Our Organic, Sustainable & Fair Trade Ingredients

The reason for this response is we went searching for solutions to our own health when I started making soap. It has take over 20 years to get to now, where ever bar of soap can be used by the highly sensitive asthmatic, without a reaction.

The place where we have achieved this wondrous feat of no coughing or itching, something no Doctor has been able to achieve, is where our skin care ingredients are natural, minimum nasty chemical and organic where possible. We choose sustainable raw ingredients which are specifically chosen to be free of chemical-laden nasties, like glyphosate, parabens and other problematic chemicals. In order to assist with the asthmatic's skin issues, we needed to think more along the lines of buying, or making, the Mona Lisa of soaps instead of continuing to try every offering out of the crayon box.

We know that refined vegetable oils found in most skin care products have been stripped of all natural antioxidants, they rapidly oxidize, generating large quantities of free radicals which may damage skin cells even more, so choose ingredients which have minimal processing. Our oils are cold pressed, preferably organic, minimal ecological impact. While primarily we produce vegan products, any animal products we use, fats, beeswax or milk, come from grass finished, minimal chemical or organic sources. We even distil our own water from our own bore, on top of the Great Dividing Range.

Every step in our process has been looked at to maximise end products which are free of nasties, gluten friendly, and what you might call Paleo, or, indeed, Mona Lisa.

The majority of the ingredients we use are from suppliers which have certified our ingredients are certified:-

This means what you will notice is there are no cheap supermarket oils, like rice bran, canola and safflower oils. Having lived on farms most of our lives, we know just how much chemical goes on these crops, so the oils ain't going in our soap!

Why go to this much trouble? While we are microbusiness, we prefer to do our small thing to make a difference in the lives of others, and leave the world a better place for us being here, and ticking all these pesky boxes makes for a better product.

And if you want to know what is in your Mona Lisa product, keep reading.

Even in ancient times, Almond Oil was considered an invaluable gift of nature, and today it's known as one of the most popular nut oils used in the world. Almond Oil is considered to be an all-purpose and non-irritable oil, and is prized for its excellent emollient, softening and nourishing benefits for dry/irritated skin. Rich in proteins and antioxidants, it contains Vitamins A, B and E, Omega 3, Magnesium, Calcium and Oleic & Linoleic acid. Suitable for all skin types, Almond Oil is fantastic for soothing dry, chapped and irritated skin. It can be used directly on the skin to moisturize hands, nails and cuticles, help improve skin complexion and assist in reducing dark circles around the eyes. This versatile oil can also be used as a hair 'mask' to help nourish and strengthen hair, and has also been known to help treat hair loss. Botanical Name: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis 

Safety: Should be avoided by those with nut allergies

Our Organic Aloe Vera Powder (200X) is a preservative free powder. It contains Minerals (such as Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium & Selenium), Vitamins (A, B, C, E, folic acid), Amino Acids and active components including enzymes and polysaccharides. Aloe Vera is renowned for its vast beneficial properties and has been used for treating skin complaints since ancient times. It has shown fantastic results when used to ease symptoms of acne, dermatitis &, psoriasis, and is also beneficial to sooth burns, stings, rashes and other skin irritations. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Aloe Vera is also noted for its effectiveness in reducing joint and muscle pains, as well as pain and swelling caused from arthritis. Its nourishing, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties also make Aloe Vera a great natural treatment for an itchy scalp and dry hair, assisting with reducing dandruff, and leaving your hair strong and healthy. Aloe Vera is widely used in a variety of cosmetic products such as sun care, hand & body lotions, bath & body products, shaving preparations, styling gels, hand sanitisers, shampoos & conditioners, cleansers and moisturisers. It is also used in various pharmaceutical products. INCI Name: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Obtained From: Inner Leaf/Fillet.

Apricot Kernel Oil is an excellent all-rounder oil that is highly nourishing, readily absorbed and well suited to all skin types (particularly dry, sensitive and mature skin). Often likened to Almond Sweet oil, Apricot Kernel Oil has a lot to offer when it comes to skin care. Rich in essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic), it also contains high levels of vitamins A and E, making it effective in after sun care products. Apricot kernel oil is rich in Vitamin K. Apricot Kernel Oil is effective to help soothe inflamed, irritated, chapped and dry skin, and acts as an excellent skin moisturiser. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for reducing signs of eczema and psoriasis, helping to decrease redness and itchiness – For best results, apply directly out of the shower (while skin is still soft). Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca

Argan Oil is mostly grown in Morocco under desert conditions. The oil is obtained from the wild grown seeds of the argan tree -Argania spinosa. Only fruits that have fallen from the tree are used in the oil production. It is a highly sought after oil due to its high concentration of oleic, lineoic and essential fatty acids. As it is only grown in specific areas, and considered one of the rarest oils, it now falls under the protection of UNESCO. Due to its regenerative, restoring, and strengthening capabilities, it is widely used in skin, hair and nail care products. Argan Oil provides powerful conditioning and strengthening benefits to dehydrated hair, as well as excellent moisturising properties to help restore and restructure dry, chapped skin. Botanical Name: Argania spinosa

