Organic September ‘ One Small Swap’ – Skincare and Body Products

Ad: PR gifted products. As always I give honest and unbiased reviews of products I receive.

As consumers we should all be mindful about what we put on our skin. Mainstream skincare products contain harmful toxic chemicals. 60% of what we apply topically is absorbed through the skin and into our bodies harming our long term health.

Many of us also suffer from skin irritations and sensitivities which are often triggered by artificial and chemical ingredients in mainstream skincare products.

It’s not just our skin absorbing these harmful chemicals, so is the environment as they are washed down into the drain contaminating water and soil, polluting waterways and harming marine life.

Your choice to go organic will make a tremendous difference, looking after your body also means you are looking after the environment.

Want to get healthy skin without compromising your health or the environment?

This week for Organic Beauty & Wellbeing week, the Soil Association is calling on us to make a small but transformative lifestyle swap to certified organic products and join the movement that champions kindness to the planet and sustainable living.

Try replacing your skincare and body products one-by-one with certified-organic alternatives as they run out.

I’ve put together a few skincare and body products to choose from… many are multi-purpose and can replace several products in your regimen.

Fushi Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (230ml | £6)

Our oils are pressed from this season’s fresh harvest of seeds, nuts and kernels, to retain quality potency and efficacy. Fushi’s Organic Coconut Oil is also one of the most potent and pure types of coconut oil, using approx. 2.5 coconuts to make your 230g jar of oil.

A staple for me and a great all-rounder to use on your face, body and hair.

Apply it directly to the face as an oil cleanser or makeup remover, wipe away with a warm cloth.
Apply to body after a bath/shower while skin is damp . It absorbs easily and deeply nourishes the skin. Also use a massage oil.
Apply to hair as an overnight mask and hair conditioner. It encourages healthy hair growth, regenerates thinning hair and promotes a healthy scalp.

Fushi Discovery Set (£24)

A collection of oils specially handpicked for their unique skin and hair benefits.

Beautifully packaged, in our organic cotton Fair Trade pouch, you will find our favourite collection of Fresh-Pressed® beauty oils that are 100% pure, cold pressed and unrefined.

Renowned for their amazing benefits for the skin and hair, each oil offers its own lovely unique properties and comes in the perfect mini size, a great way of introducing oils into your skincare regime or investing in a travel size collection.

Organic Argan oil
Organic Camellia oil
Organic Jojoba oil
Organic Rosehip oil
Organic Avocado oil
Organic Sweet Almond oil

It is the perfect little oils collection to enjoy and experiment with, and at the same time reap the amazing benefits oils have for the skin and hair.

This gift set contains 10ml sized bottles, enough to enjoy a transformational beauty regime.

Included are the popular beauty oils, Argan and Rosehip, both renowned for their rich vitamin content and deep revitalising action for the hair and skin. Also included is the Camellia oil known for its distinct skin healing uses and the ever nourishing Avocado oil, for its incredible anti-ageing properties and skin replenishing properties. And added also are the all time favourite vitamin E rich Sweet Almond oil is perfect for its deep cleansing attributes while the gently balancing Jojoba oil is ideal for all skin types.

Fushi Organic Hand Made Shea Butter (Unrefined) 200g | £12

Handmade and 100% pure, our nutritious premium grade of whipped creamy organic unrefined Shea butter is superbly moisturising and healing for the skin. Sourced from the Yumzaa Women Association cooperative in the Northern Ghana, this is Shea Butter made in traditional way, leaving all it’s active nutrients intact.

Shea butter is a good all rounder which is incredibly moisturising and healing for the skin. It has a multitude of uses – from soothing dry, chapped or sun damaged skin, to treating stretch marks, scars, eczema, and hair conditioning.

It is rich in Oleic, Stearic and Linoleic acids that help protect, nourish and keep the skin beautifully soft and moisturised. It is also rich in essential vitamins A, E and F. Vitamin F protects the skin, particularly from the suns harmful UV rays.

Another staple for me is shea butter and I love this one from Fushi as it’s 100% pure organic, unrefined, completely unbleached, non-deodorised and contains no additives.

It has a natural earthy and nutty scent which mellows after applying to skin. The texture is smooth, creamy and non-greasy making it easy to apply and absorb into the skin. It leaves the skin softer, smoother and more supple.

Botanicals Eco-Friendly ‘Try Me’ Pots

In the fight against single use plastics, Wendy Stirling, Botanicals’ founder, says we should also say ‘no’ to single use sachets and swap them for recyclable, reusable pots.

Billions of skin care sample sachets are produced yearly, used once, maybe twice; then thrown away. Many aren’t or cannot be recycled and contribute to plastic pollution.

Botanicals has a selection of eco-friendly ‘Try Me’ pots available from the face, body, hand and foot care ranges.

