allergies

25 June 2023

‘Little Bottle of Italian Magic’ wins 2023 Free From Skincare Awards
As many of you know I decided to retire the blog at the end of last year. So why am I posting again? well I thought it was only right that perhaps the final blog post should go to the one skincare awards that I have supported since 2012. 

I've given my time to the Free From Skincare Awards because they have always encouraged and rewarded manufacturers of skincare products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, ingredients, additives and artificial fragrances. I'm the type of consumer that these awards help. Many of you know I have been managing eczema and allergies since childhood.

So this year it's an Italian skincare brand by the name of OliPhenolia that has been crowned overall champion and awarded Best Free From Skincare Product 2023 for their Intensive Serum.

“Became a go-to product,” said one delighted product tester. “It was soothing, comforting, anti-inflammatory, and helped calm areas that were irritated, red and patchy. Kind to the skin and a pleasure to use.”

The hypoallergenic formulation — dubbed “a little bottle of Italian magic” by another tester — is based on polyphenol-rich ingredients produced from olives grown at Fattoria La Vialla, a Demeter-certified biodynamic farm in Tuscany, with added skin-beneficial compounds such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
The Best Free From Brand Award was successfully defended by 2022 winners, North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty
The Best Free From Brand Award was successfully defended by 2022 winners, North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty, who repeated their feat of last year in winning two golds and three silvers in the individual product categories.

Free from fragrance, animal-sourced ingredients and food allergens, OliPhenolia’s winning serum beat stiff competition from other category winners, including products by first-time participants Plantopia and Latvian brand Etide.

“It is rare for a few-ingredient product which is essentially allergen-free to perform quite as strongly as the Intensive Serum did,” said Awards Director, Alex Gazzola. “One of the highest scorers with testers and with some of the strongest ‘free from’ attributes across the entire competition … Judges felt it was the clear champion.”

All winners and medallists can be seen at www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

26 December 2022

Green Beauty Brands that stood the test of time: A look back at 2011 Blog Posts

As 2022 draws to a close I thought it might be interesting to look back on my first year of blogging. It all began in May 2011 and I was curious to see how many of those early posts had stood the test of time. Sadly there a several brands that no longer exist but there are some products that remain staples in my home.

Whilst the Faith In Nature Cacao Body Wash has long since disappeared I'm still using their products. Currently in my collection I have the Jojoba and Avocado body washes and Dragonfruit hand wash. I've always found Faith in Nature to be a reasonably priced brand and these days you can find on the high street and local refill stores. I had paired up my original body wash review with a post about Nakd raw fruit & nut bars. I'm still a loyal customer and eat them on a daily basis. Current favourite flavours are Bakewell and Peanut.

I don't use Dr Bronner's as often as I once did but you'll still find it in my home as it's the best liquid soap to use for washing out makeup brushes. Over the years I found it a little too drying on my skin so for me, its main purpose is now household cleaning.

I'm still using Naturtint Hazelnut Blonde hair colourant but honestly I'm now contemplating whether it's time to ditch it and embrace the grey; only time will tell.

I can safely say that I'm still bitter that Alpro still haven't launched the Macchiato drink which I had on my trip to Amsterdam.

Konjac Sponges have remained in my life but I now only use the body sponges. Over the years I tried out several brands but we (my husband and I) are currently re-purchasing from Friendly Soap.

I'm still sadden to this day at the loss of Brownearth body butters. They were a favourite for a long time. You can of course find lots of decent green brands offering different variations of shea body butters either with this standalone ingredient or combining with others such as coconut or cocoa butter.

I'm can't quite believe that I first discovered Evolve Organic Beauty back in 2011. I remember the branding was very different back in the day. Evolve is definitely one of those brands that I revisit over and over again, dipping into products as the range has expanded. Currently I'm trying out the Bio-Retinol + C Booster and I've placed an order for the Bio-Retinol Gold Mask in the Boxing Day sales!

I remember using Organic Surge shower gels regularly back in the early years. I thought they were lost forever but recently discovered they re-branded to Organic Works (OW).

Oh my the photo on this post about TK Maxx is terrible but I wanted to say that I still visit stores looking for beauty bargains.

In my first month of blogging I wrote about my struggles with sun cream that was suitable for eczema prone skin. I just wanted to say that through many trials I eventually settled on Green People. This is a brand I had been using long before the blog started. It is very much a staple to this day. I am a fan of their scent free moisturisers and of course facial sun cream.

I hope that you have enjoyed this look back over 2011 and comparing it with 2022. At this time I'm not sure whether I'll continue blogging into 2023 but you can always find me over on social media if you'd like to connect.

Happy New Year to you all!

Sarah x

10 November 2022

Christmas Gift Ideas inspired by Winners of the Free From Gift Awards 2022
Long time readers will no doubt be familiar with
Free From Skincare Awards but did you know about their 'spin off' The Free From Gift Awards? I'm unlikely to put together a personalised gift guide this year so I'm going to point you in the direction of the winners from these awards.

