Free – Humectant, helps the skin retain moisture.
Used In: Face Lotion and Body Lotion.
INCI: Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate
What is it made from: Corn
Properties: ECOCERT – a food-grade preservative sodium benzoate. A broad-spectrum preservative.
Used In: Face Lotion and Body Lotion.
INCI: Boswellia serrata
Part of the plant used: Resin
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Origin: India
Properties: anti-aging, helps skin regeneration, clears congestion, calming, great for easing anxiety and stress.
Used In: Bath Salts, Xmas Soap, Charcoal & Coffee Soap.
INCI: Magnesium Sulphate
Properties: High in magnesium. Epsom Salts help to soothe muscles, aches, pains, and inflammation. Epsom Salts are high in magnesium sulphate, therefore, are a great source of magnesium.
Used In: Bath Bombs and Bath Salts.
INCI: Coffea arabica seed extract
Part of the plant used: Whole ground beans
Extraction Method: Strong black plunger coffee brewed in house by Kara Kawa
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: stimulates circulation, cellulite reduction, anti-aging, rich in vitamin B3, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial.
Used In: Charcoal & Coffee Soap.
Properties: This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils. Lovely fresh lime and coconut scent.
Used In: Salvation Coconut & Lime Soap.
INCI: Theobroma cacao
Part of the plant used: Fruit
Extraction Method: Fermentation of Cocoa beans, naturally refined
Properties: Smells like Chocolate!!!! Excellent moisturiser and natural antioxidant.
Used In: All Kara Kawa soaps.
INCI: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Part of the plant used: Bark
Extraction Method: Distillation
Origin: Sri Lanka
Properties: Uplifting to the body and mind. This is a very strong Essential Oil so a minuscule amount is used.
Used In: Xmas Soap.
Part of the plant used: Citrus Fruit
Properties: Makes a great pH adjuster. It is a great antioxidant and is used in many food products to extend their shelf life and stop oxidation.
Used In: Bath Bombs with Baking Soda to create the Fizz.
What is it made from: Chlorophyll is the green pigment naturally found in plants.
Properties: Helps to heal damaged skin, neutralise toxins, and reduce inflammation and bacterial growth.
Makes soap greener and helps it retain its colour.
Used In: Kawakawa Soap, Lavender Soap and Xmas Soap.
What is it made from: Coconut Shell
Properties: Detoxifying, draws out toxins from the skin.
Used In: Charcoal & Coffee Soap.
INCI: Matricaria recutita
Part of the plant used: Flowers
Extraction Method: Dried
Properties: Calming, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxing.
Used In: Bath Salts.
INCI: Cedrus deodara
Part of the plant used: Wood
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Origin: India
Properties: Good for oily skin, calms nervous tension. Has antiseptic, antifungal and astringent properties.
Used In: Bath Salts and Xmas Soap.
INCI: Citrus bergamia
Part of the plant used: Fruit peel
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Properties: Antiseptic properties. Uplifts mood, promotes sleep and helps relieve anxiety and stress.
Used In: Bath Salts.
INCI: Brassica alcohols
What is it made from: Brassica Alcohols are naturally derived from waxes found in plants from the Cabbage (Brassica) family.
Properties: Palm Free, Vegan Friendly. The Palm Free replacement for fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol.
Used In: Face Lotion and Body Lotion.
Also known as Baking Soda.
INCI: Sodium bicarbonate
Properties: Aluminium Free, food-grade. Softens the skin and the bathwater, making it feel silky.
As a deodorizer, it also helps to draw the moisture away from the skin.
Used In: Bath Bombs to make them fizz, Deodorant to combat odour.
INCI: Orbignya oleifera
Part of the plant used: Kernels
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Origin: South America
Properties: Has similar properties to coconut oil, gentle moisturiser for dry or oily skin, and absorbs easily.
Used In: Harakeke Soap and Manuka Soap.
Distilled Water.
Lye is added to the distilled water and then combined with fats and oils to make soap.
Used In: All Kara Kawa soaps.
INCI: Prunus armeniaca
Part of the plant used: Kernels
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Origin: Turkey
Properties: Good for sensitive skin. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
Used In: Lavender Soap.
INCI: Amyris balsamifera
Part of the plant used: Wood
Extraction Method: Distillation
Origin: India
Properties: Great for soothing irritated skin, antiseptic, calming and relaxing. A lighter scented substitute for Sandalwood.
Used In: Kawakawa Charcoal & Coffee Soap along with Frankincense and Peppermint Essential Oil.
INCI: Cananga odorata
Part of the plant used: Flower
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Origin: India
Properties: Softens and balances the skin. Relaxing sweet scent. Calming and soothing.
Used In: Xmas Soap.
Properties: Polysorbate 80 is a stable non-toxic surfactant used in Kawakawa Lavender Bath Bombs to emulsify the oils with the bathwater.
This product helps the oils mix into the bathwater rather than sitting on the top. It also makes clean up easy, leaving no oily residue or ring around the bath.
Used In: Bath Bombs.
INCI: Butyrospermum parkii
Part of the plant used: Nut/Seed
Extraction Method: Naturally expeller-pressed
Origin: Africa – Fair Trade
Properties: Shea Butter is obtained from the seeds of the Karite tree common in several African countries.
This product has been sustainably produced from only certified organic plantations.
Shea Butter is naturally rich in vitamins A, E, and F, and has an SPF-6.
