Natural Beauty
In an increasingly chemical laden and allergy suffering world, it’s no wonder growing numbers of us are turning to natural beauty products and brands, to try to reduce the number of artificial products we are putting onto our skin. Whilst not all synthetic chemicals are harmful (and some are actually quite handy in the fight against ageing), many of us now prefer natural products. And the benefits of natural beauty products are many – they can help reduce odour-induced headaches if you are sensitive to artificial fragrances, they have a lower risk of skin irritation as they don’t contain artificial fragrances and preservatives, they tend to contain skin loving ingredients, such as natural oils, fruit acids and waxes etc, and they tend to be cruelty free. If you use or are thinking of using natural beauty products, one potential downside is that the products may not last as long once opened, as they don’t contain artificial preservatives, so make sure you use the product within the shelf life indicated on the packaging. If you are interested in trying Natural Beauty Brands, or you already use them, and want to widen your repertoire, here are some of our favourite brands and products.
INIKA Organic
100% Australian owned, INIKA Organic is somewhat of a pioneer in natural, organic beauty, having been around since 2006. Born out of a need for a healthy makeup option, INIKA Organic ingredients are ethically sourced, natural, and derived from either botanicals or minerals. Synonymous with gorgeous, natural makeup, INIKA Organic have just launched a skincare line too – great news for beauty lovers. Why should you try INIKA Organic? The products feel like silk on your skin, and the toxin free formulas are super kind to all skin types. Plus, they’re Certified Cruelty-Free and Certified Vegan. Our favourite product – it was a pretty hard choice (really), we love the Certified Organic Liquid Foundation (with Hyaluronic Acid), and the Vegan Long Lash mascara is divine, but our pick goes to the new Phytofuse Renew Camellia Oil Cleanser. This luxe cleanser has a special silicone brush head, to help gently, yet deeply cleanse your skin. The formula contains ingredients to help keep skin supple soft, hydrated and supple, with anti-ageing and anti-pollution properties. Oh, and the tube is made of sugarcane, biodegradable material too. Phytofuse Renew Camellia Oil Cleanser 100ml RRP $59.00.
Retreatment Botanics
With a belief that timeless beauty comes from the heart, Trudi Jaye, General Manager, developed the Australian-made Retreatment Botanics, in conjunction with Olivia Newton-John’s multi-award winning Gaia Retreat & Spa, to be a luxurious natural skincare range that is truly without compromise. A labour of love that years to develop, each product is formulated with the health and well being of both the customer and planet in mind. Made with Australian native botanicals, high in both antioxidants and vitamins, the powerful phyto-compounds in the formulas ensure the products are high performing, with results visible from the very first use. The natural fragrances of the botanicals used combine to make these products a sensory experience not to be missed. Stay tuned for a separate story on the creation of Retreatment Botanics. Our favourite product – the gorgeous instant glow face masque. The nutrient rich clay mask, containing Emu Apple, Kakadu Plum, Buriti Frit and Kale combine with fruit acids to help gently brighten and renew your skin. Cruelty Free and Vegan, the formula is also Palm Oil Free. Instant glow face masque 75ml RRP $65.00.
Dr. Hauschka
A pioneer in the natural beauty industry, Dr Hauschka have been developing natural preparations since 1935 (as WALA Heilmittel GmbH) launching their first natural beauty products in 1967, – well before natural beauty products were accepted as mainstream. With a belief in inner and outer beauty, Dr Hauschka responsibly source only the finest natural ingredients from both their own farm, and in partnerships around the globe, helping to support communities in Iran, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and many more. Certified to NATRUE standards, and cruelty free, this is one of our most loved brands. Our favourite product is the Regenerating Day Cream. Especially formulated for mature skin, the blend of natural botanicals helps to firm, refine and support natural skin renewal, enhancing skin elasticity, and helping to balance the moisture in your skin. Regenerating Day Cream 40ml RRP $108.00.
