You're healthy, environmentally conscious and buy organically grown food when you can. So, if you are so aware of the chemicals you're putting into your body, why aren't you aware of the ones you're putting on it? Organic skincare is one of the fastest growing areas of the beauty industry - we take a look at a new and expanding area of the beauty market
It's estimated that by using a range of body and skincare products, the average woman applies more than 200 chemicals to her skin a day. Furthermore, recent research has shown that 60 per cent of these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream. It has also been found that the number of people with eczema, allergies and skin complaints is on the rise - their conditions aggravated by the chemicals in our skincare and body care products. By going green, our skin can't help but benefit, but where do you start and what is it that makes something organic?
What is organic?
Organic produce has been grown without the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Regulations governing organically grown products also prohibit the use of genetically modified ingredients.
How can I tell that a product is organic?
This is a tricky area as European law on organic produce only covers food. However, The Soil Association and the Organic Food Federation have devised their own set of rules relating to health and beauty products. Look out for a symbol from either organisation or the letters UKROFS followed by a number, which shows that the product has been approved by these rules.
What do the labels mean?
If a product claims it's organic ie 'organic face cream', it must contain at least 95 per cent of organically grown produce. For a product to claim that it has been 'made with organic ingredients', it must contain over 70 per cent of organically grown produce.
How long will organic products keep?
Due to the lack of preservatives, most products will keep un-opened for up to 18 months. Opened it is thought that they'll last for around four months. It is however, worth checking the dates on individual products.
Organic brands
Luckily there are a number of great skincare and healthcare brands that cater for the organic beauty market. Moreover, these products are so great that they'll appeal both to those interested in organic beauty and those just interested in fantastic lotions and potions that do wonders for your skin.
Cornwall-based company Spezia sells a complete range of products that are 100 per cent organic. The brainchild of Dr Mariano Spezia who has practised holistic medicine for 20 years, the products are all hand-made and created with your health and the environment in mind. The Facial Cleanser (£20/50ml) is one of their best-sellers and has been made from herbs and oils with decongesting and soothing properties. The Organic Baby Spritz (£16.50/50ml) is one of their newest products and is a room fragrance that has been designed to create a soothing and relaxed atmosphere around your baby.
www.speziaorganics.com
Green People was created in 1997 by Charlotte Vohtz who wanted to find an effective treatment for her two-year-old daughter's allergies. They now stock a great range of products including dietary health supplements and skin and dental care. Combining natural UVA and UVB filters with antioxidants, the Sun Lotion (£15.99) using extracts of cinnamon and edelweiss is highly recommended.
www.greenpeople.co.uk
From the makers of Green People, comes Organic Femme - a new skincare range designed to tackle wrinkles and the signs of premature ageing. Using organic oils including rosehip, jojoba and hemp, the range of products is rapidly expanding and in the future will include a hair care range. High in omega oils and antioxidants, the Face Oil (£17.95) helps improve elasticity and rejuvenate the skin.
www.organicfemme.com
Neal's Yard is a favourite for celebs including Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue. The Rose and Almond night cream (£15.75/30ml) helps restore natural oils that have been stripped by environmental pollution. Their new Rosemary & Cedarwood Hair Treatment (£6.75) is 100 per cent organic and is a deep-conditioning treatment for dry hair. Using coconut, rosemary, lavender and cedarwood oils, the treatment stimulates the scalp and adds shine and moisture to dry and frizzy locks.
www.nealsyardremedies.com
Marks & Spencer is the first high-street store to launch an organic beauty range. Organic Extracts contains a minimum of 70 per cent of organically grown produce. Containing no GM ingredients and rich in essential oils and vitamins the range also looks great; packaged in frosted glass bottles. From deep cleansing masks to deodorants, the range covers all aspects of face and body beauty. Particularly recommended is the Energising Body Scrub Gel (£7), which contains 81 per cent of organic extracts. With spearmint, aloe vera and granules of olive stones, the scrub will help get your body in shape for summer.
www.marksandspencer.com