You may be interested to know that Winners and Medallists in The Free From Gift Awards are brands who manufacture products that are ‘free from’ some of the allergens, chemicals, additives and fragrances associated with skin sensitivities, allergies, and ethical, environmental and health concerns.

Congratulations go to Rhug Wild Beauty who took the Overall Champion prize for their Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Duo in Gift Box.

“A beautifully elegant duo in a chic box,” said the judges. “Gorgeous products, both of which include wild foraged ingredients from the Rhug Estate. A gift set which anyone would enjoy and would feel very spoiled and delighted to receive.”

Many of the medallists are brands I have supported over the years but it's always great to discover new ones. Let me recommend checking out the following -

Blue Labelle, Moroccan Spa Set
Made By Coopers, 'Sleepy Head' Sleep Kit
Silvan Skincare, Hands and Feet Gift Set
BEAM natural body care, Six half sized luxury soap gift set
Eco By Sonya Driver, Hydration Skin System
Green People, Be Kind
Bowe Organics, Get Glowing Face Mask
Sknfed, Rose Trio Gift Set
Lyonsleaf, Natural Skincare Solutions 04 & Hot Cloth Cleansing Revitalising Kit
Obvs Skincare, Well-Being Gift Set

There are more Gold, Silver and Bronze winners (in all categories) to discover so head over to freefromskincareawards.co.uk

Sarah x

22 October 2022

Italy Rapello Portofino Santa Margherita Sestri LevanteI love Italy with its beautiful scenery, pizza and gelato. I recently was asked if it was expensive to holiday in Italy and my response is simply as with any destination it can be as cheap or luxurious as you want to make it. To travel around by train always feels affordable compared to home and a Marinara pizza usually sets me back five euros.

A few weeks ago we flew into Pisa and hopped a train up the coast to Rapello. The Italian Riveria is truly beautiful. Using Rapello as our base we visited Santa Margherita, Portofino and Sestri Levante. The weather was perfect, we ate plenty of pizza and gelato and had aching feet from wandering picturesque towns.

Next stop was Genoa where we embanked on a completely new to us travel experience; a cruise ship! We had found an cheap last minute deal and booked three nights/four days with MSC on board the Poesia. I always like to focus my travel stories on how I managed as a vegan with mild food allergies. I was absolutely worried about how I would cope on a ship but knew our time was short and I could always eat well when in port.

After booking the trip I complete a Special Needs form and the reply received was....

"Please note that on board you will find in all the menus in the bars, main restaurants, buffet, speciality restaurant a little note close to the list of food where is specified if food is Vegan, in case of any doubt do not hesitate to contact the personnel in the dining outlet and they will give you all the information required."

I felt that my allergies had been overlooked in the email which was disappointing. We boarded the ship at lunch time so we unashamedly made the lunch buffet our first stop. We scoured every inch of the buffet but there was never an indication on signs to state an item was Vegan. The hustle and bustle of onboarding was overwhelming. As a typical Brit, I struggled with having to catch the attention of staff to inquire about suitable food. You're also face with the most enormous buffet and I felt embarrassed to hold up a queue to ask questions. 
vegan food onboard MSC cruises
Our first formal evening meal was a bitter disappointment. The menu arrived with only one dish marked vegan; a main course. I spoke to the waiting staff and mentioned my allergies first followed with "I'm also vegan". There was a difficult moment where milk allergy was misunderstood and reference was made to lactose intolerance but I keep stressing the difference. As you may know these are two very different dietary needs. I was surprised that by registering a special needs form that staff didn't seem informed ahead of time. You are assigned a table where you are sat every evening so it wouldn't be impossible to do this, maybe? Once I stressed the fact I was also vegan I was told it counteracted my allergies because after all vegans exclude milk and eggs. With a heavy heart I sighed because cross contamination does matter. It's hugely important and my biggest risk is a stomach ache for others it could be anaphylactic shock. Moments later I proved that point when I couldn't select any bread from the basket because one of the choices available was a cheese topped roll.

What happened next was comical, keeping in mind I was also on a table of strangers. I had requested a salad for starter. It was an attempt to veganise an existing dish on the menu that evening. Out came quarter of an iceberg lettuce with tomato, carrot and possibly radish with no dressing. I was then served two bagels which were cold to the touch, as if they had been defrosted. I requested balsamic and olive oil in an attempt to make the salad more exciting. My main course was the only labelled vegan dish of Tuscan style stewed legumes. I skipped dessert as I was only offered fruit platter or lemon sorbet. After four days of vegan cakes, croissants and ice cream in Italy, a fruit platter was the most boring things I could be offered (not to mention my OAS).
dinner menu msc cruise poesia
Our waiter advised me to pre-order for the next evening informing me that they could adapt dishes. To keep things easy I opted for the vegetarian starter minestrone soup followed by the vegan dish of spinach, quinoa and potato burger. For the third evening we ended up skipping the formal dining last minute but my choices had been carrot & ginger soup and Tofu morsels (stir-fry).

I'm not much of a breakfast person and with the hurdles of an unlabelled buffet I stuck to the classics. Fruit was readily available and I cobbled together some beans on toast. I did manage to hunt down plant milk but it was only upon request.
travel, Italy, Spain and France
As I found the level of food onboard to be average at best I made the most of my time in port. I had gelato from Amorino in Marseille. In Palma de Mallorca I ate some wonderful empanadas at Las Muns, a giant cookie from Anita Cakes and ice cream at Rivareno. We left the boat in Barcelona and I had a late lunch at Green & Burger. 
vegan food in Palma, Marseille, Barcelona
I'd like to think that other cruise companies may handle allergies and a vegan diet better but it's unlikely we will cruise again. It wasn't just about the food but we actually didn't enjoy the experience of this style of travel. I certainly wasn't disappointed with the ship or our room but I hated being stuck with so many other people. You really noticed the volume of tourists when three cruises come into port at the same time.

I don't expect the world to accommodate me all the time and I understand I'm fortunate to have never experienced anaphylactic shock. However some foods make me really sick and it ruins a holiday to be caught out. If you can't accommodate my needs just be honest and I'll make sure to pack lots of snacks. 

Sarah x

Note: MSC should also reconsider their formulation of body wash and shampoos, although permitted the inclusion of Methylisothiazolinone (MI) was not welcomed by me.

29 August 2022

Natural Deodorants Free From Sodium Bicarbonate and Essential Oils
(Note - please double check ingredients when buying as formulations can change)

If your skin can't handle essential oils and you have a possible sensitivity to sodium bicarbonate (aka bicarb or baking soda/powder) then navigating the world of natural deodorants is rather tricky. I admit I got a little fed up testing and reacting so I fell off the natural deodorant bandwagon a while back. Despite this I thought it might be of interest to put together a list of brands that offer options for very sensitive skin.

Why avoid bicarb? You'll often see complaints from people who develop a rash when using skincare containing sodium bicarbonate. It can be highly abrasive and the alkalinity can irritate delicate skin especially after shaving. From my own experience, I find the sensitivity can develop over time, I start off thinking I can cope but then it ends up irritating. This could also be dependent on the quantity of bicarb in the product. Typically if you're very sensitive it can be agreed that avoiding bicarb might be a good option.

So here's a little shopping list for you. These deodorants are free from sodium bicarbonate, essential oils and suitable for vegans 
Sarah x

23 July 2022

Winners announced in 2022 Free From Skincare Awards

Last month I had the pleasure judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. This has now been a yearly invite since 2013. You might not realised but my day job isn't connected to blogging so I thoroughly look forward to a day off work for talking about skincare. This year I judged in the categories Face Care (Rinse Off), Body Care (Leave On), Men’s Grooming and Toners & Waters.

Aside from all the amazing brands I encountered it's interesting to have discussions about ingredients, labelling and allergies. You may know that I experience both cosmetic and food allergies. One of the hot topics coming out of the judging sessions is concerns about food allergens in cosmetics and how to promote good labelling practice, better understanding and transparency.

The British spa skincare brand SenSpa has been crowned overall champion and Best Free From Skincare Product 2022 for their Relaxing Talc Free Body Powder. Free from artificial fragrances, colours, animal-sourced ingredients and food allergens, SenSpa’s winning product beat stiff competition from other category winners, including products by first-time participants LUMI (from Estonia), MERME Berlin (Germany) and White Moon Skincare (Jersey).

The Best Free From Brand Award went to North Wales’s Rhug Wild Beauty, which won two golds and three silvers in the individual product categories.

Odylique picked up Gold in the Best Labelling category. You'll know they are my favourite brand so I fully support the win. Odylique provide 'plain English' alternatives alongside INCI ingredients with 'free from' labelling which includes food allergens. Consumers are given lots of helpful information which is a step above other brands and can be vitally important to those who are managing allergies and skin conditions.

Gold winners in the categories I was involved in (with exception of SenSpa) were all new to me. They included Merme Berlin Facial Powder Cleanser with Purple Carrot, White Moon Skincare Pink Clay Detox Mask, Lumi Men Aftershave Toner and Ani Skincare Hydrating Facial Toner.

If you would like to view a full list of winners and medallists then you'll need to visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk/winners-2022

Sarah x

3 July 2022

Review Lavera Neutral Facial Fluid for very sensitive and allergy prone skin
(Gifted)

Back in January I reviewed Lavera Neutral Intensive Cream with Silver and in passing mentioned wanting to try the Lavera Neutral Facial Fluid. The Neutral range is deigned for very sensitive and allergy prone skin. The Facial Fluid is free from essential oils, flower extracts and herbal extracts.

So what does Lavera have to offer in terms of ingredients? well, evening primrose provides essential fatty acids which allergic and sensitive skin can lack. This is combined with fennel and witch hazel. Also Lavera promote a Green Ultra Sensitive Complex which is "a mixture of liquorice root and lecithin to help keep skin hydrated and moisturised, leaving it feeling supple and soft." 

