CRABTREE & EVELYN

Introduction

Crabtree & Evelyn was founded in 1972 by Cyrus Harvey, who was inspired by the traditional apothecary shops of Europe. The brand is named after the Crabtree tree, known for its historical use in herbal remedies, and Evelyn, which evokes a sense of timeless beauty. Their vision was to create a sanctuary of natural beauty, focusing on providing quality products derived from botanical ingredients. As they began to grow, the brand attracted a loyal following that appreciated its roots in nature and its dedication to crafting high-quality skincare and home fragrance products.

At the core of Crabtree & Evelyn's philosophy is a commitment to authenticity and sustainability. They emphasize the importance of natural ingredients, often using botanicals sourced from gardens and farms worldwide. The brand's ethos reflects a deep respect for nature, promoting a lifestyle that embraces wellness and mindfulness. This dedication to the environment and sustainability resonates with consumers looking for responsible and ethical choices in their personal care products.

What makes Crabtree & Evelyn truly special is its blend of tradition and innovation. The brand draws inspiration from historical recipes while embracing modern technology to create effective formulations. Their products are not only luxurious but are also designed to evoke a sensory experience, often transporting users to lush gardens and tranquil landscapes. This unique combination of heritage, sustainability, and sensory pleasure has set Crabtree & Evelyn apart in the competitive world of beauty and personal care.

Signature Products

Crabtree & Evelyn's products exemplify the brand's dedication to quality and nature, offering consumers a holistic approach to self-care. The thoughtfully crafted formulations showcase the beauty of botanical ingredients and the brand's ethos of sustainability.

• Gardeners Hand Therapy : A rich hand cream designed to nourish and protect hands, particularly those exposed to hardworking environments.
• Rosewater Hand Therapy : Infused with the delicate scent of rosewater, this hand cream softens and hydrates dry skin.
• La Source Body Lotion : A refreshing and moisturizing lotion, inspired by ocean breezes, designed to renew skin’s vitality.
• Pomegranate & Argan Oil : A luxurious oil that hydrates and revitalizes skin, packed with antioxidants for a youthful glow.
• Citron Hand Wash : A zesty, invigorating hand wash that cleanses and refreshes, leaving hands delicately scented.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Crabtree & Evelyn

• Glycerin : Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Crabtree & Evelyn incorporates this ingredient in their formulations to enhance the moisturizing properties of their products and to promote smoother, softer skin.
• Shea Butter : Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is known for its rich, emollient properties and is used in Crabtree & Evelyn's products to nourish and protect the skin, providing a luxurious and creamy texture that enhances overall skin hydration.
• Parfum/Fragrance : This ingredient refers to the blend of aromatic compounds used to create the scent of a product. Crabtree & Evelyn utilizes fragrance to enhance the sensory experience of their products, making them more appealing and enjoyable for the user.
• Niacinamide : Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is an ingredient known for its brightening and anti-aging benefits. Crabtree & Evelyn uses it in their formulations to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and boost overall radiance, catering to consumers looking for multifaceted skincare solutions.
• Squalane : Squalane is a lightweight oil derived from squalene, which occurs naturally in the skin. Crabtree & Evelyn incorporates squalane into their products for its excellent moisturizing properties, helping to provide hydration without leaving a greasy residue, ideal for a range of skin types.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Crabtree & Evelyn

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration.

Deforestation:

Deforestation is a critical environmental issue linked to the production of ingredients like glycerin and shea butter, often derived from plant sources. For example, palm oil used in glycerin production is a major driver of deforestation, leading to habitat loss and the decline of biodiversity in rainforests, particularly in Southeast Asia. The removal of forests not only threatens species such as orangutans and tigers but also contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, exacerbating climate change.

Energy Consumption:

High energy consumption is a concern in the processing of ingredients like glycerin and niacinamide. The production facilities for these chemicals often rely on fossil fuels, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the chemical synthesis process for niacinamide requires substantial heat and electricity, contributing to a product's overall carbon footprint and impacting climate change.

Water Use:

The manufacturing of some ingredients, such as glycerin and hydroxyethylcellulose, requires considerable water resources, contributing to water scarcity in certain areas. For example, glycerin refinement can use excessive amounts of water, straining local supplies and affecting the ecosystem's ability to support wildlife and agriculture.

Chemical Pollution:

Many ingredients like Parfum/Fragrance, niacinamide, cetearyl alcohol, and cocamidopropyl betaine are associated with chemical pollution. These substances often end up in water bodies, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. The residue from these chemicals can lead to the formation of toxic compounds, affecting marine life and, eventually, human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood.

Health Hazards:

Some ingredients raise health concerns either during their production or through their use in products. Parfum/Fragrance and cocamidopropyl betaine have been reported to cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivities in some individuals. Additionally, workers in the fragrance industry may be exposed to harmful chemicals during manufacturing, leading to long-term health risks.

Waste:

Parfum/Fragrance production generates a significant amount of waste, including solvent emissions and chemical byproducts that require careful disposal to prevent environmental contamination. Mismanagement of these wastes can lead to soil and water pollution, posing threats to human and wildlife health.

Animal Welfare:

The sourcing of squalane, traditionally derived from shark liver oil, raises substantial animal welfare concerns. Overharvesting sharks for their livers endangers several species, disrupting marine ecosystems. While plant-based alternatives exist, transitioning entirely to them is crucial to mitigating this impact.

Overharvesting:

Overharvesting of natural resources, such as plants used for shea butter, can result in biodiversity loss and the depletion of local ecosystems. Unsustainable harvesting practices lead to a decline in available plant species, affecting local communities reliant on these resources for their livelihoods and cultural practices.

Labor Exploitation:

The production of some natural ingredients, like shea butter, involves labor exploitation, particularly of women in Africa who typically work under poor conditions for minimal pay. Efforts to ensure fair trade practices are essential to protecting workers’ rights and improving their quality of life.

Plastic Pollution:

Materials like polyethylene, often used in packaging, contribute significantly to plastic pollution because they are non-biodegradable. Polyethylene can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, accumulating as waste in landfills and oceans. This accumulation harms marine life, with animals mistaking plastics for food and suffering from ingestion or entanglement.

Non-Biodegradability:

Polyethylene's non-biodegradability presents a long-term environmental concern. While it offers durability and flexibility in packaging, its resistance to decomposition results in extensive pollution. Efforts to replace polyethylene with biodegradable options or improve recycling infrastructure are crucial to addressing this issue.

Fossil Fuel Dependency:

Polyethylene production relies heavily on fossil fuels, a finite resource. This dependency not only contributes to carbon emissions but also accelerates resource depletion. Transitioning to renewable-based alternatives is necessary to lessen environmental impacts and enhance sustainability.