Swap to Organic Beauty: it's good for you and the planet!

This week is Organic Beauty and Wellbeing week (7th-13th September), an initiative by the Soil Association to celebrate the power of organic and nature in skin and healthcare and to highlight some of the benefits of organic for both you and for the planet.

Swap to Organic Beauty: it's good for you and the planet!

Soil Association Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Week

It's Organic Beauty & Wellbeing week, so let's talk about beauty products and why choosing organic is better for you and the planet!

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? Have a quick think about how many different products you use every day. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel, face wash, moisturiser, toothpaste, period products….add them all up and you may be surprised at how many different chemicals your body could be absorbing. You have probably seen products advertising that they are paraben or phtalalate free, but what harm can these ingredients actually do?

Parabens (some you would commonly find include butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben) are preservatives that, according to the Soil Association, can be found in more than 90% of non-organic products. However, are believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen. Phthalates are also believed to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can change your hormonal balance and have been linked to reproductive issues as well as a wealth of other health issues. Certified organic beauty products don’t contain any of these chemicals, so you can be reassured that you are limiting your exposure in these areas.

As well as being better for you, Organic Beauty is also better for the planet. From the organically farmed ingredients that contain no genetically modified organisms, synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, to any leftover waste that is washed away down the drain, organic beauty products are much kinder and more sustainable for the planet. By choosing organic we can make a world of difference!

Surprisingly, there are no laws in place for using the word ‘organic’ for beauty and wellbeing products. So how do you know which products are genuinely better for you and the planet and which ones are jumping on the bandwagon? The best way to have confidence in what you are buying in the UK is to look for the Soil Association or Soil Association COSMOS certifications on the product.

Look for the logo! Due to the growing demand for certified organic beauty worldwide, the Soil Association teamed up with 4 other organisations (BDIH in Germany, Cosmebio and Ecocert in France and ICEA in Italy) to develop a new standard for organic and natural cosmetics, known as COSMOS (Cosmetic Organic Standard).

Key benefits of choosing certified organic

  • Sustainably sourced ingredients
  • Protects wildlife and biodiversity
  • No controversial chemicals
  • No Synthetic colours, dyes or fragrances
  • Never tested on animals
  • Minimal packaging with maximum recycled content

Why not try the newly launched Wild Beauty Skincare collection made with organic and wild foraged ingredients from the Rhug Estate in Wales. Founders Lord & Lady Newborough have championed the highest standards of organic and sustainable farming at Rhug for many years, and are now applying these same principles to their new range of face and body products.

Inspired by the wild beauty of Rhug, the team has harnessed natural, wild foraged and organic ingredients with the benefits of natural actives for the collection. The chosen ingredients contain essential vitamins and minerals, while fragrances are 100% natural and made using essential oils. Made in the UK with integrity and care for the environment, using recyclable materials. Each element from the ingredients through to the packaging goes through a considered process to ensure it meets the estate’s long-established high sustainability standards before being approved for use.

Contrary to what some people think, Organic Beauty can be very affordable. Here are some of our favourite every day organic swaps:

Roots & Wings Lavender and Chamomile Shampoo & Conditioner

Made from 74% organic ingredients, this is a light, gentle formula for everyday use, which is perfect for all of the family.

Lavera All Round Cream

With all of the hand washing and sanitising that is prevalent in our lives at the moment, our hands need a little extra TLC. Lavera’s award winning Organic All Round Cream is an ultra-rich moisturiser for very dry skin, which comes in a very handy tin.

Natracare Period and Personal Care

Did you know that cotton is the most pesticide sprayed crop in the world? Natracare only use 100% organic cotton in all of their pads and tampons. Their products are all are also plastic free, using sustainable wood pulp and GM-free plant starch instead. They also use Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) methods to clean and purify the organic cotton and pulp, which is the most eco-friendly bleaching method as it doesn’t create dioxins or furans.

Benecos Men’s Skincare

A fantastic, affordable range of great quality men’s skincare with excellent time (and space!) saving products like their 3-in-1 body wash and their face & aftershave balm with a unique mix of organic ingredients to soothe, moisturise and hydrate men’s skin.

Herbfarmacy skincare Rose & Mallow Facial Oil

Made on their organic farm with Marshmallow herb and rosehip oils, this incredibly nourishing facial oil provides long-lasting hydration.

Bamford Botanic Body Oil

For some indulgent moisturising that will leave you feeling like you’ve spent the day at a spa, we love this body oil from Bamford. A luxurious blend of organic sesame, safflower, apricot kernel, jojoba and rosehip oils, it is perfect to massage in after a bath.

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