biodegradable

24 January 2021

Wave Cases protect your phone and the planet
UPDATE November 2023 - I changed my phone and needed a new case. I was still very happy with my one from WAVE. I sent the old case (pictured in this review) back for disposal and purchased a new Wave pink etched case.

This year I'm trying to make a conscious effort when making new purchases to help the planet and it's always great to support a British business. My new phone needed a case and I decided to take a more eco-friendly approach and try to avoid plastic crap from Amazon. A couple of people were interested in my Wave case after I shared it on IG Stories and so I thought my blog readership may also like to know about it.  

There are a number of eco-friendly phone cases on the market and my research lead me Wave. I was looking for a more affordable British option because the Pela cases I've seen advertised are expensive and ship from EU/USA. In the end I made my decision to order from Wave based on available stock. 

"We are three friends that are trying to encourage the change we want to see in the world, one biodegradable phone case at a time. Growing up in a small seaside town in the North East of England, we have seen first-hand the devastating effects plastic pollution has had, and is having upon our oceans."

Wave cases are made from wheat straw which is a biodegradable material. The small flecks visible in the case design are unique and from the straw. The case feels nice to hold and has a matt texture so it's not slippery. I was able to choose from a variety of plain colours, there are no artistic patterns or imagery designs and only a Wave logo imprinted on the back. According to the FAQ page it should protect against general wear and tear but it's not an impact case. Your phone may survive an accidental drop but of course no guarantees are made. 

If you are looking for a new phone case then of course explore your options but I recommend considering Wave. 

Sarah x

15 October 2020

review Fill steel and glass cleaner
(I purchased this product)

Cleaning is a chore but we all have to do it at some point. For years now I've been seeking out household cleaning products with plant based ingredients. I've always struggled with sensitivity to mainstream brands that are highly perfumed or overbearing with bleach.

I was having trouble re-purchasing Tincture London Glass, Mirror & Steel Cleaner during lockdown so I was looking for an alternative. I ended up buying Fill Steel and Glass Cleaner. What stood out to me with Fill products is there are fragrance free options

"WE MAKE EVERYTHING OURSELVES, AT OUR OWN FAMILY RUN FACTORY IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE WITH REAL CHEMISTS… COMBINING BIODEGRADABLE INGREDIENTS TO CREATE SIMPLE, MODERN & EFFECTIVE ECO CLEANING & LAUNDRY PRODUCTS. NO DYES. NO HARSH CHEMICALS. NO PLASTIC BOTTLES. LESS WASTE."

You may wonder why I buy a specific glass and steel cleaner over using a multi purpose product. Well the reason is I have found that some surface sprays don't cut through the grease and leave streaks on the steel hob and my glass back splash. I've a shiny new home and like to keep it that way.

Fill Steel and Glass Cleaner makes light work of cleaning surface around my home. It doesn't take much elbow grease to get everything looking 'spick and span'. This cleaner is packaged in a glass bottle and I purchased with a spray nozzle which is plastic but if you re-purchase or re-fill you can hang onto this part and re-use it. I did opt for the fragrance version and the scent of geranium is pleasant and not over powering.

I've been happy to discover Fill. Their ethos looks great with options to bulk buy and refill, products are vegan and cruelty free, packaging is cardboard and glass, ingredients are biodegradable and you can support local business. If you would like to buy the steel and glass cleaner or explore the entire product range then visit fillrefill.co

Sarah x

11 August 2020

Ocean Saver All Purpose Floor Cleaner Eco Drop Rhubarb Coral
(I paid for this product, price correct at time of publication)

I've remained loyal to the same household cleaning products for years. I've been using a combination of Bio-D, Tincture LondonGreenscents and I have a favourite product from each brand. During lockdown and with the loss of my job I was seeking accessible and budget friendly options. I thought that might be mission impossible but I'm pleased to say I found Ocean Saver.

