The post Natural beauty made in Cyprus appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Sharna Waid has been finding out how passionate producers in Cyprus are using the fruits of the land to create natural beautifying cosmetics

According to the ancient myth, Aphrodite – the goddess of love and beauty, pleasure and procreation – was born out of the waves off the coast of Cyprus. Aside from attracting three million tourists each year for this reason, the island’s unique climate is home to the delights of natural raw materials including herbs, botanicals and essential oils used to create a host of authentic natural beauty products.

Cyprus is blessed with the finest pure ingredients, which optimize the archetype of Aphrodite herself. Many islanders have reaped the benefits of using these materials (with potent skincare properties) in their soaps, creams, scrubs and skincare products for years, all of which are now in high demand from ethical consumers outside Cyprus.

Apart from year-round Mediterranean sun, Cypriot producers have several advantages when it comes to producing natural cosmetics. Firstly, living off the land means Cypriots understand the correct cultivation methods to collect and prepare the raw materials – they make it their duty and their livelihood. Secondly many local islanders understand the healing properties of active ingredients for the skin, and have the vital knowledge of ancient recipes passed down for generations.

This has created a new generation of producers who are modifying Cypriot traditions to meet global demand. The results are top quality products at affordable prices – making natural beauty cosmetics from Cyprus a fast-growing market in Europe and beyond.

Costas Dafos, who is the Commercial Attaché at the Cyprus High Commission Trade Centre, says:

“More consumers are seeking natural and organic alternatives in their cosmetics – particularly products that are kinder to the skin – and as producers in Cyprus have access to natural ingredients and the background knowledge of their skincare properties, they are well placed to meet this demand, especially in the international market.”

Liquid gold
Away from the tourist hot spots, Cyprus nurtures timeless villages, stunning scenery, and mountain trails that provide a model environment for top quality natural materials. Cyprus is known for its long tradition of using organic extra virgin olive oil – sometimes referred to as ‘liquid gold’ – as a natural essence for skincare hydration. Due to the favourable weather conditions, the olive tree has been able to thrive for thousands of years and has become a central part of the Mediterranean diet and a dedicated ingredient in natural cosmetics.

Chrystalla Avgousti, founder of Cyprus Fisika (www.cyprusfisika.com) creates handmade olive oil soaps blended with a variety of herbs grown locally in the mountainous village of Gourri. The result is a range of naturally scented cold-processed soaps, each with its own unique skincare benefit. Although the range now includes beeswax face balms, lip salves, and scrubs, Cyprus Fisika is particularly known for creating quality soaps that locals have loved for almost 12 years.

“Being specialized is very important,” says Avgousti, who explains that a large part of the company’s sales come through word of mouth and reputation, but that the products are also sold in bio stores in the main cities, including Nicosia and Larnaca.

As well as ancient olive trees, Cyprus is home to herbs and botanicals such as sage, eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, calendula, poppies and chamomile – which thrive in the humid climate. Avgousti is dedicated to protecting these traditional seeds in her plantation. “You don’t need a large area for soap production here – one calendula or lavender plant makes a lot of flowers!” she says.

Cyprus Fisika’s products are handmade and the harvesting process never stops because different plants are available at different times of year, for example, when it rains in the cooler months, calendula and chamomile grow wild in the mountainous hills. Botanicals like lemongrass are traditionally used as a natural toner, and chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. As well as growing these for her products, Avgousti shares them with locals who use them for medicinal purposes.

To keep up with skincare trends, Avgousti has most recently used homemade kefir, charcoal and carob in her products. Known as the superfood of Cyprus, carob flour can be used to calm various skin diseases. Activated charcoal is known to draw bacteria, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of the skin to improve the complexion and fight acne – and is proving a popular choice with consumers.

“These soaps are very popular, and it’s great to use home-grown carob in my range. I like to keep the Cypriot tradition whilst experimenting with new ingredients to create exciting new products,” she says.

Aromatic healing herbs
Located close to the mountainous countryside, Cypriot producers are making the most of the natural materials in the surrounding area. Nurturing dry herbs with specialized processes helps to create a wide range of medicinal and cosmetic products both eco-friendly and kind to the skin. Ranging from herbal tea blends to natural cosmetics, many of these products are made exclusively from essential oils and home grown herbal extracts. Dr Katsos, founder of Arrisandra Cosmetics Ltd (www.facebook.com/DrKatsosBotanikaRophemata) and a qualified herbalist, provides 20 natural skincare formulations, including serums, anti-ageing creams, face masks, shampoos, oils and cosmetics, under the Dr Katsos brand.

“Many people come to me with various skin conditions, so I make specialized formulas for my patients too,” he says. His scientific grounding in the properties and attributes of aromatic herbs – and their cultural context – offers the assurance of products that are high in quality with medicinal value. The blends contain 70% active ingredients (chosen depending on the health issue), and 30% holistic ingredients.

These high volumes of quality raw materials can be cultivated early in the season, which gives Cyprus an advantage with their exports. “We have the best herbs here because of the climate. They are stronger, and are grown completely naturally – free from pollution and pesticides,” says Katsos.

Using various tools to aid the cultivation and separation methods on site, the herbs are collected in summer and then cleaned, dried and used throughout the rest of the year. Whilst Katsos experiments with creating the best natural cosmetics in the lab, his son, Nicolas (an agricultural technologist) takes care of the three separate growing areas on their land – home to 50-60 species of herbs.

“To get quality herbs every time, we choose the best bloomer as the mother plant. We then replicate it by replanting its seeds with our hands,” says Nicolas.
Meticulous care and attention is taken at every stage of the process, and although the harvesting season has passed, the smell is aromatic across the large stretch of land. The Dr Katsos range is rapidly expanding, and many new products in development will be ready for wider scale production in the coming year, notably using Natural & Organic Products Europe in London in April as their launch platform in the UK.

A new-found tradition
Further inland, some producers in Cyprus have discovered a new way of combining their home-grown materials with breakthrough ingredients sourced from surrounding countries. Cyprus’ location makes it ideal for importation, and many producers have taken advantage of this to formulate innovative cosmetics for modern consumers.
In 2014 Handy Spa (www.handyspacyprus.com) was founded by Andreas Ioannou, who decided to make natural soaps after finding that other products were too harsh for his sensitive skin. To set his products apart, Ioannou produces a line of cosmetics that combine traditional Cypriot herbal remedies with various imported products including camel and goat milk, coconut oil, mint, clementine, argan oil, and most recently hemp oil. The company’s soaps, which are all Ecocert, ICEA and PETA certified, are now sold in pharmacies and organic stores around Cyprus.

“This is a new Cyprus tradition,” says Ioannou, who explains that his company reaps the benefits of home-grown natural resources, but also has easy access to raw materials in Europe and surrounding countries.  “Our main target is to promote our unique certified products, especially our new range of hemp oil cosmetics, including our first ever hemp oil soap, to distributors outside of Cyprus.”

Ioannou explains how the company’s range is popular with consumers looking for the next breakthrough in skincare, and his bestselling ‘peeling soap’, made from natural exfoliating poppy seeds, is central to this success.

Many young advocates of organic are passionate about building a cutting-edge natural brand that appeals to a European audience and also supports local producers. Hermann Gourmet Cosmetics (www.hermanncosmetics.com) is an exclusive line of ethical handmade ‘gourmet’ beauty products based on ancient recipes.  Founder Philio Hermann wanted to create a line of handmade cosmetics ‘to protect beauty from the harmful consequences of the modern way of life,’ targeting contemporary consumers who value high-end quality at affordable prices. Using her grandmother as her inspiration, the ‘fusion of elegance and vintage flair’ with the latest beauty technology is what makes this brand fresh and innovative. The new Miss Series luxury range of soaps, body creams and perfumes emulates the beauty of a traditional Cypriot woman from a bygone era, giving Cypriot tradition a modern twist.