Each pot provides a generous 5g; that’s sufficient for 4-5 applications. The pots are recyclable, dishwasher safe and refillable – perfect for a weekend away!

They’re a great way to ‘Try Before You Buy’ but being recyclable, washable and reusable, they’re also kinder to our planet.

Botanicals Gentle Cleanse Melt: Try Me (5g |£4.95)

We call our uniquely formulated cleansers, cleansing melts because they have a semi-solid consistency, which gently melts on contact with skin. They are designed to penetrate the skins lower layers; removing impurities and restoring natural balance. And are based on the homeopathic principle of, like cures like.

Ideal for sensitive, combination & oily skin.

Ingredients:

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, glycerine***, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil,* decyl glucoside, cocos nucifero (coconut) oil*, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil*, calendula offcinalis leaf extract*, tocopherol, zea mays seed flour*, parfum*; lavendula angustifolia (lavender) flower oil*, anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower oil*, citrus nobilis (mandarin orange) peel oil*, geraniol**, limonene**, linalool**. (*Certified organic. **Natural constituent of essential oils. ***Organic origin.)

Remove a pea sized amount from the jar and melt between your finger tips. Massage gently into your skin using circular movements. Remove with a warm, damp organic face cloth. (Remove with damp organic cotton pads if you are wearing make-up.)

It will dissolve and lift makeup, dead skin cells and other impurities whilst retaining the skin’s natural balance. It has a lovely calming scent and afterwards my skin feels clean and not tight or uncomfortable.

Botanicals Nourish Moisturiser: Try Me (5g | £4.95)

A skin-nourishing daily moisturiser which is easily absorbed, leaving no oily residue. Enriched with rosehip, camellia and carrot oils with a revitalising blend of rose, geranium and palmarosa, Botanicals Nourish Moisturiser helps promote the skin’s natural balance

Suitable for: Designed for normal, dry and mature skin types.

Ingredients:

Aqua, helianthus annuus seed oil* butyrospermum parkii butter*, theobroma cacao seed butter*, glyceryl stearate, cetearyl alcohol, glycerine***, rosa canina fruit oil*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, sucrose stearate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder*, camellia sinensis leaf extract*, daucus carota sativa root extract*, coco-glucoside, coconut alcohol, tocopherol, xanthan gum, benzyl alcohol, lactic acid, dehydroacetic acid, parfum*; rosa centifolia flower oil*, pelargonium graveolens flower oil*, lavandula angustifolia flower oil*, cymbopogon martini flower oil*, cananga odorata flower oil*, geraniol**, citronellol**, benzyl benzoate**, linalool**, limonene**, citral**, farnesol**. (*Organic ingredient. **Natural constituents. ***Organic origin.)

This moisturiser has a light consistency and a lovely uplifting floral scent. It glides onto the skin and absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue.

Botanicals Soothing Salve: Try Me ( 5g | £4.95)

A nourishing natural salve to soothe, soften and protect the skin. Botanicals skin salve will soothe conditions such as eczema and chapped skin and is highly effective as an ‘after-sun’ moisturiser.

Suitable for: All skin types – particularly dry skin.

Ingredients:

Helianthus annus (sunflower) seed oil*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, calendula officinalis flower extract*, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower oil*, anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower oil*, glycerine***, tocopherol , zea mays seed flour*, geraniol**, limonene**, linalool**. (*Certified organic. **Natural constituents of essential oils. ***Organic origin.)

This wonderful balm is moisturising and nourishing. Apply to any dry patches of skin, a little goes a long way, it absorbs well into the skin without any greasy residue. The scent is calming and relaxing thanks to Lavender and Chamomile.

Botanicals Foot Rescue Balm: Try Me (5g | £4.95)

A multi-award winning natural balm to seriously soften hard, dry and flaking skin, and nurture over-worked feet. Naturally antibacterial and soothing to the skin, our natural foot balm is concentrated, so only a small amount is needed.

Suitable for: All skin types – particularly dry skin.

Ingredients:

Helianthus annus (sunflower) seed oil*, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, glycerine***, tocopherol, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil*, mentha spicata (spearmint) leaf oil*, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), leaf oil*, zea mays seed flour*, limonene**, **linalool. (*Certified organic. **Natural constituents of essential oils. ***Organic origin.)

This is perfect for sore, cracked or tired feet. I like to use it straight after a bath before bed. It feels cooling on the skin and soothes and moisturises my feet leaving them smelling minty fresh. Take care when standing as it can cause a slippery surface. I pop on some cotton socks afterwards.

Nourish London Antioxidant Multi-tasking Super Balm (50ml | £32)

Nourish London’s NEW Antioxidant Multi-tasking Super Balm is a unique formulation that helps to strengthen the skin and protect it from free radical damage. It also contains omega-rich oils to supplement the skin’s sebum levels and a patented anti-ageing French Marine Algae extract to tone, firm and smooth the skin.