La Mav
With 100% natural formulations, and a minimum of 78% Certified Organic ingredients, (with many over the 95% threshold), La Mav skincare & makeup should be on your radar if you are after natural beauty. Certified organic, certified cruelty free, and vegan, La Mav skincare is packed with anti-ageing Bioactives for powerful skincare solutions. Australian owned and made, with eco friendly and recyclable packaging, La Mav gives you guilt-free, gorgeous skin. Our favourite product is the sensationally silky Firming Eye Lotion. Formulated with Paracress, Organic Brown Seaweed, and Coffee Bean Extracts, the formula helps to soften a multitude of ageing concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dry skin around mature eyes. Firming Eye Lotion 15ml RRP $39.95.
Burt’s Bees
Guided by a single principle – that nature has the best answers, the responsibly sourced, sustainably made Burt’s Bees products put their money where their mouth is. At Burt’s Bees when they say ‘natural’ they mean natural. On average, Burt’s Bees products are 99% natural with over half of the products 100% natural, across the Lip Care, Face Care, Body Care, Baby Bee and Lip Colour categories. With the nutrients your skin needs, and none of the chemicals it doesn’t, Burt’s Bees provides affordable beauty solutions for all ages. Our favourite Burt’s Bees product has to bee the gorgeous hydrating overnight mask. Formulated with Avocado Oil and Prebiotics, the delicately scented, 99% natural hydrating overnight mask provides up to 24 hours of intense hydration for skin that is dry or dehydrated. Going to work while you sleep, you awaken with nourished glowing skin. Hydrating overnight mask 70.8g RRP $22.95.
Weleda
Another natural beauty pioneer, Weleda started as a pharmaceutical laboratory, in a small shed in Switzerland in 1921. Weleda are committed to the well-being of the planet, the environment, and people, responsibly producing hundreds of 100% natural beauty products via their own garden and sustainable partnerships. NATRUE certified, the products are cruelty-free, and many are vegan (head over to their website for a full list). Our favourite Weleda product is the decadent Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash. With the super delicate scent of organic wild rose oil, Damascene roses, and ylang ylang this luxe formula gently cleanses body skin, to leave it super soft and hydrated. Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash 200ml RRP $19.95.
A’kin
Starting in 1987, Australian made and owned A’kins philosophy is to provide pure, authentic skincare without parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances and colours. The skincare is enriched with botanical extracts, with the formulas designed to nourish and improve the appearance of your skin, naturally. We love the A’kin Nourishing Cream Cleanser & Toner, a brilliant time saving 2-in-1 product for dry and sensitive skin, with Rose, Geranium, Shea Butter and Sesame Oil to gently remove makeup and remove impurities, leaving your skin super soft and hydrated, whilst Witch Hazel helps to balance your skin and prep it for the next skincare steps. Nourishing Cream Cleanser & Toner 140ml RRP $24.95.
endota spa
The endota spa story started in 2000 on the Morning Peninsula in Victoria, when Founder Melanie Gleeson opened her first spa, with a vision of giving back, and inspiring others to connect with themselves – to make well-being a priority, rather than a treat. endota spa Organics products have been awarded local and international COSMOS certification for meeting the standards required of organic or natural products (except the Recovery Range), and the products are not tested on animals, so you know you can have an in-spa treatment or use the products at home without harming yourself or the environment. With a bounty of Australian native botanicals in the formulas, they both smell good and do your face and body good too. Our favourite endota spa product has to be the sensational endota spa Organcs Lilly Pilly & Lime Gradual Tanner. Enriched with nourishing shea butter and aloe vera, this no mess, no fuss formula is the easiest way to a natural looking sun-free sun-kissed glow. Lilli Pilly & Lime Gradual Tanner 180ml RRP $35.00.
Jurlique
Horticulturalist and botanist (respectively) Ulrike and Jurgen Klein were determined to use their knowledge of botany and biochemistry to unlock the healing power of plants when they founded Jurlique in the 1980’s. With a dream of connecting people back to nature, the Klein’s developed high performing, natural skincare in the hills outside Adelaide, where the biodynamic, sustainable Jurlique farm grows botanicals used in the products today. Jurlique products are Australian-made and sustainably sourced. We love the Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Serum, with extracts of Red Clover, Yarrow and Viola Tricolour, which helps to boost skin radiance and firmness. It’s a brilliant anti-ageing assistant. Herbal Recovery Signature Serum 50ml RRP $135.00. Also available in 30ml size.
