The Dartmoor Skincare Company

The Dartmoor Skincare Company: natural skincare created by a Dartmoor therapist

The Dartmoor Skincare Company is a British natural skincare brand founded by Tara Leader, a practising beauty therapist in Dartmoor since 2003 who trained in Covent Garden, London. Its catalogue is inspired by the Dartmoor landscape and the clinical experience of its founder, who began her professional career in reflexology.

The company describes itself as multi-award winning and makes its products in Devon. The entire range is officially certified as cruelty-free and is suitable for vegans.

From reflexology to facial care: the origin of the brand

Leader initially trained in reflexology and worked as a self-employed practitioner for several years. She also worked with Macmillan and The Mustard Tree at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where she provided reflexology treatments to cancer patients and their families. She also volunteered at Look Good Feel Better workshops at that hospital, teaching women how to use skincare and makeup to alleviate some of the side effects of cancer treatment.

That experience, together with cases of skin sensitivity in her own family — her children suffered from eczema in childhood and acne in adolescence — led her to research the ingredients in baby care products in 2005. She discovered that by avoiding sulphates, flare-ups disappeared, and that finding marked the beginning of her dedication to natural skincare.

Formulation philosophy: natural ingredients and sensitive skin

The brand maintains that skin, although resilient, requires compatible ingredients such as natural oils and butters, rather than harsh additives that can irritate it. All its products are made with naturally derived ingredients, including organic oils and butters. According to the company, because they are less processed, they retain more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients and fatty acids that nourish the skin and reduce the likelihood of causing sensitivities.

The formulas use organic sweet almond, grapeseed, thistle and castor oils, rich in vitamins beneficial for the skin. Botanical extracts such as rose water and aloe vera provide nourishing properties that soothe and rejuvenate, while green tea and cucumber extracts help bind moisture in deeper layers. Natural vitamin E is added to the creams to promote repair and improve the appearance of the skin. Essential oils are selected to create uplifting and refreshing or balancing and calming blends.

Product catalogue

The online shop organises its range into several categories:

• Face & Hands: the three-step facial ritual (cleanser, facial oil and moisturiser), plus eye cream and facial mist.
• Handcare.
• Hair & Body: shampoo and conditioner bars, body cream and soap.
• Gift sets and digital gift cards.

The three-step ritual is presented as the set of products the founder uses daily, both in her treatment room and in her own routine. The website indicated free delivery on all orders over £30.

Beauty treatments in Plymouth and Yelverton

In addition to selling cosmetics, Tara Leader continues her work as a beauty therapist with two treatment rooms, one in Plymouth and one in Yelverton, where she offers facials, massage and reflexology. The company directly links this professional practice to the development of its product line.

Wholesale and stockists

The company has specific channels for wholesale enquiries and a stockists section for those who wish to purchase its products through retailers. The website also includes press, reviews and a blog with skincare content.

Location and contact

PO Box 298, Plymouth, PL5 9DF · Phone: 07522 866614 · Email: dartmoorskincare@gmail.com