Ingredients & values
Surge Narrows Collective is rooted in place. In the forests, shorelines, and slower rhythms of coastal life on Read Island and the Discovery Islands.
Everything we make — whether it’s a hand-finished board, a forest salve, or a small-batch good — begins with care: care for materials, for process, and for the people who will live with these pieces in their daily lives.
This page shares the ingredients we choose, the values we work by, and the standards we hold ourselves to as makers.
What we make is shaped by where we live.
Our approach to ingredients
Thoughtfully chosen, never rushed.
We work with ingredients and materials that make sense for the body, the home, and the environment they come from.
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That means choosing fewer things, but choosing them well. And it means understanding where materials come from, how they behave over time, and how they feel in real use — not just how they look on a label.
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Whenever possible, we prioritize:
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Simple formulations
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Plants that we grew ourselves at the cabin
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Materials that age beautifully rather than needing to be replaced​
We don’t believe in overcomplicating what already works.
Botanical & natural ingredients
Plant-based ingredients, inspired by the forest
Our body-care products are made with a small number of carefully selected ingredients, many of which are inspired by — or directly connected to — the coastal forest landscapes around Surge Narrows.
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You’ll often find:
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Infused plant oils made slowly over time
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Beeswax for protection and structure
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Botanical resins, needles, leaves, and flowers chosen for their traditional uses and gentle effectiveness
We avoid unnecessary fillers, synthetic fragrances, and harsh additives. Every ingredient has a reason for being there — whether it’s for nourishment, protection, or scent.
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Products are designed to feel grounding, subtle, and functional — never overpowering.
Wildcrafting & seasonal Use
When we work with wild or seasonal botanicals, they are used thoughtfully and in small quantities.
Wildcrafting, when practiced, follows a simple rule:
never take more than the land can give.
This means:
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Harvesting selectively and sparingly
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Avoiding sensitive or over-harvested species
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Working with what’s naturally available in season
Not every product includes wildcrafted ingredients, and that’s intentional. Sustainability comes first.
Seasonal, selective, and never rushed.
Small batch & hands-on process
Made in small batches, by hand
Everything under the Surge Narrows Collective name is made in small runs.
This allows us to:
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Adjust and refine as we go
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Maintain consistent quality
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Stay connected to the making process
From measuring oils to finishing wood by hand, each piece reflects time, attention, and human touch — not mass production.
Our values
At the heart of Surge Narrows Collective are a few guiding principles:
Place
Our work is shaped by where we live — coastal forests, shifting tides, and slower island rhythms.
Function
Beauty should serve a purpose. Every piece should be usable, durable, and meaningful.
Honesty
What you see is what you get — no hidden ingredients.