Demand for natural and organic beauty products has been steadily on the rise in the last decade, and with good reason (Health and Beauty Directory). As consumers become increasingly aware of the negative impact of chemicals on their health, brands offering natural alternatives have thrived. In 2016 the global natural beauty market was valued at $11 billion, and forecasted to grow double that by 2024, totalling nearly $22 billion. So as the natural beauty empire grows, here’s a shout out to some of my favourite picks:

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask

This face mask is my current obsession, it makes my skin look like it’s had a mini facial. The rich texture feels cocooning against skin and leaves it super hydrated. The directions specify to remove the mask with a wet muslin cloth but I prefer to gently wipe off excess with a dry cloth for an extra moisture boost. Its green credentials are strong too:

• The Soil Association Organic Certification: 100% natural and at least 70% of (non-water) ingredients are organically grown and harvested
• Cruelty-Free (BUAV Leaping Bunny) accredited: as well as not testing on animals (prohibited for all cosmetics sold in the EU), poducts are not sold to countries that require animal testing as a condition of importing
• Vegan Society accredited: products do not feature animal-derived ingredients

The Organic Pharmacy Flower Petal Deep Cleanser & Mask

The Organic Pharmacy’s founder Margo Marrone trained in herbal medecine and homeopathy and decided to use her knowledge to offer products free from chemicals, using the best organic ingredients. This cleanser and mask gently removes dead skin to leave you with a baby soft complexion. It can be a little messy, with little pasty clumps falling off your face, but the results make it worthwhile. 

Kai Deodorant

I came across this Californian brand last year and since then have been hooked to its fresh white floral scent. This nourishing deodorant is free from aluminium, a compound which has been associated with health issues including breast cancer, and as with all Kai products, it’s also free from parabens and sulphates, and is vegan friendly. 

The Konjac Sponge Eye Cleansing Pads

A K-beauty import, these cleansing pads are completely re-usable and natural. Made from plant fibre, just wet the pad to see it expand and become soft and squishy, then add a squirt of cleanser. It’s designed for use on the eye area, but I find they work equally well on the whole face using circular motions to remove all trace of make up. Once you’re done, simply rinse the pad, pop it in the mesh bag provided et voilà, it’s ready to use the next day. The sponges are free from chemicals, colouring and additives, and my favourite part: they’re re-usable so more environmentally friendly than cotton pads.

The Organic Pharmacy Cleopatra’s Body Scrub

Another star buy from The Organic Pharmacy, this body scrub combines sugar, salt and honey to remove dead skin, detoxify and moisturise. The exfoliating action is pretty heavy duty so I would avoid using it on delicate sensitive skin, but it works wonders on legs, thighs and upper arms. And it leaves your bathroom smelling like a spa.

100 Acres Hand Cream

This one truly feels like a hidden gem: it comes from a little company based in the Cotswolds countryside, where all products are natural and hand-blended using essential oils and botanicals. They are free from parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates, artificial colourings and fragrances, and are suitable for vegetarians, meaning they use animal by-products which are obtained without harming the animal. The hand cream has a beautifully distinctive scent, a blend of grapefruit and chamomile essential oils. The texture is very rich so I find it ideal to use just before bedtime. 

What are your favourite natural products? Leave a comment below to let me know.