shampoo
26 March 2022
For those of us with fragrance allergies finding scent free skincare can feel like a bit of a mission at times. Thankfully there are some decent brands who are catering for us and I've mentioned many times before Green People is one I've been reliant on for many years.
Before I talk about Green People baby wash lets talk about the differences between fragrance free and unscented. I have a sensitivity to linalool, under Cosmetic Regulations there are 26 fragrance allergens which need to be declared on labels when they are at a certain % in a product. This is a legal requirement and linalool is on this list. When we talk about 'fragrance free' we are generally referring to a formulation which does not contain natural or synthetic fragrance and it will have an aroma which naturally derives from the ingredients it is made from. On the other hand 'unscented' skincare has no smell but can contain substances which neutralise the aroma of the ingredients in its formulation.
One issue which I believe can be confusing is to claim a cosmetic/skincare product 'allergen free' when the formulation is only free from the declarable 26 fragrance allergens. I think that consumers could misunderstand the product to be also free from top 14 food allergens.
When it comes to baby products they tend to be gentler on the skin with lower levels of essential oils or even better they are fragrance free. It can be a go to option for any age group so I don't let the 'baby' labelling put me off. When I recently discovered my favourite body wash had been discontinued I was on the look out for something new and that's how I ended up testing Green People Organic Babies Baby Wash and Shampoo.
Green People Organic Babies Baby Wash and Shampoo has been created for children with sensitive skin prone to eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. As the name suggests it's a multi-purpose product intended for body washing, bubble baths and shampoo. The formulation contains gentle cleansing properties to retain natural skin and scalp oils with key ingredients of Organic Aloe Vera, Yucca and Chamomile.
I've been using Green People Baby Wash in the shower with a konjac sponge. The concentrated formula means you don't need much to create a gentle lather. I can certainly vouch for the fact it feels gentle on my skin and whilst my skin remains prone to dryness it doesn't appear to exasperate this problem. As a body wash there is little reason to be unhappy as it performs exactly as expected.
I know many of you have concerns about packaging and may prefer zero waste options such as soap bars. I'd just like to mention that Green People state the following on their website - "Plant-based packaging. Ethical responsibility is at the heart of what we do. We are proud to present this conditioner in a fully recyclable, renewable sugar cane tube. Farmed on sustainable land, this plant-based packaging is completely carbon-neutral."
If you or your children can tolerate gentle scents then Green People Baby Wash & Shampoo is available in Berry Smoothie (I have previously reviewed) and Lavender.
I'm happy to recommend Green People Organic Babies Baby Wash and Shampoo for all age groups. If you would like to buy this products or view other items from Green People they are available online.
Sarah x
10 October 2021
If you've been following for some time you'll probably already know that I'm a huge fan of Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo. Believe me when I say it's the only shampoo I use as nothing else comes close to it. I've seen and received comments over the years that people are disappointed that there was no matching conditioner but that has now changed. Odylique recently launched two new products - Prebiotic, Chamomile & Coconut Conditioner (fragrance free) and Lavender Conditioner & Detangler.
I struggled for years to find decent natural hair care that was also free from fragrance and essential oils so I was thrilled by the launch of the Coconut Conditioner. Odylique market this as a multi-tasking product that can be used as a detangler, cleansing conditioner for co-washing, split end repair cream, hair mask/treatment and scalp conditioner.
For this review I chose to use Odylique Chamomile and Coconut Conditioner after every wash for a week and as a hair treatment. To give you a bit of background information -
* I have fine hair but lots of it so it appears thick
* I use hair dye every six weeks
* I style with a hair dryer and GHD straighteners
* I wash my hair on average every other day
Odylique have formulated their conditioners with active ingredients. Horsetail strengthens, coconut is conditioning, chamomile and calendula are soothing, aloe vera locks in moisture and shea butter is smoothing. It's free from wheat, dairy, soy and common allergen nut oils, suitable for vegans and cruelty free, free from sulphates and silicones. The tube is recyclable and made in UK from renewable sugar cane.
So what do I think of Odylique NEW Prebiotic, Chamomile and Coconut Conditioner? I'm no longer reaching for this conditioner after every wash as I prefer using it as an intensive treatment to tackle dryness. After styling my hair always feels soft, shiny and smooth. When I air dry my hair it often looks frizzy with a slight wave/curl but I see a reduction in this when using Odylique conditioner. Overall, I've been very happy with this conditioner and would be happy to recommend.
If you would like to try Odylique Prebiotic, Chamomile & Coconut Conditioner or Lavender Conditioner & Detangler, you can receive 20% off orders using my code SUGARPUFFISH at the checkout on their website.
