About Bourii
We believe that a different approach to skincare is possible. In a modern world which increasingly lacks harmony, we invite you to turn to nature to balance and heal.
Bourii body oils are intentional and functional. Developed with experts in the fields of Ayurveda, ethnobotany, and aromatherapy, each multipurpose oil is lovingly hand-blended in small batches in our London studio.
Our range is purposefully designed to target the skincare needs of each dosha and nourish the senses and the soul with delicate essential-oil blends that sink into the skin and work through the olfactory system for greater impact. We like to think of these aromatic molecules as the healing soul of the plant, working their way through your system to harmonise within.
Bourii draws on ancient practices to achieve skin health while working towards being part of a more sustainable, soulful and healthy future.
Words from Bourii Founder,
Shirin Van Lare
My journey to Ayurveda first came from a place of curiosity when my family and I needed a different kind of support than what conventional medicine could offer us.
When my brother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, our whole family was struck to the core. A lot of the management of his MS required a more holistic approach, and Ayurveda has helped ease many of his symptoms.
Ayurveda thinks of us not just as physical bodies, but collections of energy that have psychological and spiritual components, so when I started suffering from health issues myself including anxiety, hair loss and adult acne, I knew I needed to turn back to the answers within Ayurveda to address the root cause.
I retrained in Ayurvedic Medicine (and later in skincare formulation) and I set up Bourii Apothecary on my quest for more balanced living. I love nothing more than delivering meaningful potions that draw on ancient rituals and wisdom as an antidote to unhealthy modern environments which I believe many of us suffer from.
My passion for Ayurveda and its place in modern life marries with my love of the natural world and my wanderlust for travel. Coming from a mixed background, I bore witness to different worlds coming together and my Persian/Ghanaian roots fuelled a desire in me to learn about ancient traditions that I felt held the key to creating balance. I was constantly inspired by local traditions on my travels and have drawn on these experiences in creating our Bourii multipurpose oil blends.
AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is the world’s oldest medical healing system dating back over 5000 years. It brings science, philosophy and spirituality together and the word ‘Ayurveda’ comes from two Sanskrit words – Ayur, meaning ‘life’ and Veda, meaning ‘knowledge/science of’.
In Ayurvedic philosophy, human beings are viewed as the microcosm of the Universe because we are made up of and interact with the five basic principles of all creation: the elements of Ether (space), Air, Fire, Water, Earth.
These elements govern our physical and mental processes and Ayurveda focuses on bringing the five elements into balance to harmonise doshas and bring about greater health.
THE DOSHAS
Ayurveda groups the five elements into three energies or forces known as doshas – Vata / Pitta / Kapha, which provide a framework for understanding how the five elements interact within the body and the world around us (each dosha is the synergy of two elements). Ayurveda seeks to reduce excess doshas in order to restore balance and equilibrium at all levels of our being.
Just as we have our own unique fingerprint, we each have our own unique constitution or balance of these three doshas. There are parts of each dosha in our makeup but most of us show dominant signs of one dosha. By understanding the balance of our doshas, we can connect more with our body and its needs - from how to nurture optimum skin health, to restorative rituals that cultivate wellness within.
Below are examples of qualities that appear in people with each dosha and some of the issues that can arise when they are out of balance. Observe which attributes are dominant for you. This will be the dosha you most want to address when choosing skincare. If you feel that your skin type is dual-dosha (has the dominant characteristics of more than one dosha), you can use our body oils interchangeably to address the different imbalances.
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Character: High energy, creative, very sociable, like to feel free.
Imbalanced: anxiousness, panic attacks, insomnia, feeling cold easily, forgetfulness.
Skin response: dry, flaky, dehydrated, rough to touch, fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, eczema.
Character: Hardworking, driven, sharp. Make excellent leaders.
Imbalanced: quick to anger, ulcers, migraines, disturbing dreams, self-critical, controlling.
Skin response: sensitive, inflammation, acne, redness, psoriasis, rosacea, sweaty, dark spots.
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Character: Calm, gentle, stable, patient and nurturing.
Imbalanced: difficulty letting go, lacks motivation, holds on to emotions, feelings of heaviness & overwhelm.
Skin response: oily / combination, dull, congested, blackheads and breakouts, large pores.
INGREDIENTS
Our collection is 100% natural, made from sustainably sourced, organic ingredients.