“I have used my grandmother’s photo on some of the products because she represents the ancient herbal recipes used in my cosmetics. My vision was to create an ethical ‘boutique’ Cypriot brand for the modern day woman, whilst still supporting local producers in Cyprus. I’ve achieved this with endless hours of research and trials using top quality raw materials sourced in Cyprus and Europe which combine the latest beauty technology and the ancient wisdom of nature.”

Hermann believes the brand has a unique circumstance and explains that while many people her age go on to work outside of Cyprus, her mission is to support the Cypriot economy, using local resources combined with a creative brand image.  “We wanted to stay in our country and start a business which is popular inside and outside Cyprus. We have a raw passion to succeed and work hard every day to promote ethical beauty that uses home-grown active ingredients, whilst educating people to say no to big brands,” she says.

Tourist hot spots
Although many cosmetic producers in Cyprus sell their products through online stores and distributors, another way to encourage demand is through tourism. Set away from the central town, the beautiful mountainous region is a hot spot for tourists hoping to see a traditional way of life.  The village of Agros is home to one of the largest rose farms in the country and has been owned by the Tsolakis family since 1948. Venus Rose Cosmetics (www.venus-rose.com) invites tourists to join in the cultivation of their pink roses in May or to view the facilities during the rest of the year.

Since Christakis Tsolakis took over the company from his father in 1987, he built newer installations to improve the methods of gathering and processing the one kilo of rose petals grown on their bushes. Aside from attracting thousands of tourists from around the world to help with the harvest, the company sells a range of rosewater and rose oil-based face and body bio cosmetics, which have proven to be popular additives in natural skincare.  “People call me the rose man! This company has been in my family for three generations. We attract around 35,000 tourists a year to our premises, and for 25 years customers have always come to me asking for the best rosewater cosmetics,” explains Tsolakis.  He says that although some of the company’s sales are made online, a large number of sales are also made on site when tourists visit, and that product promotion is generated largely through word of mouth.

Another company taking advantage of tourism is Golden Donkeys Farm (www.goldendonkeys.com), which was built to promote and sustain Cyprus traditions, whilst preserving the heritage of donkeys – which for many years helped to serve Cypriots in the cultivation of olives as well as transport. Home to 170 donkeys, the farm produces a variety of cosmetics including body and hand creams, masks and serums made from donkey milk – which has been shown to have an antibacterial and anti-ageing effects on the skin.  The farm welcomes an influx of tourists throughout the year, and the products are familiar to Cypriots who have been using donkey milk for generations. To tourists, however, the products are excitingly unique, only made more appealing by the experience they gain whilst visiting the farm – which gives these producers a unique advantage in the market.

Both companies have the advantage of being able to attract a wide range of consumers from all around the world who wish to understand more about the ingredients that go into the products, by witnessing first-hand the cultivation methods involved. This is also a beneficial way for consumers to try before they buy, instead of relying on other forms of promotion. Although much of their demand comes from tourists, both ranges of cosmetics are also sold online and in a variety of health stores around Cyprus.

High-end Cypriot products gain international appeal
Many emerging Cypriot natural brands now have the tools and business acumen to compete in the global market. Selling to the higher end distributors including spas and dermatologists, Neoderma (www.neoderma.com) formulates skincare based on a selection of face and body salon treatments. A respected leader in treating pigmentation and acne scarring, it plans to appeal to the global market with a rebrand in 2017, which will feature new packaging and formulations. Brand CEO Andreas Loizou, explains the trust it has built with consumers is very important. “We produce a safe product in a factory on our own premises using natural actives sourced from producers in Cyprus. For 22 years we have done this, and we want to continue building this concept. Natural is the way.”

Loizou is keen to educate customers about his products, which are used for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. “We want to be honest with consumers about what they put onto their skin and we educate them about the active ingredients in our products.”

Like Neoderma, Cypriot natural skincare products now have a high-end look and feel which targets global consumers seeking trustworthy skincare products. Entrepreneurs in Cyprus are discovering innovative ways to appeal to millennials who care about brand image and product content. By producing carefully thought out packaging and formulations, many brands are now creating natural products which have a similar look and feel to global mainstream cosmetics.
The ability to utilize the traditional skills of the community combined with a superior business know-how shows how Cyprus is determined to be at the forefront of the natural cosmetics industry for now and the future.

Beard growers, we respect you!
In Cyprus, essential oils including petitgrain, juniper berry, sweet orange and black pepper are also being used in mens cosmetics. Aimed at the modern day man, Beardspect’s beard oil (www.beardspect.com) – set up by Constantinos Loizou and Alex Solomon – uses base oils including sweet almond, avocado and castor oils along with vitamin E to nourish the skin and condition the beard.  Determined to give something back to their community, Solomon says that the high-end look and feel of the product is reflected by the individual artistry and passion that goes into making it.

“Our boxes are individually handmade by retired villagers on the island. They love doing it, and with each box they get better and better. It’s a great way for them to use their carpentry skills and earn a wage at the same time,” he explains.  Solomon is keen to continue growing the brand – particuarly in the UK gift market – whilst utilising the traditonal skills of Cypriot people. Like many other contemporary companies, Beardspect primarily promotes their brand via social media – helping them to reach beard enthusiasts around the world.

Information regarding Cypriot products can be obtained from the Cyprus High Commission Trade Centre in London. Visit – www.cyprustrade.com.

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The post Video interview: Jayn Sterland appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Natural beauty: The shock of the not new

The beauty industry is in a state of perpetual reinvention, the need for constant innovation and ‘newness’ unquestioned. To some extent that’s true for the natural and organic beauty sector too.

But just how sustainable is that relentless quest for the new? Not very, according to Jayn Sterland, MD at Weleda UK.

In a special video interview, Sterland, a participant at last week’s Natural Beauty Roundtable, says: “A really well established beauty brand will only grow their business, in the main, through adding newness. So a lot of the really mature brands will spend all of their time, energy and effort, and their main marketing effort, talking about the ‘new new’.

“How is that sustainable? Why aren’t we looking at last year, or even ten years ago, or 20 ­– and getting it right first time. I work for a company that rarely innovates, and when we do innovate it might take us 10 years to have a product that we know works. So, working to trends isn’t how we work.”

Sterland acknowledges that “what retailers want is something new and exciting every day, to get shoppers to come through the door, or go online.”But she says it creates an “imbalance” that natural beauty brands need to reconcile. “The critical thing,” she says, “ is to make a product relevant today, even if – like Weleda’s Skin Food – it’s 90 years old”.

“Organic and natural is just about the purity of an ingredient, it’s nothing to do with the whole process of the business”

Elsewhere, Sterland calls on the natural beauty sector to speak with a unified voice and pull behind a single certifying body. And she says that the wider natural beauty debate “needs to elevate itself away from the natural versus organic question, and instead be asking how sustainable is what we’re doing?” She adds: “Organic and natural is just about the purity of an ingredient, it’s nothing to do with the whole process of the business.”

Sterland also argues that natural and organic beauty brands should work harder to appeal to mainstream consumers “because the more mainstream we can make sustainability, organic and natural the more good will come of it.”

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The post Living skincare appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Scientists delve deeper to unlock the secrets of perfect skin and discover how microbiology is shaping the future of the beauty industry. Words by Julia Zaltzman

The microbiome discovery is reported to be one of the most revolutionary scientific breakthroughs of the past 10 years, and has given us a greater understanding of the complexity and fundamental role of the microbial flora in, and on, our bodies.

