free from skincare

6 April 2021

Gwyneth Paltrow and that Vogue video
We've all seen the now infamous video of Gwyneth Paltrow and her skincare routine. I do not support the message she gave in regards to SPF application. It is potentially dangerous and irresponsible but with the backlash came other criticisms which I wanted to address. I personally don't like the words non-toxic, no nasties and clean beauty as I agree they are truly problematic within the Green Beauty Community however I am a supporter of Free From and that isn't changing any time soon. I choose to avoid certain ingredients but that doesn't mean I'm here to 'scaremonger' my readers.

I chose the Green Beauty path because I believe it has many great qualities. It's against animal cruelty, it often supports veganism and it helps promote greater understanding for our environment. I think more of us are concerned about the ingredients that wash down the drain into our oceans. We want to rid ourselves of unnecessary plastic bottles and to recycle or repurpose our beauty waste.

I believe in products 'free from' certain ingredients because I experience eczema and allergies. I want to do the best for my skin after years of suffering. Of crying myself to sleep and feeling ugly in my skin. I'm allergic to both synthetic and natural ingredients because life isn't simple but mainstream products are of no interest to me. I want natural plant extracts without synthetic fillers as more often than not the latter causes irritation.

There are no good or bad ingredients but for someone with sensitivities sadly we can experience side effects which lead us to class something as 'bad'. You can not ignore the fact that we have seen a rise in dermatitis and its root cause is open to further investigation. All I know is I don't want paraffin emollient and steroids in my life. Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a problem which isn't always acknowledged in the medical community. Call it anecdotal or coincidental but I'm seeing changes in my skin when I move away from mainstream product formulations.

I acknowledge that Gwyneth Paltrow, EWG and elements of the 'clean beauty' movement are problematic but I won't walk away from Green Beauty as I believe it has its place. I want to try and do my part to help save our planet from the devastation we have impacted on it as humans. The Green Beauty community may need to overhaul its message with brands needing to re-evaluate their marketing pitch. Behind the scenes I have encouraged some to drop certain words and ditch the "60% goes into our bloodstream" message but I'm just one voice in a sea of many stronger influencers.

Our lives are overwhelmed with beauty products and we have to decide what makes us happy and this is my chosen path. You may disagree with me and I'm OK with that but I hope we can all agree to take care in the sun. Whether you use physical/mineral or chemical SPF protection make sure to apply liberally and use the recommended amount for your face and body.

Sarah x

16 July 2020

Plastic Free July easy swaps you can make to reduce plastic in your home
(not sponsored, internal & external links)

350 million tonnes of plastic are being produced each year so Plastic Free July feels like a good campaign to get behind. According to facts available on Plastic Oceans "8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. If waste management practices don't improve, scientists predict this amount could increase tenfold by 2025." If you can't commit to changing your entire lifestyle then lets encourage each other to make a few swaps. When choosing products look for packaging that is made from glass, metal, bamboo, compostable or biodegradable cardboard, silicone and recycled plastic.

15 October 2019

15 natural skincare brands with fragrance free products
(I have linked my reviews which include PR gifts & affiliate links are marked *)

For me the term "fragrance free" isn't just about artificial ingredients it also includes essential oils. I am someone with a sensitivity to linalool which is one of 26 fragrance allergens which needs to be declare on labels (when applicable to the formulations and present at a specific percentage). I thought I would offer readers a little recap list and recommendations for fragrance free products I've tested. I hope that some of you will find it a useful resource. As a heads up there is a mix of vegan and vegetarian friendly recommendations.

1. A'kin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser - one of the first brands I discovered on the start of my 'green' journey and to this day remain a reliable source of fragrance free products. The range includes hair, body and face products.

2. Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser - a firm favourite of mine for many years for it's simplicity because this is coconut oil with no added ingredients. Balm Balm also have some balms and a body oil which are fragrance free

3. Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream - worth checking out if you experience skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis. A number of products are fragrance free and suitable for Vegans

4. Bodhi & Birch Avo Bao Cleansing Balm - just one favourite from the amazing Superfoods series, totally free from essential oils but magically scented with the natural formulations, luxurious and beautiful.

5. Ere Perez SOS Marmalade & Green Booster Serum & Cranberry Lip & Eye Butter - I think (don't quote me) that majority of the Ere Perez skincare line is free from essential oils. The SOS Marmalade balm is a dreamy product and a total lifesaver when it comes to my eczema.

6. Ermana Soothe Mama Body Oil - the Soothe range is formulated without fragrance and includes balm, body oil (my personal favourite) body wash and lotion.

7. Ethically Organic Radiance Glow Face Soufflé - there are a couple of fragrance free options in the range,  this is a super rich formulation with simplistic ingredients of shea butter, baobab and jojoba. 

8. Green People Scent Free - probably one of the few brands that offer customers an extensive range of fragrance free products to include hair, face and body care including sun cream. Over the years I've reviewed a number of products from this line (moisturiser & hand cream review).

9. Handmade Naturals Unscented Plum & Avocado Face Cleanser - like A'kin this was one of the earliest brands I discovered and I've purchased from them many times over the years. Several of their products come in a fragrance free version. Alongside this cream cleanser the Face Cleansing Oil with Organic Coconut, Monoi de Tahiti, Japanese Camellia & Rice Bran is one of my all time favourite cleansing oils.

10. Lyonsleaf Marshmallow Soften and Rejuvenate Facial Oil (Unscented) - I found Lyonsleaf in 2013 and was one of the first to blog about them, they have done so well over the years and I love to see the growth in popularity. This facial oil contains a lovely blend of ingredients and feels rich and luxurious on my dry skin. This is not the only fragrance free product available there is the Calendula & Marshmallow Balm, Zinc & Calendula Cream and the newly launched unfragranced Beauty Balm.

11. Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil & Balm - an ethos to use six ingredients or less and whilst that sounds simple enough it makes for an interesting formulation. Both products are fabulous and offer the consumer fragrance without essential oil allergens.

12. Myroo - offering fragrance free versions of their products, also free from top 14 food allergens, it's a personal favourite which I will have recommend to many of you. It's difficult to pick one favourite but I'd probably say the Superfood Balm and the new Super Boost Drops(UPDATE 2022 - MYROO IS NO LONGER TRADING)

13. Nature's Wish Cleanse Unscented Facial Cleansing Oil - It’s a good product which removes makeup and daily grime without disrupting the delicate balance of my skin. This is a good all rounder. Nature's Wish also have an unscented facial oil which I am yet to try.

14. Odylique Aloe Vera Bodywash - I've been using this body wash on and off over a number of years, this gives creamy foam and feels good on my delicate skin, I'm pleased that it now available in 500ml bottle. My other favourites which are also free from essential oil allergens are the Superfruit Concentrate, Gentle Herb Shampoo, Ultra Rich Balm, Repair Lotion.

15. Skin & Tonic Naked Beauty Oil - a simple but effective blend of my favourite ingredients - rosehip, pumpkin, apricot oil - I wish Skin & Tonic would branch out more with their essential oil free blends as they do have a lovely ethos when it comes to ingredients. Also worth noting that Skin & Tonic Makeup Remover and Naked Lip Balm are also free from essential oils.

You can shop these products online direct from the brands or at the following online retailers.

Sarah x

18 December 2018

sugarpuffish natural and organic favourites for 2018
*picture above & referenced within article includes PR samples/gifts & products bought with my own money*

As Christmas approaches I start to think about winding down for the holidays and what better way to draw a close than to look back on my blog favourites. I have felt that this year my beauty habits have peaked since I’m reaching for the same trusted favourites and I’ve reviewed less this year. This is possibly because my linalool sensitivity has limited choices and there haven’t been as many launches which have drawn my attention. My skincare collection isn’t too bad considering the avoidance of this one ingredient; of course everything remains natural, organic and ethical. I have always avoided certain animal derived ingredients (e.g carmine, silk, shellac, bee venom) but this year I think I made a conscious move towards skincare labelled suitable for Vegans.

Top of my repurchase list
It will come as no surprise to most that I continue to purchase Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo as I dare not try anything else. I don’t want to upset my delicate scalp. I’ve settled into a routine pairing my shampoo with Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner and have finished off several tubes this year. For makeup Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid and Everyday Minerals remain my daily go to products. I’ve been pretty fickle with cleansers swapping between handfuls of favourites but my moisturiser choices are firmly stuck on Evolve Daily Renew and Antipodes Rejoice.

Favourite new skincare discoveries for 2018
In March I tested Pure Potions Intensive Hand Cream and it quickly won me over by making light work of my dry skin. This is super rich and hydrating and remains a go to even more during Winter. April saw the arrival of Ere Perez SOS Marmalade Balm and this changed my skin overnight. I had been experiencing dermatitis on my chest for months and nothing seemed to help until I applied the SOS balm, it truly lived up to its name. Myroo is a brand I’ve trusted and discussed for several years and in May it was the Superfood Balm (fragrance free) that stole the show. For me its the formulation of ingredients that provides intrigue with mango, coconut, papaya, avocado, broccoli, cucumber and raspberry. It’s a great all rounder with a soft texture that melts into dry skin patches with ease. In the same month I reviewed Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 and later went on to repurchase. This CC cream is seriously good and it’s a tough choice between this and my beloved Moonflower Tinting Fluid. In the end I decided that since the CC cream contains SPF it will be my go to in the summer months, that way I get to enjoy both products throughout the year. It’s no secret that the Mallow + White Soothe Cleansing Oil is one of my favourite products so in June I was excited to review the Soothe Balm. For anyone who experiences dry skin and fragrance allergies Soothe Balm is a must in your beauty collection. I think the most exciting launch of the year was Bodhi & Birch’s Superfoods Series and I quickly fell for the Avo Bao Cleansing Balm and Super25 Botanical Serum. I didn’t get around to writing a full review for the Super25 serum but trust me it’s beautiful. I believe both products make a difference to my skin in the long term. From my perspective, to create a range that is free from essential oils but still smells amazing is totally genius. So much love and attention has gone into the range and it really shows in quality and performance.

Favourite new free from/vegan foods for 2018
This year has been the year Vegan food has taken off and I for one love it. The Wicked Kitchen range at Tesco has doubled in size and let’s not forget all the pizzas, so much pizza! Waitrose introduced an own labelled product range which I am totally loving and still working my way through. I have developed a serious Vegan Magnum addiction, almond is the favourite. Fry’s Kitchen has arrived in Sainsbury’s and I love this as it’s more convenient for me. Veganise has become an alarming habit and I always have minimum two jars in the fridge, the supply issues experienced earlier in the year at Sainsbury’s were traumatic times (lol) Livia’s Kitchen Brownie Nugglets and Rhythm 108 Sweet n Salty Almond chocolate bars are the reason why none of my clothes fit.

I truly hope that all this innovation continues but the Free From Community has taken some hits this year. The effects of the Pret case are being felt. I hope that my love of eating out doesn’t take a step backwards in 2019. The the allergy and coeliac community are waiting to see what happens next.

I'm looking forward to what 2019 brings but in the meantime what are your favourites from this year?

Sarah x

17 May 2018

Natural Organic Skincare Free From Nuts
If you have nut allergies switching to natural skincare can be a little tricky and it's a common asked questions from readers looking for recommendations. As the topic came up in conversation again I thought I would put together a list of brands that should fit your allergy requirements. Please do research and note your allergen in INCI as this will help you shop for skincare. When you find a suitable product always patch test to ensure suitability for your skin. Always check ingredients with every purchase as products can be re-formulated and may no longer be suitable.

Awake Organics - all products are nut free, their focus is hemp oil for its skin benefits and eco-sustainability

Harborist - currently just one product, a cleanser, all ingredients in the cleanser are considered low on allergy risk, it does contain triglycerides from coconut but I understand that most people with tree nut allergies are fine with coconut but if you have doubts consult your Doctor and patch test. 

Odylique - free from wheat, dairy, soy and all common allergens such as, tree nut oils (almond, apricot, walnut etc and peanut oil).

Mel Millis - they have confirmed all products are nut free

Mulondon - all products are gluten-free and free from wheat or nut ingredients but advise the following "for people with extreme sensitivity to traces of these ingredients, we can't make such claims as we don't have certifications in place for that yet"

Natorigin - specialist in skincare and cosmetics for sensitive skin and approved by Allergy UK, free from peanut oil.

Balmonds - they confirmed "Yes, we are totally nut-free. Everything is made in our own workshop, no nuts allowed"

If you have any other suggestions for this list please let me know. This fact sheet from Anaphylaxis Campaign may provide useful reading material - Cosmetics, personal care products and medicines Some of the questions asked by people with food allergies

Sarah x

9 January 2018

Veganuary - Natural Skincare suitable for Vegans
Since everyone's thoughts are on Veganuary, I thought it might be helpful to highlight natural skincare which is suitable for Vegans. A Vegan product eliminates all animal derived ingredients such as carmine, lanolin, honey, beeswax, keratin, silk, bee venom etc. When shopping for skincare it is worth keeping in mind that a Cruelty Free label does not always make it a Vegan friendly one. Always read labels and research brands online to ensure successful shopping. If you would like more information on certifications such as bunny logos then hop across to this article - how to read skincare labels.

Just to give you a heads up the following list includes 100% Vegan brands and those that have Vegan suitable options within their ranges. You can purchase directly or through stockists such as Love Lula, Big Green Smile, Naturisimo and Content Beauty.

Akin - It has been a while since I gave them a mention but they were one of the first Green Beauty brands I discovered. Akin is a Vegan brand but their rosehip oil is award winning with a loyal fan base.

BYBI Beauty - I'm hearing a lot of great things about this Vegan brand. The product range currently includes multipurpose balm, serum, toner and facial polish.

Evolve Organic Beauty - I know I give them a million mentions but I love Evolve products and they are ALL vegan. My personal favourites would be the Daily Renew Facial Cream, Miracle Facial Oil and Daily Defence Moisture Mist

Inika - If you are looking for Vegan makeup then Inika is worth considering and if you want a personal recommendation, I like their lip tints.

Living Naturally - A Vegan brand with a wide product line ranging from soapnuts for laundry to skincare.

Madara - Majority of their products are suitable for Vegans, there are a few that include lanolin, honey and beeswax (more info on their FAQ page). My favourites (which are vegan) include the Protecting Hand Cream, Moonflower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid and Colour & Shine Conditioner.

Magical Tree - A small brand which makes mainly body butters and scrubs, with the exception of the lip balm all other products are suitable for Vegans.

Mallow + White - As far as I'm aware it's only the Blossom Balm and Lip Balm which contain beeswax but the rest of their products are vegan friendly. I'm a big fan of the Soothe Cleansing Oil.

Myroo - A vegan brand which also happens to be one of my favourites for being allergy friendly (14 food allergen free & fragrance free also available). I recommend their cleanser and lip balm. UPDATE 2022 - MYROO ARE NO LONGER TRADING

Odylique - Another one of my all time favourite brands who have vegan friendly products, you all know I love my Gentle Herb Shampoo, Creamy Coconut Cleanser and Superfruit Concentrate.

Organii - A vegan brand offering affordable products suitable for the whole family. I recently reviewed their Intensive Face & Body Oil products which may be suitable for those prone to eczema.

Pink & Green - I first introduced P&G to readers back in 2015 and recommend their Unfragrance One Balm, they are a Vegan brand.

Rawgaia I'm not able to give a personal recommendation as they still remain on my "Must Try" list, I simply haven't got around to it yet. What I can tell you is Rawgaia is a Vegan brand and I've seen positive reviews about them.

Soapy Skin - I know Soapy Skin through the Free From Skincare Awards, they produce handmade natural soap and oils for dry skin. Some of their products contain goat milk and honey but they do have vegan friendly options as well.

Siskyn - A Vegan brand, I haven't stopped talking about the Camellia & Safflower Hot Cloth Cleansing Oil since I discovered it at judging for Free From Skincare Awards.

This list is based from own knowledge and of course it only gives a small example of the products available to vegan consumers. Do you have a favourite vegan natural skincare brand or a vegan friendly product recommendation

Sarah x

Further reading from Sugarpuffish archives: 
List of Natural & Organic Skincare Brands with Vegan Products (2015)
Why I choose not to use Lanolin
Carmine Free Makeup
My personal thoughts on animal derived ingredients in natural skincare
Bees - Venom, Honey, Beeswax etc in Skincare


25 April 2017

What natural skincare is available on the high street?
I’m often asked where to buy natural and organic skincare on the high street. I mainly shop online but if I’m ever caught short e.g. I’m away from home and I’ve forgotten to pack my moisturiser, then I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

22 September 2016

Event Overview Gorgeously Green 2016 Speakers
When I got into bed Sunday night I was buzzing with excitement and struggling to wind down. Jen (Jen's Green Skincare) and I can now finally relax after organising another successful Gorgeously Green event. Yes I totally just bragged there and I'm not apologising because it's bloody hard work considering we organised this one around a wedding, pregnancy and our full time jobs.

Our Speaker brands Beeutiful, Evolve, Mallow + White, Terre Verdi did an amazing job overcoming nerves and giving insightful presentations about themselves and the products they create. I find it most inspiring how they all quit successful careers to pursue their passions. It certainly does make me think whilst I sit here at my desk bored at the daily grind of my job.

It's the wider picture that these green brands focus on. They care about customers, the environment and giving back to communities. "Green" isn't just about ingredients we avoid, it is also about caring for the planet, for example, Mallow & White using popcorn in their packaging and Beeutiful tins can be recycled in household rubbish collections. Laura of Evolve is also the founder of S5 Skincare which I didn't know much about before the event. Both brands contain super food ingredients ethically source from around the world. I enjoyed Alessandra's (Terre Verdi) story of her childhood in Sicily. On a personal level it brought back childhood memories of my Grandad's allotment picking peas (10 for me and none for the pot!) and also my Grandma's stories of growing up on a farm. It's this connection which you can't get from mainstream stores, this isn't something offered in Boots and Superdrug!
Event Overview Gorgeously Green 2016 Speakers Brands Products
It's also brilliant to get hands on with products. Mallow + White had us identifying different oils, with Terre Verdi we labelled and bottled our own cleansing oil and Evolve products were passed around the room whilst we were informed about the formulations. Thanks to a question raised by Sasha, we learnt that the "parfum" in Evolve's products is part of their preservative system. It's all to do with the categorization for INCI purposes and something I need to research further.

Since it is Organic Beauty Week I should mention that Terre Verdi are organic certified by Soil Association/COSMOS. At this time Mallow + White and Evolve are not certified but do use organic ingredients in their formulations. With Beeutiful it's very difficult to achieve certification because you can't follow bees around and check up on where they are collecting pollen. You might also be interested to hear that our event SPONSOR Totally Organic is a stockist of certified organic beauty products.

Event Overview Gorgeously Green 2016 Gift Bag Samples
Jen and I agreed from the beginning that we wanted to have quality time with the brands and we feel that is achieved at Gorgeously Green events. We offer a relaxed environment and bring together people who share the same passions whether they are bloggers or not. We have an amazing supportive community (thank you all) but I also enjoy the feedback from friends who tag along. Those that don't necessarily have the same initial passions appear to leave with a new interest and awareness.

This year we decided to support Friends of the Honey Bee which is Beeutiful chosen charity. We raise £38 so many thanks to our brands for donating to our charity raffle and for everyone who bought tickets.

I'd also like to thank Natracare, Veeda and Maggie Anne for sample contributions. 

And finally, a massive thank you to Jen, she's a wonderful friend and it was a pleasure to work with her on organising this event.

Sarah x

17 November 2015

Chosen by Sugarpuffish 12 Natural and Organic Facial Oils and Serums
I was chatting with my sister about facial oils and it gave me the idea to put together this article. I have bought plenty oils/serums in the four years I have been running my blog so reviews are scattered around in the archives. I figured it might be nice to collate my favourites together in one place. You may notice a common theme, I am a massive fan of rosehip so I like oils and serums with this base ingredient.

I think top favourite spot goes to Odylique. 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. I personally feel this product is superior to the much converted Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate oil.

A recent addition to my beauty routine but one I instantly fell in love with. The blend of ingredients is delightful Organic Rosehip Oil and Organic Rosehip CO2 Fruit Extract, Vitamin C Ester (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) Silkening Ecosilk (100% biodegradable from Sugar and Coconut) Organic Sea Buckthorn Fruit Oil, Damask Rose Otto Flower Oil. I find this oil to have fruity scent with a light feel which sinks into my skin beautifully. 

This oil contains Bulgarian Damask Rose Otto, Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Tunisian Neroli oil, Kukui Nut oil, Strawberry Seed Oil, Evening Primrose and Vitamin E. Desert Rose promises to hydrate and nourish skin, leave it cashmere soft and velvety smooth and give complexion an even toned and youthful appearance. Do I agree with this? Absolutely spot on, it’s blooming amazing stuff.

Mel Millis is a premium brand. The blend of Pomegranate, Argan, Rosehip and Rose Otto is lovely for my skin. An ideal facial oil for mature, dry or irritated skin.

This delightful facial oil contains some fantastic organic ingredients so it’s no surprise that it’s an award winner and a favourite of mine. If you love Avocado, Camellia, Raspberry Seed, Sea Buckthorn, Rose Fruit, Marula Nut, Frankincense and Palmarosa oils then I am sure you would like this product. The ingredients are vitamin and fatty acid rich perfect for hydrating skin, lines and wrinkles. 

The Soothe oil caters for sensitive skin and contains jojoba, apricot kernel, kukui nut, chamomile and lavender. It's a delightful blend with a pleasant aroma. The combination of ingredients offer soothing, healing and anti inflammatory properties. 

Budget Friendly Rosehip Oil
As I mentioned Rosehip is my favourite ingredient and if you are just looking for this as a plain oil rather than blended then I have two recommendations. There are so many on the market and prices vary hugely but if you are budget conscious then Balm Balm is top of my list.

If you cannot find the facial oil of your dreams then Inner Soul Bespoke Services could be for you. I was very impressed with the service and my oil contained a number of ingredients which I would choose for myself (Manuka, Lavender, Calendula, Rosehip, Shea butter) and a few which I was not familiar with (Chia seed & Helichrysum).

Honorable Mentions

Have you tried any facial oils from the brands mentioned here? Do you have a favourite?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - *PR sample, no affiliated links

16 July 2015

The Green Woman and Fit Pit Deodorant
I love to support local companies and was thrilled to discover The Green Woman on Twitter. I know many of my readers are keen to discover natural deodorants (Fit Pit is Vegan & Organic) so I reached out and asked if they would like to be interviewed for my blog.

Tell us a little bit about how The Green Woman began? 
Our co-founder Eve left a career in Chemistry to focus on climate change work. She stopped using mainstream cosmetic products and began making her own natural alternatives for the basics she needed. 

Eve gave a selection of her products to her sister Suzanne (a Graphic Designer), who had been looking for organic alternatives since becoming a mum. She loved them so much and thought others would too, so after much discussion, a few hugs and a year of hard work The Green Woman was born!

The Green Woman and Fit Pit Deodorant

What does The Green Woman do to limit its impact on the environment and how does the company support a more sustainable future? 
Ethics are the heart of every decision we make, from our mission as a company right through to the day-to-day running of the business. Everything we do is made ‘with love and a conscience’ and is always ‘100% organic, vegan and earthkind’.

We never use plastic and our packaging is always reusable, compostable or recyclable. All our products are pure and organic so a little goes a long way, so we can use less packaging too. We use reclaimed materials wherever possible - our ‘mini’ glass jars are salvaged from a hotel and our packing boxes and materials are all reclaimed from local businesses. We also give money off for any jars returned to us in reusable condition. Change the business not the climate!

The Green Woman supports a number of ‘Green’ projects including ‘The Buzz Tour’ and ‘Reclaim Power’, and 10% of our profits will be given to projects supporting work against climate change.

Why is natural/organic skincare important to you? 
Your skin in the largest organ in your body and much of what you put on it goes in. If you look at the ingredients listed on the back of mainstream cosmetic products they are usually extensive and mostly unrecognizable. We believe that you shouldn’t have to be a chemistry expert to understand what you are putting on your body and what the long term effects might be. If there is less demand for these chemicals less will make it into our environment too. We believe in reducing the chemical loading on your body by providing simple organic alternatives that really work. 

The Green Woman and Fit Pit Deodorant

What do you find most challenging when formulating products? 
Finding organic suppliers for specific ingredients is often very difficult. There is currently low demand for organic ingredients in comparison to mainstream ones, so it’s not always cost effective for suppliers to offer organic. We want to help drive the demand for organic ingredients so that more suppliers will consider going organic in future and make it more accessible for other companies too.

What have been the highs and/or lows of establishing The Green Woman? 
Every time we get a 5 star review it’s a big boost for us and really makes our day. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that we made someone feel that way about us.

Probably our hardest point so far was during our testing phase. All our products have to go through a strict approvals process, which is reliant on third parties. It takes a lot of waiting and buckets of patience. But it’s worth the wait!

What does the future hold for The Green Woman? 
Following on from the success of Fit Pit, we are continuing our focus on basic body care needs and are now developing our next range of products. ‘Green Cream’ is a 100% organic, vegan moisturizer that will be ready in 2016.

Do you have any skincare tips to share with readers? 
We would say less is definitely more when it comes to products. Trust in your skin, let it breath and if you do need to use something use it sparingly. Coconut oil is a great all rounder and has many uses. As well as a great moisturizer it makes a great makeup remover too. 

The best skin regime of course is plenty of water, a good diet, fresh air and sleep!

.....end of interview....

Thanks so much to Suzanne for agreeing to take part in this feature. Check out the The Green Woman website to buy products (mini sizes are available) 

Sarah x

21 April 2015

natural and organic skincare discovered at Natural & Organic Products Europe 2015
On Sunday I was able to attend the Natural & Organic Products Europe Event thanks to Viridian. It’s a trade only show which covers everything from skincare, wellbeing and food. This was my idea of heaven and in keeping with my blog theme so it was worth the trip up to Excel, London. I was also able to spend the day with fellow Green Bloggers Amber and Ailish.

1 October 2014

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant
Update 2017: Schmidt's have been acquired by Unilever

This has been the hardest post to write because Schmidt's natural deodorant has been getting a lot of positive attention in the Green Beauty Community. After seeing Chesca’s review (Fern & Moss) I decided to order a couple of trial sizes. I went for Lavender & Sage and Bergamot & Lime. My experience of natural deodorants is limited and this is the first time I have tried a solid “paste” rather than a liquid roll on.

The main ingredients in Schmidt are shea butter, baking soda, arrowroot and cocoa butter. Some people do report sensitivity to baking soda so I was a little concerned. I experienced very mild irritation but nothing of great significance. It could simply be from the action of rubbing the product onto my skin as I do find it is a little “gritty”. The scents are delightful and the Bergamot & Lime took me by surprise. I was not sure if it would suit my taste but I’m hooked and will look out for this combination in other products. 

Unfortunately, I find the application of this product infuriating but I am the first to admit I have very little patience. You need to scrape the deodorant out of the jar and collect the shavings into the palm of your hand. At this stage I usually ended up with half of it on the carpet. I was given the tip to roll into a ball (Thanks Naturally Paula) which does work as the product becomes tacky with warmth, you can then rub onto your skin. 

Once I tackled application next up was the stink test. I managed half a day at work and started to notice a little personal whiff, bearing in mind I have an office job and spend nine hours sat at my desk, I was disappointed. I don’t regard myself as a stinky person and sweat is only a problem when it's a hot summer day so I was a little shocked when I noticed I started to smell like Stig of the Dump. Okay joking aside, I probably was the only one picking up on my odour but it plays on your mind and I did become self conscious. The Bergamot & Lime failed me quicker than the Lavender & Sage so I guess my body chemistry is reacting to the essential oils. 

Now I know from past experience it is not unusual to have to re-apply natural deodorant because they are not antiperspirants. However I have to be honest, between the annoying application technique and needing to strip semi naked in the loo at work, I cannot be bothered with the hassle and conventional roll-ons involve less drama. 

I am sorry Schmidt’s I really did want to be part of your fan club. I certainly don’t want to put people off completely. There are many very positive reviews out there but I needed to share an alternative perspective on this one. Have you tried Schmidt's deodorant? What are your views on this product, good or bad?

Sarah x

10 May 2014


Support local small indie business for natural and organic skincare
I'm someone who is keen to support local business so I'm looking at skincare brands on my doorstep and within my county. It's surprising who you can find and I would encourage you all to take a closer look at the stores and online retailers around you. Here are some great companies that are within my local area -

Carly is the founder and formulator creating handmade skin care products made from natural ingredients that care for, assist and treat even the most sensitive of skin whilst supporting British bees

Founded by Caroline and Simon Cavill who are on a mission to help British bees thrive and survive. Caroline started making honey-based balms, salves and creams at the kitchen table, using ingredients from their own bees. The product range is over 98% natural, uses sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.

Nicola who is the founder of Fresh Therapies is based Hampshire. You should recognise this product as it has made many appearances on my blog. Her nail polish remover is one of a kind, free from undesirable ingredients and it works brilliantly.

Julia formulates and handcrafts natural plant based products. Natheo Overnight Treat for Hands & Feet has won GOLD in the Hand Foot & Nail Category at the eighth annual Free From Skincare Awards.

Willow creates luxury natural and organic, paraben-free skincare & gifts, formulated with ingredients to provide multi-tasking products that are deeply nourishing.
 
Sarah x

19 April 2014


Free From Skincare Awards 2014 - Shortlisted and Commended
If you follow me on Twitter you will already have been bombarded with my tweets about the announcement of the Shortlist for the Free From Skincare Awards 2014. Obviously, I knew from judging what was selected in some categories but wasn't aware of the rest. 

Here is a selection of brands I would recommend from the Shortlist and you should be familiar with some of them from my reviews. 

Keep it Kind
Shea Mooti
Kosmea
Spiezia Organics
Dash Skincare
Kinvara Skincare
Suti
Kris d'Amour

I am so pleased to see my favourite products made it onto the Shortlist. I had no influence over that since they entered in categories I did not judge. Now the announcements have been made, I too have to sit back and wait for the final results in July. It will be a nail biting few months. 

Have any of your favourite products been Shortlisted? Did you spot a product on the Shortlist or Commended list that you would like to try?

Sarah x

30 December 2013

As everyone prepares to say Goodbye to 2013, I thought I would round up my blogging year with a summary of my personal highlights. I wrote a similar post last year and it's interesting to look back on the goals I set out to achieve with my blog.

New Beauty Brands Discovered - I found some wonderful brands this year – Bathing Beauty, Lyonsleaf, Peppy Galore, Inner Soul, Opulentia Organics, Bloom Remedies, B Skincare, Big Green Tree, Mel Millis, Marble & Milkweed and Kris D'Armour.

Favourite Skincare - It would appear cleansers and facial oils were my most loved products to review. I can see myself repurchasing Antipodes, Blue Labelle and Odylique during 2014.

Favourite Brands - I think it's fair to say this year was dominated by Essential Care and Deep Steep with a bit of Antipodes, Bodhi and Desert Essence thrown in along the way.

Exciting Experience - Taking part in the Free From Skincare Award judging stages was a brilliant experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

New Ventures - I ventured into the world of YouTube this year and I have enjoyed the experience so far despite the pain of editing and camera issues. I see it as an extension of my blog and it offers a new way to interact with followers. I'd like to thank my friend Pete for allowing me to use his music for a little intro jingle, he's a talented person.

Meeting People - A shout out to the fantastic bloggers I finally got to meet up with this year – Alice (Brightown Girl), Kat (Tales of a Pale Face), Jessica (Spoiltface) and Andy (Pampered Prince).

Green Blogging Community - this year I have seen a rise in the number of bloggers, from around the world, who have a passion for the environment and non toxic skincare. It is really nice to finally fit in somewhere after always feeling a bit of an outsider to the main beauty blogging community. I have experienced online bullying and in a weird way I feel safer in this little niche community where I know people have similar beliefs and passions about ingredients.

Free From Foods - The release of Ms Cupcakes cookbook was hugely exciting and it has been a year of delicious Vegan cupcakes and an ever expanding belly. Vegfest was also another highlight for me, my first "cream" cake in over 20 years and not forgetting the amazing Mighty Fork hot dogs.

Fingers crossed 2014 brings me as much blogging excitement as 2013.

Sarah x

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