22 May 2018

Natural Beauty Brands with Plastic Free or Zero Waste Packaging
I think by now we have all seen the pictures of our oceans devastated by plastic pollution and we all want to do better for our environment. How skincare is packaged has come up in conversation a few times and it’s an interesting discussion. Whilst I understand the objective of those interested in zero waste products I feel it’s important to remember that it might not be easy to abandon plastic overnight. Some products are packaged in a certain way because it helps preserve them; you can’t put every cream into a jar because it becomes prone to bacteria or may require a shorter shelf life. Consumer safety is important and ingredients for preservation are often the ones that most of us are trying to avoid. Glass is breakable so maybe viewed by some as a hazard in the bathroom.

I know brands that have agonised over packaging decisions. It can often come down to marketing, aesthetics and shipping. There are some brands who package in cardboard tubes but then get complaints from consumers and stockists that labels rub off or the container becomes grubby with finger prints or tatty on the corners. This is people’s livelihood so if packaging lets them down over these types of misdemeanours I don’t blame them for returning to plastic. I use solid and liquid soaps but I will grumble at having to clean up the soap and dish, I perceive it as an eye sore even though I know it’s zero waste. We have to be honest with ourselves and a large part of the problem can be down to consumer attitudes, wonky vegetables anyone?

Not all plastics are created equally, some natural brands have a least made an effort using 100% recycled bottles or they are made from recyclable PET, PP and PE with outer packaging created from sustainable, biodegradable sources and vegetable inks. I know for some people this isn’t enough but I’d rather a small step than none at all. 

If you are set on going plastic free then you definitely have to set your sights on smaller independent brands and you’ll have to be prepared to pay more. At this time I don’t think larger manufacturers are going plastic free any time soon so consumers have to protest with their wallets. Invest with brands meeting your standards and contact others to ask them to change their ways. You’re already one step ahead of most because by choosing natural and organic brands they are almost guaranteed to be supporting the environment in some way. 

Let us have a look at brands which are mainly using glass bottles and jars. Some of them may also use cardboard but there could be small plastic elements to some bottles, I’m thinking along the lines of lids and the plastic tubes on pump dispensers.

Alucia Organics – glass bottles and jars 
Balmology – glass, discovery set comes in cardboard tube  
Bloom Remedies – mainly glass and tins with some cardboard boxes/sleeves
Blue Labelle - glass bottles
Earth Conscious - natural deodorant packaged in tins or cardboard tubes
Ere Perez – some of their products are packaged in glass with cardboard boxes
Evolve Organic Beauty – glass with cardboard outer boxes
Heavenly Organics – glass jars, refills are available and tins can be reused 
Kjaer Weis – makeup brand with metal compacts that are refillable (available via Naturisimo and Content Beauty)
Living Naturally - glass jars, solid soaps, paper bags and seller of soapnuts if you want a zero waste laundry option 
Mallow & White – glass jars and your order will arrive packaged in popcorn which you can feed to the birds or compost 
Lyonsleaf – glass and solid soaps, cardboard boxes for their gift sets
Pure Thoughts – glass for their skincare and candles, solid soaps with cardboard boxes.    
The Green Woman – glass jars, co-founder Eve dedicates half her time to projects against Climate Change and Suzanne's focus is permaculture and sustainability, A minimum of 10% of our profits will be donated to Projects against Climate Change
ZAO – bamboo packaging which is sustainable and refillable

I am sure there are many more brands out there so you’re welcome to expand the list in the comment section below.

Sarah x

23 January 2018

Looking for Eco Friendly Laundry Products suitable for allergies and vegans
Ethical, cruelty and allergen free laundry products are the biggest headache in my daily life. I feel like the worst person ever for the products I currently use and I've beaten myself up about it but I'm stuck in this really difficult place. I desire a more natural formulation, I don't want it to be tested on animals, I'd like it to be Vegan, I want fragrance but need to avoid linalool, there is the dreaded MI (methylisothiazolinone) to avoid and accessibility is important.

I think the most eco-friendly laundry product available is soap nuts. I experimented with these some years ago but it just didn't suit me for the long term. I wasn't happy with the way my clothes were feeling and smelling over the long term so I ditched that plan.

When looking for ethical products available in supermarkets, most people think of Method and Ecover but both brands were acquired by S.C. Johnson & Son in 2017, a company not associated with ethical or cruelty free values. Seventh Generation has hit the shelves at Tesco, its a popular US brand but despite the claims of suitability for sensitive skin, I was shocked to see it contains methylisothiazolinone (MI). This can also be said for Tesco's own brand Eco Active. Astonish and own brands from Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co-Op and Marks & Spencer carry the Leaping Bunny logo which gives reassurance for cruelty free but you're not getting a "natural" formulation and on my last inspection I was struggling over MI and linalool (I do need to re-visit this to check labels as things can change).

I know of Greenscents, Bio-D and Mangle & Wringer which are greener brands so tick all my boxes. I do use various cleaning supplies from their ranges and have repurchased from time to time.  Since I can only buy online (no local stockists) this leaves me agonising over courier charges and delivery slots which I find expensive and stressful. It also requires me to be organised and when you're down to the last drop it's much easier to pop to the supermarket. 

There are several brands on my list which I need to do further research on including Faith In Nature, Ecozone and The Gentle Label. I'd be interested in getting feedback from readers who have tried any of their products.

I guess I'm writing this as a personal rant because sometimes I think living your best "green" lifestyle can get a little stressful. I wanted to demonstrate that I don't have the answer to everything, I do struggle with decisions. I've spent months going round in circles but I determined to find a solution. Anyone else in the same position?

Sarah x

7 January 2016

Review Veeda natural cotton tampons and ultra thin towels
I had recently discovered Veeda at Boots and then coincidentally was contacted by them. Many mainstream tampons are a blend of cotton and synthetic materials. You're basically putting into your body a product which could possibly contain dioxins from the bleaching process, pesticide and herbicide residues, synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes. Veeda tampons are like any other brand from the way they look to the performance but the difference is they are made with 100% natural cotton.

Veeda initially caught my attention because the range includes the choice of tampons with BPA free plastic applicator. Here's where it gets TMI......I hate those cardboard applicator, I know they are better for the environment but they are uncomfortable. 

Majority of the time I favour using towels and the Veeda ones are comfortable and secure. No bunching and the wings have a good hold unlike other brands. The biofilm packaging on the Veeda towels is biodegradable and breaks down in six to twelve months. For me, regular pads are only suitable for lighter days. I find that my heavy periods are what holds me back from making the full switch to "greener" products because performance in comparison to Bodyform and Always isn't adequate. Sadly, I wasn't able to get hold of the super towels in time to include them in this review. 

Overall I was very happy to use Veeda products and I would look to buy more in the future. For now, Veeda is available at Boots, Ebay, Amazon and directly through their website.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR samples

20 January 2015

WooBamboo Toothbrush Green People Toothpaste
I bought Green People Minty Cool toothpaste and received a Woobamboo soft standard handle toothbrush free of charge. The funny thing is this brush is not sold on the website I ordered from so it really was a surprise extra.

The Woobamboo does look plain and boring next to my regular Wisdom Individual toothbrush but my inner geek secretly loves the natural design. The handle fits comfortably in my hand and is made from biodegradable and sustainably grown bamboo. I have always preferred toothbrushes without tongue scrapers as they seem to irritate my gums. This is not an issue with the Woobamboo toothbrush the bristles and head size feel comfortable in my mouth.

Woobamboo toothbrushes are available for Adults and Children with different options for handle size and bristles. I tracked down a UK stockists but the minor downside is the brushes will set you back £5.99 or you can opt for an Annual Subscription (4 brushes) £19.99. If you are based in US visit www.woobamboo.com
WooBamboo Toothbrush
As for the Green People Toothpaste, I am sad to report I was not impressed. I don’t mind the lack of foam and slightly runny consistency but it does not leave my mouth feeling fresh. I like a mint flavour that packs a punch and this one does not hit the spot for me.

