The Ingredients List - Breaking down the what, where and why of natural and eco-friendly beauty.
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Organic skincare - it's always been on our 'if we were being better people' to do list we've never quite got around to. But, if we're going by the theory that organic produce is better for our diets, surely organic skincare is just as beneficial for our complexions? Or is it?
Clearing up the confusion is natural beauty expert, brand founder and proud owner of the best skin we've ever encountered in real life, May Lindstrom.
From what actually qualifies a skincare product as being organic, to the benefits it can have for our faces and the myths that just aren't accurate, here's your personal guide to everything you need to know about organic skincare.
What qualifies a skincare product as organic?
'Very little, unfortunately. Lax labelling laws allow the word “organic” to be predominantly displayed even when only one ingredient at a fractional percentage within a formula is, in fact, organic.
'I always encourage consumers to ignore the front of packaging and any marketing jargon and instead to go straight to the complete ingredients listing. This is where the fun starts! Much of conventional skincare is filler and fluff and perfume and colourants.
'When you enter the natural beauty world, it’s like discovering a new universe - in my ideal, ingredients decks read like a yummy food label and each plant and mineral has a sourcing story from soil to seed to bottle that is worth celebrating.'
'The simple answer: when it contains ingredients that are not actually grown organically.
'Again, this is not a regulated term and a product marketed as “organic” may contain essentially none or only a fractional percentage of plant materials that were organically grown. It is vital to read the complete ingredients listing, and then study the sourcing of each unique ingredient.'
What are the benefits of organic skincare?
'Just like with food, organically grown ingredients often have higher nutrient levels, and are missing chemical residues that can irritate skin or potentially cause long term harm in the body.
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'I believe strongly in utilising the very best possible ingredients in my formulations. By choosing raw materials that are grown in the wild, or by organic farming methods, I feel I am doing just that.
'Your skin absorbs whatever you put on it, so I follow the same philosophy for skincare as I would in my diet. There is simply no place for pesticides or unnecessary synthetics. It's not about being an "organic" brand as much as it is creating the highest possible quality skin treats that I am capable of.
'The natural beauty community has been bringing more to the table than ever before with innovative formulas, beautiful colours and textures, the prettiest packaging imaginable and a receptive ear to what our clients are now asking of us - the ability to say yes, without compromise.'
What are common myths about organic skincare?
1.Organic Skincare Isn't As Effective
'The most common myth is definitely the belief that organic or natural skincare is not as effective or results-oriented as synthetic skincare. Thankfully, there has been a massive shift within this segment of the beauty industry from ten, or even five, years ago.
'The world is already taking notice of the blurring of the previous boundaries that stood between "natural" and “effective” and we're still at just the tip of the iceberg. '
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2. Organic Skincare Is All About What's NOT In It
' The biggest challenge is one the "green beauty" category has largely created for themselves. With so much marketing pointed towards the "no" lists, and what is NOT in our products, many brands have forgotten to share just how special the fresh and potent ingredients they actually include are. It's time to shift from a stance of defence to one of celebration - these formulas and these founders are worth talking about.'
What skincare products simply can't be formulated without synthetic ingredients?
'Products that are inherently synthetic, like conventional retinol, cannot be made organically. This said, a thoughtful ritual comprised of the most effective formulas means you don't necessarily need to use retinol.'
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The Best Natural, Organic And Eco-Friendly Beauty Products To Buy Right Now
Proving that indulgence and sustainability don't have to be mutually exclusive, L'Occitane have woven their commitment to helping the planet throughout their brand. From their eco-refills and solid shampoo bars which reduce plastic waste, to their in-store recycling schemes and conservation work, you can shop with L'Occitane safe in the knowledge that your purchase will do good and feel good.
It's not often you see a brand truly disrupting in the skincare field, but Sbtrct are taking sustainable skincare to the next level. Their line-up of skincare products have all been formulated into solid bars (they've got a pretty impressive lifespan) including a retinoid balm and this moisturising option, packed full of nourishing seed oils and completely palm oil free.
