The post UK Government promises microbead ban by 2017 appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

The UK Government has pledged to ban the sale and manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products containing microbeads by 2017.

The announcement was made by Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom at the beginning of September, adding that a consultation on how the ban would work will commence later in the year.

Leadsom said: “Most people would be dismayed to know the face scrub or toothpaste they use was causing irreversible damage to the environment, with billions of indigestible plastic pieces poisoning sea creatures. Adding plastic to products like face washes and body scrubs is wholly unnecessary when harmless alternatives can be used.”

She added: “This Government is committed to its promise to be the first generation ever to leave the environment in a better state than it inherited, and together we can bring an end to these harmful plastics clogging up our oceans.”

Evidence will also be collected on the extent of the environmental impacts of microbeads found elsewhere, such as in household and industrial cleaning products, before possible future action in considered to tackle other plastics, for example microfibres, which enter the marine environment.

Kim Allan of Botanical Brands commented: “We are delighted with the Government’s move to ban the use of plastic microbeads in skincare and personal care products in the UK. We have supported the Beat The Bead Campaign for some years now and feel passionately that we should not be polluting our oceans.”

Allan adds: “This is a global concern that impacts on us all, so it’s only right that the UK should be making this important move to help preserve our oceans. A voluntary ban is not sufficient. Companies need to take responsibility for producing products without the use of plastic microbeads, especially when there are natural alternatives readily available and effective too. We trust the Government will stand firm in its resolve to carry this legislation through. We all need to play our part – businesses and private individuals alike – to make ecological choices and stop polluting our environment, including our oceans.”

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The post Brands join forces to push for UK microbead ban appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Botanical Brands has joined forces with other leading skincare and cosmetic brands to call on the UK Government to ban the use of microbeads.

Botanical Brands, along with representatives from Pai Skincare and Green People has signed an open letter issued by Neal’s Yard Remedies today (see below) to coincide with World Oceans Day flagging up the harm that microbead pollution does to seas and marine life and asking the Government to “pursue a legislative route and ban microplastics being used”.

Greenpeace, Fauna & Flora International, Environmental Investigation Agency and Marine Stewardship Council are also partnering on the campaign which incudes a petition with over 300,000 signatures – to be handed in today – to urge the Government to ban the use of microbeads in personal care products. It asks David Cameron to “follow President Obama and other world leaders by banning the use of polluting plastic microbeads. Plastic microbeads are needlessly used in cosmetics. They damage our oceans and the creatures that live in them.”

Kim Allan of Botanical Brands commented: “As a supplier of eco, natural and organic beauty brands from around the world, we have actively campaigned for this cause for a number of years now.  We welcomed the US government’s decision to ban the use of plastic microbeads in skin care and personal care products earlier this year, however, this is a global concern, which impacts on the UK cosmetics industry too. Although there are many companies that already produce skin care products without the use of plastic microbeads – showing that natural alternatives are not only available but effective – there are still many more that don’t! That’s why Botanical Brands has joined forces with other leading natural skincare and cosmetics companies that don’t use microbeads to call on the government for a UK ban on their future use. ”

Rt Hon David Cameron MP, 10 Downing Street,
London, SW1A 2AA
June 8th, 2016

Dear Prime Minister,

It’s not often that businesses call on government to regulate their own industry.

This year has seen growing consumer concern over the use of plastic “microbeads” in personal care products, including a petition over 300,000 signatories strong due to be handed in June 8th, World Oceans Day. As businesses operating in this field, we share this concern and believe the time has come for government to step in.

Microplastics are a direct source of oceanic pollution, making their way to the sea from our sinks, toilets and showers after just a few seconds of use. Yet like all plastics, they may last for centuries in our seas and harm marine life.

Removing plastics from personal care products is the most efficient and cost-effective way of stopping this pollution. ‘End of pipe’ solutions through upgrading of sewage treatment plants would be far more costly. We note the recent ban in the US under the Microbead-Free Waters Act 2015.

Furthermore, the use of these plastics is unnecessary: environmentally-friendly alternatives exist, and are available at similar cost.

None of our companies use microplastic ingredients for any function in any of our products, and feel that the quality of our products does not suffer due to this absence. We have also found many of our customers are reassured that they are not contributing to the growing problem of microplastic pollution when using our products.

We believe that microplastic beads and particles should never be used in personal care and domestic cleaning products. It is unacceptable for industry to produce products that pollute our oceans when alternatives are readily available.