A unique multi-tasking saviour, this new super charged vegan skin balm powered by nature can be in three ways, as a cleanser, nourishing treatment mask and an intensive moisturiser all-in-one.

With so many balms including beeswax, this new certified Vegan balm is the perfect choice for anyone preferring to avoid animal products in their skincare regime.

CLEANSE & EXFOLIATE: Apply a small amount to fingertips and massage into damp skin. Pay particular attention to congested areas such as nose, chin and forehead. Dampen the enclosed organic face cloth with warm water and sweep across the skin to gently remove the balm. The cloth can also be used to gently polish the skin and remove dead skin cells.
MASK: For an intensive nourishing skin treat, apply the balm to cleansed skin and leave on for 20 minutes or overnight.
INTENSIVE MOISTURISER: Apply to the any dry patches such as lips or cuticles or apply onto cheekbones to give skin a beautiful healthy glow.

I love a good multi-tasking product, this one smells amazing and does a great job as a cleanser, moisturiser and nourishing face mask.

A little goes a long way so it will last ages.

Nourish London Radiance Firming Facial Oil – Limited Edition (15ml | £25)

A beautiful fragrant anti-ageing blend of omega-rich oils to firm and hydrate.

With a patented French marine algae extract to improve collagen and give a fresher, firmer appearance, this award-winning blend of omega-rich organic Rosehip, Pumpkin seed and Macadamia hydrates and regenerates to give a healthy natural radiance.

A must for all skin types!

This facial oil is beautifully scented with geranium and damask rose. The consistency is light and it absorbs well into the skin without any oily residue.

Perfect for facial massage, I like to indulge during my nighttime routine. It leaves the skin soft, moisturised and radiant.

Nourish London have teamed up with Walk the Walk (breast cancer charity) and £2.50 from every sale is donated to the charity. Walk the Walk organises power walking events in the UK and beyond, giving people the chance to improve their fitness whilst having fun and raising vital funds for research into breast cancer and to improve the care of those living with cancer.

Herbfarmacy Temple Balm (20ml |£7.20 ~~9.00)~~

Made with local Herefordshire hops and our homegrown Meadowsweet, the organic Temple Balm was designed to soothe the mind before sleep. Hops are often used in ‘sleep pillows’, while Meadowsweet boasts mild pain-relieving properties. Other ingredients include essential oils of cooling Spearmint, calming Roman Chamomile and relaxing Lavender to complement its soothing effects – while Ylang Ylang helps you to unwind.

This is perfect for helping you unwind, it relieves tension and helps calm the mind and body. Perfect as part of your bedtime routine. Apply thinly to temples and massage. It smells so amazing!

Herbfarmacy Easy Breathe Balm 20ml |£7.20 ~~9.00)~~

Our Easy Breathe Balm is ideal for clearing airways, thanks to its powerful blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Spearmint and Lemon Tea Tree essential oils. These ingredients, combined with Marshmallow root extract, provide a wholesome, 100% organic chest rub that offers soothing natural relief for coughs and other cold symptoms.

Handy little pot for stuffed noses and colds. Apply thinly to upper chest as required. I also like to apply to wrists and deeply inhale to help decongest. The scent is wonderfully uplifting.

Herbfarmacy TLC Balm (30ml |£12.80 ~~£16.00)~~

Made on our organic farm with Marshmallow and Wild Pansy herbs, this body balm is ideal for all skin types. With a light Chamomile aroma and soothing Shea Butter it can be used anywhere needing TLC.

Wild Pansy soothes, Chamomile calms and Chickweed which is specific for itchy skin and also has softening and soothing substances ideal for sensitive skin. With Marshmallow root that is filled with a substance called “mucilage”, a gel-like substance that forms a protective layer that seals in moisture and Shea Butter to hydrate, this balm is the perfect all-rounder and should be a staple part of looking after your skin.

This balm is the perfect all-rounder. Use it anywhere needing TLC. Perfect for the whole family. It absorbs well into the skin and has a lovely calming scent.

Herbfarmacy Mallow Beauty Balm (30ml | £16.00 ~~£20.00)~~

Made on our organic farm with Marshmallow and Mullein herbs, left on overnight this deeply moisturising balm is a facial treat. With Rose Geranium and Shea Butter the balm melts in to nourish the skin and soften fine lines.

Another fab multi-tasker and an ideal addition to any skin care routine.

Use as a cleansing balm to remove all dirt and makeup or as a rich moisturiser. For a real treat for tired and dull skin, apply generously as a face mask and leave on overnight to reveal glowing skin in the morning. Also recommended for mature skin, hydrating herbs of Marshmallow and Mullein make this organic beauty balm the perfect natural alternative for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

It hydrates the skin without making your skin greasy and has a gorgeous damask rose aroma.