As the name suggests this is a light moisturiser without greasiness but providing much needed hydration. I've been pleasantly surprised how well my skin has received this cream. My tastes are definitely changing as I get another year older. The heavy creams I favoured for many years are no longer feeling great on my sweaty peri-menopausal skin. I also think lighter moisturising creams feel better under sun cream as layering feels more favourable in summer weather.

Some readers may recall my love for Green People Anti-Ageing 24 Hour Cream (Scent Free) and I haven't changed my mind but I find it comparable to Lavera Neutral Facial Fluid. Neither one knocks the other off top spot and I would struggle to pick a favourite between them. Both are worthy of your time and attention. 

If you would like to explore products from Lavera, they are available through online retailers.

Sarah x

23 April 2022

Review Kri Skincare Unveil Oil to Milk Cleansing Oil
(I purchased this product)

Anyone who reads my blog on a regular basis will probably know I'm obsessed with oil to milk cleansers. Back at the beginning of March I purchased Kri Skincare Unveil Oil-to-Milk Cleansing Oil and I'm writing this post as I finished up the last few pumps. 

Kri Skincare had been a recommendation and on my shopping list for quite some time. The Unveil Cleansing Oil is fragrance free making it ideal for my sensitive skin and for anyone who doesn't tolerate perfumes or essential oils. I also found Kri Skincare appealing because the formulations are simple and curated without complex and lengthy ingredient lists. 

As far as cleansing oils go this is as expected and the elegant bottle with pump dispenser is easy to use. To give context when cleansing my skin (in the evening) I'm aiming to remove SPF, tinted moisturiser and mineral powder. Unveil Oil to Milk Cleanser is lightweight and as the name suggests it will transform to milk with the addition of water. I'm confident that this cleansing oil is able to remove all the daily grime because my flannel shows the signs of makeup. This cleanser feels gentle which is hugely important to me when dealing with eczema as I'm looking to protect my skin barrier and not strip it of any natural oils.

Sometimes the simplest of skincare is what really floats my boat. I don't require fancy ingredients or marketing promises. All I want is clean skin that looks healthy and doesn't show signs of irritation. I'm confident that my experience with Kri Skincare Unveil Oil-to-Milk Cleansing Oil delivers on this requirement. I would happily recommend to others. I find the price point fits comfortably within my budget and comparable to other cleansers. If you are interested in this cleansing oil or other products from Kri Skincare then do go check out their website - kriskincare.com. Mini sized products are available if you don't feel comfortable committing to full sizes.

Sarah x

3 April 2022

Free From Skincare Awards 2022 are now open for entries
(Press Release)

Did you know that the eleventh Free From Skincare Awards opened to entries on 21st March?

Over the years I've been a judge on these awards and I've seen many brands expand and improve under the guidance and feedback they receive from participating. Previous winners of the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product were:

* Holos’s This is More Get Better Butter (2021)

* Uoga Uoga’s Intensive Care Day Cream (2020)

* Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter (2019)

* Harborist’s Balm-Gel Cleanser (2018)

* Benecos’s Lip Balm (2017)

* Kinvara Skincare’s Absolute Cleansing Oil (2016)

* Bloom Remedies’ Men’s Daily Moisture Care (2015)

* Tropic Skincare’s Smoothing Cleanser (2014)

* Barefoot Botanicals’ Face and Body Rescue Cream (2013)

* Qsilica’s Remove Make-up and Grime Cleansing Gel (2012)

What's it all about? The Free From Skincare Awards celebrate the best cosmetic products ‘free from’ some of the allergens and other ingredients many consumers wish to or need to avoid. This year there will be sixteen product categories, including a special awards for Best Brand, for Free From Achievement and a new award for Best Labelling.

Awards’ Director Alex Gazzola says “A Best Labelling Award is long overdue. We’ll be looking for brands and products which demonstrate excellence in labelling — be it in communicating ingredients, instructions for use, suitability, and any allergen guidance or ‘free from’ statements, if used. Those with sensitive skin or who avoid certain ingredients rely on clarity in labelling, and we’ll be rewarding the very best.”

Who can participate? These awards are open to brands sold and distributed in the UK, Ireland and Europe. Entries close 3rd May. The Finalists are revealed in June, and the Winners are announced in July. For information on rules, terms, conditions and how to enter see freefromskincareawards.co.uk

23 January 2022

Review Lavera Neutral Intensive Cream with Silver
(Gift PR/prices correct at time of publication)

I've been using Lavera products on and off for probably around twenty years. It's a brand which is reliable and affordable. When it comes to my face and body in recent years I have been opting for creams. Oils are great but when my skin is irritated or on the brink of breaking out with eczema, I think it can respond better to lotions and creams.

Lavera has a Neutral range which is fragrance free for sensitive skin. You will have to check individual product labels if you are looking for Vegan skincare as not all are suitable. I chose the Lavera Neutral Micro Silver Intensive Cream, a body cream suitable for those with sensitive and allergy prone skin.