Unfortunately, many others in our industry have been dragging their feet on this issue. Whilst some have commitments in place, these mostly do not cover all product types and many have long or unclear phase-out targets. We now feel that given the voluntary approach has proven neither comprehensive nor expeditious enough, the government should pursue a legislative route and ban microplastics being used in such products. It would furthermore send a clear message that use of ingredients that have such negative impacts for so little gain will not be permitted.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Curtis, Deputy Chair, Neal’s Yard Remedies Kim Allan, Managing Director, Botanical Brands Charlotte Vøhtz, Managing Director, Green People Sarah Brown, Founder, Pai Skincare

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The post Living Nature’s loving the lips appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Botanical Brands has extended the Living Nature certified organic lipstick range with the addition of two new vibrant shades of red.

Wild Fire is described as a versatile warm and classic matte red with an orange undertone, which can be worn day or night. Pure Passion is a rich, deep matte red with a subtle crimson undertone. Perfect for night time it is designed to add a bit of glamour and elegance.

Successfully creating a red lipstick from organic, 100% natural and carmine-free ingredients is no easy task, according to Botanical Brands’ Kim Allan. “A good red lipstick is a difficult colour to create from 100% natural and organic ingredients. To get the vibrancy of colour without using carmine is even more difficult. After years of working on this dilemma, Living Nature’s formulators have now succeeded. They have created two intense, vibrant red lipsticks that use really clever natural plant ingredients, including Melia azadirachta and Coccinia indica.   As an added bonus they are also certified organic by COSMOS.”

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The post US bans plastic microbeads in personal care products appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

The US House of Representatives has approved a bill to prohibit the manufacture and sale of personal care products that contain plastic microbeads, which are known to have a significant negative impact on the environment.

President Obama signed into US law the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 on 28 December after a series of studies showed that trillions of the miniscule plastic particles were flowing into bodies of water across the United States.

The bill introducing the new law was co-sponsored by both Republican and Democrat representatives and will come into effect in July 2017.

Commenting on the move, Kim Allan of Botanical Brands, said: “We have supported the Beat The Bead campaign for a number of years now and welcome this move by the US Government to ban the use of plastic microbeads in skincare and personal care products. This is a global concern, which will ultimately have an impact on the UK cosmetics industry. Many companies already produce skincare products without the use of plastic microbeads, showing that natural alternatives are not only available but effective too.

“As a supplier of eco, natural and organic beauty brands from around the world, we have actively campaigned for this cause and ensured that the facial exfoliation products in the Living Nature and Botanicals ranges are listed on The Good Scrub Guide. This useful guide is an excellent resource for any professionals or consumers seeking exfoliation products free-from plastic microbeads.”

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The post Botanical Brands sponsors Gorgeously Green blogger event appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Natural and organic beauty distributor Botanical Brands was one of the two sponsors of the Gorgeously Green Gathering beauty blogger event held earlier this month in Swindon.

The event was organized by three established ‘green’ beauty bloggers – Jen of Jen’s Skincare, Rachel of All Natural Aspirations and Sarah of Sugarpuffish – and aimed to bring together natural beauty bloggers to network and increase their product knowledge.

The day was divided into a series of presentations by five natural beauty brand representatives including Kim Allan of Botanical Brands who presented Living Nature’s certified natural mineral make-up range and Lippy Girl Vegocentric Lipsticks, complete with a make-up demo and sampling.

“There are many blogger events but there are few that focus on natural and organic brands,” said the event organizers. “Our vision was to bring together the green beauty community to allow them to expand their product knowledge and engage in discussion with people who share the same passions. We received a great deal of positive feedback and the common theme with delegates was they found the talks inspirational.”

Kim Allan of Botanical Brands commented: “With online beauty tutorials becoming one of the fastest growing areas of the UK beauty industry, beauty blogging and vlogging is extremely important to Botanical Brands. Honest, well-written beauty reviews and video make-up and skincare tutorials play a big part in increasing awareness for the quality and ethical credentials of our natural and certified organic brands.

“This is especially the case with natural beauty bloggers. We were therefore delighted to be part of the Gorgeously Green Gathering and to meet all the wonderful bloggers in person. It was a lovely event and great that members of the green beauty community could come together.”

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The post Beauty Bites appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

After seven years with NATRUE, Julie Tyrrell has left her position as public affairs director of the organization.

Aussie brand Eco by Sonya has added Coconut & Mint Body Wash and Coconut Body Milk to its UK offer.