Turns out I'm a bigger dork than I first thought, tell me I am not the only one who gets excited about toothbrushes?

Sarah x

27 November 2014

TOTM organic cotton period products
(Gifted PR Samples)

Back in October I introduced readers to TOTM (Time of the Month) organic cotton pads. As promised, I am back with a review. I received two TOTM Ultra Thin Day Pads and two Ultra Thin Night pads (both products have wings). For a point of reference, the products I normally use are Bodyform (Ultra Long Wings) and Always Night.

I have to be totally honest, due to the fact that I experience heavy periods, TOTM pads didn't always perform as I wish. I ended up using the night pad during the day as I preferred the extra length it provided. As I sat down to write this review I studied every inch of the pad. Sadly I came to the conclusion that Bodyform is offering me marginally better protection when it comes to preventing leaks. The shape of TOTM in comparison to mainstream brands is rectangular with ridges whereas others are smooth with shaping and markings to the top layer of the pad.

TOTM pads are soft to the touch and similar in thickness to high street products. Whilst using the pad I noted that the adhesive was sufficient to keep it in place, an important factor for me since I have used other organic brands which have let me down. In principal, I would happily ditch mainstream for TOTM. I appreciate the differences. They are better for the environment and my body because they lack "harsh" ingredients (chlorine, perfumes, dioxin) found in mainstream brands. I have previously, tried Natracare and I would recommend TOTM over those. 

Although my experience was not perfect, I would still encourage switching over to TOTM, even more so if you prefer using tampons. You will pay extra for organic period products but I am sure we can agree that we cannot put a price on the environment and our health.

Sarah x

12 October 2014

TOTM organic cotton period products tampons pads
(Gifted PR Samples)

Lets chat about a topic which often we only speak about in hushed tones, Periods. I have blogged about my lady problems before and mentioned I wanted to learn more about having an eco-friendly period. Most Green Bloggers will promote menstrual cups as a replacement for tampons but I am turning my attention to pads and liners as these are the products I prefer usingI recently was approached by TOTM (Time of the Month) they offer 100% organic cotton pads and tampons. TOTM products are free from cellulose pulp, perfume, viscose, rayon, chlorine, dioxin and 95% biodegradable. I have received samples. I won’t be reviewing right away but I wanted to bring TOTM to everyone’s attention.

A little research into familiar brands of tampons and pads reveals some thought provoking facts about the ingredients and materials in these products. I have always been concerned about the environmental impact on landfills but recently started to wonder if my problem periods could be linked to toxic ingredients. I have noticed a trend for fragrance pads and that's not ideal for sensitive skin and allergies. It drives me crazy that manufacturers feel my natural bodily functions are so repulsive that I need to scent them with air freshener. Do I really need my underwear to like smell alpine fresh? 

TOTM offer a subscription service via their website. You can receive monthly deliveries of the products you need, on a date chosen by you. Packaging is sleek and discreet which makes a pleasant changed from all the lurid floral designs. Are love heart supposed to make my period more enjoyable? When Aunty Flow visits next month, I will update you on how I got on with the pads. Until then, do check out TOTM’S website for further information. 

Have you switched to eco-friendly period products?

Sarah x

14 January 2014

Bio-D fragrance free washing up liquid
I mentioned this washing up liquid in a Favourites
video. What can I say good eco-friendly washing up liquid is hard to find. Bio D has a wide range of household cleaning products and they are free from Phosphates, E.D.T.A. (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid), Enzymes, Optical Brighteners, Chlorine Bleach, Petroleum derived additives, chemical plasticisers, Formaldehyde, Glycerine (vegetable sourced not animal derived), lanolin, Sodium Tallowate, synthetic dyes, synthetic perfumes and titanium dioxide. Products are approved by The Vegan Society, Naturewatch Trust, BUAV and The World Wildlife Foundation. I note that laundry products carry Allergy UK logo on the website.

