15% Off Your First Order - Applied At Checkout
Get 15% Off
Sign up to hear about new products, restocks, and the occasional note on what we're working on. As a thank you, we'll send you 15% off your first order.
Get 15% Off
Pure, Gentle & Honest
Our Ingredients Promise
Ingredients with Integrity
Every ingredient we use is chosen for a reason, not simply because it's natural, but because it does something the skin can actually benefit from. Skin is the body's largest organ and its first line of defence, which is why we source ECOCERT and COSMOS-approved botanicals wherever we can, and think carefully about what earns a place in a Kindred Apothecary formula.
A Commitment to Transparency
Our approach leans toward restraint rather than addition. If an ingredient doesn't serve a clear purpose, it doesn't make it into the bottle. That means no synthetic fragrance, no harsh detergents, and no additives included simply because they're common elsewhere. What remains is a shorter, more considered list, plant-based ingredients selected to support skin that is delicate, reactive, or simply in need of everyday care.
Scented Rituals, or None at All
Skin needs vary, so our range does too. Some formulas are gently infused with pure essential oils, chosen to work alongside the skin rather than mask it. Others are left entirely unscented, a straightforward option for anyone who prefers their skincare without fragrance, whether by preference or necessity.
Made in Melbourne
Every product, from our pH-balanced washes to our restorative barrier creams, is formulated and made by hand in Melbourne. We combine established skin science with the more traditional, considered pace of apothecary-style formulation, the result is skincare built on ingredient-level thinking, made close to home.
Ingredients Glossary
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice)
Pressed from the fleshy inner leaf of the aloe plant, this juice has been used for centuries to calm and hydrate the skin. It carries a naturally light, watery texture and a wealth of trace minerals, including potassium, which support the skin's own moisture balance. A dependable choice for sensitive or easily irritated skin, including for the youngest members of the family.
Aqua (Water)
The foundation of most of our formulas, purified water carries active ingredients into the skin and helps create the light textures our creams and washes are known for. Simple as it sounds, the quality of water used has a real bearing on how a formula feels and performs.
Benzyl Alcohol
Not to be confused with drying alcohols such as isopropyl or SD alcohol, this naturally occurring compound is found in fruits like apricots and cranberries. In our formulas, it works as a mild, ECOCERT-approved preservative, helping to keep products safe and stable without compromising their gentleness.
Bergamot Oil (Citrus Bergamia)
Cold-pressed from the peel of the bergamot orange, grown chiefly in the Calabria region of southern Italy, this oil carries a bright citrus character with a subtle floral, almost tea-like note, the same quality that gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive scent.
Black Spruce Leaf Oil (Picea Mariana)
Steam-distilled from the needles of the black spruce, a conifer native to the boreal forests of North America, this oil carries a deep, balsamic scent reminiscent of a walk through pine woods. Traditionally associated with a revitalising, grounding effect, it adds a resinous depth to our forest-inspired blends.
Camphor Bark Oil (Cinnamomum Camphora)
Distilled from the bark of the camphor tree, this oil is known for the brief, cooling sensation it creates on contact with skin, followed by a gentle warmth. It has long been used in traditional muscle rubs for exactly this reason, making it a natural fit for our Heat Balm.
Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia Cerifera)
Harvested from a small desert shrub native to Mexico and the southern United States, candelilla wax gives our balms their structure and slip. It is entirely plant-derived, offering the same texture-building properties as beeswax without involving bees — a detail that matters to many of the families we make for.
Cedarwood Bark Oil (Cedrus Atlantica)
Steam-distilled from the bark of the Atlas cedar, this oil carries a warm, woody scent that lingers gently rather than announcing itself. Traditionally valued for its grounding, calming character, it rounds out our more restorative blends with quiet depth.
Cetearyl Olivate (Plant-Based Emulsifier)
Derived from olive oil, this plant-based emulsifier is what allows water and oil to combine smoothly in our creams, rather than separating on the shelf or on skin. Its olive origin means it also brings a light conditioning quality of its own.