We work with family run suppliers in the UK and France to source the highest quality organic ingredients. Our suppliers are committed to protecting local communities and their environment, promoting local agriculture, and contributing to sustainable development projects.
Our products are lovingly produced by hand in small batches, which means less waste and avoids excess stock.
Aids in healing damaged skin via its high myristic acid content. Provides a natural protective barrier for the skin. Anti-inflammatory, Vitamins A, C, E.
Andiroba Oil has been used as a natural treatment for inflammation and joint pain for hundreds of years.
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
Calming, provides clarity, helps in understanding emotions
Sacred plant of eternal love and healing. Used by Greeks, Romans, Egyptians
India
Rich in essential fatty acids. Anti-inflammatory features and helps tackle skin irritation. Rich in Linoleic acid.
Said to have healing benefits and used for thousands of years in different cultures.
High anti-microbial properties, rich antioxidants.
It dissolves blockages and rigidity, soothes, relaxes and balances the nervous system. Very powerful for meditation.
Madagascar
Deeply soothing for irritated skin and sensitive skin. Encourages cellular repair, reducing scarring and signs of ageing.
A historical ingredient used in a wide variety of herbal medicines.
UK
Rich in Omegas 3, 6 & 9. Rich in Vitamin E & Polyphenols. Moisturizes, softens, balances, and makes skin soft and lustrous.
A historical ingredient used in a wide variety of herbal medicines.
China
Promotes cell regeneration which delivers you silky smooth, new skin. A classic skin nutrient & protector bursting with antioxidants. Anti-bacterial, treats hyperpigmentation.
Egyptians and Greeks for medicinal purposes. Traditional Chinese medicine as bath or massage oil to address muscle pain.
Czech Republic
Balances, creates focus.
Believed to be the very first essential oils ever to be distilled. Used to cure illnesses. Said to have antiseptic, pain killing and antioxidant properties. Skin ailments, improve blood circulation, headaches, insomnia. Stimulant, soothing.
India
Deeply moisturising.
Tree of life and abundance. Recognised in Ayurveda over 4000yrs ago for its healing properties.
Malaysia
Known to stimulate the peripheral blood supply. A popular repairer of damaged skin (rashes & skin scars).
UK
Known to successfully breakdown oily skin.
Stop heavy bleeding, heal wounds.
France
Regenerative.
Heals wounds, reduces scar tissue.
Italy
An excellent emollient. Rich in essential fatty acids, Omega 3 & 6. High GLA content. Aids in hydrating & repairing mature & damaged skin.
Ancient civilisations 10,000yrs ago. Western medieval cultures used for tumours, coughs and jaundice.
Holland
Skin marks, stretch marks and counteracting acne.
Remedy against the plague in Persia. Muscle relaxant, soothe inflamed skin.
China
One of the best skin absorbers, research has proved it can even reach the corneal layer. Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
Indigenous tribes used for wound healing.
One of the best skin absorbers, research has proved it can even reach the corneal layer. Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids.
Purifying and wound healing abilities.
Morocco
Full of Proteins, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, cytokinins. This is a true hydrator & detox oil.
Originally used by the ancient Egyptians to protect them from harsh desert environments.
Kenya
Excellent natural regenerator. Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties.
A deeply historic ingredient. Harvested by members of the Himba tribe. Effective natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ingredient, sun protective properties. Used to cleanse and scent bodies.
Namibia
High in Linoleic acid. Antioxidant, anti-inflamatory properties. Seals in moisture, enhances skin’s elasticity.
Used by the Polynesians for centuries. Anti-inflammatory, relieves joint pain.
New Guinea
Fades old acne scars, anti-inflammatory, regenerates skin cells.
Used in Ayurveda and TCM to help with skin concerns and alleviate pain.
Indonesia
Super emollient, a wonderful hydrating oil. It has Lycopene content which aids the skin recovery post sun damage.
Known by many as Maracuja Oil. Used in traditional medicine
Peru
Carries anti-inflammatory functionality. Calming.
Patchouli means “green Leaf’. Used for medicinal purposes, insect repellent. Associated with the 60s, 70s bohemian culture.
Indonesia
A stimulating essential oil with a high vitamin C and Limonene (approx. 95%) content . A super ingredient that improves circulation and fights bacteria through its potent antibacterial properties, making it great for combating blemishes & reducing surface oil in oily skin types.
Argentina
Promotes cell regeneration which delivers you silky smooth, new skin. A classic skin nutrient & protector bursting with antioxidants.
