Bavanshee's Cuticle & Nail Oil - Blood Orange & Frankincense

It began around a kitchen table, where a family of artists, plant lovers and a medical herbalist shared a cuppa tea and a simple question: could skincare return to nature? 

When our teen daughters first wandered into the world of expensive skincare bottles and glossy promises, we looked closer at the ingredients and felt a quiet shock. So much of it felt distant from the earth. With the wisdom of Nana Kat, our herbalist grandmother, and the memory of growing up close to the land, we chose a different path — one rooted in folk herbalism, love of the land and old knowledge. 

Today, we craft natural, ethical and mindful skincare by hand in small batches, inspired by folklore and the healing language of plants. 

Each bottle is made with gratitude, as we channel the plant lovers who came before us, the herbalist Nicholas Culpeper, the Celtic mythological healer, Airmid, and yes, perhaps a hint of Luna Lovegood.

Find out more about our story here...

NATURAL INGREDIENTS - We work in partnership with nature. Every ingredient in our skincare is natural or carefully derived from plants and botanicals, chosen for both quality and purpose. Many of our ingredients are organic, and each oil, herb and extract is thoughtfully sourced to bring gentle, effective plant magick to your daily ritual.

NO 'NASTIES' - We keep our formulas clean and simple. You will never find parabens, sulphates, silicones, phthalates, petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances in our skincare. We let Mother Nature do the talking, using only naturally derived or nature-identical preservatives that are approved by trusted bodies such as Soil Association and ECOCERT.

NO ANIMAL TESTING - None of our ingredients or products have been tested on animals. However, all of our Skincare products have undergone all required cosmetic safety assessments (CPSR) and are registered with the UK Government Cosmetics Notification Service.

PLANT-BASED -Our skincare is vegan and contains no animal products. We rely on the quiet strength of plants, botanicals and natural minerals — the gifts nature offers in abundance — to nourish and care for your skin.

ECO PACKAGING - We tread as lightly as we can on the earth. Our packaging is recyclable, biodegradable, compostable or reusable, and we avoid single-use plastics wherever possible. Caring for your skin should never come at the cost of caring for the planet.

HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND - We are a small family apothecary based on Scotland’s East Coast, beside the River Tay. Every product is made by hand in small batches, with care, gratitude and intention — a slow, thoughtful process that connects our hands, the land and your daily skincare ritual.

Find out more about our ethos and why we don't use certain ingredients…

INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) are systematic names internationally recognised to identify cosmetic ingredients.

INGREDIENTS: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil**, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil**, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Extract**, Citrus Sinensis (Blood Orange) Peel Oil, Boswellia Carterii Oil (Frankincense) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Limonene*, Geraniol*, Linalool*,

(* Naturally occurring in Essential Oils) (** Organic)

Organic Jojoba Oil - Properties;  antimicrobial, soothing, helps support the skin barrier, nail strength and softens dry skin

Argan Oil - Properties: High in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it deeply moisturises, adds shine and protects against oxidative stress.

Wheatgerm Oil - Properties: Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, it deeply nourishes, softens dry cuticles, and helps support healthy, resilient nails.

Grapeseed Oil - Properties; anti inflammatory; antimicrobial; improves skin’s elasticity and softness

Organic CO2 Rosehip Extract - Properties: Packed with antioxidants, carotenoids, and essential fatty acids, it helps condition cuticles, support skin regeneration, and improve the appearance of dry, damaged skin around the nails.

The information we provide on these natural ingredients is for information purposes only. We make no claim to cure or prevent any medical problem and this information is not intended to substitute medical advice. Some natural ingredients are not advised to take when pregnant or breastfeeding. Please contact your doctor, midwife or medical herbalist for advice.

There are fairies… and then there are the fairies of Scottish folklore 🌙

The Baobhan Sìth /Bavanshee (pronounced baa-van shee) was no dainty creature with gauzy wings. The old Highland tales tell of a woman of extraordinary beauty, appearing among the forests and lonely hills to those seeking female company — particularly to those whose hearts and intentions had wandered from home.

Enchanting and elegant, she appears beneath the moonlight and lures unsuspecting men closer. But the old stories always come with a warning or a lesson. For the Bavanshee was a vampiric fairy without fangs, and hidden beneath her graceful appearance were long, sharp nails with which she took what she desired.

The fairies of old Scotland were never simply good or evil. They were wild things — beautiful, dangerous, mysterious, and always deserving of respect.