Truly Organic

The organic beauty industry is big business with a growing number of people concerned about the nature of the ingredients lurking in beauty products. Dawn Mellowship susses out the hottest organic beauty buys to leave you fresh faced and glowing.

On a daily basis we readily slather ourselves in an array of beauty and skincare products containing a cocktail of chemicals. The skin is the largest organ of the body and according to research some of the ingredients in these products can be absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated around the body. Studies show that one of the main offenders is phthalates found in a range of cosmetics, perfumes and other beauty products. Phthalates have been linked with health problems such as liver and kidney failure, heart problems, testicular damage, infertility and other health risks for newborn babies. This is not to mention all the other chemicals and preservatives linked with health scares including: parabens, sodium lauryl and laureth sulphates, mineral oils, DEAs, TEAs, MEAs and formaldehyde. So, it would appear that beauty products are more than skin deep and going organic is the way forward!

The main problem in purchasing an organic option is that different countries have diverse definitions on what constitutes an organic beauty product and European law only extends to regulation of organic food produce. This has resulted in some manufacturers making dubious claims about the organic content of their products. However don’t fret! There are approved certification bodies that have established standards for organic beauty products. These include the Soil Association, the Organic Food Federation and Ecocert. If an organic labelled product has the Soil Association logo and certification it must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. If the logo is displayed and the product claims to contain some organic ingredients at least 70% of these must be organic. The remaining ingredients are subject to stringent guidelines including the prohibition of genetically modified contents.

To save you all the hard work we have taken the liberty of seeking out some great organic beauty buys that harness the awesome power of nature. You’ll be pleased to know that none of these products have been tested on animals.

Circaroma, founded by Barbara Scott rely on a simple philosophy of utilising the finest natural, organic skincare ingredients sourced from small farms and organic suppliers. They are certified as a Soil Association supplier and no synthetic ingredients are used.

Hot Buys!

Calming body wash - A gentle soap free body wash infused with luscious oils such as: almond oil, rose, lavender, geranium and patchouli, along with super skin nourishing aloe vera.

Uplifting Skin Serum - This Bergamot and Purple Sage serum stimulates the senses to leaving you thoroughly energised and your skin glistening.

Nourishing Face Cream - This rejuvenating face cream with wild frankincense and orange blossom is fantastic for some intensive skin nourishment.

Skin Gentle Facial Serum with Rose Otto and Apricot - is a wonderful light soothing oil with healing St John’s Wort and Echinacea to calm sensitive skin.

Green People was founded by Sandra Vohtz after realising how damaging man-made chemicals and poor diet were when her daughter developed eczema and severe allergies. Green People’s mission is to promote an organic lifestyle and provide high quality organic formulations. Their products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, are Soil Association Certified and 10% of their net profit each year is donated to charitable causes.

Hot Buys!

Aloe Vera Shampoo and Conditioner - Combining the healing powers of aloe vera with the soothing properties of lavender, this duo will leave your locks so soft that you won’t be able to stop touching your hair!

Vita Min Mask - This alcohol-free face-mask will enrich your skin with natural vitamins to leave tired, dehydrated or dry skin intensively nourished.

Stimulating Organic Sugar Scrub - This sensational exfoliator helps to purify the skin and remove those stubborn dead skin cells, leaving your skin baby soft and enviably silky smooth.

Cool Lips Mint spf 8 - For soft, protected, ultra kissable lips go for this protective, cooling and conditioning lip balm.

The Organic Pharmacy, founded by Margo and Francesco Marrone the Organic Pharmacy in Kings Road, London is dedicated to health and beauty using organic products and treatments with no synthetic contents. Organic ingredients are sourced from around the world and must each individually meet with Margo’s specifications. The Organic Pharmacy is certified as a Soil Association supplier.

Hot Buys!

Lip & Eye Cream - Reduce puffy eyes and dark circles and nourish the lips with this fabulous cream containing eye bright, bilberry, fennel, frankincense and neroli.

Collagen Boost Mask - This ‘instant lift’ gel contains über anti-aging ingredients to leave your skin looking radiant and youthful.

Rose Plus Face Cream - Pamper your skin with this luxurious cream that has a whole host of benefits including, improving micro-circulation and elasticity and promoting cell regeneration.

Spiezia. Mariano and Loredana Spiezia the founders of Spiezia fervently believe that “nature holds the key to health and wellbeing.” Spiezia products are 100% organic and chemical free. All Spiezia products have been approved by the Soil Association and Vegetarian Society so you can be sure that what you are buying is as natural as possible.

Essential Bath Oil - For a deeply relaxing and heaven scented bath use this restorative and relaxing bath oil combining organic herbs, oils and essential oils.

Daytime Moisturiser - This easily absorbed moisturiser containing only jojoba oil, wheatgerm oil, rose petals and vanilla will leave your skin luminous and smelling good enough to eat!

Foot Balm - A must for tired feet this peppermint foot balm is soothing, softening and will soon have you bouncing down the street.

Night Time Extra - For some overnight wrinkle busting go for this wonderful balm full of potent natural ingredients.

Body Firming Oil - Firm and tone yourself the simple way with this body firming oil containing ingredients such as: green tea, kernel oil, sesame oil and wheatgerm oil.