“We are literally a walking petri-dish,” says Georgie Cleeve, founder of premium organic brand OSKIA Skincare. “We have 10 times more bacterial cells than human cells, which is a way of saying that we are 90 per cent microbial and 10 per cent human.

“However, microbes (or bacteria) are absolutely vital to our existence,” she continues. “In the gut, they form one important part of our immune system, and also play a vital role in digestion. Our skin is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, and form a layer, which we call ‘skin flora’ or ‘skin microbiota’. This is our first line of defence against disease, redness, inflammation and infection. It therefore goes without saying that in order to obtain healthy skin and minimise infections or irritations, maintaining the health of our precious good skin microbes is vital.”

This is where pre- and probiotics come into play, and companies like OSKIA Skincare and Mother Dirt are now providing sophisticated skincare solutions that are introducing skin microbiome as a key part of skin health.

Essentially, prebiotics are ‘food’ for our good bacteria strains, while probiotics are actually ‘live’ bacteria, says Cleeve. Both are clinically-proven to calm and sooth irritated skin, while maintaining the health of our bacteria to prevent the colonisation of bad bacteria to ward off infections. This is particularly important for people with dry or cracked skin, where the skin’s acid mantel and lipid barriers are compromised leading to infection.

“Just as probiotics and fermented foods affect the internal ecosystem of the gut, the skin has its own microbiota that contains different types of bacteria,” says Jasmina Aganovic, president of Mother Dirt. “It is not only possible, but absolutely already proven that the personal care products we interact with impact the bacteria on the skin. This is to say that we don’t see bacteria or probiotics in skincare being just a part of it, but rather helping to shape the overall development of the skincare industry as a whole.”

Unfortunately, there are many external factors that can influence or harm the skin’s microflora leaving it open to infection from bad bacteria. These include pollution, excess hygiene where the acid mantle is compromised, preservatives, extreme coldness, sunlight, antibiotics and products that change the skin’s pH balance

OSKIA Renaissance Brightlight Serum is made using naturally derived ingredients with a careful selection of mild, yet effective preservatives that are designed to have a minimal impact on the skin’s natural microbial balance. This gives the active ingredients such as biolin (which stimulates the growth of good bacteria) a greater chance of being effective.

It’s not just good bacteria that is helping with pioneering breakthroughs in natural skincare, however. Plant stem cells have been leading the way when it comes to regenerative skin products, particularly within the antiaging market.

Scientists only recently discovered that there are two different stem cells in human skin: one in the epidermis and one in the dermis. On average, at age 20 our skin contains around eight per cent stem cells, but by age 60 this has decreased to only three per cent. As our stem cell production reduces, so does our skin’s ability to regenerate.

However, more than a dozen independent medical studies have proven that natural plant stem cells taken from the likes of apple, grape, rhododendron and the argan tree protect, activate and regenerate human skin stem cells.

“Cosmetic science continues to introduce a growing variety of more versatile and powerful plant stem cells with multiple specific activities for enhancing, protecting and revitalising the skin,” says Kimberly Heathman, chief marketing officer of MyChelle Dermaceuticals. “Further, almost all plant species can be grown under controlled laboratory conditions in the absence of contaminants and pollutants, and most importantly, without environmental impact. This, along with bio-fermentation of plants, is a growing trend towards bio-sustainability.”

“As MyChelle Dermaceuticals was the first natural beauty company to use plant stem cells, we will continue to launch new ethically sourced plant extracts based on the achieved professional results of our products,” she adds.

Launching in the UK in March 2017 is MyChelle’s Perfect C Pro Speed Peel, a professional strength, one-step, one-minute, fast-acting 25 per cent pure citrus lemon zest fruit peel formulated with L-Ascorbic Acid, L-Lactic Acid, and retinal. It also features ‘Plant C Stem Vigna Radiata’, an extract from the stem cell storage vessels of the mung bean, which is an antioxidant-rich, phytonutrient stem cell that helps to protect skin cells against damaging environmental stress factors such as UV radiation.

Far from it being a natural beauty fad, mainstream premium skincare has been fast to latch on to the idea, with Elemis bringing out its Pro-Definition Day Cream, in which powerful high-tech plant stem cells stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin to help make skin appear supple. Ingredients, such as arjuna bark extract, are said to reduce the appearance of slackening skin around the chin and neck, while starflower oil deeply moisturises to balance the skin’s metabolism.

“Plants cultivated both in open fields and greenhouses – the source of many organic extracts and plant stem cells – require large amounts of natural resources for their extraction and purification,” says Heathman. “With the growing global concern with the scarcity of water and farmland, consumers who shop all channels of business, particularly the eco-focused Millennials, are becoming more and more focused on the origins of the natural ingredients in their skincare.”

Abyssinian Oil Aroma Facial Concentrate

Beauty Kitchen
Tel: 0141 552 9391
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.beautykitchen.co.uk

Abyssinian Oil Aroma Facial Concentrate is the hero of our very special Abyssinian Oil Skincare range. Suitable for all skin types, it closely mimics human sebum, even working for problem and oily skin.  This intensive daily moisturising oil contains Abyssinian Oil, a turbo charged version of Argan Oil, Omega 9 to penetrate the outer layers of the epidermis and Magnolia, Palmarosa, Cedarwood and Rose high grade essential oils – all of which provide protection against dehydration, the main cause of fine lines and wrinkles. Smooth over face and neck or use in key problem areas for instant results.

The 5-A-Day™ For Face Range

Freshious Life & Beauty Ltd,
Tel: 0203 239 0609
E-mail: [email protected]
www.freshiouslife.com

Freshious Life & Beauty presents to you our unique 5-A-Day™ face range- the new certified nutritional skincare plan for your face. Packed with fruit and vegetable extracts to refresh, infuse, hydrate and protect your skin in 5 simple daily steps, each with their own unique blend of 5 of your 5-A-Day™. Skin nutrition is at the heart of all we do… and what’s more we’re organically good, gluten free, vegan better and coming to a store near you!

Natracare Organic Cleansing Makeup Removal Wipes

Natracare
Tel: 01454 613347
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.natracare.com

One of the cleanest makeup wipes on the market, Natracare Organic Cleansing Makeup Removal Wipes are made with only the finest organic and natural ingredients. Infused with luxurious apricot and chamomile organic essential oils they leave skin beautifully moisturised and refreshed, naturally.  The gentle formula effectively removes make up, including waterproof mascara and bright lipstick, and the large organic cotton cloth is soft and strong ensuring the skin is thoroughly cleansed. Formulated for sensitive skin, the wipes are synthetic free, biodegradable and are dermatologically and opthalmologically tested. Certified to the COSMOS Organic standard the wipes have the highest seal of approval.

Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream

Tree of Life UK Limited,
Tel: 01782 567126
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.andalou.com

The #1 Selling Natural Face Care Brand in the U.S. and leader in advanced Fruit Stem Cell Science®, Andalou Naturals utilizes nature’s most potent bioactives for  age defying innovation. As the first 100% Non-GMO Project Verified beauty brand Andalou Naturals is right in line with today’s consumer who looks for brands that lead the way.  Certified Organic, Fair-Trade, Gluten-Free, Cruelty-Free, Eco-Friendly, Vegetarian and Vegan ingredients.  Fruit Stem Cell Complex, Resveratrol, and CoQ10 create a potent portfolio of antioxidants to stimulate circulation, slow cellular damage, and speed healthy cell renewal for improved dermal texture, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles overnight for smooth, ageless beauty.

