In the current beauty climate, going green and exploring the use of natural beauty products is growing traction day by day. Many of our go-to brands and favourite products can – at times – have a relatively long list of ingredients that are often referred to as problematic, leading to more and more people looking to avoid said ingredients when considering what they use in their own beauty regimes. The jury is out on whether going entirely green will offer the same satisfaction as using your current – not so natural – holy grail alternatives (actives for example), but it’s definitely something to consider if you’re becoming more aware of the ingredients you’re using on your skin, body and hair regularly Studies have shown that going green not only improves our health but also has a colossal impact on lessening our carbon footprint. In our current worldly state, perhaps it’s time that we should all consider our own impact on the environment by researching the widely used chemicals and ingredients in our beauty products that can also impact our surroundings as well as our skin.
You may or may not be aware, but our skin is our largest organ, therefore the products we use are rapidly absorbed into our blood stream. We’ve all fallen victim to the latest beauty launches and trends, but it’s worth noting that some synthetic ingredients in our beauty staples could be causing more harm than good, on the skin’s surface and beneath. Although resilient, our bodies are very much affected by our lifestyle and surroundings, therefore often hindered by pollution, UVA/UVB rays and free radicals. With environmental effects garnering attention, becoming more mindful of potentially harmful chemicals found in mainstream cosmetics could prove extremely beneficial.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Controversial and potentially toxic ingredients that you may want to look out for are: SLS, SLES, petrochemicals and sulphates. To further illustrate, there are also some natural and organic ingredients that can irritate the skin, too, so it really is about preference and how selective you wish to be. For me, personally (Jem, Editor), I would struggle to switch up my routine to support the natural trend in its entirety, however I do use natural products wherever I feel I can best utilise them, especially on my hair as I genuinely see the benefits. I know that the main reason I have become more conscious is environementally focused, therefore I relish a brand that is packed in minimal, recyclable packaging – something we pride ourselves on at LiB with our monthly box packaging. When you next mark a product or service down for their lack of packaging in terms of aesthetics, think of the more powerful message they’re sending to improve the effects of beauty on the environment.
OH SO NATURAL
For our Oh So Natural month, we’re encouraging you to immerse yourself in the natural world; whether that be it its literal sense and testing greener beauty products or using less product and embracing your natural beauty state – it’s open for interpretation. As we’re all about sampling at LiB, this month we’ve sourced an assortment of natural beauty products that will allow you to explore the natural brands that you may not have been previously aware of. There’s no definitive beauty rule to say you should go natural (in fact, it’s not always the right move – it depends on the specific beauty results you wish to achieve), but if you do find yourself more conscious of what you’re using as well as the environment, we’d recommend adding some natural products to your box this month.
Need some natural inspo? Here are six brands currently stocked at LiB that we love for their natural ingredients and ethos – available now for you to try:
HOT RIGHT NOW
Aromatherapy Associates
There’s a reason why we entered this brand into our Haul of Fame this month. With more than 30 years of experience, this globally renowned brand is a pioneer in popularising essential oils, bringing spa aromatherapy to the masses. Combining expertly blended essential oils with its unique active botanicals has led to remarkable innovations in body and skincare. The result: beautiful, glowing, healthy skin free from harsh chemicals and unnecessary synthetics.
Recommended product: Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil
Weleda
Since it was established, Weleda has followed aims which spray from its founding principles. Its products are intended to support people in their personal development, in maintaining, promoting and restoring their health and achieve physical wellbeing. In harmony with both nature and the human being, this natural brand is proudly NATRUE certified, the first internationally recognised quality seal for organic and natural beauty products.
Recommended product: Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Wash
Urban Veda
Because of the constant battle with environmental factors that affect the health of our skin, at the fact that our lifestyles are often mirrored in our complexion, Urban Veda has been formulated using natural ingredients and the principles of Ayurveda in a relevant way for 21st skincare complaints to ‘pollution proof’ skin, leaving it less vulnerable to the environment. The Urban Veda ranges are designed to be suited to different skin types which in the principles of Ayurvedic medicine are associated with ‘doshas’.
Recommended product: Urban Veda Radiance Exfoliating Facial Polish
Soaper Duper
This is probably one of my favourite beauty discoveries at LiB, and that says a lot. Soaper Duper makes the best naturally-derived bath and body products, formulated with real ingredients and none of the usual suspects – no plastic microbeads, no parabens, no phthalates. Products are also wrapped up in big, basic, some recycled and some recyclable plastic packaging . The brand believes it’s possible to do good business and do good at the same time, so it supports WaterAid to bring soap and water to communities who need it. We’re talking perfectly luxurious, but gloriously guilt-free.
Recommended product: Soaper Duper Yuzufruit & Fig Body Butter
Dr Organic
A firm favourite at the LiB office with products that always deliver, Dr Organic is brand we continuously revert back to. Treasuring the natural world to discover the purest and most potent extracts, the organically enhanced health and beauty products are ethically sourced using the finest sustainable natural ingredients. Dr Organic always strives to use organically grown ingredients, but where an organic ingredient can’t be used they will always try to source sustainable natural alternatives.The brand is also completely cruelty-free and vegetarian because they believe in luxury that doesn’t cost the earth.
Recommended product: Dr Organic Hemp Oil Soap
PHB Ethical Beauty
Because we love makeup, it’s always great to champion natural cosmetics brands. PHB Ethical Beauty is a pioneering family-run company with a revolutionary range of ethical beauty products that you will love! Home to a large collection of Natural, Vegan & Alcohol Free (Halal) beauty products, the cutting edge formulas have won over 25 industry awards in five years. The brand additionally donates 20% of net profits to charities that improve the lives of people and animals in the UK and around the world.
Recommended product: PHB Ethical Natural & Organic Eyeliner