High in fatty acids, Shea Butter can protect, nourish, and prevent the skin from drying.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Shea butter reduce inflammation and swelling.
Prolonged use of Shea Butter can soften, strengthen, and reduce wrinkles in the skin.
Used In: Body Butter, Deodorant, Lip Balm, Body Lotion, Soaps.
Properties: Certified organic lip balm flavour made using organic oils and all-natural flavour ingredients.
Vanilla flavour oil has a sweet scent and taste.
Used In: Vanilla Lip Balm.
Extraction Method: Powder extracted from the roots of the Cassava plant
Properties: Gluten-Free binding agent. Helps absorb and draw the moisture away from your skin.
Used In: Bath Bombs, Deodorant.
INCI: Cocos nucifera
Part of the plant used: Kernel
Extraction Method: Cold pressed and naturally refined using clay
Origin: Pacific Islands, refined in New Zealand
Properties: Ethically sourced – This coconut oil is 100% Pure & Natural Pacific Island oil that has been Clay filter refined in New Zealand.
Coconut Oil is rich in short and medium-chain fatty acids as well as being antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal, so is good for many health conditions and has excellent healing properties.
Used In:
Healing Balm, Soap.
Used to make Kawakawa Infused Coconut Oil.
INCI: Simmondsia chinensis
Part of the plant used: Kernel
Extraction Method: Cold pressed
Origin: Argentina
Properties: Jojoba is pronounced “Hoh Hoh Buh”
The Jojoba tree is a native shrub to South America. Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax and not an oil at all.
Jojoba Oil carries natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, hypoallergenic, and analgesic qualities.
Jojoba Oil easily penetrates the skin and helps to reduce water loss by forming a protective film.
It moisturises, revitalises, soothes, and regenerates the skin.
It is used to treat burns, sores, wounds, and many other things. Jojoba Oil is high in vitamins A, D, and E, and minerals and proteins.
Used In: Healing Balm, Body Butter, Lip Balm, Face Lotion, Body Lotion.
INCI: Cera alba
Extraction Method: Natural Unrefined
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: Beeswax has antibacterial properties helping keep things clean and reducing risks of contamination.
It also helps relieve dry itching skin or sensitive skin.
Because beeswax is anti-allergenic, it is also easily tolerated by even those with reactive skin.
Used to keep products solid at room temperature.
Used In: Healing Balm, Manuka Soap, Deodorant and Lip Balms.
INCI: Macropiper excelsum (kawakawa) hydrosol
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled in house by Kara Kawa
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: Kawakawa leaves are picked, washed, and then distilled in a pot still. The water/steam that is extracted has a wonderful rich Kawakawa scent to it.
Plant hydrosols are also known as distilled water, essential waters, hydrolates, herbal waters, and plant waters.
Kawakawa Hydrosol is a distilled Kawakawa water that contains all the properties of fresh Kawakawa leaves.
Used In: Face Lotion, Body Lotion and Bath Bombs.
INCI: Macropiper excelsum (and) prunus amygdalus dulcis (kawakawa infused sweet almond) oil
Extraction Method: Infused in house by Kara Kawa
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: Contains all of the properties of Kawakawa plus the properties of Sweet Almond Oil.
Used In: Kawakawa Intense Treatment Oil.
INCI: Macropiper excelsum (and) cocos nucifera (kawakawa infused coconut) oil
Extraction Method: Infused in house by Kara Kawa
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: All of the properties of Kawakawa plus the properties of Coconut Oil.
Used In: Body Butter, Lip Balm, Face Lotion, Body Lotion, Deodorant, Bath Bombs, Soap.
INCI: Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Part of the plant used: Kernel
Extraction Method: Cold pressed
Properties: Rich in Vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, proteins, potassium, zinc, B-complex vitamins, and iron.
A renowned emollient, almond oil also helps to balance moisture loss.
This is a light oil that can easily penetrate the skin and is safe for use on sensitive skin.
Sweet Almond Oil rejuvenates tired muscles, reduces fine lines and signs of aging, relieves eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes, nappy rash, chafed skin, and contact dermatitis.
Protects the skin by reducing the deterioration and increasing the formation of collagen, it can also help to repair some of the damage done to collagen.
Makes a good carrier oil for dispersing powders in soap.
Used In: All Kara Kawa Soaps.
Used as a carrier oil for Alkanet and Madder Root Powders.
Infused with Harakeke seed pods for Harakeke Soap.
In Body Butter.
Infused with Kawakawa leaves to make Kawakawa Intense Treatment Oil.
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
The Process: Kawakawa leaves are picked, washed, and then dried in a food dehydrator.
Once dry the Kawakawa leaves are then ground into a fine powder.
Properties: Contains all of the properties of Kawakawa.
Used In: Bath Bombs.
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
The Process: Kawakawa leaves are picked, washed, and then dried in a food dehydrator.
Once dried the Kawakawa leaves are hand crushed.
Properties: Contains all of the properties of Kawakawa.
Used In: Bath Salts and Bath Bombs.
INCI: Macropiper excelsum (and) olea europaea (kawakawa infused olive) oil
Extraction Method: Infused in house by Kara Kawa
Origin: Tasman, New Zealand
Properties: All of the properties of Kawakawa plus the properties of olive oil.
Used In: Healing Balm, Lip Balm, Face Lotion, Body Lotion, Soap.