I stumbled across Bio D when I visited Vegfest and decided to buy the washing up liquid because at the time, I had been using and disliking one from Bentley Organics. The Bio D formula is concentrated so you do not need to use very much. The bottle is still going three months later and we wash up daily. It generates a nice amount of bubbles which do not disperse within five second of the dishes hitting the water. I'm not someone who cooks greasy food but this washing up liquid does clean up residue cooking oil on oven trays from chips or veggie burgers. I should point out this is an unscented product and should anyone prefer scented there are lavender and grapefruit options.

Bio D washing up liquid does what I require it to do and that makes me happy (it's the simple pleasures). I certainly feel as if I have got value for money as I paid £2.30* for this giant 1 litre bottle. I will be looking into the entire Bio D range when I am next requiring laundry liquid or loo cleaner.

Has anyone else tried Bio D products? Do any of you get excited about eco friendly washing up liquid? 

Sarah x

*Prices correct at time of publication

29 October 2013

Greenfrog Natural Cleaning Products
(Disclaimer - PR samples, links are not affiliated, opinions are my own, I was not compensated for this video)

I was recently asked to review products from Greenfrog, a UK company based in Brighton. Products are free from nasty ingredients, 100% biodegradable, not tested on animals and safe for aquatic life. 

I was sent trial size samples of handwash, washing up liquid, all purpose cleaner and a bag of soapnuts. The cleaning products are fragrance with essential oils and contain soapnut extract.

I hope you enjoy watching and if you have any questions leave a comment below or over on my YouTube channel - 
Click here to watch video

Sarah x

4 June 2013




The Twitter grapevine was chirping and thanks to @RazzleDazzleIce I ended up being sent a Living Naturally Soapnut sample pack. I have read about soapnuts but I had not tried them before now. Only the other week I was talking about "Going Green" and swapping your laundry detergent for environmentally friendly alternatives. I think using soapnuts will definitely make you an Eco Warrior. 



Soapnuts are dried fruit shells from the soapberry tree and they contain saponin which produces a soaping effect. They are 100% natural so great for the environment and ideal for anyone who suffers from allergies to laundry detergent. I have to say they are probably one of the most unusual things I have come across but as intriguing as the Konjac sponge. The soapnuts came in a small muslin bag which you place into the washing machine with your laundry. Softener is not required but if you want fragrance you can add drops of essential oil to the bag. 

I put these to the test on a load with towels and bed linen at a 60 degree wash. I need to stock up on essential oils but I had some clove oil (I use it to clean mould) so I decided to scent the bag with it. I have to say my laundry came out looking normal and smelling fresh. I put the towels through the tumble dryer and I admit I was not expecting them to come out soft but I was pleasantly surprised. The towels were not as soft as when I use fabric conditioner but they were pretty good, not scratchy or stiff. 

The soapnuts can be used 3-4 times and then you can dispose/compost them. If you would prefer an alternative to the "nuts" then Living Naturally do offer Soapnut Liquid Laundry Detergent or tabs. The product range also includes soap, shampoo bars and herbal hair rinse so it’s worth having a browse of the website www.soapnuts.co.uk. Plus Soapnut sample bags are available to buy for £3.49. 

Do any of you already use soapnuts? For those that do not, what do you think of the idea?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - sample pack sent free of charge, 100% own opinions, I was not asked to feature on my blog, links are not affiliated

21 May 2013

Thanks to Natural Beauty Junkie (@shookadnuca) a video popped up in my Twitter timeline and caught my attention. The video teaches you how to use one paper towel so we can help limit wastage. The statistics are for America but I guess there is significant paper towel wastage in the UK. My office (as in my day job/employer) provides paper towels rather than hand dryers and I am sure we are not alone.

"The problems with paper towels are many-fold: they don’t contain significant amounts of fibre for recycling and when they’re dirty or wet, they degrade even further and become non-recyclable. And paper towels soaked in oils, pet or baby waste or other harmful substances should be steered clear of the compost pile." (source - earth911.com)

Sticking with the theme of helping to save paper another novel idea I know about (via Kim @sunymothrnature) are People Towels.


"People Towels are the newest concept in sustainability. An on-the-go, sustainable alternative to paper towels in public facilities, these reusable personal hand towels are made of a patent-pending fabric that is 100% certified organic Fair Trade cotton. The light-weight fabric is absorbent, yet dries quickly."

I imagine People Towels come in handy if you travel regularly and perhaps I need to invest in one for work. If you need a UK stockist I found them at Onya Bags. Does this make you stop and think about paper wastage? Will you now shake and fold?

Sarah x

8 May 2013


Recently I've seen requests for "Green Bloggers" and was wondering what exactly that means? Should a blogger who switches between natural and main stream products really be classed as a "Green Blogger"? Clearly there are several shades of green (yes, I realise what I just did there!).

Swapping out my skincare to natural products does not automatically mean that I will be out there hugging trees and saving the whales. However, using natural products generally means avoiding certain synthetic ingredients which could be harmful to the environment. Buying local handmade products supports the Country's economy and cuts down on air miles and carbon footprints. Often companies with Greener ethics are giving back to the local community and using recycled materials for packaging. Knowing what ingredients to cut out can be tricky. My advice is do your research and decide what is important to you, your skin and the environment around you. I have a page on my blog (under the header) which gives a basic list of ingredients which I look to avoid. I've argued many times that labelling a product natural does not make it a green product, so watch out for "Green Washing". 

I do think being Green should also extend to your lifestyle not just skincare. There are basic principles that you may wish to adopt

  • reduce pollution
  • conserve resources
  • conserve energy
  • reduce consumption and waste
  • protect the earth’s ecological balance

I'm not talking living in the woods without electricity and foraging for foods but I think it's important to think about small changes around the home. Here are a few I came up with
  • Consider the products you buy, are you wasting food or not recycling packaging? 
  • Do you use environmentally friendly cleaning products around your home? You can either buy eco-friendly products or make your own with ingredients like baking soda, vinegar and lemons 
  • Wash laundry on low temperatures
  • Sign up for paperless billing to cut down on paper and help save trees
  • Stop junk mail by signing up to Mail Preference Services 
  • Print on both sides of the paper
  • Do you buy Organic produce? 
  • Do you walk to the shops or take public transport or drive the car? 
  • If you have access to a garden, plant a vegetable patch or create a compost pile. 
  • Conserve water by not letting the tap run whilst brushing teeth or when washing up. 
  • Take reusable bags to the supermarket. 
  • If an appliance breaks down and is beyond repair, when buying a replacement consider the appliance energy rating. 
  • Donate or recycle old electrical/mobile/clothing
  • You can probably borrow books, movies, CD's from friends, neighbours, family or a public library
  • Re-purpose unwanted beauty products e.g a conditioner you don't like could be used to shave legs  
Obviously all the products I review are natural but here are some blog posts which have a environmental/green message.
What does the term "Going Green" mean to you? Do you have any "green" tips to share with readers?

Sarah x

7 February 2013

Eco Egg Stain Remover
I completely forgot I had this product until the other day. I missed my mouth and ended up with curry sauce down my top. Panic ensued as trying to remove with warm soapy water did not do the trick. A quick rummage in the cupboard under the sink and hey presto I found Eco Egg stain remover. I completely forgot I had this product, I won it on Twitter last year.

It is very easy to use. You simply apply the paste to the stain, rub it in, leave for 10 minutes and wash the garment as normal. So did it work? Yes, to my surprise no more Tikka Masala sauce on my top. I did treat the stain immediately which may have helped. This stain remover is not tested on animals and formulated with non toxic, gentle, bio degradable ingredients. The company also works closely with Allergy UK and National Eczema Society.