Sarah x
3 May 2021
A'kin and I go way back. I've mentioned many times before how they were one of the first brands I discovered on my 'green' beauty journey. Last year I decided to revisit their products starting with the A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner. I've since repurchase and sized up to the 500ml bottle as I enjoy using it. After much deliberation I decided to buy the A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Shampoo. This was a huge deal for me as I've been loyal to Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo for around eight years and never switched in that time.
I remember in those early years I never rated the A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Shampoo because I wasn't used to low foaming haircare and hadn't purged my hair of mainstream products. Now I have experience behind me and this A'kin shampoo performs better than I remembered. I can achieve a nice lather, my hair feels clean and I can do this without scalp irritation associated with fragrance. My hair does feel a little dry in the washing stages so I always follow up with conditioner (the same goes for Odylique). Now that I've experienced this A'kin shampoo again I'm confident to recommend to readers. At this time, the 500ml bottle does work out a little cheaper in comparison to Odylique.
Changing the subject over to hand creams, I don't know about you but the pandemic has been rough on my skin. I've had lots of issues with extremely dry hands and eczema. It's possible I've used A'kin Calming Hand Cream in the past but I couldn't quite remember. The fragrance free formulation contains jojoba and shea butter which offer soothing and hydrating properties. The texture of the cream feels non-greasy, nourishing and my skin absorbs the cream leaving me quickly free to go about daily tasks. I've got a couple of hand creams on the go at the moment but A'kin Calming Hand Cream does feel as if it's having an impact on maintaining the on going battle against dryness. The important part is to be consistent with using hand creams, reapply regularly and the effects on skin should become noticeable.
A'kin products are available to purchase through their website but you'll also find stockists online. All products are vegan and cruelty free. Alongside their fragrance free range you can find scented alternatives.
Sarah x
1 January 2021
(some products featured may have been gifted, others will have been purchased)
2020 may have been shit but natural skincare has been excellent. Lets just step away from all of the world's problems and be a little selfish and indulgent. I enjoy looking back on the products that have given me some joy over the last twelve months. Skincare is self care and those of us with problem skin are often battling against exasperated conditions at times of great stress and anxiety. Let me jump in and talk about some of the products which became firm favourites.
Everyday Favourites
Most of you will already know that my routine always includes products from Balmonds, Odylique and Organii. I'm a regular customer when it comes to creams, shampoo and shower gels from these brands. I've become reacquainted with Lyonsleaf products especially after introducing a fragrance free version of their best seller Beauty Balm. I also rekindled my affections for A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner, a product I once used regularly at the start of my green journey, long before I started blogging.
Favourite for coconut oil lovers
I love that fragrance free has been at the forefront of many new discoveries this year. With a rise in allergies and sensitivities I think it's an important focus for skincare brands. I fell hard for the fantastic Lucy Bee. I've gone through several tubes of the Reviving Cleanser and recently finished a jar of Radiance Boosting face cream. If you love coconut oil as part of your skincare routine then you are sure to become a fan.
Favourite minimalistic skincare
I've always enjoyed skincare which has a minimalistic approach to ingredients and with this in mind I welcomed Eden Days Sensitive Soul Body Butter, Minimalist Skincare Gentle Daily Cleansing Balm, Bunch Skincare Body Oil and Lily & Rabbit soaps.
Parisian Favourites
Typology was another launch which took me by surprise. I enjoyed the no-frills approach with mix and match products tailoring to individual needs. Their products are also free from essential oils. Following on with my love of minimal ingredients I particularly enjoyed using the Typology 7 Ingredient Makeup Removing Oil and 10 Ingredient Hand Balm.
There are so many brilliant small businesses out there and I hope to find more newcomers. I will do my best to continue supporting your business into 2021 which also happens to be my tenth year of running this blog. Fingers crossed for a brighter and healthier future.
Sarah x
AFFILIATE LINKS & DISCOUNT CODES
20% off Odylique using code SUGARPUFFISH
20% off Balmonds using code SUGARPUFFISH20
1 October 2020
(I purchased this product)
I've been struggling with eczema on my neck and shoulders during lockdown which lead me to rethink my haircare routine. I enjoy using Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner but I've temporarily stopped using it opting for a fragrance free replacement. Akin was one of the first natural brands I ever tried and I regularly used their shampoos and conditioners in those early years. I'm sad to say they fell off my radar following the increase in green beauty products and growing market.
My quest for fragrance free conditioner had been right under my nose the entire time. I'm so pleased I decided to buy A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner as it has provided much needed relief. Of course it may be purely coincidence but I've seen a difference. I always advocate stripping back your hair or skin care routine and going scent free when experiencing allergy and eczema flare ups.
