Origins
Originally made for the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy. A chance use on dry and damaged hands after a day in the garden left them soft, smooth and nourished, introducing this lovely cream as a multi-functional product.
History
One of our earliest creations, this was made in 2001 for the prevention of stretch marks, with excellent results. 10 years later, a fluke use as a hand moisturiser on gardener's hands showed its abilities went beyond this. Originally known as Stretch Mark Cream, the name changed to suit its new use in 2011, to Gardener's Moisturiser, then again to Gardener's Hand Cream in 2020, to more accurately describe the product. 20 years on, the recipe hasn't changed, with the exception of switching to an olive based emulsifying wax, and a preservative made from the NZ native Totara tree.
Ingredients
Rose hydrosol, avocado and rosehip oils, calendula infused oil, shea butter, plant-based emulsifying wax and glycerin, Totarol k7, rosemary antioxidant & lavender true, rosewood, neroli, geranium bourbon and mandarin essential oils.
Texture
A silky, smooth texture. An almost greasy skin feel initially, which disappears once rubbed in.
Fragrance
In the jar it has a well-balanced aroma with sweet and floral notes. On the skin the citrus notes develop enhancing the balance of the aroma - this may vary between people, much as perfumes can smell different on different people.
Use
Start with a quantity the size of an NZ 10c coin, and apply more only if needed. Use to nourish hands after gardening or other jobs which are hard on the hands, or to prevent stretch marks. Also works well as a general moisturiser for the body. It's not the best choice for the face - you may find the aroma too strong, or the product too heavy. Try Day Cream or Ageless Skin Moisturiser for the face.
Best refrigerated, or as an alternative, somewhere which stays cool all the time (bathrooms and heated rooms not advised). Storing in cool temperatures helps to prevent early deterioration of the natural ingedients, which are prone to oxidation (reacting with oxygen, which leads to it spoiling).
Safety
Safe for use on children over 5 years (not on the hands or face) through to the elderly. Generally non-irritating, but a patch test is advised for people with sensitive skin. Avoid using prior to exposure to the sun.
Order Gardener's Hand Cream.
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