Sugarpuffish: certified organic

Showing posts with label certified organic. Show all posts

19.9.16

Organic Beauty Week: Look for the Logo

The Organic Beauty Week Campaign for 2016 is #lookforthelogo. A long time ago I wrote a piece titled "How to make sure you are buying truly organic skincare". It could do with updating but the general principals remain the same, in order to guarantee a beauty product is truly organic you need to look for a certification logo such as the Soil Association.

I thought I would share with you some of the organic brands which I enjoy using and talk you through my favourite products.

Odylique - if you are regular reader you will know that I rave non-stop about Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo, honestly it changed my life the day I discovered it. No more itchy scalp for me, I can't be without it and purchase the 500ml bottle in bulk. I also love the Creamy Coconut Cleanser, my struggles with linalool have been well documented and this cleanser is a repeat purchase for me. I also think Superfruit Concentrate is one of the best facial serums your money can buy and if you struggle with eczema then I recommend the Repair Lotion.

Skin & Tonic - the Naked Beauty Oil is up there with Odylique when it comes to unscented facial oils. It's a beautiful product which I highly recommend. I haven't tried much else from the range because of my allergies but I know many of my blogger friends rave about their products so I'm confident there is something for everyone.

Terre Verdi - I've had the pleasure of knowing this brand through the Free From Skincare Awards and more recently they attended our Gorgeously Green Event. The brand has come a long way since my review last year. Elegant and stylish bottle full of gorgeous ingredients what more do you need.

Herbfarmacy - you'll often hear people mention their balms, Mallow Beauty Balm appears to be a cult favourite amongst bloggers and I have enjoyed using it over the years. I recently took on my holidays the Marshmallow & Vanilla Lip Conditioner and I know some many think "what's so special about a lip balm" but seriously it's a wonderful buttery blend of ingredients.

Botanicals - an award winning vegan brand that I've had the pleasure of knowing for quite some time. I highly recommend the Rose & Camellia Nourish Cleanse Melt is you love using cleansing balms. I also enjoy using their Raw & Pure range of Cold Pressed Oils perfect for those who like to keep things simple or have fragrance allergies.

Balm Balm - simple packaging and ingredients makes this brand awesome. I've been a fan for years and often recommend Super Light Coconut Cleanser if you have sensitive skin. Also an affordable range for organic certified products.

Lulu & Boo Organics - dig around in the archives and you'll find a review for the Chamomile Cleansing Balm and Shea Butter & Jojoba Hair Treatment. I've know this brand for a long time and I recommend them.

Do you have a favourite certified organic brand or product?

Sarah x

15.9.15

Organic Beauty Week: My Favourite Organic Brands

Organic Beauty Week Sugarpuffish's Top Organic Brands Review Organic September

As it is Organic Beauty week, I thought I would mention a few of my favourite brands which are certified by The Soil Association.

Campaign for Clarity and Organic Beauty Week 14 - 20 September 2015

Soil Association Organic September Organic Beauty Week #campaignforclarity

I feel quite strongly about brands who possibly mislead customers by marketing themselves natural and organic when they contain few of these ingredients. I personally refer to this as Greenwashing but others many feel differently. Back in 2013, I wrote an article giving guidance for buying organic beauty products. It's a little rough around the edges but the general message is you have to be label savvy if buying Organic is important to you. I know accredited organic certification isn't for every company because of the expense but as a consumer I do feel it is the only way to ensure the skincare products are truly organic. Standards such as COSMOS provide requirements for ingredients and manufacturing.

Organic Beauty Week 8th - 14th September 2014: Special Offers

Twitter

A social media campaign is in place to get #OrganicBeauty trending on Twitter at 11am on the 8th of September.

Soil Association

If you had not already realised Organic Beauty Week is part of the bigger celebrations for Organic September. Click here to view all promotions being run during September.

Odylique by Essential Care - www.odylique.co.uk

Have launched a box of trial/travel size favourites. Packaged beautifully and including six sensitive-skin friendly products, plus a £5 gift voucher. Favourites Box Contents: Creamy Coconut Cleanser (30ml), Timeless Rose Moisturiser (15ml), Avocado 24H Replenishing Cream (15ml), Calming Rose Super Tonic (5ml), Organic Superfruit Concentrate (2ml), Coconut Candy Scrub (20g). Priced at £22.50 this limited edition box offers irresistible savings worth £47.50

CosNatural - www.cosnatural.co.uk

During the Organic Beauty week, CosNatural will be offering a 10% discount on all products with the code organic10. They are also adding a Free Samples service to the website. Customers will be able to choose 3 free samples with each order.

zk’in makes its UK debut

The Australian-born range launches with online retailer, Love Lula on 8th September. Zk'in products are certified to the COSMOS Organic standard, free from BPA, GM ingredients, nano particles and suitable for vegans.

