The Challenges of Sourcing Natural, High-Quality Ingredients—And Why It’s Worth It
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The Challenges of Sourcing Natural, High-Quality Ingredients—And Why It’s Worth It
When I started Blake’s Makes, I made a promise to myself: I would only use the best possible ingredients—natural, organic where possible, sustainably sourced, and free from unnecessary additives. I wanted my customers to feel confident that what they were using in their homes and on their skin was pure, safe, and truly handmade with care.
What I didn’t anticipate was just how difficult it would be to source the right ingredients without compromising on quality, ethics, or affordability.
It’s easy to assume that “natural” products are widely available, but I quickly learnt that’s not the case. Finding suppliers that are transparent, trustworthy, and aligned with my values has been one of the biggest challenges of running my business. And even when I do find the right materials, I face another obstacle—cost.
This is why my products are priced the way they are. Every single one is a reflection of the time, research, and effort that goes into sourcing, testing, and ensuring that I’m using only the best.
The Struggle to Find Truly Natural Ingredients
When I first started looking for suppliers, I naively assumed that I could just search for “natural ingredients” online and order what I needed. But I quickly realised that not all suppliers are as honest as they claim to be.
For example, I’ve come across countless essential oils that are labelled as "100% pure," yet when I looked deeper, I found they were diluted with cheaper carrier oils or contained synthetic fragrance boosters. This was shocking to me because many customers wouldn't even know they weren’t getting a true, pure essential oil.
Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced with sourcing include:
1. Essential Oils—Purity is Everything
Essential oils are the foundation of many of my products, from mood sprays to diffusers, roll-ons, and candles. They provide the aromatherapy benefits that make these products effective. But finding truly pure essential oils has been one of the hardest parts of my journey.
❌ Many suppliers dilute essential oils with cheap carrier oils to cut costs.
❌ Some add synthetic stabilisers to extend shelf life (without listing them on the ingredients).
❌ Others source oils from questionable farms where plants are over-harvested and not grown sustainably.
I’ve had to:
✔ Spend countless hours researching different suppliers.
✔ Order multiple samples to test for purity and scent quality.
✔ Learn how to spot fakes or diluted oils based on texture, absorption, and scent longevity.
It’s been frustrating at times, but I now only buy from trusted, reputable sources where I know I’m getting genuine, undiluted essential oils. They cost significantly more, but they’re worth every penny.
2. Soy Wax—Avoiding Hidden Paraffin Blends
When I started making candles, I assumed all soy wax was the same. I was wrong.
Many soy wax suppliers secretly blend in paraffin to make their wax burn longer and smoother. While this might sound like a good thing, paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that releases toxins when burnt. That’s the last thing I want in my candles—especially ones designed for relaxation and well-being.
✔ I now source 100% natural soy wax that burns cleanly and safely.
✔ It’s more expensive than paraffin-blended wax, but it aligns with my commitment to eco-friendly, non-toxic products.
3. Carrier Oils—Cold-Pressed vs. Cheap Alternatives
I use carrier oils in my roll-ons, sprays, and squeezable wax, and I’m extremely picky about what I use.
❌ Many cheap carrier oils are refined using heat and chemicals, which strips away their natural nutrients.
❌ Some are mixed with lower-quality oils to bulk them up.
I only use cold-pressed, unrefined oils like jojoba oil, which closely mimics the skin’s natural oils and is deeply nourishing. It’s one of the best carrier oils available—but also one of the most expensive.
Again, I could save money by using cheaper alternatives, but that would compromise the integrity of my products.
4. Natural Salts & Botanicals—No Artificial Fragrances or Fillers
For my bath salts and shower sizzlers, I only use high-quality natural salts, such as:
✔ Himalayan pink salt—Rich in minerals, detoxifying.
✔ Epsom salt—Helps relax muscles and relieve stress.
✔ Dried botanicals—lavender, chamomile, and rose petals.
Some suppliers add artificial fragrances to their salts, thereby defeating the purpose of using natural ingredients. I have to be careful to avoid these hidden additives and always check the sourcing of my botanicals to ensure they’re grown without pesticides.
Why High-Quality Ingredients Cost More
Once I find the right supplier, the next challenge is price.
Using truly natural, sustainable ingredients means my costs are much higher than if I used cheap, synthetic alternatives.
For example:
💰 A high-quality, cold-pressed carrier oil costs up to 5 times more than a refined one.
💰 Pure essential oils are significantly more expensive than fragrance oils, but they offer true aromatherapy benefits.
💰 Glass packaging costs more than plastic, but it’s eco-friendly and reusable.
This is why the price of my products has to reflect the quality of what’s inside. I understand that in a world where people can purchase mass-produced alternatives at a significantly lower cost, handmade, high-quality products command a premium price. But they’re also better for you, your home, and the environment.
The Balancing Act—Keeping My Prices Fair
I never want to overcharge for my products, but I also refuse to take shortcuts. To help keep my products accessible, I:
✔ Offer refills at a lower price to reduce waste and save customers money.
✔ Keep my packaging simple and eco-friendly to reduce extra costs.
✔ Set fair pricing that reflects both the quality of ingredients and the handmade process.
Final Thoughts—Why I Keep Doing This
There have been times when I’ve thought, wouldn’t it be easier to just use cheaper ingredients? But then I remind myself why I started.
I want my products to be:
🌿 Truly natural and safe.
🌿 Sourced with integrity.
🌿 Handmade with care.
This journey has been full of challenges, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every customer who values high-quality, natural products makes this all worthwhile. 💛
So next time you see a handmade product and wonder why it costs more than a mass-produced version, know that behind that price are hours of research, ingredient testing, and a dedication to quality that big brands simply don’t prioritise.
Thank you for supporting small businesses like mine. 💛😊
Follow My Journey
I’ll be posting updates on my essential oil studies, product-making process, and craft fairs over on TikTok & Instagram (@BlakesMakes)—follow along for behind-the-scenes insights!
https://www.facebook.com/blakesmakes1308
https://www.tiktok.com/@blakesmakes