Antipodes Avocado Pear Night Cream

Kinetic Natural Products Distributor
Tel: 08450 725825
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.kinetic4health.co.uk

The fresh and rich formulation of  Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream, is scientifically shown to enhance the production of collagen that gives skin strength and elasticity. The high-performance night treatment with selected premium plant oils and antioxidants stimulates optimal synthesis of collagen production in vitro in human fibroblast skin cells by up to an impressive 92%. Designed to deeply hydrate your skin while you sleep, the rich avocado oil based botanical night cream with exotic aromatics of sandalwood and ylang ylang restores life to skin overnight, healing marigold to help bring a truly ageless visage, and Vinanza Grape® to neutralise free radicals.

Marili Skincare Children’s Range

Marili Skincare
Tel: 07939 994836
E-mail: [email protected]
www.mariliskincare.com

Award winning organic and natural skincare range for children free from Parabens, SLS, mineral oils and suitable for sensitive skin. The gorgeous products are hand made in the UK and inspired by Africa. The unique scents and packaging ensure they not only appeal to children who love using them but stand out on the shelves. Using excellent ingredients sourced from around the globe and recyclable packaging the range has recently won another  Gold for “Best Bath time products” and a Silver for “Best ethical product” in the “Loved by Parents” awards.

High-tech beauty for women and men

BRYT Skincare
Tel: 0203 2895363
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.brytskincare.co.uk 

BRYT Skincare offers a natural approach to skincare that fuses sophisticated botanical ingredients with high-tech phytoscience. Gentle, yet effective, the formulations nourish all skin types from youthful to mature complexions. Advocating a simple 3-step process of Cleansing, Nourishing and Protecting to maintain an uncomplicated regime, BRYT’s award-winning formulations penetrate deep into the epidermis to leave skin clean, soft and energised.  Each product features BRYT’s innovative Advanced Phytoscience System (APS), including pure aloe vera, healing allantoin and rich ‘super antioxidants’ extracted from organic Australian wild-harvested plums Kakadu, Burdekin and Illawarra. This powerful formula helps detoxify, exfoliate and improve blemishes whilst providing serious anti-ageing benefits.

Ultra Potent Probiotic

Renew Life UK
Tel: 0800 7076671
E-mail: [email protected]
www.renewlife.co.uk

Ultimate Flora Ultra Potent is a 100 billion one a day probiotic, formulated with 10 specific strains for people who are currently using or have recently used antibiotics (contains antibiotic resistant bacteria). Also for severe digestive issues including infections, oral infections, low immunity, colds and flu. Our unique enteric coating delivery system ensures 100% delivery of 50 billion Lactobacilli and 50 billion Bifidobacteria, offering complete support and recovery to the entire intestinal tract following illness or imbalance. Suitable while pregnant and breastfeeding, dairy, soy and additive free.

Adult Acidophilus & Bifidus – 25 Billion

ProVen Probiotics
Tel: 01639 825107
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.provenprobiotics.co.uk

Probiotics are increasingly being linked to skin health, with many studies showing the benefits of supporting the gut to help reduce inflammation throughout the body – both internally and externally. Studies have suggested that probiotics may be helpful for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema and rosacea. ProVen Adult 25 Billion is a high-strength product that contains the Lab4 group of friendly bacteria, which is supported by research showing it supports the gut during antibiotic use and helps reduce IBS symptoms. Lab4 friendly bacteria have also been shown to help prevent eczema in children.ProVen Adult 25 Billion capsules are vegetarian, gluten and dairy free.

Advanced multi-strain formula

Eczema is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is fairly common in infants, but also has a high prevalence in adults.¹ Eczema is believed to occur due to an overactive immune system which is reacting to harmless antigens. There is a high susceptibility to eczema in people who already suffer from leaky gut. It is suggested that with leaky gut, there is an increased antigen load on the immune system which may then overwhelm the immune system and increase the likelihood of developing further allergies.²

A ‘five R’ approach is often used to help heal the gut lining. It is possible that a similar approach could be used to help heal skin conditions.

• Remove – Consider if there are any particular foods that are causing symptoms. Keep a food diary to identify and remove dietary triggers. The main allergens in eczema appear to be milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, soy, wheat, citrus, and chocolate.
• Replace – replace high inflammatory foods in the diet, such as animal products and certain oils high in omega 6 fats, with high omega 3 fats found in salmon, mackerel, sardines and flaxseed oil. Add more anti-inflammatory foods into the diet, such as cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, rosemary and garlic.
• Repopulate – Long term use of live bacteria supplements have been shown to be beneficial in reducing skin inflammation and prevention of eczema symptoms in adults.³ Consuming more fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi or consuming a daily multi-strain live bacteria supplement could be beneficial.
• Repair – Adding flaxseeds and oily fish to your diet will increase omega 3 fatty acids which are known to improve skin health and reduce inflammation. Also using a small amount of flaxseed oil in your bath and rubbing it directly into your skin will add moisture as well as improving skin structure.
• Rebalance – Reduce stress in your life, practise yoga and mindfulness. Also remove stress to the skin, by swapping normal household cleaners and beauty products to natural and organic products.

A review of studies in treating eczema with live bacteria supplements in 2008 showed that results have been mixed which suggests that beneficial effects may depend on the particular probiotic strains used³. In 2011 a study in infants and young children using the live bacteria strains in Bio-Kult showed a significant reduction in eczema symptoms within 8 weeks⁴.  Bio-Kult is an advanced multi-strain formula containing 14 strains of live bacteria.

1 D’Auria E, Banderali G, Barberi S, et al. Atopic dermatitis: recent insight on pathogenesis and novel therapeutic target. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2016; published online March 24. DOI:10.12932/AP0732.34.2.2016.
2 Majamaa H, Isolauri E. Evaluation of the gut mucosal barrier: Evidence for increased antigen transfer in children with atopic eczema. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 1996; 97: 985–90.
3 Boyle RJ, Bath-Hextall FJ, Leonardi -Bee J, Murrell DF, Tang MLK 2008 Probiotics for treating eczema (review).  Cocharane Library, published by Wiley Online Library.
4 Farid R, Ahanchian H, Jabbari F, Moghiman T. 2011. Effect of a New Synbiotic Mixture on Atopic Dermatitis in Child

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The post A head for natural haircare appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

What are the trends and innovations in organic haircare?  We investigate this exciting sector and its key players.  Words by Rebecca Barnes

It seems the trend in natural beauty is going to our heads. Global consumer interest in natural and herbal haircare is driving market growth, brought about by increased consumer awareness on ingredient ill effects, and products with pure, high quality formulations are becoming as desirable as organic skincare.

Ask anyone who has experimented with natural haircare products, however, and they’re likely to give you the same answer — when it comes to efficacy and performance, they often don’t stand up when compared to mass market formulations.

So fledgling brands take note — get it right and you’ll probably be onto a winner.

Aiming high
Interestingly, and in contrast to products traditionally occupying this sector, the latest organic haircare brands are going upscale, with premium packaging and high quality, indigenous ingredients.
“For a long time, consumers have been forced to choose between ethical products which do not work as desired, or which have a harmful impact on the world around us,” says Nick Shillabeer, UK
managing director of OWAY, a new haircare brand which uses biodynamic ingredients grown on an eco farm in Bologna, Italy.

“We’re giving them the choice to reduce their environmental footprint and detoxify from chemical agents, while achieving a salon-quality look and feel,” he continues. “We combine the old-fashioned concept of farming all ingredients in one place with modern distillation methods to create products which are both ethically sourced and effective.”

