The Peonies & Petals Story

A Brand Born Between Bedtimes and To-Do Lists

Peonies & Petals was created in a place many mothers know well —in the whirlwind of raising a family, through the rhythm of putting everyone else first, and between late-night worries and never-ending to-dos. Amongst the chaos, I never had imagined that I would one day be formulating skincare from my own kitchen.

Sensitivities on My Own Skin

After years of over-the-counter product use I noticed my skin was dry, dull and irritated.  Specifically, it was at its worst during the cold New England winter months.  Painful cracks on both my feet and hands would crop up daily.  Similarly, I noticed the same trend in both my husband, children, and close family.

A Look Behind the Label

Determined to find a better way, I began dissecting product labels, researching difficult to pronounce ingredients.  I discovered a startling lack of transparency in everyday skincare. The reality is that in the U.S. the FDA has limited control over what companies put into skincare products.  The EU has banned over 2,500 different chemicals while the U.S. has only banned 11.  In addition to this limited authority the FDA has on skincare products, the products also do not have to be tested prior to going on shelves.

Fragrances and Perfumes

Let’s face it, we all love beautifully scented products but sometimes a long-lasting fragrance comes at an unhealthy cost.  To create a long-lasting fragrance, certain chemicals are used that are known endocrine disrupters, carcinogens, and skin irritants.  The skincare industry uses phthalates and musk ketones to create stable long-lasting perfumes even though phthalates have been considered detrimental to human health.

Mischievously, phthalates and other harmful chemicals are typically hidden under the guise of “fragrance” on a product label.  Take a look at a prior post Fragrance and Trade Secrets: the Deep Dive.  It is up to the consumer to look for responsible companies that avoid these known toxic chemicals in their products as the FDA does not have regulatory authority.

Many Cleansers are too Harsh

Surfactants, also known as detergents, work by decreasing surface water tension, allowing oil, dirt and water to mix and wash away.  They range from mild gentle plant-based surfactants to harsh stripping chemicals.  Some of the most common surfactants used in cleansers, body washes and liquid soaps can be on the harsher end of the spectrum.  These are typically sulfate surfactants that strip the skin and hair of its natural oils, disrupting that protective barrier.

Silicones

Skincare products use silicone for their smoothing and their ability to act as an occlusive agent on the skin, locking in moisture.  While they are not toxic, they also don’t do much for the skin.  They sit on top of the skin but do not moisturize it.

We choose to use different ingredients to lock in the moisture, such as natural beeswax, seed oils and butter.  The lightweight nature of the oils and butters used ensure that pores are not clogged and they are non-comedogenic but do in fact nourish the skin.

How Peonies & Petals Products are Different

After the moment of clarity came a conscious decision to take skincare into my own hands. I began with small-batch formulations created right in my kitchen.  I wanted complete confidence in what touched my skin and my family’s skin, knowing every ingredient was chosen with care.  I began crafting cold-processed soaps, facial cleansers, and everyday essentials using gentle, thoughtful formulations designed to cleanse effectively without stripping the skin of its natural balance.

When a fragrance is chosen for a product, it is always paraben and phthalate-free. Peonies & Petals thoughtfully sources our fragrances from responsible U.S. suppliers who uphold these standards.

From our soaps and body butters, face oils to shampoo bars each product is designed to support skin and hair health and fit seamlessly into everyday routines.

This is skincare that doesn’t just feel good, it is good.

Whether you’re dealing with sensitive skin, or simply looking for skincare you can trust, I’m here with you — every step of the way.

Welcome to Peonies & Petals. Where handcrafted skincare meets clean beauty, and your skin is finally understood. Shop now for yourself or your loved ones!

Sources:

• Phthalates (https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates-cosmeticsightsaintskincare.com)
• EWG (https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/10/personal-care-product-chemicals-banned-europe-still-found-us)