This Akin conditioner lives up to its name - Mild and Gentle. It's formulated with rosehip oil, shea butter, jojoba oil and oat extract to soothe dry itchy scalps and provide moisture. I have shoulder length hair which is fine but thick and I colour it every 6-8 weeks. I need a conditioner that combats dryness but doesn't weigh it down. A little does go a long way and I'm cautious not to overload my fine hair. During application I feel this Akin conditioner detangles knots caused during the shampooing process. My hair feels silky and smooth during application and retains this through to styling. After the first use I pondered why I hadn't been using A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner all along. Maybe I was side tracked by marketing promises, curiosity for new products or tightening of purse strings.
I've always recommended A'kin fragrance free products to others based on old experiences but now I feel happy having a fresh perspective under my belt. It's enjoyable to revisit long lost brands and I'm sure I'll delve back into the product range once more. In the meantime, I'm happy and with fingers crossed I'm hoping this itchy free lifestyle will continue for the foreseeable. One day I may venture back into the arms of Giovanni but for the moment A'kin Mild & Gentle Fragrance Free Conditioner has saved me from bad hair days.
Sarah
22 July 2020
Hey! folks I hope you are all keeping well. It's been a difficult time but testing products has been a welcome distraction. I don't know about you but I am well and truly upping my time spent on pampering myself. This month has included a mixture of items and I'll give you a quick overview and my thoughts on the following.
Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant - I've spoken about this many times before but natural deodorants haven't gone well for me because of my allergies. I also struggle with the price difference between mainstream and natural as I currently use a Superdrug roll-on for £1 and Green People comes in at £10.50. I'm in a privileged position to trial Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant so I thought I'd take the plunge. The Green People Scent Free range is one I have always recommended and regularly use their Anti-Ageing 24 hour Cream. The key ingredients to this deodorant are Organic Aloe Vera, Prebiotics, Alum & Zinc Ricinoleate. Green People deodorant has a soft and gentle feeling on skin without stickiness and I haven't noticed any issues with residue on clothing. I've been happy with the effectiveness and it works well for me. I'm currently not working so the only sweating I do comes from a brisk walk or hoovering the house and after both activities I haven't noticed stinky arm pits. I'm confident to recommend Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant and if you visit their website you'll see good feedback from customers.
Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant - I've spoken about this many times before but natural deodorants haven't gone well for me because of my allergies. I also struggle with the price difference between mainstream and natural as I currently use a Superdrug roll-on for £1 and Green People comes in at £10.50. I'm in a privileged position to trial Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant so I thought I'd take the plunge. The Green People Scent Free range is one I have always recommended and regularly use their Anti-Ageing 24 hour Cream. The key ingredients to this deodorant are Organic Aloe Vera, Prebiotics, Alum & Zinc Ricinoleate. Green People deodorant has a soft and gentle feeling on skin without stickiness and I haven't noticed any issues with residue on clothing. I've been happy with the effectiveness and it works well for me. I'm currently not working so the only sweating I do comes from a brisk walk or hoovering the house and after both activities I haven't noticed stinky arm pits. I'm confident to recommend Green People Neutral Scent Free Deodorant and if you visit their website you'll see good feedback from customers.
Lavera Hair Care Family Shampoo - I've always been a fan of Lavera products, it was one of the first brands I came across and up until I was diagnosed with linalool allergy, I was regularly using their colour & care shampoo. I chose this Family shampoo for my husband but it also happens to not list linalool in the ingredients. The key ingredients are apple and quinoa which promises to give a gentle and effective wash. My husband is partly bald so I'm keen to find shampoo that not only cleans hair but protects his sensitive scalp. As the name "family" suggests this shampoo is suitable for all, perfect for those who like a fuss free routine and are not targeting a specific issue. As it is Plastic Free July, I note that Lavera shampoo bottles are made from 100% recycled milk, juice and water bottles and can be recycled.
Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic Plum Conditioning Face Oil - I've always been a fan of plum kernel oil because it has the most wonderful scent which will remind you of almonds and marzipan. When the majority of my routine is without fragrance then I get very excited by ingredients that have a natural aroma. Plum Oil is rich in Vitamin A, E, oleic acid, linoleic acid and anti-oxidants. It's an emollient that nourishes and hydrates and can be of benefit to dry and mature skin types. I think this is a lovely light silky oil which penetrates my skin easily without greasy residue. Over the years I have written about products that contain plum kernel oil so it's wonderful to be able to use as a stand alone ingredient. I honestly adore this oil so I was pleased to see Ooh! Oils add it to their range and was quick to order. As long as you enjoy the unique scent then I'm pretty confident you are going to want to try this for yourself, I highly recommend.
