Clean Beauty
this article appeared in Grove magazine november 2004
As concern about the damaging accumulation of chemicals in the body grows, more people are turning to ‘natural’ products to make sure they feed their skin as well as their bodies. The last issue listed some of the best organic products around, below are some of the best ‘clean’ products on the market, ones that largely eschew potentially harmful ingredients. The most commonly used preservatives are parabens, which have been linked with breast cancer as they mimic the natural hormone oestrogen. Parabens to look out for include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and benzylparaben. Other chemicals to watch out for include: mineral oil which is a derivative of petroleum, phenoxyethanol which is another preservative with links to health problems, propylene glycol (PG) a cosmetic form of mineral oil, paraffinium liquidum which can react with other chemicals, petrolatum is a grease that has similar properties to mineral oil and parfum, a meaningless word which covers a multitude of synthetic ingredients.
Before you throw the contents of your bathroom cabinet in the bin, do bear in mind, that chemicals and preservatives are found also in food and pharmaceuticals, and it is not their mere existence but their accumulation that is cause for concern. A healthy body can perfectly cope with and eliminate such products on its own. But should you wish to give your body a helping hand, the products below steer largely clear of the chemicals.
REN call themselves the pioneers of ‘clean’ skin technology, with justification. Their goal is for products to be 100% derived from minerals and plants. So far they have achieved a very laudable 98%. REN means ‘clean’ in Swedish and both the feel and look of their excellent products reflects this. They avoid petrochemicals, sulfates, animal products and synthetic colours, instead relying on totally natural ingredients. The whole range is truly excellent, try the new Mayblossom and Blue Cypress Balancing Facial Wash for clean, healthy skin. Available at Space.NK or mail order: 0845 225 5600 or at www.renskincare.com.
Greek homeopath George Korres started his range of skin, body and hair products in 1996 and the well-designed, reasonably-priced, delicious products have been taking London by storm over the last couple of years. The Korres ranges use only natural products and eschew anything that has been tested on animals. The Basil and Lemon Shower Gel is a zingy way to start the day while the latest release is really good enough to eat: the Sugar Crystal Cream is packed with vitamins as well as sugar to draw moisture to the skin and encourage easy absorption. Korres’ flagship store is at 124 Kings Road, London, SW3, Tel: 020 7581 6455. Also available in Boots and selected health shops.
Burt’s Bees was born when ex-photojournalist and Burt Shavitz met fellow beekeeper Roxanne Quimby in 1991. They recognised the untapped potential of bees and set out to produce a range that contains no artificial preservatives or petroleum-based ingredients. It now includes products for lips, face, body and hair and is wholesome and, literally, edible. If you are a Burt’s Bees virgin, start with the Healthy Skin Head to Toe Starter Kit (£13) which has a fantastic sample of products to try. They also make wonderfully pure baby products. Available at Fresh and Wild and Planet Organic, www.burtsbees.com.
Decléor’s Arromessence Baume Essentiel is 100% preservative and chemical free and 100% effective. You melt the balm in the palm of your hand and apply to it anywhere that needs extra nourishment and watch it soften your skin. It is effective also for burns and conditions such as eczema. Apply a little to your face at night and wake up to smooth skin that is plumped up and pumped to youthfulness. For stockists call 020 7402 9474, or visit www.decleor.co.uk.
This Works, developed by former beauty director of Vogue Kathy Philips and Aromatherapy Associates, is a luxurious line of products using 100% natural plant oils. An oat derived base is used instead of mineral oil and the products that contain preservatives use mostly enzyme derived ones though some food-grade parabens are occasionally present. The Turbo Balm, a rich mixture of coconut and Monoi oil is free of preservatives and mineral oil, and delicious, especially on dry lips. This Works’ shop is at 18 Cale Street, London, SW3, Tel: 020 7584 1887. Mail Order Tel: 0845 2300 499, www.thisworks.com.
One of the beauty world’s best kept secrets, Moor Spa products are made from healing lowland moor (pelloids) found in Europe that have unique properties. Formed over 20,000 years, these moors contain many organic substances, vitamins and minerals and the Moor Spa brand delivers them direct to your skin. Renowned for their miraculous healing properties, try the Refining facial Mask which is completely natural and organic. It is not perfumed or dolled up in any way – it looks like mud – but regular application will give you softer, smoother skin and may heal conditions such as acne. Retails at £15.95 for 75ML. For stockists call 0845 130 6768.
© Kamin Mohammadi 2004