Designed to improve the hair structure with every application, OWAY features sustainable glass packaging and is exclusively stocked in selected high-end salons
and online.
Swiss-born skincare brand Ananné’s new haircare offering blends herbal ingredients with scientific innovation and aims to deliver quality products with clinically proven results. Claritas Shampoo and Amicio Conditioner were created in collaboration with a local perfumer, with importance placed on purity and superiority of ingredients.

“The Ananné philosophy values an holistic approach to haircare, embracing the purest scents found in nature for a multi-sensory experience,” says Dr Urs Pohlman, neuroscientist and founder. “The result is a completely new haircare experience: both mind and body are soothed, balanced and refreshed.”

Seven products make up the luxurious Onira Organics range, which is sold at Urban Retreat in Harrods. With a seal of approval from Ecocert, the products are 98-100 per cent natural with ingredients sourced sustainably and organically where possible. Bespoke results can be achieved with The Serum, which contains Tahitian ginger and can be mixed with the other products.
New to the UK, Natura Siberica haircare was created using wild herbs and flowers from Siberia.
Containing extracts of plant-adaptogens that possess powerful regenerative properties, the beautiful packaging belies a more affordable price point. The unique Oblepikha Scalp Scrub purifies the scalp while helping prevent hair loss by increasing blood flow. Ingredients include Altai sea buckthorn, amaranth oil and marigold.

Diversification and innovation is also energising this sector, addressing both care and styling requirements. According to Tints of Nature, dry shampoo has become a staple product but there were few organic, environmentally friendly options on the market. The non-aerosol Dry Shampoo was created due to consumer demand — the 99.5 per cent natural and certified organic ingredients include rice silk and hectorite clay to lift and freshen hair.

Clean colour
The natural hair colour sector is a tough one to crack, and up until now there has been just a handful of brands worth talking about. Saach Organics’ formulations are based on Ayurvedic traditional recipes, and its all-natural Hair Colours powders contain a revolutionary Ayurvedic formula that offers lasting semi-permanent coverage.

“Natural beauty is mainstream in India, and botanical ingredients, such as henna, have been used for centuries to not only colour the hair but help create vibrancy, body and health,” says Harvinder Parhar, founder of Saach Organics. “We wanted to bring to the UK market products filled with the goodness of natural beauty as you would find in India; a truly natural and organic hair colouring system that works, and is kind to hair, health and the environment.”

Taking it one step further is another Ayurveda-inspired brand Khadi, which offers hair colours containing only pure plant-based hair colouring agents. Avoiding synthetic pigments (PPDs) which can be found in other natural hair colour brands, Khadi’s colouring agents don’t enter the hair cuticles, instead coating the surface of each hair, which is less evasive and safer.

“Pravera was seeking a certified natural herbal hair colour for the UK market and Khadi matched our criteria,” says Graeme Hume, managing director of Pravera Ltd.
“Khadi is the only brand currently on the market that offers a range of 100 per cent natural herbal hair colours to give long-lasting colour, volume and gloss that is completely free from synthetic colouring agents.”

To keep that colour for longer, Leonor Greyl Crème de Soin à l’Amarante’s new Conditioning Mask (available from October 2016) maintains vibrancy with natural active ingredients including sacred plant amaranth oil, plus Indian Pongamia oil, an Ayurvedic staple that helps to prevent colour fade.

Formulated with natural and organic plant and seed oils and extracts, Naturtint’s Anti-Ageing CC Cream is a restorative treatment that cares for the hair and scalp. Formulated to work alongside the brand’s colour, which has recently been reformulated with even more natural ingredients, it delivers seven benefits, including strengthening and reducing split ends.

Pro power
When Tabitha James Kraan opened a pioneering organic salon in the Cotswolds in 1993, little did she know that they had planted a seed in the professional sector.
Says co-founder Dennes James-Kraan: “I wanted to show how easy, effective and satisfying it is to lead a natural and organic life, and became frustrated by not being able to find pure products to work with in order to get the best out of hair naturally. So I decided to make them myself!

“After extensive performance testing with my salon clients, Tabitha James Kraan Organic products were officially launched in 2015. We haven’t looked back! My intention will always be to deliver the cleanest possible options for hair, with professional performance and delicious scents. My certified organic and natural products nourish and feed the hair, and won’t harm the planet.”

Paul Windle of award-winning London salon Windle & Moodie, is the first to admit that he didn’t intend to specifically develop a natural haircare range. The result, a stylish haircare line incorporating high-quality food grade teas, is now used both in the salon and for session work.

“We wanted to make our products the best they can be, and no chemical options were anywhere as good — in many cases, nature provides us with the most effective compounds,” says Windle.

Ogario London products are used daily in the Ogario salon, so it was important that the formulas had to match the salon’s high standards. Four years in the making, the award-winning products were produced in collaboration with the salon’s clients for invaluable feedback from the front line.

The resulting blend contains pro-vitamin B5, proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, while the hero Restore and Shine Hair Masque, contains sage, lavender and avocado oil.
It’s clear that natural brands are taking a more sophisticated approach in the quest for success, but will this be enough for the mass market to sit up and take notice? Only time will tell.

CurlyEllie

CurlyEllie Limited
Tel: 07818 504949
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.curlyellie.com

CurlyEllie, the haircare brand for curly locks has been awarded Silver in the Junior Design Awards 2016 prize for Best Children’s toiletries collection.   This is a huge achievement with CurlyEllie only launching in April of this year. Each
product is lovingly customised to provide high quality haircare making washing, conditioning and styling tresses fun and pleasurable for both mother and child. Initially aimed at children, CurlyEllie has gained cult status amongst women too with mothers discovering the benefits for themselves after seeing perfectly smooth, defined curls on their young ones. Free from sls, parabens, sulfates, synthetic-fragrances, silicones and mineral oils.

Giovanni 2Chic Ultra Sleek Leave In Conditioner & Styling Elixir

Kinetic Natural Products Distributor
Tel: 08450 725825
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.kinetic4health.co.uk

Giovanni 2Chic Ultra Sleek Leave-In Conditioner & Styling Elixir is a deep penetrating 2-in-1 intensive conditioning treatment and styling serum shields hair from the elements; UV, pollution, humidity and even styling heat. Formulated with Brazilian Phyto-Keratin and Moroccan Argan Oil to lock in smoothness, softness and shine, delivering a sleek texture to hair. With use, frizz is banished and split ends are reduced and repaired. Safe for color treated hair. Giovanni is where natural hair care meets salon quality products. Vegan and cruelty free, and formulated without parabens, phthalates and SLS/SLES.

Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo

Kinetic Natural Products Distributor
Tel: 08450 725825
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.kinetic4health.co.uk

Avalon Organics gentle, safe and effective plant-based shampoos and conditioners are designed to bring luminance to locks without the use of harsh preservatives or hair-stripping cleansers. For hair that is dull or lacklustre, a medley of lemon essential oil, quinoa protein, aloe and vitamin E gently clarify, brighten and remove excess oils and dulling build up. The result: natural highlights, color and shine are restored. Formulated with organic botanicals and essential oils, and free from: GMOs, parabens, harsh sulfates, harsh preservatives, synthetic colours, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, animal ingredients and animal testing.

JASON Revitalizing Vitamin E Shampoo

Kinetic Natural Products Distributor
Tel: 08450 725825
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.kinetic4health.co.uk

JASON Revitalizing Vitamin E Shampoo gently cleanses as it revives natural manageability with super-enriched multiple vitamins and botanical extracts. Nourishing Vitamin E moisturises without weighing hair down while powerful antioxidant blend of vitamins A, C and botanical extracts helps fight environmental stressors, leaving hair revitalised, nourished and manageable. Ideal for dry or damaged hair, as won’t strip away hair’s natural moisture. Formulated without SLS/SLES, parabens, phthalates, artificial colours or petrolatum. Vegetarian and vegan friendly, certified cruelty free.

