At WashBar we have a simple philosophy. Nature has already created the finest ingredients and we firmly believe that you don’t need to synthesize or tamper with them. We just blend them in a way that works best for pets.
We leave the rest to nature.
At the heart of our products are essential oils, hydrosols and plant extracts.We source these wherever possible from growers who are farming without the use of chemicals and leave their plants to do what they do best – growing goodness.
Essential oils are the concentrated vital essence of aromatic plants. All our essential oils are extracted using thesteam distillation method. We source as many oils as we can directly from organic or chemical free growers the rest come from one of the leading suppliers of essential oils for professional use across the world. All the oils are checked for purity and authenticity and are human grade pure essential oils. Whilst that might seem ‘over the top’ we do it because a great deal of essential oils that are available have been adulterated with cheap oils and on sold as pure. We use essential oils for their bioactives and the natural fragrance they bring to the mix.
Hydrosol is the liquid left behind in the steam distillation process that creates essential oils. We use genuine hydrosols which contain the very essence of everything that was contained within the plant when it was still alive and growing. We only use 100% genuine natural hydrosol in our products. Many hydrosols are manufactured by blending essential oil in water and using an emulsifier (often synthetic) to stop the oil separating out. These do not have the same properties as genuine hydrosols.
NeemIn India neemis known as the pharmacy tree. A huge amount of research has been done on Neem. It shows that Neem is an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antibacterial and insecticidal agent. It also reduces redness and itching of irritated skin and is a natural insect repellent for ‘biting and sucking’ insects like fleas, ticks and lice. Neem oil has many complex active bioactives. It has been used for thousands of years as a natural insecticide – to neutralise and repel pests including fleas, lice, ticks and mites. It neutralises pests by rendering them useless, they stop functioning, forgetting to eat, breed, lay eggs, fly or even move about. It does all of this whilst still being environmentally safe.
We use neem oil, which is pressed from the seeds of the tree. We source our neem oil from India where it has been used for over 2,000 years in Ayurvedic (Indian) Medicine. Our neem leaf is organically grown in Australia.
To those millions in India, Neem has miraculous powers, and now scientists around the world are beginning to think they may be right. Two decades of researches have revealed promising results in so many disciplines that this obscure species may be of enormous benefit to countries both poor and rich. Even some of the most cautious researchers are saying that Neem deserves to be called a wonder plant.``
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Prehistory to contemporary medicinal uses to humankind, by Venugopalan Santhosh Kumar, Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia andVisweswaran Navaratnam, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
Lemon Scented Tea TreeLemon Scented Tea Tree Oil is completely different from Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). It is naturally lemon scented and isknown for its antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and insect repelling properties. It also has mild sedative properties which can relieve anxiety, depression, nervous tension and stress. For dogs that are a little nervous at bath time the aroma should help soothe and calm them. We source our organic 100% pure essential oil from Australia where it is grown and extracted using the steam distillation method.
ManukaBoth Manuka and Kanuka were used extensively by both the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand and early European settlers as medicinal plants. This iconic New Zealand native shrub has natural antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Laboratory test results have shown the hydrosol and oil we use to be extremely effective against a wide range of common bacteria. We source ours from the East Cape of NZ where it is wild harvested because research has shown plants grown in this area have the strongest actives. Our hydrosol is sourced from a NZ BioGro certified organic grower in the Coromandel Peninsula in NZ.
KanukaWhilst Kanuka oil has numerous benefits and is very similar to Manuka, it has higher antifungal and antibacterial properties than its better known cousin. We have added it to our soap and spritzers for its antifungal properties and to the Itch Soothe range for its healing properties. We source our Kanuka oil from the East Cape of NZ and our hydrosol froma NZ BioGro certified organic grower in the Coromandel Peninsula in NZ.
