Who Are Thayers?
Well this is a real legacy brand, Thayers Natural Remedies was launched by 21-year-old Dr Henry Thayer in 1843. He practised medicine for a while, before opening his first drug store in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Then, following a series of successful experiments, Thayer started the manufacture of fluid extracts and during the Civil War, his products were in demand for the army and his company, Henry Thayer & Co, quickly became the government’s go-to for a large portion of its hospital supplies. As a result, the brand became the largest manufacturer of pharmaceuticals in America and, over time, Thayer continued to extend his line of herbal extracts. It grew to include over 800 products in the form of infusions, poultices, syrups, tinctures and wines – and amongst the most popular was Witch Hazel Extract, which remains the brand’s most iconic product to date.
Slowly but surely, many US cult brands are launching right here in the UK and the latest arrival is Thayers Natural Remedies: when you consider that this brand has been making waves in the industry for over 175 years – and still counting. It is known and loved for its skin balancing, hydrating properties, as well as for its natural approach and herbal infusions. It is suitable for all skin types, the carefully curated collection of alcohol-free Toners and Mists have each been made with 98% natural origin ingredients and they’re all certified cruelty free by Peta.
Thayers product is formulated with two hero ingredients: Witch Hazel, a flowering plant famed for its medical properties that works to soothe, even and refresh skin and Aloe Vera which is a succulent plant with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits that hydrates, nourishes and promotes healthy skin. Together they create the wholly unique blend that the brand is loved for today. Both ingredients are certified organic and are grown exclusively for Thayers Herbal Remedies on a family farm in Fairfield County, Connecticut. That is what makes the brand unique and to this day all of the brand’s products are made the old-fashioned way, which actually means that the products are never distilled, instead they are macerated at a local manufacturer and it is this that sets Thayers apart from other toners in the market. Maceration is an extraction process where the Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera are submerged in water and softened; it’s like making a cup of tea! The result of that process means that the ingredients maintain 195% more tannins – a naturally occurring substance found in the bark and skin of a variety of plants, including Witch Hazel – which not only have mild antioxidant properties but also work to help balance the skin’s pH levels to ensure it stays as healthy and as happy as possible.
After the maceration process, the herbs are removed and glycerin (a hydrating humectant that helps skin to retain moisture) is added before the final mixture is filtered into the clear liquid that’s housed inside Thayers recognisable bottles. It’s the brand’s long standing commitment to create the highest quality pure, effective, cruelty free products that makes it the number one facial toner in the USA with a 91% repurchase rate. It is no surprise then that Thayers has become a cult brand in both Canada and Australia.
Not only are Thayers products clinically proven to be non-comedogenic and gentle, but they also provide all-day hydration and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier – as well as promising to never dry skin out. Each product has undergone a clinical study by dermatologists, proving that they’re effective and non-irritating for most skin types.
The alcohol free toner collection has now launched in the UK in a variety of scents, including rose petal for an effortless, natural-looking glow; cucumber to cool and refresh and coconut, to intensely moisturise, plus there’s an unscented option which is ideal for sensitive skin types.
In the past I have tended to ignore toners as it was yet another make-up step to take, however after trying Thayers I am now realising I was wrong. I found that the toner gave my skin moisture for a good 8 hours. It is non-comedogenic and was gentle on my skin without making it feel tight and dry. I must now say that I was impressed and yes I am now a convert to Thayers toner range!
