Deschampsia — FAQ
Deschampsia is a small, plant-to-bottle apothecary founded and run by Jonathan Deschamps. The following questions offer insight into how the products are made, how to use them, and the philosophy behind the work.
🌿 About Deschampsia
What does the name Deschampsia mean?
Deschampsia is a genus of grass, including species native to the Pacific Northwest. The name connects to my own surname—I'm Jonathan Deschamps, the founder and maker behind Deschampsia. “Deschamps” means “of the fields” in French.
It reflects both a personal lineage and a way of working—rooted in the field, in relationship with living plants, and the landscapes they come from.
What is Deschampsia?
Deschampsia is a plant-to-bottle apothecary focused on botanical skincare and natural perfumery. Each product is made in small batches using organic, wild-foraged, and regionally sourced plants, with an emphasis on working directly from raw material to finished formulation.
What does “plant-to-bottle” mean?
It means working directly with whole plant materials—harvesting, distilling, infusing, and formulating in-house whenever possible. This allows the full character of the plant to carry through into the final product.
What makes your products different from conventional skincare?
Most commercial skincare relies on pre-processed ingredients, synthetic fragrance, and isolated compounds.
This work is rooted in whole plants and slower methods like distillation and infusion. The goal is not to override the body, but to support it—allowing the skin to function as it’s meant to.
🌿 Ingredients & Sourcing
Where do your ingredients come from?
Ingredients are sourced as locally as possible, with a strong focus on the Pacific Northwest. Many plants are ethically wild-foraged, while others are grown organically or sourced from small farms.
What does “wild-foraged” mean?
Wild-foraged plants are harvested directly from their natural environment. Harvesting is done carefully and in alignment with ecological limits, taking only what can be gathered responsibly.
Are your products organic?
Whenever possible, certified organic ingredients are used. Many other botanicals are responsibly wild-foraged from places where pesticides are not applied, and they are not certified organic.
Do you use synthetic fragrances or additives?
No. We do not use synthetic fragrance oils, fillers, or artificial additives. Our scents come from whole botanicals, natural extracts, and select clearly identified materials such as wool absolute. Product pages list the ingredients in each formula.
Do you use preservatives?
We do not use synthetic preservatives. Our oil-based formulas are made without added water and are not emulsions—water and oil are kept separate. Vitamin E helps slow oxidation in these formulas. Our hydrosols contain Lactobacillus ferment, a fermentation-derived ingredient used to support product stability. Store products in a cool, dark place. Hydrosols are best used within 6 months after opening.
🌿 Using the Products
How do I know which products are right for me?
Start simple and observe your skin.
A basic approach:
Hydrosol for hydration
Serum or oil for moisture + nourishment
Balm if additional protection is needed
Face Mask for occasional treatment
From there, you can adjust based on how your skin responds.
How should I layer products?
A simple structure:
- Hydrosol on damp skin
- Serum or oil
- Balm (if needed)
This supports hydration and helps the skin retain moisture.
Do I need a full routine?
Not necessarily. Many people benefit from using fewer products more intentionally, especially when starting out.
That said, a simple routine or ritual can be supportive and grounding. What matters most is that it reflects your skin’s needs rather than following a rigid or prescriptive system.
Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?
These formulations are generally well-suited for sensitive skin. However, skin sensitivity is individual, and botanical or aromatic ingredients may not suit everyone. Review the ingredients for each formula and patch test before broader use. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
🌿 Natural Perfume & Scent
How long do your perfumes last?
Wear time can vary depending on the specific formula and your skin. In general, these are botanical perfumes that sit closer to the body and evolve over time.
For more detailed information, refer to the individual product page, where wear time and scent behavior are described more specifically.
Why are your scents more subtle than commercial perfumes?
Commercial perfumes often rely on synthetic fixatives and aroma chemicals to create strong projection and long wear.
These perfumes are made entirely from plant materials, so they wear more intimately and shift with your skin over time.
Are your perfumes gendered?
No. These are botanical perfumes, shaped more by plant materials than by gender categories.
As a botanist, I tend to think of scent differently—many plants themselves are hermaphroditic, expressing both male and female aspects. The fragrances follow that same logic, existing outside of fixed gender distinctions.
🌿 Freshness, Shelf Life & Storage
How long do your products last?
Because these products are minimally processed and made in small batches:
- Oils and balms: typically 6–12 months
- Hydrosols: best used within 6 months after opening
How should I store them?
Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Why don’t your products last as long as conventional ones?
In many cases, they do have a comparable shelf life. These formulations are designed to remain stable and usable for months when stored properly.
The difference is in how that stability is achieved. Rather than relying on heavy synthetic stabilizers, these products use whole plant materials and more minimal preservation systems.
This approach prioritizes ingredient integrity while still maintaining a practical shelf life.
🌿 Ethics & Approach
Is your work sustainable?
The approach is rooted in:
- small-batch production
- seasonal harvesting
- responsible wildcrafting
- minimal processing
The goal is to work within ecological limits rather than scale beyond them.
Are your products vegan?
Most products are plant-based. If a product contains beeswax or another animal-derived ingredient, it is clearly listed on the product page.
🌿 Orders & Practical Questions
Do you offer shipping?
Yes. Shipping is calculated at checkout. Free U.S. shipping is available on orders over $80.
What if something arrives damaged?
If your order arrives damaged, reach out with your order number and a photo, and it will be taken care of.
Can I return products?
Returns may be requested within 14 days of delivery for unopened, unused items in their original packaging with proof of purchase. Opened or used skincare, bath, body, and aromatic products are not returnable for hygiene and safety reasons. A 20% restocking fee applies to eligible change-of-mind returns but does not apply when we confirm that an item arrived damaged, defective, or incorrect. Please see our Refund Policy for complete details.
🌿 For those new to this approach
I’m used to conventional skincare—where should I start?
Start with one or two products and give your skin time to adjust.
Working with whole plant formulations can feel different at first. The goal is not to force immediate results, but to build a relationship with your skin over time.