If you missed my last reviews follow this link - Dr Botanicals Cocoa & Coconut Superfood Hydrating Body Lotion and Lavera Berry Care & Gentle Care Hand Wash
Sarah x
5 May 2020
I always talk about skincare but rarely mention the products I use on my hair. If you are interested in looking back through the archives, I think the last hair care routine was written in 2017. I refrain from continually swapping out products because I spent years trying to manage a sensitive scalp and eczema covered my neck which I attribute to shampoo (and stress). I never want to return to those dark days however I'm now armed with a piece of information I was lacking back then and that's my sensitivity to linalool and MI, a diagnosis which I believe made a huge difference to my life.
One product I would never switch out is my *Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo and I've been banging on about it since 2013. It just works really well for me, it did take a bit of getting used to at first but once I figured things out I truly believe it contributed to balancing out my skin and maintaining a healthy scalp. The formula does not contain SLS but lathers up well and the trick to that is to have very wet hair and thoroughly massage. I have now managed to get my husband switched over to Odylique shampoo and have seen a reduction in his skin irritations (on back of his neck). A common question I've had over the years has been that Odylique doesn't sell a matching conditioner. They believe many people doesn't feel they need one with their shampoos however I have continued to use a conditioner. My hair is thick and can get super knotty so I need this type of treatment to help smooth my hair.
If you've been following my routines over the years then you will know I've used a variety of conditioners. I usually stick to one for several months or years until I hit a problem with it - discontinued, formulation changes, unavailable through stockists or budget constraints. Last year I experimented with three conditioners from Giovanni. I ended up settling on Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner and have repurchased a couple of times. I believe it makes my hair softer, more manageable and doesn't weigh it down. I've always tried to incorporate a heat protection and leave in conditioner type product to combat dryness from styling tools and in recent months I added Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Moist Dual Action Protective Leave-In Spray to my routine. At the time of writing this I'm almost at the end of this bottle. I really notice a difference if I don't apply a styling spray and I'm hoping its working even though it might not always be visible to the eye. I am now contemplating purchasing another bottle but am also tempted to try something new (that's easily said than done with my allergies).
If you are interested in purchasing these products, they are widely available online either direct with the brand or through online retailers.
If you are interested in purchasing these products, they are widely available online either direct with the brand or through online retailers.
Sarah x
11 February 2020
My review from 2013 for Giovanni 2 Chic Ultra-Sleek Flat Iron Styling Mist remains one of my top viewed posts. I continued to use this product for many years up until about 2017. I vaguely recalled having trouble finding a stockist and I moved on to Evolve Organic Beauty Nourishing Hair Elixir which I've been using ever since. Sorry if the back story is boring but I want to illustrate my loyalty to products. Anyway this all leads me on to present day when I decided to switch things up again. Evolve Hair Elixir is a lovely product but does list linalool in the ingredients and I'm supposed to avoid this one. I'm unlikely to experience an allergic reaction via my hair but I have to consider my hands when applying the product.
20 August 2019
Caring for my hair has been a battle over the years because of a sensitive scalp and eczema prone skin. I've been using Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo consistently for over six years but I like to pair it with a conditioner. My hair is fine but dry as I colour regularly and use heat styling tools so it needs a little extra TLC. Around two years ago I settled on using Madara Colour and Shine conditioner but it's one of the last products in my bathroom that contains linalool (I'm sensitive to this ingredient). I'm not in a hurry to stop using Madara but I decided to start experimenting and re-visit a brand I knew and liked.
Following on from my review of Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner back in June, I decided to try Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Moist Conditioner and Giovanni 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner. To be honest I find all three have similar qualities so the differences between them are fairly minor. If I was to rank them in order Giovanni 2Chic Repairing Conditioner is bottom of the list. As I mentioned in my previous review it misses the mark with detangling during application stage. To explain further, I like a conditioner that gives "slip" to the hair. I experience knots after shampooing so a good conditioner can help make brushing a little easier. I'm not sure if static can be a side effect of conditioners but it is odd how I have more issues after using this product, that's a real puzzler for me.
By a small margin I think I'd say the 2Chic Ultra-Moist Conditioner is top of my list and the winning factor over the 2Chic Ultra-Sleek Conditioner is how my hair feels on the day after washing. I achieve the smoothness I need for brushing and enjoy how my hair feels after styling. It still doesn't perform as well when comparing to Madara but side by side against the other Giovanni 2Chics, for me, it's the best of the bunch. Don't get me wrong the Ultra-Sleek is still a good conditioner, it's giving me the smoothness however it's a delicate balance with finding the correct amount to use. On a few occasions I'm left with that lank, weighed down feeling which doesn't work for me. It's simply a case of too much treatment for my fine hair and that's a common problem I've faced time and time again with hair care products.
I'm happy to recommend Giovanni 2Chic conditioners and suggest they are worth trying for yourself. I think it's fair to say that it's just a case of finding the right one to suit your needs. Overall Giovanni is a brand I enjoying using, I often refer to them as having similarities to salon brands just minus certain ingredients on my avoid list. They are cruelty free and many of their products are suitable for Vegans.
If you missed last months review then follow this link - Nature's Kitchen Oat Milk Cleanser & Makeup Remover
Sarah x
If you missed last months review then follow this link - Nature's Kitchen Oat Milk Cleanser & Makeup Remover
Sarah x
10 July 2018
(includes gifted PR samples)
Travelling light with cabin only luggage is something I am slowly getting used to but the liquid allowance sends me into meltdown when it comes to my skincare. I make the separation anxiety a little easier by decanting favourites into 100ml bottles but sometimes that’s not practical due to the natural of the product. I’ll often top up on small samples or travel sized skincare and products which are multipurpose. Just for fun I thought I would run through a list of everything that came with me to Italy. Full disclosure I do take over my husband allowance he’s minimal with skincare and just uses mine.
Pictured above are the products that qualify for cabin allowance so they are 100ml or less. On this last trip we were trailing Green People sun creams so I have the scent free range of SPF 30 sun lotion (for body), facial cream and lip balm. I opted to take cleansing oil as balms don’t hold up well in the warm weather. I’m currently using Myroo (fragrance free) so that came along for the trip. I personally think oil cleansing is a great all rounder which easily removes daily grime without stripping the skin. I picked up Antipodes Skin-Plumping Minis simply for the Rejoice Light Day Cream as it’s one of my favourites. A little goes a long way with this cream so the 15ml size was ample and we didn’t use it up. I did travel with my Everyday Minerals powder foundation but also took along my Madara CC cream. This contains SPF and evens out skin tone; it simply gives me a little more confidence to go makeup free. I really liked how this stood up against the heat and I look half decent in our holiday photos. I also packed Ere Perez Carrot Pot in Harmony for cheek and lip colour but didn’t end up using it but that qualifies as a non-liquid so takes up no room or allowance. Lastly, I love that Ooh! - Oils of Heaven Organic are available in 15ml travel size and chose argan as a suitable all rounder. I know I can use this on my hair, face and body so if one of my other products runs out or I need additional hydration I’m covered.
My favourite products (shown above) were the ones I decanted into smaller bottles. You all know I can’t be without my Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo but my 500ml bottle isn’t travel friendly. My Madara Colour & Shine Conditioner also came along for the trip. Both my husband and I are currently using Sukin for Men body wash and you can see that’s another super size bottle only suitable for the bathroom. I was not about to part with my Evolve Organic Daily Defence Moisture Mist so that was a must have. I also included Green People Scent Free Body & Hand lotion as a good all purpose cream but truth be told I didn't end up needing it.
What are your travel essentials? Are there any beauty products you can't be without on your holiday?
Sarah x
What are your travel essentials? Are there any beauty products you can't be without on your holiday?
Sarah x
12 June 2018
Please note this is a guest post written by Conscious Skincare, this is not a sponsored post
Hello, I’m Rebecca Martin, founder of Conscious Skincare, a multi-award-winning organic skincare and body care company, based on the gorgeous west Wales coastline.
Like many of you, I live with a couple of health issues, asthma and an under-active thyroid, which mean I have to be careful about what I put on my skin and what I expose myself to. In fact, it was a severe allergic reaction that my husband experienced that kick-started Conscious Skincare in the first place. My husband got some wood stain on his skin and didn’t realise. It got into his system and he became very ill and hypo-allergenic to just about everything so I scrambled around, going through all my notes to come up with products he could use safely. It was a very scary time in our lives.
Day to day, an under-active thyroid means very dry skin, random pains for no reason at all, fatigue, anxiety and intense feelings of being ‘overwhelmed’. I have learned over the years to manage the anxiety with yoga, exercise, breathing and meditation but this anxious state means higher levels of cortisol in my body which can lead to burn out and worse still, organ damage so keeping an eye on how stressed I’m feeling is key!
Hello, I’m Rebecca Martin, founder of Conscious Skincare, a multi-award-winning organic skincare and body care company, based on the gorgeous west Wales coastline.