I've been browsing the website looking at their other products. If you have allergies to washing detergents or want a more eco friendly way to do your laundry, take a look at the laundry egg. The egg goes into the washing machine and contains hypo-allergenic pellets. According to the website this lasts 720 washes and that works out to be 3p per wash. Check out the website if you want to learn more and I'm going to gloss over the fact that products are endorsed by Kim Woodburn :-)

Sarah x

16 January 2013


For me, having an interest in natural products brings with it more awareness for the environment. I am certainly no hippy tree hugger but I like to make an effort where I can. I wanted to bring to your attention an environmental issue which goes hand in hand with why natural products are better for you.

I read online that microbeads in exfoliating products are found in our oceans and are threatening the marine wildlife. Microbeads are those little balls of plastic in an exfoliator that help you scrub away the dead skin cells. Problem is they are not biodegradable. It will be no surprise to hear that companies use them because they are cheaper than natural alternatives like oatmeal, apricot and walnut husks.

This week Unilever, who owns brands Dove, St. Ives, and Alberto VO5 announced it will phase out polyethylene scrubbing beads by 2015. 

In the meantime, next time you choose a body or face scrub check the ingredients. Think about it's impact on the environment as it washes down the drain. Even if you choose not to avoid parabens and SLS, make sure the scrubbing grains are from a natural plant source. 

Sarah x

12 August 2011

Konjac Sponge

If you have not heard about Konjac Sponges they are 100% natural because they are made from plant fibres (Konjac potatoes).  
I had to try one for myself so I purchased the Original version. 
The sponge is dome shaped and easily fits into the palm of your hand.  The sponge has a net structure and is extremely soft and squidgy, perfect for delicate sensitive skin types.  Apparently there is no need to use additional cleansers with the sponge you can simply hydrate it with water and cleanse away dirt.  I prefer to use a cleanser as I was not convinced I was removing all my makeup.  I admit this may just be my mind playing tricks on me but it just feels wrong to only be using water.

Overall, I prefer to use the sponge instead of my usual muslin cloth.  I am really impressed by how my skin feels after using it.  It is a pleasure to use the softness is wonderful making it perfect for eczema suffers. 

According to the website on average it will last for 3 months, can be sterilised in boiling water and can be composted when it is time to dispose of it.  In addition to the Original sponge there are other sponges to chose depending if you wish to address a specific skin type.  There is a choice of red, green and pink French clay or bamboo charcoal or baby.  Prices range from £5.25 to £5.75 from konjacspongecompany.com

Has anyone else tried these sponges?

Sarah x

24 May 2011

I read an article at Daisy Green Magazine that The Body Shop has launched a shower gel which is 100% biodegradable, contains no parabens, sulphates, colourants and is soap free.  I was intrigued.  As a teenager I adored The Body Shop, I loved the hippy vibe and company ethics.  Over the years I grew up and so did The Body Shop and I never ventured back for a variety of reasons.  I decided I liked what I had read about this new product so I purchased the Apricot & Basil as that appealed to my senses the most. 

Other fragrances include Lemon & Thyme, Mint & Cucumber, Watermelon & Eucalyptus, Fig & Rosemary, Pear & Lemongrass & Fragrance-free. 

The reason why this shower gel gets the thumbs down from me is because over time I believe it has caused skin irritation.  I have switched shower gels and the problem disappeared.  I must learn to take my own advice I made a classic mistake of being enticed by the packaging and the claims on the front label.

I do find it a bit of a cheek when companies make the ingredients difficult to find.  In this case you have to lift up the label on back of the bottle, the font is tiny and grey on a white background.  Out of curiosity and aided by google (and a lot of squinting) I researched the ingredients.  There are some scary looking words on this ingredients list but most turn out to be natural.  Here comes the BUT...this product contains parfum, sodium benzoate and sodium hydroxide; these are suspect ingredients, from what I understand possible skin irritants.

I have no complaints with the performance of the shower gel, it smells amazing and lathers up well. However, it is my personal opinion that if you have very sensitive skin (like me) I would be cautious with this product and it may be a good idea to patch test.

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