I’d been using the same yellow cocoa butter since I was a child—over 30 years! A few years ago, I started decanting it into clear tubs for easier travel, and that’s when I noticed something strange: it was staining the containers yellow.
That moment made me pause. If it was doing that to plastic, what was it doing to my skin?
I started digging into the ingredients, and what I found was eye-opening. I made a decision that day to stop using products filled with petroleum and artificial dyes. I knew I could do better for myself—and others.
So, one random summer evening in 2024 in my kitchen, I made my first batch of whipped Shea butter blend. And just like that, Auntie RiRi’s was born—rooted in care, tradition, and a love for clean, honest ingredients.
For centuries, people have turned to nature to care for their skin and hair—and now modern research is finally catching up. Study after study confirms what our ancestors already knew: natural ingredients can be powerful, effective, and nourishing.
At the same time, research is also highlighting the risks of using synthetic products long-term. Ingredients like petroleum, parabens, and aluminium—commonly found in commercial cosmetics—have been linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues, and even some types of cancer [6, 8, 10].
Organic skincare offers a safer, more holistic option; ingredients grown without pesticides, nor other chemical additives (such as preservatives or dyes). They’re gentle, biodegradable, and packed with nutrients that support the skin’s natural balance—helping you feel good inside and out [6].
Right now, I offer a small but mighty collection of three organic products I’ve lovingly perfected: a whipped body butter, a rosemary hair oil, and a healing skin balm. I’m also experimenting with a homemade deodorant—stay tuned!
In the meantime, here’s a little more about each of my current favourites:
This rich blend includes shea butter, almond and castor oils, vitamin E, and a touch of lavender essential oil. Shea butter, the star ingredient, is a natural healer and protector—especially helpful for sun-damaged skin [3]. Castor, coconut, and vitamin E oils support deep hydration, soothe inflammation and encourage healing [15, 12, 11].
I use this every day on both my face and body. It’s suitable for all skin types, though lighter skin tones might want to apply sparingly as it can feel a little rich. You can also use it on your scalp or hair—just be mindful of how much you apply if you have finer or less textured hair.
Inspired by the benefits of rosemary oil, I first created this by infusing dried rosemary in sweet almond oil for a minimum of 14 days. My updated formula now includes jojoba oil, with the addition of vitamin E and lemon & eucalyptus essential oil, after the infusion process. Rosemary naturally stimulates hair growth and soothes scalp conditions, while jojoba is often used to ease psoriasis [1, 4]. Vitamin E and almond oil hydrate and nurture delicate skin [11, 4].
I massage this into my scalp 2–4 times a week. Friends use it as an overnight treatment, wrapping their hair and rinsing it out the next morning. It works well across all hair types, though I suggest mindful use on thinner or straighter hair textures. Daily use isn’t recommended.
A few weeks into my organic skincare journey, I realised I needed a serious alternative to petroleum-based lip balms; chapped lips during London winters are no joke. Enter beeswax—a breathable, natural barrier with antibacterial and skin-regenerating powers [7]. My balm blends beeswax with jojoba and coconut oils, vitamin E, and calming chamomile essential oil.
I use it daily on my lips, and also dab it onto bites, sore patches, cracked heels, elbows—anywhere that needs a little TLC. It’s even gentle enough for baby skin.
At the moment, each product comes in just one scent.
Want to learn more about the healing properties of my products? Head over to the Ingredients Page.
Have a question? Check the FAQs or drop me a message at Ria@AuntieRiRi.uk.
© 2025 Auntie RiRi’s. All rights reserved.
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