wotnot
wotnot was founded after founders and mothers, Sinead Roberts and Sioned Guard, launched the first environmentally-friendly nappy in Australia, and it fast gathered a cult following of health-conscious hipsters, environmentalists and yummy mummies alike. The customers loved the quality and eco credentials of the nappy and were quick to ask for complementary all-natural products of an equally high standard. wotnot was born to do just that and is still growing the same mission today. We love the wotnot biodegradable Face Wipes, which come in 3 skin types – sensitive for all skin types, Purifying for oilier and combination skin, and Ultra-Hydrating for drier and mature skin types. The certified organic wipes contain nourishing aloe vera, rosehip, and sweet almond oils to gently remove impurities and makeup (including waterproof mascara), and are great to take away on holidays or keep in your handbag. Facial wipes x 25 pack RRP $8.99. Also available in a pack of 5 sheets for handbags or long weekends away.
Sukin
In 2007, Sukin was launched in Melbourne, Australia, after the founders identified a gap in the market for high efficacy, environmentally sustainable and affordable natural skincare. Sukin, utilises an abundance of beautiful botanicals, antioxidants and essential oils to restore the natural vitality and radiance of your skin and hair. The extensive product offering boasts skincare innovation and natural beauty, and the extensive “No” list is almost as long as a regular ingredient list. All of the products produced by Sukin are Australian made with ingredients that are naturally derived, cruelty free and vegan. All formulations are 100% Carbon Neutral, biodegradable and grey water safe. Our favourite Sukin product is the Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Chemical Free Sunscreen. Available in 3 shades – Untinted, Tinted Light-Medium and Tinted Medium-Dark, the mineral based sunscreen is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate (chemicals found in most sunscreens), which can caise skin irritation, and harm the environment. SPF30 Sheer Touch Chemical Free Sunscreen 60g RRP $24.95. Available from Chemist Warehouse, or the Sukin website (click the stockist link below).
Black Chicken Remedies
The Black Chicken Remedies story began when founder Chey Birch created a natural remedy using essential oils and therapeutic botanical extracts after experiencing allergic reactions to the toxins everyday beauty products. After the success of the remedy, (which has become the best selling Love Your Body Oil), friends began asking for the “black chicken” – so named for the black chicken at the bottom of the mixing bowl, and the brand was born. Using natural botanicals, in ancient remedies, Black Chicken Remedies aims to help people reconnect with their bodies. We love the Black Chicken Remedies Balm of Ages, a clever multi-tasking product that can be used for a wide range of treatments, including nourishing and restoring skin, soothing itchy, irritated skin, nourishing chapped lips and soothing nipples, removing makeup, soothing sunburn and rashes, and more. The vegan friendly, Australian-made Balm, contains only natural and certified organic ingredients, and contains no synthetic fragrances. Balm of Ages 50g RRP $44.00.
Naturally Serious Skincare
Naturally Serious takes skincare as seriously as you do, believing in clean skincare that has no BAD (banned, ambiguous, or debatable) ingredients. The formulas are ethically developed – being cruelty-free and vegan, and packed in recyclable, sustainable packaging. The patented Anti-Pollution Blend of 6 anti-oxidants (pomegranate, goji berry, grape seed, green tea, red tea and white tea), in Naturally Serious products is clinically tested to help combat visible signs of aging from environmental damage. We love the Naturally Serious Fruit-Tox Resurfacing Facial Remedy – the clever exfoliating and refining detox treatment provides 2x’s the exfoliation and detoxifying power to help reveal brighter, smoother-looking skin. The combination of volcanic pumice and black jojoba beads provides a powerful physical exfoliation for immediate radiance. Red clay draws out dirt, oil and impurities to reveal a brighter, more luminous complexion while fruit and plant AHAs, naturally brighten, resurface and improve your skin’s appearance for rejuvenated results. Fruit-Tox Resurfacing Facial Remedy 100ml RRP $41.00.
