About Skwálwen Botanicals

Leigh Joseph, PhD, is the ethnobotanist, researcher, activist, and Indigenous founder of Sḵwálwen. Sḵwálwen (skwall-win) is an Indigenous skincare line that honors Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge and ancestral traditions by using sustainably harvested and sourced organic plants to balance, renew, repair, strengthen, hydrate and protect the skin. Sḵwálwen is the Squamish word for heart. Each product has a Squamish name to honor the place where this plant knowledge comes from. Before there was a conversation about clean, green and natural skincare, there were communities of Indigenous womxn who cultivated and foraged for plants in the forests and meadows to use as food and medicine. Instructed by cultural teachings, they identified the plants that, when blended together, could unlock health and healing. Weaving together the wisdom passed down through her ancestors and the knowledge gained through her academic career, Dr Joseph, whose ancestral name is Styawat, acts as a living bridge between past and present, plants and people. Each batch of botanical-based products carries the richness and potency of the natural world, without any harsh chemicals, phthalates, synthetics or parabens. Approaching the natural world gently and respectfully, and harvesting with techniques that are ethical and sustainable. Sḵwálwen represents more than skincare. It is a ceremonial offering of Indigenous plant wisdom that keeps ancestral tradition alive.