Cetyl Alcohol (Plant-Derived Texture Enhancer)
A fatty alcohol derived from plant oils, cetyl alcohol is unrelated to the drying alcohols found in some skincare, and behaves quite differently on skin. It thickens our creams and lends them a smooth, velvety finish that spreads easily without feeling greasy.
Chamomile Flower Oil, Roman (Anthemis Nobilis)
Distilled from the small, daisy-like flowers of the Roman chamomile plant, this oil is prized for its soothing character. It has a long history of use on delicate or reactive skin, and brings a soft, herbal note to formulas designed with sensitivity in mind.
Citric Acid
Naturally present in citrus fruits, citric acid is used in small measures to fine-tune the pH of a formula so that it sits comfortably with the skin's own natural balance. It plays a supporting role rather than a starring one, but an important one nonetheless.
Clary Sage Oil (Salvia Sclarea)
Steam-distilled from the flowering tops of the clary sage plant, this oil has a herbaceous, slightly nutty aroma quite distinct from culinary sage. It has traditionally been valued for its calming, balancing character, making it a natural fit for formulas designed to support rest.
Clove Bud Oil (Eugenia Caryophyllus)
Steam-distilled from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, this oil carries a warm, spiced character that has been used in traditional remedies for generations. In our Heat Balm, it lends both scent and a comforting sense of warmth to areas of tension.
Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride)
This is a fractionated form of coconut oil, meaning the heavier fatty acids have been removed, leaving a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil that stays liquid at room temperature. It softens and conditions the skin without the heaviness sometimes associated with whole coconut oil.
Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)
Pressed from the flesh of the coconut, this is the whole, unfractionated oil valued for its rich conditioning properties. In our hand wash, it works alongside plant-derived cleansers to leave hands feeling washed rather than stripped.
Copaiba Resin Oil (Copaifera Officinalis)
Tapped sustainably from the trunk of the Copaiba tree, native to the Amazon basin, this resin oil has a long history of use in South American herbal traditions for its calming, balancing effect on skin. It adds a grounding, resinous note to our Heat Balm.
Decyl Glucoside
Made from plant sugars and coconut or corn-derived fatty alcohols, this gentle cleansing agent is known for producing a soft lather without the harshness of sulphate-based surfactants. It is a common choice in formulas intended for sensitive or young skin.
Dehydroacetic Acid
Working alongside benzyl alcohol, this naturally derived preservative is approved under both ECOCERT and COSMOS organic standards. Its role is simple but essential: keeping our water-based formulas fresh and free from unwanted microbial growth.
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera Biennis)
Cold-pressed from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, this oil is notably rich in gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid known to support the skin's barrier function. It has a light texture that absorbs readily, making it well suited to formulas for dry or compromised skin.
Eucalyptus Leaf Oil (Eucalyptus Radiata)
Steam-distilled from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, this variety is known for a cleaner, milder profile than some other eucalyptus species, with a fresh, camphoraceous aroma. It brings a clarifying, invigorating quality to our Heat Balm, complementing the warming notes of ginger and camphor.
Fir Needle Oil (Abies Alba)
Steam-distilled from the needles of the white fir, a tree native to the mountain forests of Central Europe, this oil carries a crisp, resinous scent often described as similar to walking through a pine forest. It brings a fresh, uplifting quality to our forest-inspired blends.
Fragonia Leaf Oil (Agonis Fragrans)
A relatively recent discovery from the coastal woodlands of Western Australia, Fragonia comes from a shrub related to tea tree and eucalyptus, though its aroma is notably softer. It offers a balanced, fresh-green character valued for being gentle enough for frequent use while still feeling invigorating.
Ginger Root Oil (Zingiber Officinale)
Steam-distilled from fresh ginger root, this essential oil is warming by nature and has long featured in traditional muscle-easing preparations across many cultures. Its spiced, earthy aroma pairs naturally with camphor and eucalyptus in our Heat Balm.