Even though this product is marketed for the body, I've ended up using as a daily face cream and in my opinion it's suitable for both functions. I'm not sure I'm qualified to comment on whether Silver is a crucial ingredient in your skincare but a quick google search will show you the supposed benefits for reducing inflammation and suitability for skin prone to eczema. It's an interesting ingredient which you may wish to explore further.

So here are my thoughts on the Lavera Neutral Micro Silver Intensive Cream. It has a nice balance on texture. I place it somewhere between not feeling too heavy but providing a good level of moisturisation on dry skin. It's an all round simple cream which comforts my skin and can be used under makeup. At under £20 for 75ml I consider that a reasonable price for a face cream but may not be seen this way if using as intended on the body. Lavera does have a Neutral Face Cream but it isn't suitable for Vegans due to beeswax. The next alternative would be the Neutral Facial Fluid but I would associate the word 'fluid' as having a lighter texture and therefore I wonder if it may suit my very dry skin. Perhaps in the future I will give this a try and report back.

Lavera is a German company. Despite an Austrian grandma and a GCSE in German it doesn't get me very far when trying to read the packaging. Beside the disappointment in myself it may be a problem for others. The front of the box is in English but there isn't an English translation elsewhere or on the tube. I can see how this cuts down on costs but it does present a challenge when understanding how the product should be used and explaining all the other wonderful benefits I'm sure they would like you to know about. You can seek out the information online but I don't recall this situation with other Lavera products so that's why it stands out to me on this occasion.

I think that Lavera Neutral Micro Silver Intensive Cream is worth your consideration if you have sensitive skin. Lavera is a huge brand with many products so even if you don't require fragrance free skincare you can easily find other suitable products. 

If you missed last month's review here's a link for you - Lucky Cloud Unscented Soap Bar and Terre Verdi ThéBianco Camellia Oil

Sarah x

15 January 2022

Review Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm Essential Oil Free
(I purchased this product)

Pamoja has featured on my blog a couple of times. Firstly, with an interview with the founder, Sarah and then I reviewed the Restore Multi Purpose Beauty Oil. Now I'm here to offer my thoughts on the Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm Essential Oil Free which had been on my shopping list for some time.

Cleansing balms have always been an easy choice for me. Over the years I found that reducing the amount of water used when washing my face seems to help with dryness. Splashing my face to rinse off products always leaves me with an ugly tight sensation and I feel desperate for moisturiser. 

So what tempted me to Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm? well for starters the ingredients sound wonderful......

"Murumuru and Mango butter nourish the skin. Moringa, Sacha Inchi, and Safflower Oils gently cleanse while helping to support and protect the skin barrier. Organic Calendula CO2 soothes, and antioxidant Organic Carrot CO2 helps protect skin from environmental stress." - (extract from Pamoja website)

Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm has a luxurious, silky, buttery feel and something which immediately stands out to me above others. It's a gorgeous texture which fills me with joy. I can't get over how smooth and soft this cleansing balm feels. When you're prone to eczema as I am, often skin feels delicate and tender so it becomes important to take care. In my opinion, this balm is perfect on sensitive skin because you don't have to drag it across your face. It melts almost immediately into a beautiful oil. Pamoja cleansing balm feels like a real treat. A product that you can't wait to use at the end of the day because cleansing doesn't feel like a chore. 

I chose to buy the essential oil free version of Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm due to my allergies. If you prefer fragrance then the scented version will give you the aroma of Rosemary, Geranium Bourbon, Chamomile and Lavender essential oils. I'm sure I've said it before but I love that Pamoja offers the choice. The core ingredients in both remain the same so the overall performance shouldn't be any different.

I'm sure you can tell that Pamoja Reset Cleansing Balm has been a big hit. This review has been written after I have finished up my jar so it's my experience down to the last drop. I'm more than happy to recommend and would encourage you to visit the Pamoja skincare website to explore their products.

Sarah x


2 October 2021

unscented vegan soaps for sensitive skin
Long time readers will know that I have to avoid linalool, it's a naturally occurring allergen found in essential oils. These days I'm mindful of my plastic waste so I've been introducing solid soap bars into our home. It's not easy to find fragrance free products, especially those that are truly unscented. When pitching to brands I'm often presented with claims of fragrance free but products are full of essential oils. The language we are using is interpreted in different ways as many are more likely referring to not adding artificial perfumes/fragrances.

I've decided to compile a list of brands with at least one or more soaps that are unscented and free from fragrance allergens. My other focus is suitability for vegans. I hope that you will find this helpful and who knows you may find a new soap that you adore. Even if you're not interest in unscented products soaps do check out these companies as they also have fragranced options.

Beam Naked Unscented - made with coconut, olive, castor oils and kaolin clay

Isle Soap Naked & Oatmeal - two great options available

Lily & Rabbit Coconut - I recently reviewed this one, it's made from coconut oil and coconut milk

Lucky Cloud Clean & Pure Soap Bar - Made with certified organic ingredients including shea butter, sunflower seed and castor oils this soap is rich and creamy

Nathalie Bond Gentle Unscented - like many others it's made from coconut, olive oil and shea butter

Odylique Olive Soap Bar - made from hydrating extra virgin olive oil and moisturising cocoa bean butter, suitable for delicate skin types. Get 20% off your order using my affiliate code SUGARPUFFISH

Organii Neutral Cream Soap Bar - plant based, organic ingredients in a mild formula specifically for those with sensitive and allergy prone skin

Pure Thoughts Olive & Castor - contains nourishing oils and butters including olive, shea and coconut.

Soap Daze Oatmylk Unscented - a base of coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil, with Oatmylk instead of water to add creaminess

Soap Folk Calendula - an olive oil based soap with calendula flowers

The Kentish Soap Co Naked & Oatmeal - another company with two unscented options

The Wrinkly Elephant Simply Natural Unscented and Natural Oats - great to see two unscented options, both made with Shea Butter from Ghana harvested by a women's cooperative.

Wild Sage and Co Pure Olive Oil - this soap contains only olive oil and water, that's quite an interesting formulation. They also have Mama & Baby soap which has a chamomile and calendula infusion (no essential oils)

Sarah x

26 September 2021

Lamazuna Solid Deodorant Floral Scent Sensitive
(gifted/unpaid/prices & ingredients correct at time of publication)

I've been testing a few products from Lamazuna over several months. I've had mixed feelings with the Solid Cocoa Butter and Cleansing Duo but the toothbrush has been a great success and I've now picked up another one for my husband.

The next product that caught my attention was the Lamazuna Solid Deodorant. I'll be completely honest and say I've found switching to a natural deodorant a headache and I'm yet to find a permanent solution. The problem is my super sensitive skin, eczema and allergy to linalool really limits the options. Budget is also an important factor especially during unemployment and the high street deodorant I've been using (for probably ten years) costs less than £1.

At a quick glance there are five Lamazuna Solid Deodorants available from Love Lula and two sensitive options in the scents Floral and Marine. The sensitive deodorants are free from sodium bicarbonate and essential oils. It contains zinc ricinoleate and diatomaceous earth to "effectively neutralize bad odours without inhibiting the natural and essential perspiration process".

Lamazuna is a zero waste brand so the deodorant doesn't have a stick container and is packaged in a cardboard box that perfectly fits the product. The cone shape is unique with a creamy texture. To apply this deodorant you simply wet with cold water and rub onto your underarms. 

So how effective is the Lamazuna Floral Scent Deodorant? From my experience, it's one of the better natural deodorants I've tried. I haven't noticed any irritations but I'm not using daily so it may need more time. From past experiences I often find with natural deos that sensitivity can develop with regular daily use. The creamy texture is soft on skin and feels like a product that is gentle and supportive to delicate skin. I enjoy the floral scent more than I first anticipated and it's long lasting but understandably fades throughout the day. Lamazuna states this deodorant is "odour-fighting" which I think holds some merit as by the end of the day if I shove my nose into my armpit I can smell my sweat. If like me you perspire a fair amount that's when natural deodorant can feel a little off putting. No one really enjoys visible sweat patches and it takes a lot to break dependence with high street antiperspirants.

If you are looking to switch to natural products and want to reduce plastic waste, then of course I'm happy to recommend Lamazuna Solid Deodorant. It's worth a try and depending on your budget £8.99 seems reasonable compared to others. 

Sarah x

12 July 2021

Winners announced in 2021 Free From Skincare Awards
My first big adventure this year was a joyful trip to London to once again participate in judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. Last Wednesday the winners were announced and it's a fantastic and well deserving group of brands across all categories.

Irish handmade skincare brand Holos Skincare has scoped the winning Best Free From Skincare Product for This is More Get Better Butter. “Scoring an average of 9.6 out of 10 with our product testers, Get Better Butter deserved the overall title this year,” said Awards director, Alex Gazzola. “The wonderful texture was admired by all, and the results reported were exceptional.”

Free from artificial fragrances, colours, animal-sourced ingredients, palm-oil derivatives and food allergens, Holos’s Get Better Butter was up against other successful category winners, including first-time participants Scence, Grace & Blumë and Made on the Chalk, and Award regulars Hairy Jayne, Weleda and Fiini Naturally.

The Best Free From Brand Award was shared between Lyonsleaf, winners of almost 30 medals in the history of the Awards, and Australian brand Eco by Sonya, who received a Gold and two Silvers with their three entries this year.

As a judge and blogger there are of course entrants to the awards that I cross paths with. Some of them I have suggested give consideration to participating each year. I don't always get to judge the categories they enter so when I see them scoop awards it's a lovely feeling. Congratulations to Minimalist Skincare, Wildefruit, Ermana, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Bowe Organics, BAO Skincare and Lily & Rabbit.

In honour of Plastic Free July, I would encourage you to explore the winners list because many of the brands have minimalistic and eco-friendly packaging. If like me you have an interest in Vegan skincare then several Vegan trademark holders are also on the winners list - Hairy Jayne, HAERScence Skincare, Queenie Organics, Crystal Spring, Bowe Organics, BAO Skincare, Little Soap Co, Beauty Kitchen and Rhug Wild Beauty.