Like many of you, I live with a couple of health issues, asthma and an under-active thyroid, which mean I have to be careful about what I put on my skin and what I expose myself to. In fact, it was a severe allergic reaction that my husband experienced that kick-started Conscious Skincare in the first place. My husband got some wood stain on his skin and didn’t realise. It got into his system and he became very ill and hypo-allergenic to just about everything so I scrambled around, going through all my notes to come up with products he could use safely. It was a very scary time in our lives.
Day to day, an under-active thyroid means very dry skin, random pains for no reason at all, fatigue, anxiety and intense feelings of being ‘overwhelmed’. I have learned over the years to manage the anxiety with yoga, exercise, breathing and meditation but this anxious state means higher levels of cortisol in my body which can lead to burn out and worse still, organ damage so keeping an eye on how stressed I’m feeling is key!
With my thyroid, I can manage and control how I respond; avoiding stressful situations, a good diet and taking good care of myself. My asthma however, is a different beast! It started after a whooping cough vaccination when I was 6. The main trigger is smell which is usually completely out of my control! It was terrible when I used to commute on the tube in London; body odour, stale air and my biggest nightmare, other people’s synthetic perfumes and after-shaves.
Shopping was like running the gauntlet. Have you noticed how department stores force you to walk through a chemical mist as you enter the store? The cosmetic counters are right by the main entrances. These chemically laden mists are full of allergens and known toxins and you walk straight into it! It kills me every time and I have to cover my face, close my eyes and literally run through it. There couldn’t be more asthma and allergy triggers in one place if you tried. It’s alarming that many high end designer brands of perfume and after-shave still routinely contain known carcinogens and allergens. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics run by the Environmental Working Group in the U.S listed 38 secret chemicals in 17 top brand perfume brands. The average fragrance contained 14 chemicals that were not even listed on the label. Amongst the chemicals found were those associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions. Even more worrying was that many of the substances found had not been assessed for safety in cosmetic products. There couldn’t be a stronger argument for ditching perfumes and after-shaves!
When I started Conscious Skincare, ‘parfum’ would never have a place in our products. We only use high quality pure essential oils and we only use them for the benefits they bring to your skin, not for fragrance. We have launched a specific range which is free from any essential oils called ‘Pure’. Perfect for those of you who, like me, your allergy triggers are smells too!
To see the full range, go to www.conscious-skincare.com and to find out more about us.
30 January 2018
I wanted to show that I really do love the products I've been writing about for the past six years. You may notice that majority of these products are not new to my website. Before Christmas I was running low on skincare so I decided to make a list for anyone who didn't know what to buy me. It's worthwhile because it eliminates getting unwanted gifts. Anything I didn't receive I just bought for myself.
2 May 2017
Garnier Ultimate Blends Delicate Soother Shampoo - this product is aimed at soothing sensitive scalps but I believe it contains ingredients which would cause irritation. Shampoo is an easy swap and many brands have dedicated products to try and help scalp problems. Check out Odylique, John Masters Organics (Bare range), PHB Beauty (Scent free), Akin, Barefoot SOS, Green People and Weleda.
Cover Girl Outlast All Day Pressed Powder - Many natural brands offer loose mineral powders but there are pressed options. Check out Ere Perez, Living Nature, Organic Pharmacy, Lavera and Zao. You will have to compromise on price as I know Cover Girl is a drugstore brand.
Cover Girl Outlast All Day Pressed Powder - Many natural brands offer loose mineral powders but there are pressed options. Check out Ere Perez, Living Nature, Organic Pharmacy, Lavera and Zao. You will have to compromise on price as I know Cover Girl is a drugstore brand.
L'oreal Revitalist Cleansing Towelettes - I have previously written an article about wipes, I urge you to consider not buying high street brands because of the environmental impact. Please bin and do not flush! Swaps are available from RMS Beauty, Pacifica, Organyc and Ecocare. Also check out the baby wipe options in your supermarket, often Sainsbury's and Waitrose stock eco-friendly brands.
Unite 7 Seconds Condition Leave in Detangler - If the ingredients I found online are correct then this detangler contains water, silicone, fragrance and the dreaded allergen Methylisothiazolinone (one of mine!). You can do a lot better than this, my personal favourite brand for styling and treatment products is Giovanni. Others to consider are John Masters Organics and Intelligent Nutrients.
Nars Hot Sands Highighter – described as 'Peach Champagne' which I did find tricky to match exactly but there are highlighter options from 'Green' brands like RMS Beauty, Inika, Ilia, Lavera, Ere Perez, Kjaer Weis, Tata Harper, W3LL People, Pacifica - this list covers a variety of budgets.