Glycerin (Plant-Based Humectant)
A plant-derived humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin and helps it stay there. Found naturally in vegetable oils, glycerin is one of the most well-studied and reliably effective hydrating ingredients in skincare, and a mainstay across our range.
Grapeseed Oil (Vitis Vinifera)
A by-product of winemaking, grapeseed oil is pressed from the seeds left over after grapes are crushed — a practical example of using the whole plant rather than letting parts go to waste. It is light, quick to absorb, and rich in linoleic acid, which supports a healthy skin barrier.
Green Tea Seed Oil (Camellia Sinensis)
Pressed from the seeds of the same plant that gives us green tea, this oil is naturally rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It has a fine, lightweight texture that absorbs without residue, making it a quiet workhorse in our body and hand formulas.
Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)
Technically a liquid wax rather than a true oil, jojoba closely mirrors the composition of skin's own natural sebum. This similarity is what allows it to absorb so readily, helping to balance and condition without ever feeling heavy.
Lavender Oil (Lavandula Angustifolia)
Grown widely across the Mediterranean and distilled from its purple flower spikes, Bulgarian lavender is considered among the finest for its calming, well-rounded aroma. Long associated with rest and relaxation, it is a natural choice for formulas designed to wind the day down.
Lemon Peel Oil (Citrus Limon)
Cold-pressed from fresh lemon peel, this oil has the bright, zesty aroma most people immediately recognise. Its clean, uplifting character makes it a natural complement to other citrus and herbaceous notes across our range.
Macadamia Seed Oil (Macadamia Integrifolia)
Cold-pressed from macadamia nuts, this oil is notable for its high oleic acid content, which closely resembles the fatty acids found in human skin. It absorbs easily and is particularly well suited to supporting skin elasticity through the changes of pregnancy.
Note: contains macadamia nut oil and is not suitable for those with a known macadamia nut allergy.
Mandarin Peel Oil (Citrus Reticulata)
Cold-pressed from the peel of the mandarin, a smaller and sweeter relative of the orange, this essential oil offers a gentle, uplifting citrus note without the sharper edge of some other citrus oils. It is often considered one of the more family-friendly citrus scents, being both mild and widely well tolerated.
Mango Seed Butter (Mangifera Indica)
Pressed from the large seed at the centre of the mango fruit, this butter is softer and lighter than shea, melting readily into the skin. It brings a rich, cushioning texture to our body butters while helping to reinforce the skin's moisture barrier.
Menthol
Derived from mint plants, menthol produces a distinct cooling sensation on contact with skin by activating the same receptors that respond to cold. Paired with warming ingredients like ginger and camphor, it contributes to the layered sensory effect of our Heat Balm.
Olive Oil (Olea Europaea)
One of the oldest recorded skincare ingredients, olive oil has been valued since antiquity for its softening, conditioning qualities. In our hand wash, it works alongside its own oil-derived cleanser to help offset the drying effect that washing can otherwise have.
Petitgrain Leaf Oil (Citrus Aurantium Amara)
Distilled not from fruit but from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, petitgrain has a green, slightly woody character quite different from citrus peel oils. It is traditionally associated with a calming effect, and adds complexity to floral and citrus blends alike.
Potassium Citrate
A mineral salt derived from citric acid, used in small amounts to help balance the pH of our formulas so they remain gentle and comfortable on skin, even with frequent use.
Potassium Cocoate
Made by combining coconut oil with a plant-derived alkali, potassium cocoate is a mild, soap-like cleanser that produces a soft lather. It cleanses effectively while being formulated to avoid the tight, stripped feeling associated with harsher detergents.
Potassium Oleate
Derived from olive oil in much the same way potassium cocoate is derived from coconut, this gentle cleanser works alongside it in our hand wash to balance cleansing power with skin comfort.