Single-use plastic is a serious issue when it comes to period products. Menstrual pads made up of a high percentage of plastic, and that's before you've even considered throwaway plastic tampon applicators. Dame is tackling this issue with their re-usable tampon applicator, which literally does what it says on the tin, and makes for an easy swap for those already used to using tampons.
While a regular deodorant might not be the highest on your list in terms of waste, we still collectively throw away millions of them a year, including the plastic parts, which end up in landfill. Wild has created a fully sustainable deodorant which comes in two parts: a reusable aluminium case and a plethora of lush smelling deodorant refills (packaged in bamboo pulp, of course). Not only does this cut out unnecessary packaging waste, but getting to pick and mix your scent actually makes deodorant fun. Who knew that was possible?
Heading to a festival this summer? While we might break our no-wipe rule for this occasion (let's be honest, have festival cleaning facilities ever pleasantly surprised us?), you can still choose a more sustainable option with these bamboo wipes which naturally biodegrade over time.
You might be thinking, 'Supplements, are they really that bad for the environment?', but all that individual packaging adds up. Manifesto's hair, skin & nail gummies are vegan, not to mention delicious, and come in compostable individual sachets.
If you're looking for an affordable, natural and sustainably-driven brand, Caudalie should be on your radar. As well as pledging to the '1% for the planet' commitment, Caudalie are also overhauling their packaging to be as recyclable as possible. Vinergetic C+ Overnight Detox Oil is good on the inside and out, with a super stabilised form of Vitamin C (no oxidising here) and 100% recyclable packaging.
Eschewing animal-derived products in our skincare can be difficult when alternatives just aren't as efficacious, but that's where Biossance comes in. This brand bridges ethical, scientific research with skincare to create highly efficient, sustainable ingredients that go into their products. Biossance's plant derived and vegan squalane, which forms the basis of their products, is the creme de la creme when it comes to moisturising skin.
Chanel have focused in on their mission to increase sustainability with the packaging of their newest line, N°1 de Chanel. From using lighter recyclable glass for their jars to 90% bio-based lids and replacing their paper leaflets with a scannable barcode, each part of the packaging's ecological impact has been thought through. The formulas have shifted too, with the N°1 de Chanel line made with up to 97% naturally derived ingredients.
Our love of tinted lip balms knows no bounds, but this one from Typology really piqued our interest. In a chic (and more importantly recyclable) aluminium tube, there's no wishy-washy tint to this balm; Instead expect a shade that packs a punch as well as keeping lips hydrated all day.
Youth To The People Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant
Mandelic acid is the buzzy new skincare ingredient that's got the beauty community excited for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's one of the more gentle natured members of the AHA family due to its larger molecule size, meaning those with sensitive skin are likely to get along better with it. Studies have also found it can help to reduce hyperpigmentation, promote collagen production, and help to minimise acne by controlling sebum production. This exfoliator from Youth To The People combines mandelic acid with 2% BHA, 1% PHA and a blend of superfoods for a exfoliant that will improve the texture of skin immediately and over time.
Tata Harper has always sought to keep the ecological balance protected when it comes to creating their products; All of their ingredients are grown, formulated and packaged on their farm in Vermont, minimising their carbon emissions massively. This eye cream is one of their hero products, minimising fine lines and brightening the overall appearance of the skin around the eyes.
Ren Clean Skincare are one of the brands absolutely smashing it when it comes to sustainability practices, meeting their pledge to go make all of their packaging 100% waste free across by 2021. Their Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 has a lightweight matte finish, perfect for oilier skin types, and is oxybenzone free, so isn't causing damage to our aquatic friends either.
UpCircle Beauty Night Cream with Blueberry Extract
Closing the loop on the beauty industry, UpCircle use leftover natural ingredients from various industries and transform them into your skin's new favourite moisturiser or body scrub. Plus, the packaging is 100% recyclable and the formulas vegan, cruelty-free and made locally in the UK.
