Why Natural Ingredients Matter

Why Natural Ingredients Matter

There’s something comforting about using ingredients you can pronounce.

Calendula. Shea Butter. Jojoba Oil. These aren’t just labels — they’re real plants with healing histories, grown in the same soils that nourish our families. At Manna and Me, we don’t use natural ingredients because they’re trendy. We use them because they work — especially for sensitive, reactive, and eczema-prone skin.

Our products are made in small batches — from our nourishing face and hair oil to healing balm— each one intentionally created to protect, soothe and support skin that needs extra care.

What Makes Natural Ingredients So Effective?

  • They protect and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
  • They offer real, functional benefits — soothing inflammation, locking in moisture, and reducing irritation.
  • They're rich in nutrients: antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, and healing plant compounds.
  • They carry stories — of land, people, and tradition.

But let's be clear: natural doesn’t mean untested. Just because its natural, doesn't mean it's best for all skin types or effective in any concentration. Every ingredient we use is researched, tested, and safe — because our products are used by real families, with real skin sensitivities. 

Ingredients We Love (and Why Your Skin Will, Too)

Butters That Nourish Deeply

  • Shea Butter – A barrier-repairing butter rich in vitamins A and E, used to calm eczema and dry skin.
  • Cocoa Butter – Deeply moisturising, protective, and part of what gives our balm its silky texture.
  • Mango Butter – A lighter butter that absorbs easily (perfect for baby body butters).

Oils That Soothe, Soften, and Protect

  • Marula Oil – Lightweight, vitamin-rich, and ideal for sensitive and dry skin.
  • Jojoba Oil – Balances the skin’s natural oils and supports hydration without clogging pores.
  • Grapeseed Oil – Fast-absorbing and gentle for daily use, even on little ones.
  • Moringa Oil – A nutrient-dense oil known for reducing inflammation and nourishing stressed skin.
  • Kalahari Melon Seed Oil – Rich in essential fatty acids, deeply moisturizing but non-greasy — great for eczema-prone or delicate skin.
  • Sour Fig Extract – Traditionally used to calm burns and rashes, this indigenous succulent helps soothe and hydrate.
  • Sunflower Oil – Non-comedogenic, rich in vitamin E
  • Comfrey-Infused Oil – A skin-healing herb used to calm irritation and support recovery.

Healing Botanicals & Indigenous Extracts

  • Calendula – A gentle flower known for calming inflammation and speeding up skin repair.
  • Impepho (Helichrysum) – A treasured African plant with anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
  • Pelargonium (Rose Geranium) – Adds a soft floral note and helps tone and calm the skin.
  • Chamomile – Gentle and calming — perfect for all ages and skin types.

💚A Note on Devil’s Claw
Our Face Vream and some of our future products may contain Devil’s Claw extract for its soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult your healthcare provider when unsure.

Our Supporting Ingredients

  • Beeswax – Seals in moisture and provides protection against irritation.
  • Aloe Vera – Cools, hydrates, and supports inflamed or sun-exposed skin.
  • Vitamin E – A natural antioxidant that helps extend shelf life and supports skin healing.

Rooted in Nature, Designed for Real Life

At Manna and Me, we believe in:

  • Ingredients you can trace
  • Formulas that serve every stage of life
  • Safe skincare made with upcycled and local botanicals
  • No parabens, synthetic fragrance, or unnecessary fillers. We've chosen not to use palm oil, or phenoxyethanol.

We’re proud to support biodiversity through our Skin Food Garden, where we grow ingredients like Impepho, Calendula, Sour Fig, and Pelargonium — because where something comes from matters just as much as what it does.

DIY: Simple Calendula-Infused Oil

Here’s a way to bring nature into your own home:

You’ll need:

  • Dried calendula petals
  • Grapeseed or sunflower oil
  • A clean glass jar

Steps:

  1. Fill the jar halfway with petals.
  2. Cover completely with oil.
  3. Let it sit for 2–3 weeks in a warm spot, shaking gently each day.
  4. Strain and store in a clean bottle.

Use it on its own or blend into your own balm for dry patches or baby massage.

Transparency Is Our Love Language

If you're ever unsure about an ingredient, just ask. We’ll always tell you what’s inside, why it’s there, and whether it’s safe for you and your family.

Because natural should never mean mysterious — it should mean thoughtful, honest, and made with love 💚

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