alcohol free

21 November 2013

Fresh Therapies Natural Nail Polish Remover Wipes

I tend to wear nail polish in the summer months because I prefer painting my toes to finger nails. In the winter months my feet rarely see daylight from socks and boots. Having said that I still need something to remove the polish and since discovering
Fresh Therapies Natural Nail Polish Remover in 2012, it's the only remover I use. I haven't felt the need to branch out and try alternative brands because I am impressed and happy with this one.
I gave a mention in my September Empties Video that Nicola had launched nail polish remover wipes and I was giving them a try. These are very handy for travelling or if like me you are a clumsy person, then this way you are guaranteed zero spillages. The wipes are infused with the same ingredients as the liquid version, no nasty ingredients and still the same fresh lime fragrance. The claim is one sachet wipe can remove polish from ten nails and I have achieved this without any issues.

You can purchase a box of 10 wipes direct from Fresh Therapies and they currently cost £7.99

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR samples, 100% my own opinions from testing products, links are not affiliated

22 January 2013

Blûm Naturals Towelettes
Face wipes have been popular for years. I remember buying into the hype only to suffer an allergic reaction. In hindsight it’s not surprising that I did as they are full of nasty ingredients (same can be said for baby bum wipes). I know there are natural alternatives on the market but I have not felt the need to try them. I understand why people like the convenience but I prefer a proper cleansing with water. When Caitie (naturalla beauty) included Blûm Naturals Towelettes in our beauty swap I was a little sceptical. 

I have the Dry & Sensitive, individually wrapped wipes but they are also available for oily/combination and normal skin types plus a pro age and exfoliating version. The wipes are free from synthetic preservatives, parabens, SLS and alcohol. They are not tested on animals, PH balanced and hypo-allergenic. 


I find the wipes are a good size and have a soft texture. I initially thought they would not do much as they feel a little dry but they work very well. The fact that they are not too wet means no residue is left behind. The fragrance is a nice gentle hint of chamomile. My skin feels normal after use, never dry or tight. It appears to remove my foundation well as I end up with a grubby brown wipe. I like to use these as a quick cleanse after work or before jumping in the shower but I always follow with a proper cleanse. I do not think I could use these daily in place of my cleanser but I can see them becoming a handy travel bag item. 


I have found Blum towlettes available in UK, at Cocktail Cosmetics, priced at £3.95 for 10 individually wrapped. If you are reside outside of the UK visit Blum's website. 


17 August 2012

Sanex Natur Protect Deodorant
Disclaimer - Ingredient correct at time of publication

Sanex is a brand that annoys me for misleading advertising. Recently they got a slap on the wrists for their shower gel adverts and were made to change the wording. Whilst browsing the supermarket aisles I found Sanex Natur Protect 0% aluminium chlorohydrate, parabens and alcohol.

I shall put it bluntly natural deodorants are not floating my boat. They are expensive and you have to find the right one to work with your body. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, battling my environmental guilt alongside allergies and eczema. I want the junk out of my armpits but society does frown upon smelly people.

This Sanex deodorant contains 10 ingredients compared to over double in Sure Aloe Vera Sensitive (a product I have used). Sanex has removed aluminium chlorohydrate which has caused concerns in connection with breast cancer. However, the ingredients left behind could be possible skin irritants according to information available online. Now I know not everything is reliable on the internet but I think it's important to analyse ingredients.

  • Isobutene a hydrocarbon gas; used as a propellant in aerosolized products and possible irritation skin, eyes, lungs 
  • Butane is a hydrocarbon, functions as a propellant and there is evidence of irritation 
  • Propane similar to Butante functions as a propellant, evidence of toxicant 
  • Cyclopentasiloxane (cyclomethicone) is a silicon-based cyclic compound; may be associated with environmental toxicity 
  • Potassium Alum is an inorganic salt scores and classified as expected to be toxic & environmental toxin 
  • Dimethicone (also called polymethylsiloxane) is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent. Restricted in cosmetic use 
  • Parfum - I am guessing this will be synthetic
  • Disteardimonium hectorite is an ingredient based on naturally occurring clay mineral hectorite; this ingredient is used as a thickening agent 
  • Propylene carbonate is a synthetic solvent and classified as an irritant 
  • Dimethiconol is a silicon-based polymer

The choice is entirely yours. For me, products free from synthetic ingredients are always going to be a better option. You cannot beat 100% natural ingredients however could this be a compromise?

Sarah x

Shopping for a plant based, ethical deodorant? then check out Odylique (affiliate link) use coupon code SUGARPUFFISH for 20% off (no expiry date!)

7 August 2012

Salcura Gentle DermaSpray

Last year I reviewed free samples from Salcura - review link. If you are not familiar with the brand they offer natural products for skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis. I thought I would re-visit the brand and explain why I like it. Out of the samples it was the Gentle DermaSpray that impressed me the most and I have re-purchase the full size twice. I prefer the Gentle spray over the Intensive because the fragrance is easier on my nose. I found the Intensive version overpowering and not to my liking.

DermaSpray is a natural product and free from steroids, hormones, cortisones, peroxides, alcohol, parabens, sls and anti-biotic. Salcura do not test on animals, products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and are organic where possible.  The ingredients for the Gentle spray are - Water (Aqua), Vitamin and Mineral Solution, Dead Sea Minerals (Maris Sal), Vegetable Glycerine, Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophaes Rhamnoides), Manuka Oil (Leptospermum Scoparium), Australian Sandalwood Oil (Santalum Spicatum), Swamp Paperbark Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Ericafolia), Lemon Tea Tree Oil (Leptospermum Petersonii), Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annus), Lavender Oil (Lavendula Augustifolia), Wheat Germ Oil (Triticum Vulgare), Aloe Vera Oil (Aloe Barbadensis), Calendula Oil (Calendula Officinalis), Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis) 

Salcura does not make my eczema disappear but it helps me to manage my symptoms.  I find it relieves itching almost instantly and keeps it at bay for several hours. The spray is ideal for the summer as it is refreshing especially if chilled in the fridge. Treating eczema with a product in a spray form is ideal if touching your skin causes pain or possible infection. A little while ago I was having a terrible time with an eczema patch on my chest. DermaSpray got me through the worst stages when other products were not working for me. Currently I am using the product less frequently but would not be without it in my cupboard. 

I have recommended Salcura to a couple of people including Nadia from Eczema Skin Remedies. Nadia tweeted that she had been using the Salcura Zeoderm Skin Repair Moisturiser but had notice it contained Urea. This is an ingredient I had not spotted when I originally discovered these products. Urea is commonly used in eczema skin care but I choose to avoid it. For those of you who do not know Urea is a chemical compound found in urine, although it is also made artificially. The synthetic version of the compound is created from ammonia and carbon dioxide and can be produced as a liquid or a solid. I do not know what type of Urea is in Salcura. 

Imidazolidinyl Urea/Diazolidinyl Urea: Formaldehyde-forming preservative which can cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, insomnia and asthma. Can also weaken the immune system and even cause cancer. www.thenaturalskincarecompany.co.uk

Diazolidinyl Urea: Established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). www.imperfectlynatural.com

Salcura’s range includes shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, bath oil, body lotion, face cream and hand cream. I flicked through the ingredients listed online and as far as I can see the Zeoderm Skin Repair Moisturiser is the only product containing Urea. I do highly recommend the DermaSpray. You can be your own judge when it comes to urea in the moisturiser. Click here to link to Salcura website alternatively you can purchase from feelunique.com

Sarah x

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