The name 8950 comes from the postal code for Castro Marim, the Algarve town where these gorgeous organic hair and skin products are produced.
Castro Marim is also the longtime home of Eglantina Monteiro, an anthropologist, university professor, art curator, and hotelier (the sublime Companhia das Culturas), who has a passion for the intersection of science, ecology, and aesthetics. Here, she tapped into the tradition of the nearby Serra do Caldeirão, which have been closely linked with the production of perfumes and aromatherapy since Roman times, and which is now home to Pharmaplant, an organic engineering laboratory for cosmetics.
The line includes an aloe vera–based liquid soap, a gentle and nutrient-rich shampoo with hydrolyzed wheat protein and vegetable glycerin, and a body lotion with skin-softening grape seed oil.
Hotels that carry the line can also buy bamboo toothbrushes, organic toothpaste, lip balm, compostable shower caps, and biodegradable cotton pads from 8950.
The liquid products are presented in refillable, plastic-free ceramic bottles designed by ceramicist Sofio Magalhães (35.10€ for a ceramic bottle, 30.30€ for a refill).
The signature aroma, created by perfumer Lourenço Lucena, is made from essential oils and extracts from plants native to the region, such as carob, gum rockrose, myrtle, sea fennel, rosemary, and shrubby everlasting. It’s a subtle, pleasing, unisex scent that evokes the land.
For more information, visit the 8950 website.
8950
Mobile: +35§ 916 061 988
Email: flavio@8950cosmetica.pt
Visit 8950cosmetica.pt for online orders and a list of shops