Planet

Arcania Apothecary Ethos

We're changing the way the cosmetic industry treats people, products and the planet

True beauty is nurturing a person's whole being whilst respecting nature and each other, so our formulations are driven fundamentally by high quality natural ingredients. Quality is also defined by ethically sourced materials, partners and sustainable integrity within our own operation as well as all of our resources. 

We're one of the first of our kind - challenging industry standards for over 25 years, continuing to do so as we innovate, question and create efficacy and respect.

 “true beauty is found in the joy of nurturing not only our bodies, but all expressions of life on this planet”

- Richard Howard, Director, Founder & Master Perfumer

We’re always discovering new ways to be better to the planet

Our guide for true sustainability is planet Earth’s ecosystems in all their diversity. Respect for nature’s systems and how we can harmoniously create with them is at the core of our being, from formulation, raw materials, manufacturing, packaging and partners.

As a result, we aim for true sustainability in all our practices and are committed to recognising and eliminating anything from our practice that causes harm to all living beings and the planet. This includes:

  • 100% Renewable

    We have clear targets for using 100% renewable energy in our manufacturing process. We’re currently the only UK manufacturer with complete biofuel systems, saving up to 120 tonnes of carbon emission otherwise going into the atmosphere.

  • Our apothecary garden

    We are a working Apothecary Garden, producing plant isolates, hydrolats, extracts, infusions, macerates and tinctures, all of the highest potency. Using organic and biodynamic principles which specialise in the respect of every process, the plants we grow are nurtured through their journey with a deep understanding - from soil, seed, growth, harvest and preparation.

  • Fairtrade suppliers

    We support working with suppliers who are known and trusted and can qualify their ethical trading with fairtrade standards where possible. Our Managing Director has first-hand relationships with growers and producers. We choose ingredients cultivated & harvested using traditional, sustainable methods where possible.

  • No animal testing

    None of the products we manufacture are tested on animals and conform to all current EU regulations as set out in REGULATION (EC) No1223/2009 of the European Parliament and the council of 30 November on cosmetic products.

  • Cutting-edge packaging

    We strive to eliminate the use of single-use plastic. Our dedicated team are continually sourcing and researching cutting edge packaging partners to work with - most recently we’ve been working with UK grown mycelium packaging.

  • Against non-sustainable palm oil

    We do not buy palm oil as a standalone ingredient. It may be a fraction used within our botanically based compounds allowing us to avoid synthetic and petro-chemical alternatives. We are against the use of non-sustainable palm oil and our suppliers are members of the RSPO (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil).