Cosy Cottage
The Cosy Cottage Podcast
Welcome to the cosy cottage podcast with me, Clara Challoner Walker. Several years ago after recovering from breast cancer, I made the decision to set up Cosy Cottage, to provide an alternative to commercially produced personal and skin care products. Our mission was to produce a range which was free from artificial ingredients, potentially endocrine disrupting preservatives, and also free form palm oil, plastic and animal testing. In this podcast, i will share some elements of our journey, how we became a family run business and our decision to locate our manufacturing in Yorkshire.
Author
Cosy Cottage
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Oct 6, 2025
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Episodes
Natural Christmas Gift Ideas 2025 | Handmade, Sustainable & Locally Made 06.10.2025 8:10
This Christmas, skip the mass-produced gifts and choose something truly meaningful. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of natural, handmade, and locally made Christmas gifts with Cosy Cottage Soap. From beautifully packaged skincare bundles to plastic-free stocking fillers, each product is crafted with love in Yorkshire using gentle, sustainable ingredients. Whether you’re shopping for f...
Clara's Mature Skincare Routine 30.09.2025 2:05
In today’s episode, we’re diving into Clara’s personal mature skincare routine — a gentle, realistic approach that celebrates ageing skin rather than fighting it. Clara walks us through every step of her routine , from her favourite cleansers and serums to the key ingredients that keep her skin glowing, hydrated, and healthy. Whether you’re starting to notice changes in your skin or you’re already...
The Science of Relaxation 13.09.2025 2:17
Book one of our relaxing treatments here: https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/pages/all-treatments Read our blog about relaxation: https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/blogs/news/how-we-de-stress-and-relax?_pos=7&_sid=e7a10cc76&_ss=r Buy our relaxing massage oil here: https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/products/massage-oils-by-cosy-spa-in-two-exclusive-essential-oil-blends?_pos=1&_sid=e94200...
Introducing The Best Eco-Cleaning Spray On The Market (and it's new scent) 26.08.2025 5:39
In this episode Clara introduces the new scent for our 5-star ever-popular eco-cleaning spray. We talk about why our spray is so special, when many other 'eco' brands use greenwashing to appear environmentally friendly, and exactly the ingredients we've used to make our biodegrade in nature. See our household spray here: https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/products/biodegradable-surface-...
We Won Gold 11.08.2025 0:57
We are absolutely delighted to have received the GOLD award in the Natural Health and Beauty Awards
Embarrassed By Your Feet? This Might Help 11.08.2025 1:11
In this episode of the Cosy Cottage Podcast, we explore the deeply nourishing properties of mango butter — a rich, natural emollient packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids. From soothing dry, cracked heels to locking in moisture and softening rough skin, mango butter is a luxurious treat your feet will love. We also share how our Cosy Cottage Mango Butter Foot Balm combines mango butter wi...
Can rosemary essential oil really help with hair growth and dry scalps? 27.07.2025 3:57
In this episode of the Cosy Cottage Podcast, we explore the powerful properties of rosemary essential oil—a time-tested natural remedy with real modern benefits. From boosting scalp health to improving circulation and even supporting hair regrowth, rosemary is more than just a fragrant herb. We also discuss a 2015 study published in Skinmed Journal, which found that rosemary essential oil was just...
Dry Skin Questions Answered: Natural Remedies & Skincare Tips | Cosy Cottage Podcast 18.07.2025 4:33
Got dry skin? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Cosy Cottage Podcast, we answer your most commonly asked questions about dry skin—what causes it, how to soothe it naturally, and which ingredients to look for (or avoid). Plus, we share our favourite water-free moisturisers that actually work. ✨ Read more about our dry skin solutions: https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/blogs/news/drenching-dr...
The Citrus Secret to a Bug-Free Summer | Natural Insect Repellents with Cosy Cottage 28.06.2025 1:24
In this refreshing and informative episode, we dive into the natural power of citral , a key compound found in citrus essential oils like lemongrass and sweet orange. Known for its zesty aroma and uplifting qualities, citral also plays a powerful role as a natural insect repellent —perfect for keeping bugs at bay without the use of harsh chemicals. We explore how citral works and why it's a br...
What’s Inside Our Eco Travel Tins? | Plastic-Free Summer Essentials For The Eco-Traveller with Chloe & Wayne 16.06.2025 16:59
Ready for a summer getaway without the plastic overload? In this fun and practical episode, Chloe and Wayne take you inside our bestselling Travel Essentials Tin — your go-to companion for sustainable skincare on the go. We unpack what’s inside the tin, why it was designed the way it is, and how each mini product helps you travel light and live consciously. From solid shampoo and conditioner bars...
BUSTING SOAP MYTHS | The Truth About Natural Skincare with Clara Challoner Walker, Founder of Cosy Cottage Soap 13.06.2025 8:05
In this fresh and uplifting episode, we sit down with Clara Challoner Walker, founder of Cosy Cottage Soap, to explore some of the most bizarre and brilliant soap myths we’ve come across—and figure out whether any of them hold water (spoiler: not really). From claims that soap can predict the weather, bring good luck, or even ward off the evil eye in babies, to the surprisingly popular idea that p...
