J.R. Watkins is an amazing, cruelty free brand that may or may not be on your radar. It’s certainly not a new brand. In fact, it’s been around since 1868 (no that’s not a typo!). Joseph Ray Watkins started making his pain relieving Original Liniment (camphor and capsicum) in his own kitchen. It became hugely popular and he eventually began selling salves, vegetable oil soap (no animal byproducts), rose perfume and natural oils and extracts.
Back in the day, it was hard for families to get to the local general store – and this may surprise some of you, but THERE WAS NO INTERNET back then! No widespread use of cars either until the early 1900s – so we’re talking horses and buggies here. The J.R. Watkins company would go door to door with a horse-driven cart full of the things every housewife needed: personal care, home care, remedies and organic flavorings (spices, extracts, etc.). So, that explains the eclectic mix that J.R. Watkins has today.
Being “natural” is not just a marketing term for J.R. Watkins. They really do put a lot of time and energy into making sure they have the best and most natural formulas.
For moisturizing the body, they have a body oil and a body lotion. Both are made without SLS, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates and dyes. The lotions and the oils come in several scents: vanilla, mango, lemon, lavender, green tea, coconut milk/honey and grapefruit. These are all lightly scented – not overpowering at all.
I’m a huge fan of the liquid hand soaps. First of all, I love the packaging – vintage and classy (looks nice on my bathroom counter). It’s not really a moisturizing formula, but it doesn’t dry out your hands either. I tried the grapefruit scent and I love it. It also comes in orange citrus, lemon, lavender and aloe/green tea. It’s a little pricier than your average hand soap ($6.49) but it comes in a larger bottle and lasts a long time. A great alternative to brands that test on animals, like Softsoap (owned by Colgate).
I visited the J.R. Watkins flagship store in the OC recently and had to buy the Pizza & Pasta Seasoning. OMG – I love it! It comes in a fancy grinder and you can sprinkle on top of pizza, pasta or anything really. It’s got garlic, bell peppers, basil and other herbs that go well with Italian dishes. It’s also an excuse for me to eat more pizza (side note: everything is an excuse for me to eat pizza).
They also sell lip balms, bath salts, skincare products, cleaning products, natural remedies and food items. They really have an amazing array of cruelty free products. You can find the products at Target and drugstores nationwide. Or, buy online.
I love their peppermint foot salve!
I grew up knowing all about J.R.Watkins products. Whenever we would visit my great grandmother in Minnesota, my mom would stock up on the company’s stuff, but mainly black pepper and vanilla. This brings back memories. I actually buy my grandmother J.R.Watkins hand soap and lotion every year for Christmas. Her favorite is the lavender.
I just happened on your site, trying to get information on JR Watkins products (specifically whether or not they test on animals, are environmentally friendly, and are safe to use), and I’ll be back. A lot!
Thank you for your thorough review(s) and for providing the tons of information you do. And most especially, thank you for caring!
Awwww thanks Liz! 🙂
Like your last commenter, I was also trying to find out whether J. R. Watkins. Products are cruelty free. They extensively describe their environmental commitment, but mention nothing about being cruelty free on their website. Are you sure they are cruelty free?
@ Michelle- They are listed on the PETA website as being cruelty free, and Peta does extensive research before putting someone on the list so I am sure they are. I believe they dont advertise it as you have to pay and be put on an official list… something like that (I read that on the Watkins page in response to a fan question) Also would like to add the best way to buy Watkins is through your independent rep! Help support someone local to you!
I’m not 100% convinced that they are cruelty free. They go on and on about being natural and environmentally friendly but are not clear on their cruelty status. You would think that they would be very up front about it since they are so up front about everything else. I did notice on their website that one of the top executives is a former employee of Procter and Gamble which is a red flag for me.
Watkins is indeed cruelty free. I am an Independent Watkins Consultant and they do not test their products on animals. They are a wonderful company that has been doing the right thing in terms of organic and natural products, environmentally friendly packaging, and being a family centered company before it was “in” to do so. I became a consultant due to their amazing products and commitment to quality and the environment. After going to their website to purchase products several times, I decided to share my love of the company with all my friends and family. I am so glad I did.