Simplí is a Gaelic word for simple and straightforward. I strive to create basic, “good for you” skin products with natural, responsibly cultivated, high-quality ingredients such as organic and essential oils and butters, herbs, spices and clays. A variety of liquids are incorporated into soaps—such as wine, beer, aloe, ocean water, tea and coconut milk (among a lot of other options)—for what they bring to the final product such as creamy or bubbly lathers.

For many people the comparison between artisan and mass-produced products is a no-brainer: Simple ingredients without parabens, phthalates, synthetic hardeners and chemicals just seems to make sense when it comes to our skin. I make mostly vegan products in small batches; I say mostly because sometimes I include honey, beeswax or organic Greek yogurt. Only the finest plant-based butters and oils available are selected (organic whenever possible) with a variety of skin-loving benefits. Some favorites: olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, almond oil, shea butter, avocado oil, cocoa butter, mango butter, safflower oil, rice bran oil…just to name a few.

Herb, root and spice infusions as well as clays are used for many product colorants, with mica powders occasionally used; these are finely ground minerals with cosmetic-grade colorants and pigments (Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act-approved as safe). Cosmetic-grade fragrance oils are also sometimes used, as some people want a scent with more longevity or request scents that are not found organically/in nature. Every fragrance oil is phthalate-free.

All products are made in small batches—using my tested recipes—incorporating the best-quality ingredients that feel good and smell good. Bottom line is that we all want our skin to feel amazing…simplí.