LavenderUsed since ancient times, lavender is considered one of the most versatile of all essential oils. Lavender is great for the skin, and has a soothing and calming effect that is perfect for calming stressed pets or when you can’t sleep. The best quality oil comes from Lavandula angustifolia and the Pacific Blue variety has been developed for NZ conditions and has high antiseptic properties. Our 100% pure essential oil comes from Canterbury which is in the South Island of NZ – we source ours from that region as it has been found to be a higher quality with higher actives. Our hydrosol is supplied by a grower in Te Awamutu in New Zealand from their spray-free property.
Lemon MyrtleThis essential oil has powerful bioactive properties. It contains more natural citral than any other known plant giving it a strong “more lemony than lemons” scent. It is a wonderful mood lifter and very calming, laboratory research has found the citral properties in Lemon Myrtle are highly antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. In fact, it’s two times more antibacterial than tea tree. Our 100% pure essential oil comes from Australia where it is grown and extracted using the steam distillation method.
We use our 100% pure essential oil of Cedarwood harvested in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in embalming, perfumery, cosmetics and as an insect repellent. It has soothing and calming properties both on the mind and the skin and helps relieve itchy skin.
This herb has been used since ancient times, from ceremonial use by the Romans to use during the great plague in Britain to help ward off the disease. It is used today in many natural flea repellents, including a flea repellent rinse made by steeping the leaves of the plant in boiling water. Not only does it have stimulating and antioxidant properties, it also works as a natural stabiliser and is a natural skin and hair booster.
Lemongrass is used in traditional Indian Medicine for its insecticidal properties and to treat fevers and disease. It is known to repel fleas, lice and ticks. It has deodorant properties (always a bonus for dogs) and can help ease stress and nervous exhaustion.
Thyme was used in ancient Greece by Hippocrates – known as the father of medicine, as part of his bag of medical plants and healing herbs. The Romans found a use for it to treat hangovers! It is often added into shampoo because it is believed by some that regular use can help reduce hair loss. Thyme is part of the mint family and is used in many natural flea repellents including collars which repel fleas.
We use Piperita grown in India. Peppermint contains a high concentration of menthone – which is a natural pesticide. It also helps ease itching or irritation.
Pressed from the seed of the evening primrose plant. The essential fatty acids in it nourish the scalp and hair for health and shine. Fatty acids also seem to help decrease inflammation related to conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.
We use sunflower oil to blend the essential oils in our flea repellent. Sunflower oil is a safe vegetable oil that has had a long history in cosmetic use, it is packed with vitamin E and is really nourishing for the skin.
Very similar to Neem Oil. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antibacterial and insect repellent properties. We refer to it as thecousin to Neem oil – people often use it because it has a less pungeant smell than Neem, it has a nutty aroma. Karanja Oil has been used to treat eczema, psoriasis, skin ulcer and to help with wound healing.
Often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ in Morocco where it is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree. It is packed full of beneficial nutrients including Vitamin E which makes it excellent for moisturising hair and skin. It also assists with the protection and repair of damaged skin. We use Organic virgin Argan Oil harvested in Morocco.
Harvested from the wild where it grows in Australia’s Northern Territories. Kakadu has the highest natural levels of Vitamin C of any plant in the world – more importantly stable Vitamin C making it more easily absorbed. Kakadu has been used in traditional Aboriginal medicine for its exceptional healing abilities; it is known to strengthen cell walls and tissue. We source our extract from a company that supports small Aboriginal enterprise, allowing them to stay in their communities and build sustainable businesses.
Harvested from the wild in Australia’s New South Wales and Queensland regions and historically used in bush medicine for wound healing, it has high levels of natural quercetin making it an ideal solution for itchy skin caused by allergies. We source our extract from a company that supports small Aboriginal enterprise, allowing them to stay in their communities and build sustainable businesses.
Harvested from the wild in Australia’s North Eastern New South Wales. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal and anti-bacterial properties and is used in traditional medicine for wound healing. We use it because it contains anethole which is a natural pain relief, we have discovered that some of the itching dogs suffer from is due to low level pain. We source our extract from a company that supports small Aboriginal enterprise, allowing them to stay in their communities and build sustainable businesses.