Vegetalement Provence
Francophiles rejoice. One of Europe’s leading plant based cosmetic brands is now available in Australia, with the arrival of Vegetalement Provence. The plant based beauty house adopts sustainability at all levels, from biodegradeable products, ethical sourcing, and of course it’s PETA certified cruelty free. With a range of eco-friendly skincare, haircare, suncare and bodycare products all Made in France, and using essential oils appropriate for the hair or skin need, the brand is suitable for teens upwards, and the simple product numbering system means it’s easy to remember which product to use in which order. Vegetalement Provence also has a Men’s range, with fresher scents, specially suited to men’s needs, and eco-friendly laundry flakes. The jewel in the crown is the Vegetalement Provence hair colour, which is applied in salon, and is 100% organic, lasts as long as a standard colour application, and is chemical free (it mixes with water). Available in most colours (except blonde). Conveniently located a short walk from Redfern Station in Sydney, Vegetalement Provence also ship around Australia and to New Zealand. Our pick of the products (and we admit it was a little hard to choose) – we love the Anti-Wrinkle Eye Masque, which, just like a mask for your face, gives an intense treatment to the delicate skin around eyes, targeting crows feet, wrinkles, dehydration, and dark circles. Used once or twice a week, your eye skin starts to look fresher, more radiant, and plumper. Eye Masque 15ml RRP $47.00.
Ipsum Skin
The culmination of 25 years beauty experience led beauty industry veteran Janet Hayward to develop Ipsum Best Skin Face and Body Oils, with the belief that you can achieve your best skin ever by harnessing the power of pure plant oils. The clean beauty Face and Body products use sustainably sourced pure organic oils, and are manufactured and bottled in the divine hinterland of Byron Bay to strict COSMOS standards to keep their integrity. Tested on humans (not animals), this is one small brand you’ll be hearing more of. We love the Ipsum Best Skin Cleansing Oil Balm, with a blend of plant oils, including Australian Lemon Myrtle (to unclog and deep clean) and Australian Sandalwood (with its anti- inflammatory and antimicrobial properties). The balm formula turns to oil on contact with your skin, to gently cleanse and remove makeup, leaving your skin soft, supple and super nourished. Best Skin Cleansing Oil Balm 75g RRP $32.00.
Natio
With a name that means ”creation” in Latin, and is the ancient name for the Goddess of nature, Natio has a long heritage of plant based beauty. Inspired by the unique natural beauty present all around Australia, Natio combines the finest natural ingredients, including plant extracts and pure essential oils using the foundation of aromatherapy, for the best and most skin-friendly results. As a bonus, the products are fairly wallet-friendly too. With the current focus on hand washing and hygiene, we love the Natio Spirit Lemon Ironbark + Olive Hand Wash, with it’s zesty fresh scent uplifts your spirit while it cleans your hands. Lemon Ironbark + Olive Hand Wash 500ml RRP $14.95. Pair it with the Hemp + Muntie Hardworking Hand Cream, for intensive repair and nourishment, and you can have soft clean hands in a flash. Hemp + Muntie Hardworking Hand Cream 90g RRP $10.95.
RAWW Cosmetics
RAWW Cosmetics has shown us that natural cosmetics need not break the bank with their superfood infused beauty products. Using toxin-free ingredients, RAWW brings high quality, Australian-made, Certified Cruelty-Free, Certified Cosmos Natural, and Certified Vegan products to life. With products suitable to all skin types, across skincare, makeup, and aromatherapy, we love this no-nonsense beauty. Our favourite product just has to be the RAWW Polish-ME Face Exfoliator, with its sublime scents of Vanilla, Lime & Coconut. Experience these sensorial aromas whilst the 100% natural formula, with the goodness of Wildberry Harvest, anti-ageing Goji Berry, and Coconut Water gently yet thoroughly sloughs away dead skin cells, leaving you with soft, glowing skin. Polish-ME Face Exfoliator 100ml RRP $19.99.