A list of all Gold, Silver and Bronze winners can be found at freefromskincareawards.co.uk

Sarah x

6 June 2021

The 2021 Free From Skincare Awards Finalists are Announced
It's been a bumper year for the Free From Skincare Awards with around 250 products making it through to the Final stage. The Finalists were decided by a team of independent testers, each with sensitive or problem skin, or with an interest in non-mainstream skincare products, who have been putting entries through their paces.

I'm a supporter of these awards because they are dedicated to celebrating cosmetics 'free from' ingredients which consumers, such as myself, choose or need to avoid. You'll spot some familiar brands on the list of Finalists, their products often feature on my blog - Annwyn, Balmonds, BAO, Eden Days, Ermana, Lily & Rabbit, Lucky Cloud Skincare, Lyonsleaf, Maison Meunier, Minimalist Skincare, Odylique.

Never in ten years have we had higher average scores in the Awards than this year,” says Awards director Alex Gazzola. “The vast majority of products performed well or exceptionally well, and it has been an almost impossible task to narrow the field down. All finalists deserve their places.

Amongst the familiar names are lots of 'new to me' brands which I've included in the photo above - Cacao Pow, Black Palm, Soft Paws Cosmetics, So Natural, The Natural Beauty Pot, Zero Soap

Finalists now go through to judging sessions, with panels made up of leading industry figures, including beauty journalists, bloggers, consultants, brand owners and formulators. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in all 16 categories — plus additional awards for Best Free From Skincare Brand, Best Free From Achievement, and of course Best Overall Free From Skincare Product — will be announced online at the beginning of July.

If you'd like to browse the List of Finalists it can be viewed at the Free From Skincare Awards site.

Sarah x

7 March 2021

Review Silvan Skincare Pure Face Cream
(gifted & affiliate link)

Silvan Skincare has featured a number of times on my site and my review back in 2018 for their Skin Therapy Extra Gentle Facial Oil remains popular with readers. Today I'm introducing you to one of the newly reformulated face cream, Pure. There are a total of five face creams in the collection depending on your skin type and Pure is the one intended for sensitive skin plus it's fragrance free.

You know I adore facial oils but sometimes my eczema seems to crave creams. I've never really figured out why and it's based on instinct of how my skin feels and responds. Pure is a calming moisturiser formulated with apricot, jojoba and calendula. From my perspective finding a decent cream free from essential oils has been quite a mission.

I've quickly become a fan of Silvan Skincare Pure face cream. It has a lovely whipped texture and this appeals to me because I can apply lightly or heavily depending on my requirements for that day. As someone with dermatitis I experience extremely dry skin which is exacerbated by cold weather so it's a constant battle to keep my skin hydrated. All the ingredients combined work their magic and I welcome the inclusion of cocoa butter as that's an ingredient that packs a moisturising punch.

I've been using this face cream day and night. My skin feel smooth and soft for the entire day and revived in the mornings. Once the product settles into my skin I can happily apply makeup on top. As there are no essential oils I don't have to worry about triggering allergic reactions.

Silvan Skincare is certified cruelty free under the Leaping Bunny programme and registered with the Vegan Society. I highly recommend exploring the product range from Silvan Skincare, I'm sure you will find something you will love.

Sarah x

1 February 2021

2021 Free From Skincare Awards to open 1st February
(unpaid/press release)

Positivity is what we need for 2021 so let's celebrate the tenth annual Free From Skincare Awards will open to entries on 1st February. I support these awards because a "free from" lifestyle has been part of me since childhood. I need to avoid pesky allergens some of which are present in skincare. I assume many people probably don't look beyond the matter of food allergies and often forget that skincare can be problematic for some people. You may also fall under the "free from" umbrella for lifestyle choices e.g Veganism or Religion.

I recommend following The Free From Awards on social media as that's where you will locate general news, entrant introductions and eventually winner announcements (in June). The Awards pride themselves on their fairness, rigour and transparency, and have been running a #KnowYourAwards campaign on Instagram throughout January to answer in-depth questions about the Awards, offering ‘behind the scenes’ insights into testing protocols, judging, decision-making and much more.

"No brand should be in the dark about our procedures and processes, nor the principles underpinning them. There are many awards out there, and we feel it’s important that skincare brands, especially in these tough times, have full understanding of what ours actually stand for — and what the many benefits of participation will be - Awards’ Director Alex Gazzola"

There are sixteen product categories this year which includes two new categories for deodorants and toners, waters and spritzes.
 
