Finally – finally, it seems we are all waking up to the fact that it's not just what we put into our bodies that matter in terms of of health, but also, very much so, what we put on it.
The skin is our largest organ, and being a porous one, it's important to remember that everything you put
onto your skin also, inevitably, ends up
inside it. In other words, reaching your bloodstream, cells and organs.
This becomes a little worrying when you realise that most conventional beauty and wellness products contains ingredients that you really don't want anywhere near your body – inside or out. Do you want antifreeze (propylene glycol) in your moisturizer? I'm going to guess nope.
Which is why I am so, so happy that the selection of brilliant, effective, luxurious and non-toxic beauty products keep growing, making it easier for us all to get our hands on products that not only do what they promise to do, but that are also kind to our skin, our health and the planet around us.
I am constantly discovering amazing new clean beauty products, and having tested a lot (seriously – a lot) of them, these five are currently a staple in my own bathroom:
1. Votary Super Seed Cleansing Oil
I have been a fan of using oils on my face for a while now– and if you haven't tried it yet, you are really missing out. I love using a cleansing oil every night, as it not only leaves my skin feeling ulra clean, but it also doesn't irritate or dry out my skin like foam or cream cleansers do.
And recently, I got to test out some product from Votary from the first time, and fell head over heels for their Super Seed Cleansing Oil. This gorgeous cult formula is an all natural mix of twenty two super seed oils, among them pumpkin, chia, broccoli and strawberry. Not only is it fragrance-free and packed full of natural goodness (meaning it is also safe for use when pregnant), it is perfect for balancing and hydrating skin that needs a little extra TLC.
Even better? Applying it at night has become quite the little ritual. I love massaging the oil into my face, before soaking the flannel in hot (not too hot) water, and putting it over my face. Leaving it like this for a minute or two will allow the steam to penetrate your pores properly, leaving your skin feeling nourished and super-fresh. I then gently wipe off the excess oil, before patting carefully dry. Seriously – this oil will completely change up your entire evening routine – and your skin will thank you for it.
€71, Votary.co.uk
2. Rudolph Care Mist Delight Refreshing and Hydrating Facial Toner
I work in front of a computer, which so many of us do these days, and often find that my skin can get a little dry and irritated throughout the day. Which is why this lovely facial spritz from one of my very favourite clean skincare brands, Rudolph Care. Every Rudolph Care product is designed, developed and produced in Denmark, and I love this company's kind and clean ethos.
Anyway, back to the Mist Delight – a super-refreshing and hydrating facial toner that refreshes my skin with lots of moisture.
The Mist Delight features ginger, which effectively reduces free radicals to protect the skin from pollution, as well as honey, which naturally attracts and retains moisture. Calendula extract has a purifying effect and works to soothe minor skin issues such as redness and irritation. Mist Delight is also rich in essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins to care for the skin and give it freshness, moisture and nourishment.
In other words, the perfect pick-me-up to carry around in your handbag.
Tip: I never get on a plane without one of these with me these days, and love how they come in both a full-sized version, and this dinky travel-sized one, perfect for travel and on-the-go life.
€12, Rudolphcare.dk
3. Weleda Skin Food
Weleda Skin Food is a cult product for a reason – and if you haven't tried it yet, you need to change that – ASAP.
Skin Food works for everything and everywhere – and I love the clean, fresh scent too.
On nights when my skin feels a little dry, I apply it on my freshly cleaned skin and leave it on overnight, as a super-nourishing face mask. I also use it on my elbows, feet, cuticles, hands – you name it. Heck, it even works as a natural highlight on the high points of your face on days when you need a little exra glow.
Even better? It is all natural and good for your skin – and if you don't own one yet, I suggest you fix that today.
€8.95 - €14.25, Nourish.ie
4. Garnier Organic Argan Nourishing Face Moisturiser
A great bargain buy! Garnier recently brought out their new all-organic line, and I recently got to test some of the products. One product I'll be buying again for sure is the Argan Nourishing Face Moisturiser, the perfect everyday day-cream, which is enriched with organic aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid, in case you don't know, is what you should be looking for on the ingredient list of your skincare products if you want to keep your skin plump, moisturized and young looking.
Using this in the morning, my skin felt fresh and soft, and the effects lasted all day, which, considering the price of this product, really impressed me.
Argan oil has long been considered a cult ingredients when it comes to keeping hair nourished, mostly because of it having a high content of fatty acids. And this is all sorts of good news for your face too.
So if you really want to start cleaning up your beauty habits, I think the new Organic series from Garnier is a really great place to start.
€7.50, Boots
5. Ere Perez Papaya SOS Marmalade
Here's another one that I feel every woman – and certainly every mum – needs to know about – and own.
This soothe-all marmalade balm really does what it says on the tin, and will work hard with its nourishing cocktail of coconut, hemp, chia, grapefruit oil & fermented papaya that helps to hasten the delivery of essential antioxidants & vitamins to the skin.
An ultra-repairing formula, this gorgeous balm will soothe any little abrasions, skin freakouts, dryness, insect bites or scars, and can be used for both kids and adults alike. Designed for face/hands/feet/ body/hair., this all-in-one remedy is rich in zinc, magnesium & potassium, and is one of those non-toxic products that really should be a staple in any mum's handbag.
€31, The Clean Beauty Edit
(Feature image via Rougepot Beauty)
