Matter Company

At Matter Company, we embrace a holistic approach to personal care which recognizes the relationship between our natural environment and our physical and emotional well being.

We began with the simple intention of working with the healing ways of plants. Building upon an apprenticeship in Therapeutic Herbalism, our extensive experience growing, wild crafting, harvesting and formulating herbal preparations has resulted in an intimate understanding of the medicinal power of herbs. It is an understanding which recognizes the ability of herbs to not only heal us physically, but to nourish our mind and spirit as well.

Matter Story

Founder of Matter Company, and certified Therapeutic Herbalist, Denise Williams brings her intuitive and sensual understanding of indigenous plants and exotic scents to the premium line of natural skin care products that make up Matter Company.

After studying Environmental Studies in University, Denise apprenticed in the traditional practices of Therapeutic Herbalism. Born of this exploration was the first series of products which Denise had not, at that time, been able to find in the personal care market. Unsatisfied with products that consistently used petroleum and other chemical bases, Denise set out to create the unique line of skin items found in Matter Company.

It began with a handful of beauty products crafted as gifts for friends and family. The next thing she knew, she was growing Chamomile, Calendula and St. Johns Wort out of the basement of her rented house in Toronto. “I don’t think my landlord knew what was going on,” she recalls.

Each collection has been inspired by her personal lifestyle needs. Mom & baby was created with her best friend in mind, who was pregnant at the time with her second child. “Where were quality natural products that truly indulged new mothers, and mothers-to-be alike?” she asked.

PHYTOTHERAPY

At Matter we use herbs native to North America and Europe. Our products are carefully formulated following contemporary phytotherapy principles, based in a holistic framework.

When creating a formula we consider the actions of herbs and how they can work synergistically to encourage an intended effect on the individual. We recognize the subtle balance of chemicals and energies contained within a living plant, and accordingly we use whole plants, or plant parts, to support and enhance the body's vitality.

Each formula is slow-cooked for up to 24 hours, to extract the essential properties of the botanical formulation into the product. Our traditional methods of extraction preserve their beneficial properties and all recipes are made in small batches to ensure the highest quality.

To complete every formula, we infuse a unique blend of essential oils. This pure fragrance enhances the total experience of using our products by adding the benefits of aromatherapy.

ETHICS & PRINCIPLES

• We use only high quality oils, plant extracts, herbs and pure beeswax for our products.

• Our products do not contain parabens, mineral oil, petroleum bases, phyllates, or artificial colouring.

• We use pure essential oils, and stay away from harsh perfumes.

• We do not use animal based ingredients and do not test our products on animals.

• We slow cook our herbal oils in a water bath to gently extract the delicate properties of the plants.

• We use only recyclable plastic and metal packaging.

• We respect and consider our environmental impact in all aspects of our business practice.

OUR COMMITMENT

Our slogan 'the ingredients are the product' is synonymous with a commitment to purity and quality in the ingredients we use. Pure ingredients feed the body and strengthen and tone our largest organ, the skin. To maintain the integrity of our products’ ingredients, we use the minimum amount of preservatives. Therefore, we recommend that our products be kept out of direct sunlight and stored in a cool dry place.

At Matter, we have discovered the benefits of a lifestyle nurtured by a holistic relationship to plants. In producing a line of skin-care items, we have endeavored to pass on to others what we have learned and benefited from ourselves. The result is a series of products that produce a vital and effective yet pampering experience-a treat for those who find pleasure in 'the little things'.

We strive to keep one hand firmly planted in the earth through conscientious business, community and environmental practices, while aiming to bring pleasure and balance to the rituals of daily life. In this way we seek to foster a healthy lifestyle for yourself, and the environment we all share.