Rosalina Leaf Oil (Melaleuca Ericifolia)
Native to the wetlands of southeastern Australia, Rosalina is a gentler relative of tea tree, with a soft, floral-camphoraceous aroma rather than the sharper medicinal note tea tree is known for. It is often chosen for formulas intended for children or sensitive skin, thanks to its mild, well-tolerated character.
Rose Geranium Flower Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens)
Steam-distilled from the leaves and stems of the geranium plant, this oil has a soft, rosy floral scent with a subtly green undertone. It is traditionally regarded as balancing for the skin, and pairs well with citrus notes in body oils and butters.
Rosehip Fruit Oil (Rosa Canina)
Cold-pressed from the seeds of wild rose hips, this oil is notably rich in essential fatty acids and naturally occurring vitamin A. Its deep orange-red hue is a visual sign of its high carotenoid content, prized for supporting skin renewal.
Rosemary Leaf Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Steam-distilled from the needle-like leaves of the rosemary shrub, this essential oil carries a fresh, herbaceous aroma often associated with clarity and focus. It brings an invigorating quality to our restorative hand cream, balancing the deeper notes of cedarwood.
Sea Salt (Sodium Chloride)
A simple mineral salt used in small quantities to help fine-tune the texture and consistency of our wash formulas, allowing us to avoid synthetic thickening agents.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)
Extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, this butter has been used for generations across West Africa for its rich, emollient properties. It melts at body temperature, allowing it to spread easily while forming a protective layer that helps skin retain moisture.
Sodium Phytate (Plant-Based Chelating Agent)
Derived from rice, sodium phytate is a plant-based chelating agent, meaning it helps keep the other ingredients in a formula stable over time by binding trace minerals that might otherwise cause a product to break down or discolour.
Sorbitan Olivate (Plant-Based Emulsifier)
A second olive-derived emulsifier that works in tandem with cetearyl olivate to keep our creams smooth and stable. Together, they allow us to avoid synthetic, petroleum-derived emulsifying agents.
Spearmint Leaf Oil (Mentha Spicata)
Steam-distilled from spearmint leaves, this oil has a sweeter, softer minty character than peppermint, without the intense cooling sharpness of menthol-heavy oils. Its light, fresh scent brings a lift to blends without overpowering other notes.
Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus)
Pressed from sunflower seeds, this oil is high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid that plays a key role in maintaining the skin's protective barrier. Its light, easily absorbed texture makes it a foundation across much of our range, from body oils to creams.
Sweet Orange Peel Oil (Citrus Sinensis)
Cold-pressed from fresh orange peel, this oil offers a bright, familiar citrus scent along with a good concentration of naturally occurring antioxidants. It is one of the gentler citrus oils, making it a popular choice for family-friendly formulas.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
A naturally occurring antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect the oils within our formulas from oxidising over time, extending their freshness. It also contributes a light conditioning benefit of its own when applied to the skin.
Vanilla Fruit Extract (Vanilla Planifolia)
Drawn from the seed pods of the vanilla orchid, this extract lends a warm, comforting sweetness to our formulas without relying on synthetic fragrance. Its familiar scent is one many associate with comfort, making it a popular note in formulas for both adults and children.
Xanthan Gum
Produced through the natural fermentation of plant sugars, xanthan gum is used in small amounts to give our creams their smooth, spreadable consistency. It is a common and well-tolerated thickener across natural formulations.
Ylang Ylang Flower Oil (Cananga Odorata)
Steam-distilled from the flowers of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, ylang ylang has a rich, exotic floral aroma traditionally valued for its balancing, calming character. Used sparingly, it lends warmth and depth to floral blends without overwhelming them.
Contact Us
Got questions?
Email usWholesale or trade enquiries?
Complete this formLive Chat? Available Mon-Fri.
Chat with us© 2026,
Kindred Apothecary.Kindred Apothecary | Family-Friendly Skincare | Botanical Remedies | Made in Melbourne, Australia
Acknowledgment of Country: We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
