Natural Body Essentials

The business began when its founder, Latoya, developed a first body cream. Coworkers asked to buy it, and that interest led to the brand's start. Today the products are handcrafted with locally sourced ingredients.

Some ingredients are grown in an herbal garden at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the same site where the beekeeping hive tours take place. Customers who want a special oil or ingredient in their product can request one for an extra fee.

Services include a rejuvenating facial, which is booked through the website, along with natural skincare workshops and classes held at Mt. Airy Learning Tree. The business states its products are effective for eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, and it advises consulting a doctor before using its products for eczema. It notes that results vary by person, with some customers reporting results in as little as 7 days and others in 30.

Products are sold at Weaver's Way Co-op in Germantown and Ambler, and select items are available in store at Bites & Blends in Dresher. The brand is also a regular vendor at the Northern Liberties, Pretzel Park, East Falls and Yardley farmers markets, so visitors should check the events page for dates. Online orders take 7 to 10 business days to process before shipping, which takes 1 to 3 business days by USPS. Orders of $75 or more ship free, and nothing ships on weekends. Returns are not processed for sanitary reasons, so customers with a product issue are asked to contact the business directly.

Products are handcrafted from locally sourced ingredients, and customers can ask for a special oil or ingredient of their choice for an extra fee.