Previous winners of the Best Overall Free From Skincare Product were:

* Uoga Uoga’s Intensive Care Day Cream (2020)
* Weleda’s Skin Food Body Butter (2019)
* Harborist’s Balm-Gel Cleanser (2018)
* Benecos’s Lip Balm (2017)
* Kinvara Skincare’s Absolute Cleansing Oil (2016) 
* Bloom Remedies’ Men’s Daily Moisture Care (2015)
* Tropic Skincare’s Smoothing Cleanser (2014)
* Barefoot Botanicals’ Face and Body Rescue Cream (2013)
* Qsilica’s Remove Make-up and Grime Cleansing Gel (2012)

Brands sold and distributed in the UK, Ireland and Europe are eligible to participate in the Free From Skincare Awards. The key dates you need to note are 

* Entries close 21st March
* Finalists revealed in May
* Winners announced in June

And for information on rules, terms, conditions and how to enter, visit www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk

1 November 2020

10 Vegan and Free From Advent Calendars for 2020
(no paid/sponsored advertising)

At the moment I think there is an advent calendar out there for most dietary needs. The selection this year is very exciting and so I put together this list. Please remember to check with the individual manufacturers to ensure their products meet with your individual requirements.

A flat packed advent tree for you to build, contains 4 x 48g bags of Wild Strawberry, Sour Watermelon, Tropical Mango and Blueberry Bliss sweets (at least 1 sweet per day)

24 gorgeous rice milk chocolate shapes including reindeer, santas, stars and Christmas trees. Chocolate is certified vegan, free from nuts, dairy, gluten and wheat

Cute festive figures made from 70% cocoa, vegan friendly however all chocolates are made in a factory that handles tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, milk and soya and therefore may contain traces.

Behind 24 festive doors are mini packs of Joe & Seph’s handmade popcorn in 8 unique, vegan flavours, including Joe & Seph’s popular Vegan Salted Caramel and Vegan Toffee Apple & Cinnamon

Dairy free and vegan, chose between 'milk' or white chocolate, the tray inside is made from recyclable material which can be recycled along with the rest of the packaging. The Moo Free factory sends 0% waste to landfill and the Moo Free Team includes several amazing people with autism. Available in supermarkets or online

They say Like No Udder! is as close to milk chocolate as possible, without ever going near a cow. High in cocoa, smooth and creamy, Vegan. May contain traces of milk, nuts and peanuts

24 chocolates made with new vegan Smoove Moove blend, dairy free but May contain traces of Peanuts and Tree Nuts. Also available is the 12 Days of Festive Indulgence with 12 miniature Mummy Meagz chocolate bars

Free from the top 14 allergens, including dairy, eggs and nuts, as well as artificial colouring and preservatives. 24 different chocolates in a range of mouthwatering innovative flavours inspired by the founder’s autistic son

Vegan and free from brand, 24 doors advent calendar with 12 salted caramel and 12 'milk' choc drops, available in supermarkets and online

Vegan advent calendars are available in four varieties: Plamil So free organic Milk chocolate alternative, Plamil So free organic White chocolate alternative, Plamil So free Smooth Salted Caramel, Plamil So free Smooth less than 4% sugars, made in factory which never uses dairy or gluten

Sarah x

15 September 2020

National Eczema Week 2020 unmasking the truth about eczema
(gifted/unpaid/affiliate link for Odylique)
"National Eczema Week 2020 will be about the wider impact of eczema on people’s lives. We carried out a survey on different aspects of living with eczema and will be revealing results from this survey during the week on our social media channels, unmasking the truth of what it’s like to live with eczema.Through sharing these findings, we want to empower people to talk about eczema, knowing that others are going through similar experiences, and to seek the care and support they need. We also want to improve public awareness of eczema’s impact on daily life and build greater understanding of the condition." eczema.org

For those not familiar with my story, I've had atopic eczema since birth. At various points in my life I've experienced severe flare ups but at the moment it's a milder condition. Lockdown has triggered a break out around my neck and shoulders. I put it down to the worries and stress from everything that has happened, I've been made redundant and we lost friends to the virus.

I'm going to use this post as a recap for readers. As you know my blog has been built around my experiences of eczema and allergies so I've covered a fair amount over the years.

My Diagnosis
I'm in my 40's and to catch you up on my life, from birth to age 10 my eczema was severe and I had medical treatments and allergy diagnosis. Forward to 2014 when I decided to seek help for a flare up which I had been treating for years and it wouldn't go away no matter what I tried. The diagnosis that followed has been documented in the following articles -

My Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food syndrome)
Dietitians & Dermatologists - patch test reaction for Linalool and MI, Urticaria and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Final Diagnosis

My Tips for managing eczema
Here are some of my articles offering personal tips for managing eczema and product recommendations

For Skin Prone to Eczema - recommended Creams and Balms

Odylique have products which I highly recommend for skin prone to eczema. I have a reader discount code to share and to receive 20% off your order use code SUGARPUFFISH at Odylique

From Past to Present
The majority of skincare reviews after 2014 will feature products that are fragrance free or at minimum free from linalool so keep this in mind when scrolling through my blog. I continue to analyse formulations as I'm conscious not to trigger eczema and allergic reactions. It's important to have on hand creams that specifically treat dry and itchy skin but the rest of the time focus on a healthy and gentle top to toe routine.

How has eczema impacted your life?

Sarah x

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