What are the benefits of natural haircare? | A Conversation with a Qualified Hairdresser and Tutor 10.06.2025 24:04
In this fresh and uplifting episode, we sit down with Wayne, one of the team members at Cosy Cottage Soap, to explore the truth behind natural haircare. Wayne walks us through our best-loved shampoo bars and conditioner, sharing how we turn nourishing plant oils into plastic-free, sulphate-free haircare that actually works. From formulating solid bars that lather beautifully to choosing ingredient...
Can Natural Ingredients Really Protect You From the Sun? | A Chat with Cosy Cottage Soap’s Founder 01.06.2025 10:22
In this episode, we sit down with Clara Challoner Walker, founder of Cosy Cottage Soap , to explore the rising interest in natural sun protection — especially from red and orange plant-based compounds. We dive into why more people are questioning conventional sunscreens, the health and environmental concerns behind synthetic ingredients, and how Cosy Cottage approaches skin safety through a natura...
A Magic Natural Ingredient That Could Change The Eco Market For Good 26.05.2025 10:20
Greener Skincare from the Ground Up | A Visit to Holiferm’s Sustainable Science Lab In this eye-opening episode, we visit Holiferm, a groundbreaking company at the forefront of green chemistry, to discover how their innovative biosurfactant could transform the future of sustainable skincare. Join us behind the scenes as we explore how this naturally derived ingredient is created, how it compares t...
Meet the Maker: Martha on Creating Natural Skincare That Actually Works 16.05.2025 16:36
From Plant to Pot: How Natural Skincare Is Really Made | A Conversation with Martha In this nourishing and down-to-earth episode, we sit down with Martha, one of the skilled makers behind Cosy Cottage’s natural skincare range. With her passion for purity and sustainability, Martha takes us behind the scenes to reveal what really goes into your skincare — and what doesn’t. From hand-stirred balms t...
Healing Your Body and Soul with Carole Dalton - Deep Dive into Reiki, Reflexology, Aquatherm Massage, Crystal Healing, Chakra Balancing and Many More... 06.05.2025 17:10
Balancing Body and Soul | A Journey Through Healing with Carole In this gentle and inspiring episode, we sit down with Carole , one of our talented practitioners at Cosy Cottage, to explore the many ways she supports people through holistic therapies. From Reiki and Reflexology to Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aquatherm , and Lymphatic Drainage Massage , Carole shares how each treatment works, the benefit...
We Talk Mango Butter, Cracked Heels & Summer-Ready Feet 02.05.2025 6:58
This ultra-nourishing balm is packed with skin-loving ingredients, each chosen for its powerful natural benefits: Key Ingredients & Their Benefits: Mango Butter – deeply moisturising, rich in vitamins A & E, softens tough skin Coconut Oil – antibacterial, hydrating, and soothing for sore feet Olive Oil – rich in antioxidants to protect and rejuvenate the skin Lemon Essential Oil – naturall...
Changing Your Skincare For The Autumn Season 04.10.2024 11:08
In this episode, we discuss some of the skin changes we may see as we move from summer into the cooler autumn and winter months. Clara is joined by Chloe, a member of her team, to discuss the products and ingredients we can look to for help with cooler-weather skin concerns. We also discuss how we can adjust with the season generally, and briefly discuss some general wellbeing advice for embracing...
A Glimpse Into The New Shop 12.08.2024 11:29
In this episode, we discuss the upcoming opening of our new, larger premises. Clara chats about the different treatments we can expect to see in the new premises, from Reiki to Homeopathy and Beauty to Aqua-therm massage. If you would like to know more about our upcoming events or book yourself a place, please click here to see our full events calendar.
Making The Switch To Natural Haircare 04.07.2024 13:14
In this episode, Clara chats about the transition to natural shampoo bars. She discusses the benefits of shampoo bars, their effectiveness, environmental impact and the transition period associated with them. Have a look at the blogs about natural shampoo bars here . You can see our full range of shampoo bars by clicking here . Visit our website here:
Meet The Founder - Get To Know Clara Challoner Walker 28.06.2024 34:09
In this episode, Clara chats with her colleague Chloe and discusses her life in the lead up to founding Cosy Cottage.
Natural Deodorant - An Eco Step Too Far? 21.06.2024 21:46
With so many commercial producers relying heavily on aluminium, artificial additives, palm oil, plastics, detergents and preservatives, what’s different about our Cosy Cottage products and how do they work? After all, with deodorant, none of us want to take any risks! In this episode, Clara answers a series of questions a natural deodorant 'newbie' might have, to give you everything you ne...
How is Soap Made? 13.06.2024 10:25
Clara from Cosy Cottage, a natural skincare brand based in Yorkshire shares the chemistry and a little about the history of soap making. Read the blog 'The Chemistry Of Soap'
Why Are Children Obsessed With Anti-Ageing Products? 06.06.2024 5:55
In this episode Clara discusses the concerning trend of children using anti-ageing cosmetic and skincare products and the potentially unknown consequences of it. Find the blog post associated with this episode here: https://www.cosycottagesoap.co.uk/blogs/news/why-are-young-people-obsessed-with-anti-ageing-products Find our range of 100% natural, plastic free skincare products on our website: http...
Top Five Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare 30.05.2024 11:14
Clara from Cosy Cottage, a natural skincare brand based in Yorkshire shares her five top tips about the ingredients to avoid if you are looking for gentle, natural, value for money skincare.
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