Vanessa's Choice - www.vanessaschoice.co.uk

The code ORGANICWEEK will get you 15% off orders at checkout. Vanessa is also offering £10 off initial Nutritional Therapy consultations, which are available via Skype or phone for those outside of London. Just mention the offer when booking - www.wellbeingandnutrition.co.uk

Adore Naturals - www.adorenaturals.co.uk
To celebrate Organic month, Adore naturals will be offering a new deal every week in September.

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27.8.14

Mini Review: Balance Me Intensive Wrinkle Repair Cream & Essential Care Organic Avocado Replenishing Cream

Mini reviews for you today as I have been using up some samples which were passed on to me from Ria of Naturia Beauty.

I confess that Balance Me products never seem to hit the spot for me but I was still curious to try the Intensive Wrinkle Repair Cream (10ml). This cream is described as “a super rich cream for drier and +35 skins to firm and lift whilst visibly improving the signs of aging.” I am over 35 so the target market for this cream although I am not overly concerned about ageing and wrinkles. I did find this cream rich in texture which suited my dry skin and I did not find it greasy. Balance Me do have a good free from ingredient policy and this product has a lengthy list of natural extracts and essential oils. For me, it is too heavy on these ingredients and I would not purchase a full size because the fragrance was not to my personal taste. You have to remember a lot of my facial creams are unscented (in order to avoid the allergens in essential oils) so it can be a shock to the system to apply something with a distinctive scent.

You all know one of my favourite brands is Essential Care/Odylique so I was keen to try the Organic Avocado Replenishing Cream (15ml). It is also aimed at dry and mature skin. In comparison to Balance Me, the Essential Care cream is thinner in consistency. I certainly enjoyed using it and felt that my skin responded well to the ingredients. I am sceptical whether it would be suitable for me during the winter months. I know avocado is a super ingredient but I cannot shake the reassurance I get with a thick textured cream. It’s a mind over matter issue. The fragrance blend is lavender and frankincense but sadly it is not my cup of tea. Of course, Essential Care does have an excellent free from policy, products are certified organic with the Soil Association and this cream is suitable for Vegans.

Even though I would not purchase full sizes, I do feel that both creams are worth recommending based on ingredient formulations. I can not deny these are good moisturisers but sadly they simply do not suit my taste when it comes to scent.

Have you tried these moisturisers? What did you think of them?

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15.7.14

Introduction - Love Soap

Lets face it we all have a weakness for cute packaging and I could not resist placing an order with Love Soap. The product range is intended for children but perfectly suitable for adults. I was attracted to the ingredient ethos and you know me, I have super sensitive skin. I find natural skincare for children tends to be lighter on essential oils which works better for me at times of eczema flare ups.

Choose between hand wash, bubble bath or shampoo & body wash in Lavender & Meadowfoam or Mandarin & Argan Oil. No surprises here when I say I purchased the Lavender hand wash. Products are certified organic with the Soil Association and full ingredients are available on the website. You will not find SLS/SLES, parabens, artificial colours or fragrances and no animal testing.

Since it can take me a while to write full reviews, the purpose of this post is to introduce the brand so you can add them to your shopping list. First impressions for these products are - affordable and have a pleasant lavender aroma (not too strong).

What do you think? Are you interested in Love Soap products?

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Disclaimer - I paid for the hand wash but the other product was sent to me free of charge with my order

2.7.14

Odylique By Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo

essential care odylique gentle herb shampoo

You are all probably sick of hearing me talk about my much loved Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo but stick with me because I finally got around to buying the new Odylique version. The difference between the two is there has been a slight tweaking of ingredients.

Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo: Aqua, Coco glucoside, Cocos nucifera oil*, Urtica dioica extract*, Equisetum arvense leaf extract*, Lecithin, Rosmarinus officinalis extract*, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, Levulinic acid & sodium levulinate & glycerine (plant origin), Xanthan gum, Usnea barbata extract, Citric acid (natural pH regulator), Chamomila recutita extract*. *Organically grown/produced (min. 70% organic - and 100% natural ingredients)

Odylique by Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo: Aqua, Coco glucoside, Cocos nucifera oil*, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, Chamomilla recutita flower extract*, Equisetum arvense extract*, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract*, Urtica dioica extract*, Glycerine**, Lecithin*, Alcohol*, Levulinic acid, P-anisic acid, Sodium levulinate, Xanthan gum. *Organically grown/produced (min. 70% organic - and 100% natural ingredients).

The Odylique formula has more conditioning properties and a lathering agent. Sodium lauroyl lactylate “is a type of salt formed from the fatty acid lauric acid. A white, powdery solid, lauric acid is found in high concentrations in coconut oil, laurel oil and the milk of cows and goats. Although sodium lauroyl lactylate is derived from natural substances, the ingredient is not found in nature” (source). It is a surfactant which means you get a little bit more lather compared to the Essential Care formula. We all know bubbles do not clean our hair but people find it difficult adjusting to natural shampoo because we have all been conditioned to judge foaming products on the amount of bubbles they produce. It is nonsense but of course I understand they offer, shall we say, a level of reassurance for the consumer.

So how do the Essential Care and Odylique compare on performance and end results? I definitely noticed more foaming action. I can tell that there are more conditioning ingredients because I experience less tangles. My hair does feel smoother during washing and when dried. I do like to follow with my Desert Essence conditioner but some people may not find that step necessary. I already thought the Essential Care version was the bee’s knees but this just took it to another level. I like the end results, I’m going to compare the difference to cupcakes and it’s like chocolate versus double chocolate ones. The difference in the recipe is small but noticeable on the taste buds.

Essential Care’s website does need an overhaul as I could not find the Odylique shampoo listed (or am I just not looking properly?). I bought mine from *Love Lula. I noticed a price increase on the 200ml bottle, £11 compared to £10.50 but I won’t grumble at the extra 50p because I can’t be without this shampoo, it is worth every single penny.

Have you tried Essential Care/Odylique shampoos? What do you think of them or is this a product you've added to your shopping list?

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Disclaimer - * affiliated link for Love Lula

2.5.14

Badger Arnica Blend Joint Rub

Muscle rubs are not the most exciting of skincare products but it is something I have been using for a number of years. I have desperately been trying to replace my ibuprofen gel with a natural alternative. In a recent Haul Video, I mention Badger and Gwdihw products and explained that several years ago I had sustained an injury from a road traffic accident. The problem with ibrupofen gels is they contain alcohol and petroleum and they aggravate my eczema, hence the desire for a natural alternative.

I have been doing some research and there are a number of products on the market. One thing I was warned about is the essential oil ingredients in muscle rubs can be strong and they may not suit my skin type given my problems with irritation. I decided I had to take the risk as I needed to find a solution to my ongoing pain. The first product I purchased was Gwdihw Magic Muscle Rub. I went for this because I had previously used their lip balm and the price is a reasonable £4.49 for 25g. I will mention that the product label is terrible, no INCI (only English), no best before date and no batch number. Packaging is adequate but the lid does not close properly and keeps falling off. Putting that aside, in terms of effectiveness, this muscle rub did nothing for me.

Since the Gwdihw balm let me down, with the aid of Twitter and Naturally Paula’s advice (@saints09chick), I decided to look at Badger Balm products and I ended up buying Badger Arnica Blend Joint Rub. I went for this one rather than their Cayenne & Ginger Muscle Rub because I have used Arnica gel before and was pleased with the results. The Joint Rub is not the softest of balms and we have been using a spatula to remove from tin. I say “we” because my Boyfriend has the task of rubbing this onto my shoulders as I can't reach. It does melt on contact with warm skin so you can massage with it. I like the fragrance; it’s a soft gingery scent with a hint of sweetness. The important part for me is Joint Rub works. I use the balm at night time and by the morning I feel a lot better and it has relieved pain. Herbal/Aromatherapy treatments like this one are of course an individual experience but in my eyes this is a little miracle worker and I highly recommend it.

I would say that Badger Balm has a large following in the Green Community, it’s up there with Dr Bronner’s and you rarely read a negative review. Ingredients are 100% natural, USDA organic certified and cruelty free. I bought my balm from feelunique.com and it cost £3.99 for a 21g tin.