You can purchase the products mentioned from my favourite sites - Content Beauty and Naturisimo.com If you would like to read my last swap article click here - No 6 - Green Beauty Alternatives featuring Madara, Joik and Odylique
Sarah x
You can purchase the products mentioned from my favourite sites - Content Beauty and Naturisimo.com If you would like to read my last swap article click here - No 6 - Green Beauty Alternatives featuring Madara, Joik and Odylique
Sarah x
6 March 2017
Mother's Day in the UK falls on Sunday 26 March 2017. I appreciate that it can be a difficult time for some but I am lucky to enough be able to shop for my Mum. I've put together a selection of ideas which I think anyone would like regardless of the occasion.
Pure Thoughts - I've chosen from this site the Lavender & Sweet Orange Mineral Bath Soak as it sounds like the perfect way to unwind. Not only is this bath soak suitable for Vegans, it does not contain SLS and artificial colours and fragrances.
Sugar Loaf Soap Company - have a lovely collection of gifts. I particularly like the draw string jute bag containing rose geranium heart shape soaps. Hop across to Sugar Loaf's facebook page and you'll discover a code for 15% off gifts during March.
Skin & Tonic - everyone loves a lip balm so that is why I picked out this set from Skin & Tonic containing all four of their certified organic balms.
Kiss the Moon - I discovered Kiss the Moon at last years Free From Skincare Awards and they focus on night time well-being. I picked out the Dream After Dark Balm which is pulse point balm with a blend of lavender, chamomile, bergamot and cedarwood. I recommend checking out the entire range of products.
Evolve Organic - you all know I have some favourite Evolve products so no surprise I'm recommending their gift sets. The one picture above contains luxury trial sizes of Superfood Shine Shampoo, Superfood Shine Conditioner, Nourishing Hair Elixir.
Nectar & Bumble - this site is full of beautiful gift options but may I suggest the Beefayre Mummy Bee Votive Candle, a natural wax candle with lavender & geranium essential oils.
Vegan Chocolate - most of us enjoy a sweet treat so can I suggest to you the delicious Ethico, Consider It and Booja Booja.
Sarah x
31 January 2017
If you have been with my blog since the beginning, you will know my love for Desert Essence Red Raspberry Conditioner. Sadly I have suspicions that my most recent bottle has been causing irritation. I don’t know if the formula has been tweaked, maybe I’m imaging things or perhaps it’s just one of those weird unexplained events often common to having sensitive skin.
20 October 2016
I’m pretty boring when it comes to my hair care routine, it hasn’t changed much over the years. I’ve stuck with the same brands. I’ve tried different products in their ranges but I always come back to the same ones. I spent a number of years with itchy scalp and eczema covered neck so call me paranoid but when I find what works I stick to it as I don’t want to go back to those horrible times.
This year a couple of additional products have crept into my routine but I’ll start with the old favourites. I’ve been banging on about Odylique Gentle Herb shampoo and Desert Essence Red Raspberry Conditioner since 2013. There haven’t been many shampoo and conditioner reviews as nothing else has made a lasting impression or gives similar results. If these products were ever discontinued I’d be a wreck which is totally superficial but I really wouldn’t know what to do.
I’ve been colouring my hair since my teens but Naturtint is the one that stuck when I became more conscience about ingredients. It first appeared on my blog in 2011. Permanent hair colour is similar to nail polish in that you’ll never truly find something “green and clean” but you can eliminate certain ingredients which are controversial. Naturtint does contain PPD if this is a concern for you but my hair is so grey these days that I’ve been unsuccessful in covering it with any other "natural" brands.
This year a couple of additional products have crept into my routine but I’ll start with the old favourites. I’ve been banging on about Odylique Gentle Herb shampoo and Desert Essence Red Raspberry Conditioner since 2013. There haven’t been many shampoo and conditioner reviews as nothing else has made a lasting impression or gives similar results. If these products were ever discontinued I’d be a wreck which is totally superficial but I really wouldn’t know what to do.
I’ve been colouring my hair since my teens but Naturtint is the one that stuck when I became more conscience about ingredients. It first appeared on my blog in 2011. Permanent hair colour is similar to nail polish in that you’ll never truly find something “green and clean” but you can eliminate certain ingredients which are controversial. Naturtint does contain PPD if this is a concern for you but my hair is so grey these days that I’ve been unsuccessful in covering it with any other "natural" brands.
When it comes to styling I keep it very simple as I have fine hair and don’t like using too much product. Giovanni Ultra Sleek Flat Iron Styling Mist is perfect and first appeared on my blog in 2013. A bottle lasts me a long time and my hair never feels weighed down and since my hair isn’t dried to a crisp then I trust it protects from heat styling. Often people are quick to assume the worst about the Keratin in this product but it is from plant sources.