Naturtint Permanent Hair Colours

Nature’s Dream Ltd
Tel: 01889 507575
E-mail:  [email protected]
www.naturesdream.co.uk

Enriched with natural and organic plant and seed oils and extracts, the Naturtint Permanent Hair Colours deliver 100% grey coverage, long lasting naturally radiant colour and shine with anti-ageing results for healthy and youthful hair. ‘Naturally Better’, Naturtint Permanent Hair Colours are free from Ammonia, Resorcinol, Parabens, DEA, SLS, Mineral Oils, Paraffin and Silicones. Available in 30 easy to apply shades, ranging from Ebony Black to Light Dawn Blonde and each complete with a sachet of the innovative Anti-Ageing CC Cream, that helps combat the main signs of hair ageing. The Naturtint range offers your customers everything they need to colour, nourish, repair, strengthen, protect and care for coloured hair!

Hair Volume ™

New Nordic Ltd,
Tel: 01482 300695
E-mail: [email protected]
www.newnordic.co.uk

IMPROVE your Hair Growth and Volume with HAIR VOLUME ™ The world’s new amazing Hair tablet is here for you! Hair Volume tablet is designed to help with thinning or diffused hair. The unique bioactive nutrient hair growth factor combination contained in each tablet nourishes and activates the life processes of hair follicle cells. The tablet works from the inside out. The tablet, which is manufactured in Sweden, contains micronutrients and herbal extracts including apple extract rich in procyanidin B2. The content of biotin and zinc contribute to the maintenance of normal hair and copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation, fighting grey hairs.

Tabitha James Kraan High Performance Hair Organics

Tabitha James Kraan
Tel:  01451 831 794
Email: [email protected]
www.tabithajameskraan.com

Tabitha James Kraan High Performance Hair Organics is a revolutionary new range, completely free from harmful chemicals, developed by organic hair guru Tabitha James Kraan.  A pioneer of organic haircare in salons since 1999, Tabitha has an internationally renowned hair salon in the Cotswolds.

Tabitha James Kraan says, “The range has been formulated with three main principles in mind:

1. Oil Balancing – sealing the hair shaft, and providing strength and protection that leads to strong and lustrous hair.
   2.  Correct Cleansing – without stripping out the natural oils, allowing the scalp to reach its own equilibrium.
   3.  Moisture layering – most problems are caused by moisture/oil being stripped from the hair. The products enable you to replace that moisture easily and effectively building layers to achieve longevity of healthy hair.

“Where we have been unable to source a certified organic ingredient, we only use natural ingredients. We think it’s important to state clearly on our packaging what percentage of the ingredients are organic; something can be labelled ‘organic’ even if only one or two ingredients are certified organic. We prefer to give our customers the full picture and we will continue to strive to increase the organic content of all our products.”

The range is multi-award winning.  The Dry Shampoo won the Janey Lee Grace Platinum Award 2014, the Natural Health International Beauty Award 2015, the Biteable Beauty Best Dry Shampoo 2016, The Beauty Shortlist Best Dry Shampoo Award 2016 as well as the Best Natural Beauty Product 2016 at the Natural & Organic Awards. The Scented Organic Hair Oil was the finalist in the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2015. The 4-in-1 Conditioners won the Green Parent Natural Beauty Award in 2015 whilst the entire range won the Janey Lee Grace Platinum Award 2015. So far in 2016 the Amber Rose Cleanser has received the Janey Lee Grace New for 2016 Platinum Award and the Organic Hair Perfume won Best Hair Perfume at The Beauty Shortlist awards 2016.

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The post Kinetic appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Kinetic are the leading suppliers of ethical, natural and organic body care brands, herbal and dietary supplements to the health food industry, pharmacies, department stores, lifestyle and concept stores, and holistic therapists and spas. Founded in the early 90s by brothers Alexander and Kim Barani, Kinetic has gone from strength to strength and 2014 saw the leading supplier of natural and organic beauty move to larger premises; a new state-of-the-art industrial 40,000sq. ft warehouse development, complete with luxury offices, in west London.

JASÖN Natural Care was Kinetic’s first big break, back in the mid nineties. A well-established brand in America, having been around since 1959, the JASÖN range has taken to the hearts of families across the UK to become the number one selling natural family brand. The JASÖN range of products is formulated to meet the head to toe everyday needs of all the family, calling upon therapeutic ingredients that deliver results. Nothing frilly, nothing fancy, just wholesome products that really work.

In the USA, JASÖN have always taken pride in educating the masses about their mission, which meant Kinetic learnt a great deal from these pioneers of natural beauty. Today, JASÖN continue to innovate; always improving formulas and clinically testing products, bringing science into the realm of natural beauty, and always staying loyal to their ethos of providing cruelty free and vegetarian-friendly beauty. JASÖN were also innovative with their presentation in stores, being one of first brands to be properly merchandised, block merchandised. Kinetic in turn brought this concept to the UK and J?SÖN was the first brand in the UK to be presented in store in this way.

2015 saw the launch of the Smoothing Coconut Collection, featuring Organic Coconut Oil, Body Wash and Hand & Body Lotion, the range has been well-received by public and press alike, with British Beauty Blogger’s Jane Cunningham loving the collection.

JASÖN has always had a considerable celebrity following, with old-school fans including Stella McCartney and Reese Witherspoon, but more recently Bryce Dallas Howard of Downton Abbey and Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins have also expressed their love of the Vitamin E Oil for scarring and stretch marks and the C-Effects range respectively.

Dr Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soaps is the world’s #1 selling natural soap brand. Well-renowned for their real essential oil fragranced Magic Liquid Soaps, where only a few drops is enough to produce a shower full of lather, the range also offers Bar Soaps, Pump Soaps, Hair Care, Lip and Body Balms, Lotions, Shaving Gels and more, all certified organic and fair trade. The range is also suitable for vegetarians and cruelty-free certified with the BUAV’s Leaping Bunny. Over the years, the brand has gained a cult following including Lady Gaga, Sandra Bullock, Eminem and Bobbi Brown. The celebrity fan club has certainly helped this brand to become more established but people also see value in this product because of its versatility and efficacy. June 2015 saw the completion of the Compassion in World Farming #Compassion Campaign, which smashed its initial pledge of £10,000, raising over £25,000 for CIWF.

Antipodes offer premium organic skincare from New Zealand, and has gained cult status in both the UK and globally. Celebrity fans include Cara Delevingne, Elle Macpherson, Sam Smith and Evangeline Lilly. The range truly is where science meets nature, with several products scientifically validated via in vitro testing. Hero products from the three-step skincare and body care range include the Night Cream – Scientifically shown to increase Collagen production by 92%; Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone Correcting Serum – scientifically shown to help brighten the complexion in just 5 days; and Aura Manuka Honey Mask, a cult beauty classic popular amongst industry influencers. In 2015, Worship Antioxidant Superfruit Serum launched, scientifically shown to reduce oxidative stress by up to 90%. The range scooped multiple awards in the Natural Health International Beauty Awards 2015, including Best Moisturiser, and highly commended in the Best Organic Range, Best Natural Range and Best Foundation. The brand also won two awards in Jo Fairley and Sarah Stacey’s most recent publication, The Ultimate Natural Beauty Bible for the Mineral Foundation and Lipstick.