Are any of my readers Badger Balm fans? Do you have a favourite product? Do you use one of the muscle rubs?

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Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Capsicum Frutescens (Cayenne) Extract, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, CO2 Extracts of *Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper), *Zingiber Officinale (Ginger), *Arnica Montana (Arnica), *Rosa Canina (Rosehip), and Essential Oils of *Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom), *Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), *Thymus Mastichina (Wild Marjoram) and *Salvia Officinalis (Sage).

12.2.14

Review: Essential Care (Odylique) Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo

Review: Odylique Essential CareBaby Gentle Wash & Shampoo

For the most part, I understand my skin and body and the way it reacts to foods or ingredients it dislikes. I have gone through stages in my life where things are under control and then there are times when I can not figure out what is going wrong. It can be very hard to pin point what has caused a reaction. I have this recurrent stubborn eczema patch on my chest, it comes and goes more times than I have had hot dinners. Mum says it's stress and I think it's allergy related. When my skin does flare up, I have to strip back my diet and skincare routine to the basics in an effort to calm my skin and stop the itch. This is a long winded way of explaining how I ended up buying Odylique Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo. For the past year, I had been switching between Deep Steep Lavender Chamomile body wash and Bodhi Mint Thé Shower Therapy. I suspect the high essential oil content becomes an issue when my skin is having a tantrum.

You all know I speak highly of Essential Care and I enjoy using a number of products from their range. Generally speaking, products formulated for babies tend to have lower levels of essential oils so that also makes an ideal solution for adults with sensitive skin. The Essential Care baby wash contains olive oil, aloe vera, chamomile, calendula and lavender, perfect ingredients for soothing the skin. I really do feel as if this product, along with other changes I've made, has been making showering less painful. I am not experiencing redness or itching immediately following washing. I am certainly not going to make any outlandish claims but I think if you (or your children) struggle with sensitive skin conditions, the Essential Care Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo is worth considering. It produces a nice creamy lather with plenty of bubbles and has a mild scent of aloe and lavender.

Essential Care have a range of Mum & Baby and a couple of gift sets. This body wash is pH 5.5 balanced, suitable for babies over 3 months, Vegan, Organic and 100% natural (free from SLS/SLES). Essential Care have a range of Mum & Baby and a couple of gift sets.

When you have skin flare ups or sensitivity do you consider using products formulated for babies?

Sarah x

18.12.13

Odylique Superfruit Concentrate

Essential Care quickly became one of my favourite and most recommended brands for this year. I think it is fair to say, that for me, the Gentle Herb shampoo is a Holy Grail product. Essential Care is a successful brand but it’s changing to Odylique by Essential Care, something which I briefly touch upon in a recent video. The aim of Odylique is to branch out to more consumers not just those that are eco-conscious; it wants to appeal to all women with sensitive skin. The second phase of the launch will happen in Spring 2014. Many of the familiar Essential Care products are staying under the Odylique name so don’t panic Gentle Herb Shampoo will still be available.

I received some Odylique products to review and the one which I keep gravitating towards is the Superfruit Concentrate.

I predict this little beauty is going to have green beauty bloggers swooning. I fell in love from the first application. The Superfruit Concentrate contains my favourite ingredients, rosehip, jojoba, pomegranate, seabuckthorn and avocado. It might not seem much but these are powerful ingredients which will protect, renew, repair and hydrate your skin.

The packaging is elegant and it has a pipette dispenser but unlike others you push the button lid rather than squeeze. It would be wise to keep the bottle in its box because oil should be keep out of direct sunlight. You only need a few drops and it can be used daily however you desire. I like to use this in the evenings when my skin feels dry and needs an overnight boost. This is heavier oil to the one I recently reviewed from Celtic Herbal and is marketed to dry, mature and sensitive skins. I’m not entirely sure how I would describe the fragrance but I enjoy it. I honestly feel like, for want of a better description, that my skin just sucks up this oil and it feels soft, hydrated and plump. It obviously takes a little longer than a cream to absorb but when it does I have a kind of spiritual moment, ridiculous I know but what can I say, skincare this good floats my boat.

I really do feel like this is a special product. I know there is a lot of love for Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate oil but I hear on the blogger grapevine that Odylique Superfruit Concentrate is giving it a run for its money. As I said in the beginning, Essential Care is one of my favourite brands and can do no wrong. I am totally bias but trust me I'm not easily swayed and anyone with ingredient awareness will have an inkling how good this oil is without even trying it. If you love facial oil as much as I do then I think you need to add this to your collection (I promise I'm not earning commission).