Recent additions to my routine are Evolve Nourishing Hair Elixir and Giovanni Vitapro Fusion Leave in Hair Treatment. I use the hair elixir once or twice a week just to keep good condition and add moisture. I never find it too heavy and it leaves my hair silky smooth. I’m still experimenting with the Giovanni Leave in treatment and so far I like using this after I have coloured my hair. I liberally spray into my damp hair and let it do its stuff. This wouldn’t replace the flat iron mist because I find it gives my hair volume not sleekness. I don’t like having “big hair” so it’s all about personal preference with this one.
As you can see I’m a creature of habit not much has changed over the years but that’s also testament to how good I think these products are. The initial switch to natural hair care can be frustrating. I certainly felt that my hair took time to purge the build up of mainstream product and my skin/scalp needed time to heal. Once you find those "magic" natural ingredients (and it does take trial and error) you’ll never look back.
Have you tried any of the products mentioned here? What are your favourite natural hair care products?
Sarah x
Sarah x
23 June 2016
It is possible to find budget friendly natural hair care but you have to compromise on ingredients and you will have to pay a little more than in the supermarket, no natural brand can ever compete on price with a £1 value shampoo. If you can afford to invest a little bit extra I am convinced you will notice a difference to the health of your hair. You all know I can’t live without my Odylique Gentle Herb Shampoo, for me it beats everything else for ingredients and fits my budget but in the interest of consumer research let take a look at Faith in Nature.
25 April 2016
Jen and I recently visited the Natural & Organic Products Europe trade event which is held in Excel London. The show is large and can be overwhelming with crowds but I do enjoy learning of new brands, launches and re-discovering familiar ones. Let me jump straight in and tell you about brands and/or products that caught my attention.
Sóley Organics - an organic luxury skincare brand using wild Icelandic Herbs. I'll admit it was their packaging which made us stop at the stand but the back story to the company is an interesting one which you can read over on their website. The use of herbs is probably what stood out the most to me, something a little bit different to other brands.
Sóley Organics - an organic luxury skincare brand using wild Icelandic Herbs. I'll admit it was their packaging which made us stop at the stand but the back story to the company is an interesting one which you can read over on their website. The use of herbs is probably what stood out the most to me, something a little bit different to other brands.
Fair Squared - as far as I was aware they only made lip balms but I was mistaken as Fair Squared have products for top to toe. Packaging is simplistic but the brand has an excellent ethos and carries several certifications - Fairtrade, PeTa, Vegan, Natrue and Halal.
Raw Gaia - a brand I have known for some time but have never ventured into their extensive range. At the show they were launching their MSM collection consisting of cleansing oil, tonic, cream and scrub. I was treated to a demo of the products on my hand and was very impressed, I also noted they are free from linalool. Raw Gaia is also a Vegan brand.
Faith in Nature - many of you will be familiar with this brand, they have been around for 40 years and offer affordable products for all the family. They have added a Watermelon fragrance to their line. On the other hand Brave Botanicals is a collection of shampoos and conditioners.
Wildheart Organics - an elegant range of aromatherapy candles and reed diffusers.
Living Naturally - you may know this brand for laundry products using soapnuts but they also offer skincare and haircare. The Coconut Milk and Chai bathtub tea was a stand out for me as it smelt fantastic. With popularity for natural deodorants growing you may be interested to know Living Naturally have a scented and unscented cream deodorant.
Rebel Kitchen - I'm a big fan of Rebel Mylks and now they have added coconut yoghurts to the product range.
Nuto - probably one of the most interesting foods I found at the show. Light and airy as popcorn but made from lotus seeds. They are suitable for vegetarians and vegans but avoid if you have seed allergies.
Probios GoVegan - vegan wheat croissants in 3 flavours - whole natural, chocolate cream and cherry. I preferred the cherry filling over the natural ones.
Der kleine Strolch Come on Bert - the most amazing discovery of the show a Vegan "Camembert". It's a very long time since I ate the real thing but the memories came flooding back. It had the same rind and texture as I remember. At this stage I don't know if there are any UK stockists.
Tsuno - period pads made with bamboo and corn fibre, free from chlorine and dioxin bleach with biodegradable packaging. The company donates 50% of profits are donated to charities empowering women.
Sarah x
15 November 2015
6 October 2015
In recent weeks I have been stocking up on my favourite products and I thought I would share them.
Dr Bronner's Green Tea soap & Neom Handwash from TK Maxx
Naturtint 7N Hazelnut Blonde
Naturtint 7N Hazelnut Blonde
Organyc Cotton Buds
BWC Serenity Loose Mineral Eyeshadow
Sarah x
Disclaimer: Links are not affiliated. The video does not contain PR samples, products bought with own money.
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