Single use wastage in beauty doesn't just come from plastic, we often fall prey to it through our use of cotton buds and pads without even realising. These reusable make-up remover pads from The Body Shop are made with bamboo and cotton for a gentle but effective cleansing fabric. There are seven in the pack, so pop them in with your wash at the end of the week and be ready to go again on Monday.
The first beauty company to use post-consumer recycled materials in its packaging, Aveda was way ahead of the game when it came to sustainability. In fact, more than 85% of their products are made with 100% PCR.
Made with 99% natural and organic ingredients, Fiils' vegan hand cream refill lets you top up your reusable bottle and reduce waste at the same time. Even better, for every purchase you make, Fiils plant a tree in their very own Fiils forest.
A pioneer in the eco-friendly fragrance world, Floral Street scents are as chic as they are sustainable. From the ingredients, all the way through to the innovative pulp carton packaging that's 100% compostable, reusable and recyclable, Floral Street is the planet's best smelling friend.
Not only are Skin Proud on a mission to save your skin, but they'e transforming the way beauty products are packaged too. This entry level retinol serum is 100% vegan and cruelty-free whilst the outer packaging uses FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council Wood), eco-friendly soy ink and is 100% recyclable.
Neal's Yard Remedies are famous for using organic, ethically sourced herbs, botanicals and essential oils throughout their range of products. Encased in glass packaging, the blue tint makes sure your products are protected against sunlight and is easy to recycle.
Not only does Bamford look aesthetically pleasing in your bathroom and smell heavenly, but most of the range is certified organic by the Soil Association (so you know they mean business).
Sheet masks have been blacklisted when it comes to sustainability but this nutrient-rich mask not only leaves skin looking juicy and plumped, but their packaging is 100% recyclable. They've partnered with Terracycle so you can return your used masks and empty packets back to BOG to be recycled, completely free of charge.
This speedy hair mask can repair even the most damaged of ends, to leave you with glossy-looking locks. The range features only natural ingredients from sustainably sourced and renewable sources, whilst the packaging can easily be recycled at home.
This locally sourced, organic formula can be used all over the body to soothe any irritated or dry patches. The best bit? All of the brand's packaging is recyclable and made from materials that have already been recycled.
Not the most glamorous of beauty utensils but probably the most essential, these cotton swabs are made from 100% biodegradable and sustainably-grown bamboo, so you can even out your eyeliner wings without damaging the environment.
100% natural, vegan and cruelty free, there isn't a single winter-induced skin bugbear BYBI's Babe Balm can't resolve. Flaky lips? Gone. Ragged cuticles? It's got you. We even use it to keep frizzy lengths on lock-down. The packaging is sugarcane-derived and plastic free, too, which makes it totally eco-friendly.
If your skin is prone to oil slicks and breakouts, you need Tata Harper's 100% natural and non-toxic foaming cleanser in your life. It has the muscle to chip away at grease, grime and make-up remnants and to minimise the appearance of pesky blemishes, while the added mint extract cools, refreshes and revitalises the senses. Obsessed.
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Kjaer Weis Cream Blush - £28 (refill without case)
Finally, a cream blush that doesn't end up on our chin come 3pm! Formulated with certified organic ingredients, the lustrous cream melts on contact with the skin to lend pallid cheeks a dewy, post-spin flush that really sticks around. We're awarding extra beauty points for the snazzy compact.
Filled to bursting with organic and 100% natural ingredients, Rahua's luxe shampoo cleanses expertly from root to tip without sucking strands of moisture, whilst boosting volume at the same time. The smell isn't overpowering like some shampoos and it's also sulphate free, so perfect for coloured or keratin-treated hair.
Certified organic by the Soil Association, beauty editor-approved skincare brand Pai ditched cold-pressing for a gentler mode of extraction to make this silky, earthy facial oil, so that the ingredients inside stay fresher for longer. Slather it on at night and it'll make sorry-looking skin bouncy and bright by morning.