France
This Omega enriched fruit oil is a superb detox . Full of antioxidants, essential fatty acids which is great for keeping you skin looking young, tight & subtle.
Ancient Persia, Egypt. Used for medicinal purposes. Treat infections. Used as symbolism in many cultures.
Turkey
Effective on skin marks, stretch marks & grease build up on the skin. A high Behinic acid content which aids in strengthening both the skin & hair.
Wound healing by indigenous people.
Brazil
An excellent emollient for the skin & hair. Rich in vitamins, tocopherols & Ferulic acid. Light & absorbs easily.
Used as a sunscreen by ancient Egyptians
Mexico
Relax body, help fade acne scars, anti-inflammatory, even skin tone.
Used as a toner in ancient Persia.
Wild harvested & hand-picked. Rich in vitamin A & E & trans-retinoic acid, making it a super 'tonic' oil.
Used for centuries as a skin cell & tissue repairer.
Chile
Cold Pressed from the fruit pulp. Rich in Omega 7 & Vitamin A. Naturally confronts dry skin. An effective anti-ageing oil, giving your skin shine & strength. Deep red in colour.
Lower fever, reduce inflammation, treat coughs, colds, protect skin against sun damage.
Germany
Highly moisturizing & absorbing, natural emollient which is known to restore elasticity in the skin. Powerful Anti-oxidant Properties. Rich in Essential Fatty Acids, vitamins D, B & E. A detox oil, rich in Vit E and B complex helps fade scars and soothe rashes. Rich in zinc which boosts collagen production within the skin.
Considered an ancient skin elixir. Used in quickly penetrates the skin nourishing and detoxifying the deepest layers. Used to treat skin disorders and for massage rituals.
Mexico
An excellent emollient. Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 D and E. Calms & protects against skin irritation. Aids in relieving skin & scalp irritation, both inflammation and itching. High omega 9 content. Due to high content of unsaturated fatty acids, it protects skin from drying by slowing down trans-epidermalwater loss, and improves the skin’s natural barrier function.
Recognised for its moisturising properties since ancient Egypt.
USA
Limonene (Approx. 85%) & Myrcene (Approx 5%) content are brilliant antioxidants. Rich in vitamin A,B,C.
Used to treat wounds, stretch marks, pain.
Brazil
Comforts and soothes.
Used for food and medicine and ritual purposes.
Madagascar
A natural antioxidant. Prevents the attack of free radicals.
Argentina
It carries a wealth of omega 3, vitamin B & E, folic acid, phosphorus & a high nutritional value, all of which deliver antioxidant & anti-ageing properties. It is straightforward good skin & hair food, mainly down to its wealthy content of Vitamin E.
It represented prosperity and abundance and life.
USA
Aids in reducing oily skin & moisturising hair folicles.
Used for asthma, treat headaches. Harmonise masculine and feminine energies. Tagalog word meaning ‘wilderness’.
Comoros/Madagascar
Originated in China, brought to Japan and used for hot bathing and medicinal purposes. Heals chapped skin, relaxing effect, soothing for skin.
Japan
OUR VALUES
Bourii is Carbon Offset Verified by Carbon Neutral Britain. As a small indie brand in our first year, we have committed to planting 30 trees a month and offset 60 tones of CO²e. We cover not only the emissions of our staff and travel, but also the emissions directly produced by our business - from electricity, waste and delivery - giving us Carbon Neutral Business Status.
We know it’s difficult to be good for the planet when creating new products but our passion for skincare and wellness is directly proportional to our respect for nature.
The health of our planet is interconnected with our wellbeing and we don’t want to compromise on either, so our packaging has been developed with the below criteria:
Our bottles are of the highest quality and made in Italy. Their design, inspired by the lotus flower, has been developed to be easily refilled and reused.
We use aluminium caps for their lightweight, durable and energy efficient recycling qualities. Our boxes are made from reclaimed fibre, pure environmentally-friendly ECF fibres and are FSC® certified, from responsibly managed forests.
We want to make equality real by helping to tackle the inequality people are experiencing in our world. We currently have a social model that does not support people with impairments as they are disabled by the world around us. If the world was more accessible, they’d be less disabled. Together with the MS Society, we are working towards creating more awareness and change.
Our commitments
Bourii is a member of 1% for the Planet and we commit to giving 1% of gross sales each year to approved environmental partners through a variety of support.
Bourii supports the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
