I have never washed my legs and arms with soap… maybe it was always intuition, or a deep-seated knowing that soap was only meant for a few parts of the body and cleansing everything else was better left to other remedies. Curious if it’s the same for you!
In ancient bathhouses from Alexandria to Rome, olive and herb-infused oils were smoothed over the body, then gently “scraped” away with a curved tool (a strigil), lifting sweat, dust, and spent oils without stripping the skin. In Ayurveda, abhyanga, a daily oil anointing, was prized for circulation, warmth, and resilience. Even in traditional East Asian beauty rituals, oils were used to prepare the skin for gua sha, encouraging flow and ease… I like to think of it as a fountain of youth.
The ritual was simple: oil in, impurities out… skin left supple, not dry and itchy.
Today, we call it oil cleansing (and when you assist removal with a warm cloth or tool, think of it as “oil scraping”). The wisdom hasn’t changed, but the ingredients have become more exquisite.
Why oil works (the quick science)
-
Like dissolves like. Skin debris, sunscreen, long-wear makeup, excess sebum, these are lipid-based. Botanical oils bind to them better than water can, loosening congestion so it lifts away cleanly.
-
Barrier repair. Harsh surfactants and detergent bars can strip your acid mantle (the skin’s natural, slightly acidic shield). Oils cleanse without disrupting pH, keeping moisture in and irritation at a minimum.
-
Microbiome kindness. Balanced oils support a calmer terrain, allowing your skin to restore itself, with less over-cleansing and a softer, smoother skin feeling.
-
Flow & firmness. Oil gives perfect glide for slow massage, encouraging lymphatic movement (think de-puffing), a healthy appearance, and a subtly more defined jawline.
What “oil scraping” means in practice
It’s the ancient bathhouse idea, updated. You apply oil, massage to dissolve buildup, then remove with intention (a warm, steamy cloth is my favorite; a gentle edge tool can be used along the body). The result? A thorough cleanse without the post-wash tightness.
The Alchemy Code Ritual (evening)
Step 1 - Oil On (1-2 minutes)
After bathing, warm a dropperful of Wilder Body Oil or your favorite Balm, softened between fingers. ABLE is the perfect Omni Balm for face + body. Press, then slow circles from the center out. Along the jaw and cheeks, use a gentle press-and-roll rather than tugging. Linger over the temples and under the ears to invite lymphatic flow.
Step 2 - Melt & Lift (30-60 seconds)
Lay a steaming, warm cloth over the face. Breathe. When the cloth cools, wipe away from the edges to the center to lift impurities and spent oil. Repeat once more if you wore sunscreen or makeup.
Optional “Scrape” (body ritual)
On damp skin post-shower, apply Wilder Body Oil, then use a smooth body tool (or even the length of your hand) in long, light strokes toward the heart. This is a nod to the strigil, no pressure, just glide to encourage circulation and a satin finish.
Step 3 - Feather-Light Finish (30 seconds)
While skin is still dewy, seal with a whisper of Blackberry Leaf 33 Vitamin C Firming Serum and a fingertip of Rosehip 29 Facial Balm over cheeks and orbital bones.
Ingredient alchemy that loves your skin
-
Castor & Jojoba: Deep cleanse, dissolve stubborn buildup, mimic skin’s own lipids for balance.
-
Olive & Camelina: Omega-rich cushions that soften while you cleanse.
-
Horsetail, Nettle, Burdock (infusions): Mineral-rich botanicals that support clarity and resilience.
-
Frankincense, Helichrysum, Rose, Lavender: Aromatic allies to calm the look of stressed skin and brighten the mood of the ritual.
FAQs (the things modern skin asks)
Can I still use a foaming cleanse?
Absolutely. If you love a foam, use it as a gentle second cleanse, applying oil first and then foam second, especially when using heavy SPF or dealing with city air.
Sensitive skin?
Start slow. Patch test. Keep massage light and cloths warm (not hot).
Why this matters (our philosophy)
We believe beauty is an embodied ritual, where body, beauty, and soul come together in conversation. Our waterless, whole-plant Remedies are crafted with our vital method, herbal and apiary alchemy, two months of infusion, and morning sun activation, so that what cleanses also nourishes.
Return to oil, and you return to wisdom: cleanse deeply, protect the barrier, invite flow, and glow.