Avocado Oil is obtained from the ripe fruits of the avocado tree (Persea americana) and is rich in unsaturated fatty acid content. It is especially high in oleic acid (Omega-9), linoleic acid (Omega-6), dermal palmitoleic acid, potassium, and vitamins A, B1, D & E. Avocado Oil is a rich and nourishing oil, and is one of the major bases for many cosmetic skin and body care products (bath lotions, skin moisturizers, creams, soaps etc.). It has an excellent hydrating effect and is highly spreadable. It penetrates well into the corneal layer of the skin due to the high content of oleic acid, and has a fantastic regenerative effect due to the skin-related fatty acids, making it very popular in anti-aging products. Botanical Name: Persea Americana. INCI Name: Persea Gratissima Oil

A truly magnificent product with a heavenly, honey-sweet scent. This beeswax is free from the pesticides, contaminants and other nasties commonly found on the plants the bees forage in and has been filtered without the use of harsh chemicals. Product:- Organic Hoof Balm - Thrush and Abscess.

Cocoa Butter is the pressed fat from the seeds, also known as Cacao Beans, of the Cocoa/Cacao Tree (Theobroma cacao L.). Cacao butter is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins E & K, stearic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. Cocoa Butter boasts nourishing, healing and moisturising properties and is suited to many applications including anti-wrinkle creams, soaps, hand creams, lip balms & glosses, skin balms, lotions, moisturisers, and in products to reduce the appearance and formation of stretch marks. Excellent for dry, cracked and damaged skin and has been known to help prevent skin irritations. INCI Name: Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter.

Our Organic, Virgin Coconut Oil is hexane free. The many benefits of this oil have seen it become a prominent ingredient in skin products around the world. Coconut Oil is highly valued when it comes to skincare as it is an excellent moisturiser and softener. When applied topically, it penetrates and absorbs easily into the skin without clogging the pores. For this reason, it can be particularly useful for soothing various skin conditions such as psoriasis, blisters and sunburn, as well as dry and cracked skin. It is also a prominent ingredient in natural shaving creams, skin exfoliants, and soaps; in fact, it is commonly used in Cold Process Soap Making as it lathers well. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is also highly valued in haircare as it has been seen to boost volume, shine and growth, while eliminating dandruff. Botanical Name: Cocos nucifera

Glycerine, also known as Glycerin or Glycerol, is an invaluable vegetable derived natural ingredient. With emollient like properties, which can soften and soothe the skin, it also works as a humectant and assists with retaining moisture in the skin. Glycerine is a very effective moisturiser and can be used directly on the skin to hydrate and help ease dry, rough, cracked and irritated skin. It is also commonly used to treat oily skin conditions (such as acne), skin infections, wrinkles, redness and fine lines. Also known for its ability to stimulate our skin cells to rejuvenate them, making it an excellent skin healer, Glycerine can help ease skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis, and can even help to heal bruises quicker by helping the tissue and cells to repair themselves. INCI Name: Glycerol

Jojoba Oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is actually liquid wax rather than an oil, and it closely resembles the sebum of the skin. It is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin E and B, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that work together to help repair damaged skin cells, fight premature ageing and provide long lasting moisture and hydration for the skin. It penetrates easily into the skin, and is well suited for all skin types, but particularly sensitive, oily and combination skin. An effective moisturiser, it is excellent for treating signs of ageing, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Jojoba Oil is also used in many haircare products due to its conditioning properties which help to keep hair soft, shiny and hydrated. Botanical Name: Simmondsia Chinensis

Macadamia Oil is high in mono-unsaturated fatty acids and palmitoleic acid (promotes soft skin) as well as Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. It is a highly nourishing oil for mature and ageing skin. This this non pore-clogging and non-irritating oil is well known for its components that combine with skin lipids to condition and nourish, leaving skin smooth and soft and providing a protective barrier against moisture loss. An excellent oil to add to your daily personal skincare regime as it has been known to provide positive results within a short period of time. Minor skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema have been known to respond well to this oil. Botanical Name: Macadamia Integrifolia.