Odylique Superfruit Concentrate is 100% organic, free from petrochemicals, parabens and common allergens. It is also vegan and not tested on animals. You can purchase online and it currently costs £33 for a 30ml bottle.

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Disclaimer - PR samples, links are NOT affiliated, 100% my own opinions from testing the products

6.11.13

Inlight Organic Face Cleanser

For me, cleansing balms are a little bit of luxury in my daily routine. The simple pleasure of massaging a rich balm into my skin and wiping away the day is delightful to me. I have tried several natural and organic cleansing balms over the two years of writing this blog and have never been disappointed.

I am going to jump straight in and declare this Inlight Organic Face Cleanser as a gorgeous product. It is balm with a soft buttery texture which melts easily and glides across skin. You need the smallest pea size amount of this product. If I apply any more, I find I have to put effort into removing, it does no harm but I can feel as if residue is left on my skin. I find a simple wipe with toner rectifies any heavy handedness.

Inlight Cleansing Balm is packed full of lovely 100% organic natural ingredients. In this product there is coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba, rosehip, lavender, evening primrose and many more (full list is available on the website). It is not suitable for Vegans as it does contain beeswax. The fragrance may not be to everyone’s taste as I would describe it as aromatic and spicy. I feel as if clove and ginger are the distinctive notes and I find the fragrance very enjoyable.

Packaging is not important to everyone but I do feel as if the box needs to be mentioned. Printed inside the box are the product introductions and it does make a change from the folded up pieces of paper you often find wedged at the bottom. The blue glass jar is elegant and heavy which adds an air of luxury.

I honestly do not see any flaws with this product. It compares well with Suti, Lulu & Boo and 100% Organics. I will happily add this to the growing list of cleansing balms which I recommend trying.

Have you tried this or any other products from Inlight?

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Disclaimer – PR Sample, 100% my own opinions after testing product, links are not affiliated

22.10.13

Trevarno Organic Day Cream

What’s a girl to do when her favourite moisturiser runs out? I was in a fickle mood and decided to give something different a try. Curiosity leads me down a path to Trevarno Organic Day Cream. If you are not familiar with the brand, Trevarno was established in 1998, products are natural and handmade in Cornwall. The range carries organic certification from Organic Farmers & Growers.

This day cream is suggested as suitable for all skin types. It is extremely lightweight in comparison to others I use. For me, this would be perfect for summer but now we are heading into winter I am wondering if it is going to be hydrating enough for me. It does absorb into my skin easily and I can apply mineral powder foundation over the top without waiting for it to sink in. It does smell strongly of lavender and geranium. Lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties so this may be better suited to oily/combination skin types. I have a fickle nose and although I love lavender this is a little over powering for my taste, although my sister seems to like it. The scent doesn't linger but you have to enjoy it during initial application and I am not sure I can embrace the fragrance. It is reported that lavender oil increases photo sensitivity and this product contains lavender flower water. I am not sure if that makes a difference but I am aware it is often advised to make sure you wear an SPF in conjunction with products containing lavender.

UPDATE - since publishing this post I was contacted by Alison, she left a comment below and then tweeted me "I've done extensive checking and the lavender photo sensitivity is not correct."

I hate to say it but I am in two minds about the jar. I am all for recycling and reducing packaging but the glass jar is on the small size. Anyone with long nails or dare I say chubby fingers will probably want to use a spatula.

I have only had this cream for a couple of weeks but I have already passed it on to my sister. I thought maybe a second opinion would be worthwhile. I am sure this is a nice cream for someone out there. I do not hate it but I also haven’t fallen in love with it, which I am rather sad about. I purchased from Naturisimo for £11.10 (30ml) which is slightly cheaper than buying direct from Trevarno’s website (link).

Has anyone tried their other products? Do you have a recommendation?

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8.10.13

Bentley Organic Hand Wash & Washing Up Liquid

Bentley Organics has been on my radar for years and I finally got around to ordering a couple of products. If you are not familiar with the brand, Bentley Organics offer affordable products which are certified organic by The Soil Association. The range consists of body, hair and baby care plus household cleaning products. I bought the Calming & Moisturising Hand Wash and Washing Up Liquid.