Pacifica offer a gluten-free 100% vegan, and cruelty-free range of stunning mineral makeup and skincare, bath and body, perfume and home fragrance created using expertly blended natural and essential oils sourced from all over the world. A breath of fresh, ocean air in the world of fragrance, Pacifica are well regarded for their unique nuances and complexity of their blends. Pacifica does not support the use of naturals that are threatened or where the harvesting of the plant endangers biodiversity or causes other environmental issues. Pacifica adheres to strict IFRA standards, a self-governing organisation that sets safety standards for all natural and non-natural aroma compounds. Pacifica also scooped an award at the Natural Health International Beauty Awards, Best Makeup Range, judged by Jo Fairley.

Avalon Organics – For almost 20 years, Avalon Organics has offered exceptionally pure and effective hair, body and skin care products to women committed to living a natural and organic lifestyle. All formulas contain at least 70% organic ingredients of botanicals, extracts and essential oils, are vegetarian, never tested on animals and do not contain any harsh or irritating chemicals that could be absorbed into the body. The brand supports sustainable farming practices and relentlessly seek out the best organic ingredients to produce naturally high performance products with the use of parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic colours or fragrances, phthalates or harmful sulfates. 2016 will see a refresh of the packaging.  Avalon Organics offers successful targeted skincare ranges, including – Lavender Luminosity for a more radiant complexion, Vitamin C Renewal to protect against free radical damage, and Co. Q10 to improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Other beauty brands in Kinetic’s portfolio include:

Alba Botanica – cruelty free beauty, 100% Vegetarian natural products that do beautiful for you, your friends, animal and earth.
Giovanni EcoChic Cosmetics – the first natural salon hair care brand and the #1 selling natural hair care brand in the US natural products industry.

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The post Melvita appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

French Organic Beauty Care since 1983, Melvita brings you the purest expressions of nature…

Melvita is one of the world’s largest certified organic beauty brands. Founded by natural and organic beauty-pioneer, Bernard Chevilliat in 1983 in the South of France Melvita offers beauty care top-to-toe. Bernard was a bee-keeper and biologist who left the city and moved to the Ardèche to settle in the middle of one of the purest and unspoilt landscapes in France.

As a global leader in organic formulation the brand harnesses the power of pure plant oils, floral waters and honeys to create gentle and effective skin, body and personal care products certified organic by EcoCert and supported by Cosmebio. The products contain a minimum of 95% natural ingredients and are created by a 25-strong Research and Development team using cutting-edge green-science. New patented complexes, such as the 3-Honey Complex and the White Flowers Complex deliver measurable results on the skin, and most recently the team pioneered the application of UHT technology in beauty-care resulting in a 100% preservative-free formula. All Melvita products exclude all ingredients of petrochemical origin such as paraffin and silicone, ethoxylated or glycolated products (PEGs), and preservatives including formaldehyde generators, parabens and even phenoxyethanol.

Made sustainably in an Eco-Factory with some of the highest possible standards of ethical manufacturing and certified with the ISO 14001 standard, the site has everything from solar-voltaic panels to provide sustainable energy for power and water heating, to a living ‘green’ roof helping the building blend into the natural landscape: proof that, even on an industrial scale, we can still work together to look after the planet. Furthermore the brand created the Melvita Foundation, independently governed, to donate funds to charitable projects and initiatives world-wide that support bee populations and their habitats.

Launched in the UK in 2010 the products are available from premium outlets including John Lewis, Fenwick and Feel Unique.

www.uk.melvita.com/

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The post Urban Veda appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Urban Veda is a brand new British skincare range based on the ancient principles of Ayurveda and formulated naturally for 21st century skincare concerns.

Inspired by Ayurveda, an ancient Indian health and wellbeing system based on the holistic and therapeutic properties of plants, Urban Veda is designed to help pollution-proof your skin.. The four new ranges in each Urban Veda collection have been created to target different skin types, each associated with the ‘doshas’ of Ayurveda.

The four ranges include Radiance, for dry and dull skin; Purifying, for oil-prone and congested skin; Soothing, for distressed skin; and Reviving, a replenishing range for tired and mature skin, suitable for all skin types.

The Radiance range, for the Vata dosha with dry and dull skin, utilises natural Ayurvedic botanics Himalayan goji berry, papaya and pomegranate. Star ingredient Turmerone, a distilled fraction derived from turmeric, is an active and powerful antioxidant, shown to enhance complexion by up to 30%. The Radiance range boasts an anti-inflammatory peptide sequence to impart a glow and luminosity, helping to revitalise lack-lustre skin.

The Purifying range, for the Kapha dosha with oily and congested skin, utilises 12 bioactive botanics including spearmint, mulberry, eucalyptus and quassia with an energising, stimulating and fresh aroma to invigorate mind and body. Star Ayurvedic ingredient, neem, is a cold-pressed oil traditionally held to cleanse, tone and moisturise in one. Highly antiseptic and antibacterial, it is an excellent natural ingredient for those with excess skin oil, granting mild cleansing properties throughout their skincare regime. The Purifying Day Cream and Purifying Protecting Night Cream help to mattify skin and refine pores.

The Soothing range, for the Pitta dosha with sensitised skin, contains aromatic sandalwood oil, infused with 16 botanics including organic aloe vera juice, myrrh and clary sage. Brimming with harmonising and therapeutic botanics to fight fatigue, dehydration and stress, the Soothing skincare range helps to balance elemental damage and alleviate rosy complexions to calm, clarify and content the Pitta dosha.

Urban Veda’s tri-doshic Rose + Botanics range, suitable for all skin types, offers antioxidant and flower water fortification to pamper tired and mature skin. Drawing on the natural anti-ageing properties of rose, the Reviving range also contains soothing evening primrose, omega-rich rosehip, borage, rose geranium, harmonising jasmine and collagen-boosting Arjuna.

Each collection contains a full regime for both facial skincare and body care, from intelligent plant-based hydrators naturally formulated to protect the skin from the effects of the environment, stress and dehydration, to body washes that gently cleanse using luxurious skin conditioning plant extracts.

All Urban Veda packaging is recyclable, and bottles are made using post-consumer recycled plastic. Urban Veda use Forest Sustainability Certified packaging and are Vegetarian Society certified. Belief in the value of nature means valuing plants as nature intended- all Urban Veda products are free from GM ingredients, parabens, SLS/SLES, artificial colours and mineral oil. As a holistic brand we don’t, and will never, test on animals.

Made in the UK.  Discover our natural urban skincare online at www.urbanveda.co.uk

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The post Benecos appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

benecos is one of Europe’s fastest growing Natural Cosmetic brands and was founded in 2008 by Silke and Stephan Becker in Aschaffenburg Germany.

Stephan came from a career working in the conventional cosmetics industry, but this did not blend well with his eco lifestyle, while Silke had grown up working in the German organic grocery store, Reformhaus. It was the mix of knowledge that Stephan had obtained from the cosmetics industry and the excitement and passion of Silke along with their concern for their daughter using conventional cosmetics with questionable ingredients that led to the birth of benecos. Starting a natural beauty company was a natural progression in their life.

The idea was to create a top quality and modern organic colour cosmetics range at a retail price that is accessible and affordable for everyone. The name benecos stands for good cosmetics – in Latin “bene” means good and “cos” stands for cosmetics.

benecos’ natural beauty portfolio incorporates high quality, affordable natural make-up, 5-free nail polishes and natural skincare products, attracting a younger audience into the world of natural beauty. These stylish natural beauty products are BDIH certified* with the focus on quality organic ingredients. This means that the products do NOT contain paraffin, parabens, silicones, PEG and synthetic colours or fragrances. Instead natural ingredients, such as plant oils, fats and waxes, herbal and flower extracts, essential oils and fragrances, from certified organic sources or wild collection are used. benecos is also listed on PeTA’s positive list.