Safety: Should be avoided by those with nut allergies

Mango Butter contains a high content of Omega 6 and C18:0 and C18:11 fatty acids. It is semi-solid at room temperature but melts on skin contact and disperses evenly. It is often used to soften, smooth and moisturize dry skin, treat burns, reduce scars and heal other skin conditions. It forms a non-greasy barrier on the skin. Ingredients: 100% Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter. INCI Name: Mangifera Indica Seed Butter

Cold Pressed Olive Oil Extra Virgin – Non-Organic and Certified Organic

Olive Oil is obtained from the pressed fruit of the olive tree, which is mainly cultivated in Mediterranean countries, especially in Spain, Italy and Greece, with a strong Australian industry. It is loaded with natural fatty acids, minerals, vitamin E & A and antioxidants (polyphenols, and phytosterols). It has a characteristic fresh fruit-like aroma. Olive Oil is a very popular oil used personal care products. It is commonly used in anti-aging and moisturising skin care products. Great for assisting with symptoms of eczema and psoriasis, softening and hydrating cracked heels, reducing stretch marks, and conditioning cuticles to grow longer, stronger nails. As a hair and scalp treatment, Olive Oil can be very beneficial and is said to have been used since ancient times. Our EVOO is a product of either Spain or Australia. Botanical Name: Olea europaea L.

Palm oil Is a controversial and often unfairly maligned ingredient. Palm oil is a staple of the natives of many tropical countries, to take it out of their diets and economies would be catastrophic, yet demonised in the west because of irresponsible, unsustainable harvesting which brings great environmental harm. Where grown and harvested sustainably, Palm oil is a boon, so we choose to use RSPO Palm Oil. Our Palm Oil is proudly certified as sustainable by the RSPO Credit Purchase program. We are proud to offer a product that helps minimize the negative impact of palm oil cultivation on the environment and communities in palm oil-producing regions. By purchasing our products made with certified sustainable Palm Oil, you are supporting increased biodiversity, the conservation of significant cultural areas, reduced use of pesticides and fires, fair treatment of workers, poverty reduction and constructive dialogue with local communities.

Palm oil has a well balanced fatty acid composition, in which the level of saturatted fatty acids is almost the same as the amount of unsaturated fatty acids. Palmitic acid makes up 44-45% with oleic acid being 39-40% with linoleic acid being 10-11%. A trace amount of linolenic acid rounds out the profile to produce a very stable oil, not readily prone to oxidation. Rich in vitamin E and tocotrienol, Palm Oil fights free radicals in our body to prevent cell damage, eliminate wrinkles and reduce scars, burns and spots. The significant vitamin A content of this oil can promote skin elasticity, blood circulation and cell regeneration, while protecting the skin from UV damage. It creates a hard bar of soap with good conditioning qualities while maintaining a mildness to the finished product. Also includes antioxidant - Alpha-Tocopherol (307)  Botanical Name: Elaeis guineensis INCI: Elaeis Guineensis Oil. CAS Number: 8002-75-3
Product:- Soaps.

Pomegranate Oil is a highly valuable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the pomegranate, and boasts powerful regenerative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-microbial properties. Due to its richness in essential fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols (Vitamin E). Used in skin care, Pomegranate Oil is moisturising, revitalising, restoring, nourishing and soothing. It is known to help boost collagen production, enhance skin elasticity, balance sebum (oil) levels, reduce the appearance of scars, fight off free radicals (reverse and repair wrinkles and skin damage), and reduce symptoms of acne. Pomegranate Oil is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin due its ability to help unclog pores. It provides lasting moisture without leaving a greasy residue or clogging pores. Pomegranate Oil is also used widely in hair care. Main Constituents: Punicic Acid (Omega 5), Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Phytosterols, Tocopherols (Vitamin E). Botanical Name: Punica granatum.

Rosehip Oil contains a high percentage of essential fatty acids, omega-3 & 6 and vitamin A, and is produced from the Rosa Canina fruit and seeds. It is well known for its healing & regenerating properties, and has been proven beneficial and extremely effective in the treatment of scars, inflamed skin conditions, dry skin, burns, stretch marks and wrinkles. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory and may assist with reducing itchy, dry and irritated skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Botanical Name: Rosa Canina. Other Names: Rosa Canina Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil.

Shea Butter is obtained from the Shea-Karite Tree (or Shea Tree) which is native to West Africa, and is traditionally used in African skin & hair care. It is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F, and is said to offer a mild sun protection factor (approximately SPF 6). It is solid at room temperature but softens when warmed and on contact with skin. Shea Butter is rich in fats, making it a fantastic moisturiser for dry and ageing skin, and is commonly used for the treatment of various skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and blemishes. It is also useful in helping to reduce the appearance of scars, hives, rashes, fine lines and wrinkles, whilst strengthening, protecting and regenerating the skin. Experiments show that it also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Our pure Shea Butter is cold pressed using a traditional hand extraction method. It has then been refined to remove the odour, whilst retaining its properties. Ingredients: Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter. INCI Name: Butyrospermum Parkii (Vitellaria paradoxa) Other Names: Karite Butter, African Butter

Sunflower Oil is obtained from the ripe fruit of the Sunflower plant and contains a vast amount of minerals, essential fatty acids (linoleic and oleic) and Vitamins A, B, D, E & K. It is readily absorbed into the skin and is an excellent moisturiser and emollient, as well as possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and regenerating properties. When used topically, sunflower oil can act as a protective layer on the skin, and can even help to heal or prevent skin infections. Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus Liné.