Let’s start with the hand wash. There are a couple of fragrance options but I chose the calming and moisturising version as it contains lavender and aloe vera. It has a lovely mild lavender fragrance which I like. This does not produce a large amount of lather and does not dry out my hands. Overall, I am satisfied with the performance but it is average, nothing luxurious about it and that is reflected in the price (250ml £3.65)

Sadly, Bentley Organic washing up liquid has been a huge disappointment. That opinion has been backed up by my boyfriend who I must admit does wash up more often than me, I have trained him well ;-) Previously, we had been using Greenscents which in comparison works brilliantly. The problem with the Bentley one is it loses cleaning properties too rapidly. You end up with a bowl of water without bubbles very quickly. It is fine for lightly solid plates but does not perform well if you have a heavy load with anything greasy like oven trays. I would not repurchase.

If you would like to look at ingredients for these products they are listed on Bentley Organic's website. I bought these products from mypure.co.uk which is a site I have used a number of times and they offer free UK delivery. Has anyone else tried products from this brand? What did you think?

Sarah x

16.9.13

Review: Essential Care (now Odylique) Organic Repair Lotion for Itchy Skin

As it is National Eczema Week I thought my next blog post should follow that theme. I have mentioned a few times that my eczema has been causing problems in recent months. Stress has always triggered my eczema so I am blaming the day job rather than diet or skincare. My skin is hot, angry red and itchy as hell at times and that is where the Essential Care Repair Lotion comes into its own.

Essential Care developed the product from personal experience of atopic eczema so you know that you are in safe hands. The lotion contains calendula and chamomile, two of my favourite ingredients because of their effectiveness on my sensitive skin. The formula also contains chickweed (to relieve itching), olive oil (to moisturise) and aloe vera (reduce inflammation & promote healing).

The packaging is a pump bottle so that's always handy to avoid spills. It is very runny and light but that makes it rather good for easy absorption into skin. It also makes application pleasant because you do not need to pull or drag the skin when applying. To a certain extent I can live with my ugly skin but I cannot stand the need to scratch. I honestly feel as if this does a fabulous job at relieving the itch. It just works for me. I still love balms for my eczema but this is especially nice when the weather has been hot and sweaty. My biggest patch of eczema is on my chest, around my boobies where my bra sits. The lotion sinks in quicker than balm which means I can get dressed and not worry about getting residue on my underwear.

Repair lotion is suitable for Vegans which is great because I know that many of the balms I recommend contain beeswax. With Essential Care you also know you are getting Organic ingredients and zero nasty ingredients. If you have an itchy skin condition then I think you should consider trying this product. Repair Lotion is also suitable for babies and children. I have grown very fond of Essential Care products. I honestly can't find fault and I am happy to recommend to others.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - I have purchased this product & have also received one as a PR sample, links are not affiliated

22.8.13

Essential Care Lavender Hand & Bodywash

I think it is fair to say that balms and body wash are my top skincare loves. It may seem odd to chose bodywash as a favourite but as my skin is so fickle finding the perfect product that smells good and does not irritate provides me with great happiness.

Essential Care sent me a box of treats which included their Lavender hand and body wash. I dedicated a whole post to lavender as it is one of my favourite ingredients. I find this product works well for me and my sensitive skin. It has a lovely fresh clean and natural lavender fragrance. As with all Essential Care products this is organic and free from any nasty ingredients so ideal for those who have fragile skin like me. The wash is creamy and lathers up nicely and does the job it's intended to do. It has quickly become a favourite and I am happy to recommend it to everyone.

If you are not a fan of lavender this product is also available in lemongrass, ylang ylang and orange and aloe vera. They retail for £9 for 200ml which I think is a good price in comparison to other natural brands. If you can not decide which fragrance you might like or you are searching for a gift, I noticed Essential Care have a gift set with a trio of body wash.

Have you tried Essential Care bodywash or any other products from their range? Do you have a favourite?

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Disclaimer - PR samples, links are not affiliated, 100% my own opinion from testing products

10.8.13

Lavera Body Spa Organic Macadamia Passion Cream Oil Body Wash

Lavera is a brand I have dipped in and out of over the years. It was one of the first free from skincare ranges that I tried. On the whole ingredients are good but there are some which others may choose to avoid, hence why I refer to the brand as "free from".