Although the colourful HAPPY NAILS nail polishes are not certified by BDIH they are still less harmful than regular nail polishes. They have a 5-FREE formula which means that they are free from formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, phthalates and colophony making them a real alternative for the modern health-conscious woman who wants to be on trend with the latest nail colours!
The main focus for benecos is the product and its quality, followed by new trends and an up-to-date product range. Everything else that surrounds the products is low-key: simple packaging with no secondary packing (cardboard boxes etc), instead benecos use a unique brand image designed to make the range stand out. Benecos believe that the products should look nice, with a sophisticated non-eco vibe so that you can feel the difference to conventional cosmetics but you cannot see it!

In 2015, benecos re-launched their skin care line growing the range considerably to include hand creams, face creams, refreshing deodorants, gentle toothpaste, shower gels and moisturising body lotions available in five new fruity and refreshing scents: Aloe Vera, Pomegranate & Rose, Seabuckthorn & Orange, Apricot & Elderflower and Melissa to enlighten your senses. The new BDIH certified and vegan NATURAL CARE products are made using spring water from the Alps and they contain the benecos organic mixture called “Biomix” which consists of seven plant extracts from organic farming making them perfect for daily head to toe skincare.

The multi award winning benecos range includes Ökotest** Top Rated products, a large range of colours in their cosmetics and nail polish ranges and the newly revamped natural care range. benecos natural beauty without the huge price tag!
*except the happy nails range

** Ökotest is a German consumer magazine that test products for pollutants, ingredients and potencies, judging the quality and compatibility with the environment. www.oekotest.de

If you would like further information about benecos products please contact Pravera on 01557 870 203 or [email protected]

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The post NATRUE appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

NATRUE is an international not-for-profit organisation located in Brussels. The NATRUE standard has set a high benchmark for quality and integrity since 2008. The NATRUE logo is one that is trusted and recognised worldwide – our motto: one logo for one world.

With 4,500 NATRUE certified products on the market, the NATRUE Label continues to grow in popularity and reputation. Consumers can see at a glance whether a product is truly natural; know that it contains top quality raw materials, and is free from artificial colours, fragrances and artificial preservatives. No paraffin oils or petroleum-derived ingredients are permitted, no silicone oils or GMOs. No other standard has such a strict definition of “naturalness”.

NATRUE actively promotes and protects authentic natural and organic cosmetics through participation in international regulatory decision-making and raising awareness. In the absence of regulation, NATRUE has set the highest standard for quality and authenticity.

To date neither the terms ‘natural’ nor ‘organic’ have been defined or regulated in the cosmetic sector.

One of the main challenges is to keep the sector authentic – which does not mean restricting new brands from launching. It means having a fair playing field offering consumers natural and organic cosmetics truly worth of that name. There is real potential to undermine consumers’ trust with a low standard such as the forthcoming two-part ISO (International Standardisation Organisation) guidelines, which are currently under discussion and expected to be fully released in 2016.

“This sector does not need another (weak) definition of what is natural and organic when it comes to cosmetics – we risk introducing a kind of “legitimized greenwashing” through the proposed ISO guidelines. This sector needs to continue to set high natural and organic cosmetic standards, just as NATRUE does, and continue to work hard to explain to consumers the added value of natural and organic cosmetics for ourselves and for our world”, Francesca Morgante, NATRUE Label Manager explained.

Indeed certification to the NATRUE standard offers retailers and consumers a unique guarantee: strict criteria for three different levels of certification, across 13 product categories.

Natural Cosmetics
Ingredients must be natural but they do not have to be organic. This level defines both permitted ingredients and how they are processed, via a limited number of permitted production processes. Products certified to the subsequent two higher levels need to fulfill the criteria requirements of this first entry level.

Natural Cosmetics with Organic Portion
At least 70% of natural ingredients (or derived-natural ingredients where applicable) must come from certified organic production or controlled wild collection. Guaranteed thresholds for high minimum levels of natural ingredients, and lower maximum levels of derived-natural ingredients, are required.

Organic Cosmetics
At least 95% of natural ingredients (or derived-natural ingredients where applicable) must come from certified organic production or controlled wild collection. Further threshold increases for higher minimum levels of natural ingredients are required at this third level.

Each product category ensures that every product fulfills its promise to be as natural as possible. This unique approach helps to protect consumers because it guarantees a strict level of naturalness and authenticity that does not allow for ambiguities.
Furthermore, at least 75% of a brand’s range needs to be certifiable. This stipulation is designed to avoid green-washing by companies promoting a small hero ‘natural’ collection when the majority of products in the range are not of the same high standard.

Products are listed on the publicly accessible website and database (www.natrue.org), which can be used as a checklist for anyone wanting to confirm whether a product is natural or organic.

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The post Spa Vivent Vertriebs GmbH appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Launched during Organic Beauty Week and already award-winning, zk’in certified organic skincare features 12 self-select products to address every skin concern and life stage, for ageless beauty.

On the fringes of the Lüneburger Heide, south of Hamburg, Spa Vivent has its headquarters in Hollenstedt. Spa Vivent distributes since 2009 traditional exotic, natural and fairly produced consumer goods. The privately held company is the exclusive importer of Tropical Naturals Ltd. (Nigeria) and Tanamera Tropical Spa Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) for the European market. Spa Vivent supplies Hotels, Spas, Beauty Salons, retailers and wholesalers, as well as organic and natural food stores and drugstores. Major customers in Germany are Waschbaer, Manufactum. Shortly Spa Vivent will also supply air and cruise companies with a specific range of products.

Traditional brands from around the world
Spa Vivent imported established natural heritage brands from around the world that meet the European zeitgeist. Pura Africa is a series from Nigeria for daily face and body care with black soap Dudu-Osun and the 100% pure shea butter cream Dudu-Shea. For the professional spa and wellness center Spa Vivent offers the Tanamera line with branded products from Malaysia. The series includes body scrubs, massage oils, body masks and bath products.

A company with a philosophy
Spa Vivent company has set a goal to maintain the traditional consumer products from around the world. Chief Executive Officer Erica Ramsay and Managing Director Stephan Bartmann work and act according to ethical values??. All business partners – producers, distributors and customers – will benefit and prosper from the collaboration. The relationships with the business partners is based on three pillars: trust, clarity and reliability.

Owner-managed and committed
With much dedication and passion, Erica Ramsay and Stephan Bartmann manage the company. Erica – born Swedish and a qualified shipping clerk and Stephan a former architect came to the exotic natural cosmetic by chance. They discovered traditional and natural products all aournd the world and would like to make them known in Europe. As compensation, the passionate rider Erica Ramsay leads on their farm Fuhrenkamp in Hollenstedt, who is also the headquarters of Spa Vivent, a riding school for children.

Quality and safety according to German standards
Spa Vivent guarantees all business partners a reliable and fast delivery of the goods within one to two days. There are no minimum order quantities for their customers. Spa Vivent is committed to the quality of the products. All products meet the strict German standards. In addition, the Tanamera products carry the ICADA Natural Seal and the Dudu Osun-soaps are certified with the ICADA Global Ethics seal.

Company: Spa Vivent Vertriebs GmbH
Address Regesbosteler Str. 6, 21279 Hollenstedt, Germany
www.spavivent.de
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +49 (0) 4165 223 88 26
Key personnel Erica Ramsay
Stockists Martina Martens
Distributors Spa Vivent

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