Grants of Australia
Grants of Australia was launched after Mike and Michelle Aronson, health shop owners back in 1980’s, were looking for a fluoride-free toothpaste suitable for their children, that not only worked but tasted great too. With nothing available, they saw a position in the market and created a product for health-conscious families that was affordable, natural, fluoride-free, and made in Australia. Using natural minerals like calcium carbonate and herbal extracts with proven dental health benefits such as Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil, Neem Oil, Orange, Cinnamon, Mint and more, the toothpastes have a natural anti-bacterial effect that helps prevent tooth decay, freshen breath and keep gums healthy. Our favourite, the Grants Whitening Toothpaste, with a cool mint flavour. Containing baking soda, which acts as a mild abrasive, the toothpaste gently removes surface stains to help whiten your teeth, without any harsh chemicals. Whitening Toothpaste 110g RRP $4.20. The toothpaste is also available in great tasting children’s and other adult variants, and there are biodegradable toothbrushes and mouthwash available too!
Sand & Sky
Sand & Sky is all about A-beauty (Australian Beauty). A-Beauty is effortless beauty that starts with great skin. Sand & Sky is beauty made in nature, not the lab – and at its heart are the powerful botanical ingredients that are unique to Australia: Pink Clay, Kakadu Plum, Finger Lime just to name a few. The Sand & Sky formulas are free of nasties and natural where possible, giving Australian women, a simple, fuss-free skincare routine. If you’re ready to do cruelty-free beauty your way, Sand & Sky is the brand for you. Our favourite Sand & Sky product has to be the Australian Emu Apple Super Bounce Mask. Formulated with powerful botanicals Australian Emu Apple, Glow Berries, Kakadu Plum, Jojoba Oil, and Hyaluronic Acid, this wonder mask is designed to brighten and plump out your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and leaving you with soft, glowing skin. Australian Emu Apple Super Bounce Mask 36g RRP $93.90.
Less is More
Austrian Hair Care and Styling brand Less is More was developed jointly by Chemist Dr. Doris Brandhuber and Hairstylist Hannes Trummer. In direct consultation with clients, the range of organic certified care and styling products was launched, combining functionality and simplicity, beauty and health, ethics and aesthetics. The innovative formulations exclusively contain natural ingredients which are selected for effectiveness, purity and optimal skin compatibility and environmental impact. The ingredients are obtained from renewable resources and, whenever possible, from certified organic farming and are all fully and rapidly biodegradable. The brand is cruelty free, and predominantly vegan. For fine hair that is thinning and becoming brittle with age (but it’s great for any fine hair), we love the Less is More Aloe Mint Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. Certified organic Aloe Vera, Horsetail Extract and Forest Honey help to nourish and strengthen hair and scalp, while White Clay in the Conditioner balances your scalp and volumises. Aloe Mint Volume Shampoo and Conditioner 200ml each RRP $40.00 each (also available in a 50ml travel size).
Andalou Naturals
Believing you should be able to get efficacious, natural skincare, Andalou Naturals combines the latest in biotech innovation to create products that are 98% Nature Derived, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegetarian (with a large part of the range being vegan), Gluten Free, and Cruelty Free. Using fruit stem cell science to create powerful products, Andalou Naturals has created simple (natural) skin/body/hair care routines for people of all ages. Our favourite product is the Andalou Naturals CannaCell Glow Mask. Hemp stem cells, organic hemp seed oil and pure plant essential oils are all key ingredients in the 100% vegan and cruelty-free formula. These super powered antioxidants can help to counteract free radicals, pollution and premature ageing. The exfoliating botanical jelly enzyme mask gently dissolves surface skin cells, to reveal your glowing skin beneath. CannaCell Glow Mask 50g RRP $22.99.
Bybi Beauty
Believing it should be possible to create great skincare without putting a strain on the earth, Bybi Beauty are striving to do better when it comes to our planet – be that through their raw materials, packaging or suppliers, whilst committing to only using 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients to create high quality products designed to optimise your skin’s health. We love the Bybi Beauty Plumper Natural Lip Balm, with Shea Butter and Caranuba was to help nourish dry skin, and Grapeseed Oil (rich in Vitamin E), to soothe any dryness. The lightweight yet potent balm nourishes lips in no time, while the plumping effect gives mature lips a bit more volume. Plumper Natural Lip Balm 10ml RRP $14.00.
Do you use any of these brands? Are you tempted to try them? What is your favourite Natural Beauty brand? Let us know in the comments below.