I have been testing Lavera Body Spa Organic Macadamia Passion Cream Oil Body Wash*. It is Vegan, certified organic (Natrue) and 100% free from silicone, paraffin, mineral oil, colorants, and preservatives. This does not contain SLS or SLES but uses the foaming ingredient Sodium Coco-Sulfate. I chose this body wash over the other equally as tempting fragrances because I have a love for macadamia nuts. It comes from spending time in Australia, they are tasty to eat and the oil is good for the skin.

I like the fragrance and would go as far as to say it is a divine sugary and sweet scent. The ingredients list parfum but the packaging indicates 100% natural fragrance. This body wash gives soft and gentle foam, not as many bubbles as others I own and I assume that’s because of the oil content. I am happy to report that I have not experienced any irritation and my skin feels soft after using this. I cannot guarantee suitability for all and recommend patch testing if you have sensitive skin.

I would describe Lavera as budget friendly and this body wash costs £7.45 for 150ml. If you would like to buy this product or any others from the Lavera range, then visit www.biggreensmile.com.

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Disclaimer - *PR sample, links are NOT affiliated, 100% my own opinion from testing this product

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Passiflora Incarnata Extract*, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil*, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Extract*, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Potassium Di-Cetyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate, Alcohol*, Cetyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Limonene** (* ingredients from certified organic agriculture, ** natural essential oils)

28.7.13

What's in my bin? July Empties (2013)

A large collection of empties this month and here are links to reviews I have written. Some of these products were PR samples and I have indicated with a *

Dr Organic Pomegranate Skin Lotion

Peppy Galore Diva Toner*

Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser

Bathing Beauty Soothe Oil*

Greenscents Citrus Washing Up Liquid

Deep Steep Foaming Hand Wash

Dr Bronner's Liquid Soaps

Green People Eye Cream

Giovanni Flat Iron Styling Mist

Lavera My Faces Anti-Ageing Cream*

Dr Bronner's Lavender Shaving Gel*

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10.7.13

Badger Balm Aloe Vera Sunscreen Lotion SPF16

Back in May I wrote about my quest to find a suitable facial SPF (click here). I mentioned that Badger Balm Aloe Sunscreen was on my list but I was disappointed that only SPF 16 was available in the UK. I went ahead and purchased it because the ml for ml value is better than John Masters Organics. I decided that since I sit in an office 9 hours a day that SPF 16 was adequate to protect me from small amounts of sun exposure.

Badger Balm products are USDA certified organic and this sunscreen is broad spectrum so gives you protection from UVA & UVB rays. It contains non-nano zinc oxide and is free from Oxybenzone, Octisalate, Octinoxate, Avobenzone, or added Vitamin A.

I chose the Aloe lotion over the other Badger sunscreens with a higher SPF because it is marketed as suitable for use under makeup. I am very impressed with the consistency. It is not as thick as other natural sunscreens I have used. It initially gives a white cast but I find it easy to rub in and have not experienced any issues applying mineral foundation on top. Come 5 o'clock my makeup still looks fairly reasonable and I do not feel the lotion has any adverse effects on how I look. I have filmed a short video to demonstrate application to my face.

I would not sunbathe with this particular sunscreen because I prefer a higher SPF for that purpose. As this is one of the very few natural sunscreens that has not broken me out in a rash, it scores brownie points with me. I would certainly look to try others from the range to use on my body. I purchased my Badger sunscreen from Feel Unique and paid £14.95 (87ml tube)

Have you tried Badger Balm Sunscreens?

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19.9.16

Organic Beauty Week: Look for the Logo

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Organic Beauty Week: My Favourite Organic Brands

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Campaign for Clarity and Organic Beauty Week 14 - 20 September 2015

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Organic Beauty Week 8th - 14th September 2014: Special Offers

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Mini Review: Balance Me Intensive Wrinkle Repair Cream & Essential Care Organic Avocado Replenishing Cream

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Introduction - Love Soap

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Odylique By Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo

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Inlight Organic Face Cleanser

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Trevarno Organic Day Cream

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Bentley Organic Hand Wash & Washing Up Liquid

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Essential Care Lavender Hand & Bodywash

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Lavera Body Spa Organic Macadamia Passion Cream Oil Body Wash

28.7.13

What's in my bin? July Empties (2013)

10.7.13

Badger Balm Aloe Vera Sunscreen Lotion SPF16