Since day one, it has been weaved through our products and processes and continues to drive ishga forward. Our aim is to provide the best results-driven organic skincare for you, delivered through the unique power of Hebridean seaweed. The ocean supplies us with this wonderful marine plant, and our entire team holds our responsibility to reduce our impact on the planet with the highest importance in everything we do.
We’re firm believers in the power of nature to heal, and we’re passionate about seaweed and the unique ability it has to restore us.
Our seaweed harvesting is certified by the Biodynamic Association. This means the harvesting method allows for natural regeneration and biodiversity. When we hand harvest our nutrient-rich Hebridean seaweed, we rotate the locations we visit carefully to give nature a chance to replenish her stocks properly. The ishga team carries out weekly trips to local shorelines to freshly collect four types of seaweed that are vital to our results-driven skincare. We take only what we need to allow our fresh batches to be created. We do not store or dry out seaweed before using it, meaning less energy and water use.
As a marine plant, seaweed does not need soil, fresh water or fertiliser to grow; it is completely self-sufficient, nutrient-dense and grows rapidly year-round.
As we are certified organic by the Soil Association, this also means our supply chain is too. We ensure traceability of ingredients meaning we only use high quality, sustainable suppliers. We know exactly what is going into the creation of our products, so you can enjoy our organic skincare worry-free.
We do not use tap water in any of our products, instead we use locally sourced Hebridean healing spring well water and pure, unpolluted seawater from our pristine island shorelines, given the highest quality classification available by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.
Our spring water is sourced from a remote location among the hills and lochs on The Isle of Lewis. The spring is lively and contains a bottom of natural blue clay. According to local folklore, it was used throughout the ages for its healing and therapeutic properties. Excellent for skincare, the water contains a potent mineral content, including potassium, magnesium and sulphates. We carefully take only what we need from the spring to ensure our process is as sustainable as possible.
We have met the high manufacturing standards of ISO22716, meaning our production practices and processes are of the highest quality. It demonstrates our commitment to quality and safety for all in the creation of our products.
We reduce our carbon footprint by using locally sourced ingredients from the Isle of Lewis where possible including our local Hebridean seaweed, spring and sea water. We do not have to travel far to harvest the wonderful natural ingredients provided by our island.
This means ishga products have met rigorous standards and passed audits to meet the requirements. Learn more about what the Soil Association certification means here.
When it comes to packaging, we reuse wherever possible. Our team extend the lifecycle of resources such as mailing boxes and packaging sent from our suppliers, which are then reused by us to send items to our spa partners.
When we supply spa partners, we use biodegradable packaging. We no longer use plastic bubble wrap, gloves, wet wipes or laminated boxes and instead use only eco-friendly alternatives.
ishga box packaging uses only FSC certified cardboard,meaning it comes from responsibly managed forests.
We have introduced screw cap refill options across the glass bottles range, allowing for customers to keep their existing pump, leading to less plastic use, and driving a more circular economy.
We made a commitment to stop the production of single use plastic sample sachets. Reducing plastic is vital when we approach new product development.
We are rigidly cruelty-free. We never have and never will test on animals.
The driving force behind ishga has always been to create opportunities for local people on the islands and support local communities.
Our head office and lab in Stornoway employs local people who make our locally-sourced products. We don’t outsource; everything we create is made with care by hand right here in Stornoway.
To name just a few, we have supported the Bethesda Hospice & Care Home in Stornoway, local food banks, Beatson, Eve Appeal, Marine Conservation Society, Dementia UK, the Jo Walters Trust, St Andrews Hospice and many more. We believe it's important to give back to the community that has supported us from day one, on both a local and national level.
We understand the power in using our brand voice to promote sustainable practices and lifestyle choices, sharing our knowledge, and driving forward change in the everyday. Our team are advocates for sustainable choices on both a professional and personal level.
We promote wellness for everyone. For a number of years, we have partnered with the AIG Women’s Open, and have worked with Scottish Women In Sport.
We have sponsored local athletes including Kara Hanlon and Isla Mackenzie, as well as supporting the Western Isles Island Games.
Our team also frequently visit local schools and colleges to share advice and inspiration with the younger generation.