Tapped (in a similar way to Maple Syrup) from the Copaiba tree in the Amazon then the resin is distilled to create the essential oil. We purchase ours from a business that works with indigenous communities who are generating their income through sustainable harvesting in the Amazon forest. Copaiba contains high levels of beta-caryophyllene which is a Sesquiterpene – it is believed that this can moderate bad information in the cellular memory, giving it powerful healing abilities. It is a magnifier, which means other ingredient actives are amplified when it is added to a formulation containing Copaiba. It also has very high anti-inflammatory properties and is an antihemorrhagic.
Carrot oil is used in high end cosmetics for its ability to rejuvenate skin moisture. It is known to strengthen red blood cells and help heal skin disorders.
We source our organic beeswax from New Zealand’s Central Otago region. Bees wax is known to carry anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It is beneficial in dealing with chapped or damaged skin by sealing in moisture without smothering and clogging up the skin’s pores. We use organic beeswax because it is free from pesticide residues, and because Central Otago has no history of intensive horticulture, it is also free from herbicide residues as well.
Coconut oil has great, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial, antioxidant and soothing qualities. Phew! It’s a great moisturiser on all types of skin, including dry skin. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including dermatitis and other skin infectionsand has been shown to be very effective against a variety of infections, fungi and yeast including ringworm, athlete’s foot and thrush.
Our vegetable glycerin comes from seed oils. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin.
The natural salt of sorbic acid. Potassium sorbate is a salt of sorbic acid which is naturally found in some fruits. It is a food-grade preservative that has been used for decadesin food, personal care products and wine making.
Titanium Dioxide is a natural mineral used as a thickening, whitening and lubricating ingredient in cosmetics and soap making.
A natural product which is non-toxic and non-irritating. It is produced by a process involving fermenting sugar syrup (glucose or sucrose) with a bacterium (xanthomonas campestris). It is used in our shampoo to help with texture, flow, stability and appearance.
A mild, coconut oil-based cleansing agent. This gentle cleanser creates fabulous foam and lather, helps lift away dirt and oils, and thickens the overall product formulation so it’s just right.
Salt. Simple as that.
A salt produced by mixing sodium carbonate with benzoic acid (which naturally occurs in many fruits). This is then evaporated leaving a salt. It is approved for use by Ecocert, a certifying organisation that sets standards for organic cosmetics.
Naturally occurring in citrus fruits. It’s commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. We use it to help optimise the pH of the formulation and to help with skin texture.
We use sustainable Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified palm oil in our bar soaps. Our oil is grown in a sustainable – the RPSO certification means it comes from a sustainable, responsible source and isn’t contributing to deforestation or human rights issues. One of the most important RSPO criteria states no primary forests or areas can be cleared which: contain significant concentrations of fragile ecosystems or biodiversity (e.g. endangered species), or areas which are fundamental to meeting basic or traditional cultural needs of local communities (high conservation value areas).
The WWF openly support the continuation of these sustainable plantations because theysupport families lifting them out of poverty. They work with small farmers improving their farming practices toproduce higher yields without the need to clear more land.
While we believe certified sustainable palm oil is the best option for now, we are also looking at alternative options and watching developments.
Our range of 100% Natural Daily Spritzers use certified organic Manuka and Kanuka hydrosols. As well as providing a genuine benefit to the skin of the animal, they also act as a natural preservative for the product.
Our shampoos contain a clever, 100% natural preservative. Too many dogs have skin problems that are aggravated by cheap commercial shampoos. Our shampoo preservative is something pretty special – made from plant derived, natural ingredients. It’s a NZ made 100% natural ingredients and was developed for use in high-end human skincare. Its main ingredient is Benzoin, which while it might not sound natural, it’s a plant resin extracted from the Styrax Benzoin tree.