Two Christmas gift boxes – Haute Couture for Her and Haute Couture for Him – featuring a selection of botanical bodycare products have been designed by BRYT Skincare.

New to Spa Technologies’ skincare range is Flower Peel to promote exfoliation and nourish the skin using flower acids extracted from the hibiscus flower.

Botanicals Himalayan Rose Mineral Bath Soak has picked up a Bronze Award for Best Bath Treat in The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2015.

The latest addition to AA Skincare’s offer is a range of natural roll-on deodorants in Grapefruit & Cedarwood, Lemongrass & Lavender and Bergamot & Aloe.

A range of cost-effective opening packages for retailers wishing to grow their beauty offer are available from Botanical Brands. Brands include Lippy Girl and Living Nature.

A new line of sea-scented male grooming products has been introduced by Red Anchor, including Sea Breeze Beard Oil; and Sea Breeze Face & Beard Cleanser.

BetterYou has launched Magnesium Body Lotion and Magnesium Body Butter to its range of products.

An all-natural anti-ageing skincare brand, Innarah, has been launched by the CEO of Immunocologie, Manzoor Jaffrey, who holds the patent for glycolic acid.

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The post Botanical Brands creates natural beauty packages for retailers appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

A range of cost-effective opening packages for independent retailers wanting to grow their natural beauty offers has been introduced by Botanical Brands.

The brands on offer are Natural Being – a nine-strong manuka honey face and bodycare range from New Zealand; Lippy Girl vegan lipstick from Canada, made from organic and wildcrafted natural oils and waxes; and the new Living Nature Sensitive Skin facial products which are based on organic extra virgin coconut oil and the harakeke flax plant from New Zealand.

The opening packages have been designed to be low-risk, low cost and compact, and are presented in space-saving merchandising stands containing a small quantity of each product in the range as well as free testers and POS material.

“We already supply our natural and organic skin care brands to Wholefoods and a number of independent health stores,” says Kim Allan of Botanical Brands, “but are keen to expand our support of independent businesses in this sector. As such, we have tailor-made these special opening packages to suit their needs and provide excellent value for money.”

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The post Beauty Bites appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Childs Farm has announced the recruitment of James Hume, who has left Fruit Towers, HQ of Innocent Drinks, to join the Hampshire-based natural toiletries company as finance and operations controller.

Naturtint Reflex Non Permanent Colour Rinse has won the Temporary Colour category of the Hair Magazine Awards 2015. Available in six shades, the gentle colorant lasts from two to four weeks.

Natural and organic wholesale distributor Tree of Life has added a 52-page Natural Beauty Buying Guide to its insight series for retailers, offering information and details of products spanning the company’s beauty and personal care range – from skincare, bath and bodycare, to baby care, products for men and VMS.

Long-established Turkish natural beauty and bodycare brand Dalan is now being distributed in the UK through Naturela. Produced using 100% Aegean olive oil, the Dalan range includes olive oil soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hand and body lotions, shower gels, body oils, body butters, liquid soaps and shaving creams.

Botanical Brands has introduced Living Nature’s new range of face care products to the UK, developed specifically for sensitive skin and suitable for both men and women. The range is based on organic virgin coconut oil combined with a clear polysaccharide gel produced by the New Zealand harakeke flax plant.

After 40 years in the natural beauty products business, Faith in Nature is dropping its Faith Products Ltd company name in favour of what it says is the more apt, Faith in Nature Ltd.

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The post Living Nature mascara now fragrance-free appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Living Nature has introduced its new and improved Thickening Mascara which is now completely free from natural fragrance, making it suitable for anyone with sensitivities.

Available in Jet Black or Blackened Brown, the mascara uses halloysite clay to thicken lashes and candelilla, carnauba waxes, jojoba esters, manuka honey and tocopherol to provide smooth coverage to nourish and protect. However, the formulation no longer includes lavender oil.

“The cause of allergic or sensitive responses from make-up products can sometimes be fragrance, particularly in products with synthetic ingredients,” explains Kim Allan of Botanical Brands, which distributes the brand in the UK. “Mascaras, even though they’re worn on the lashes rather than directly on the skin, are sometimes the offenders … Even ingredients from some natural sources can be cause for concern, as the potency of essential oils (often used to provide natural fragrance) also means they can contain potential allergens.”

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The post Living Nature reveals its sensitive side appeared first on Natural Beauty Yearbook.

In June Botanical Brands will be introducing Living Nature’s new range of face care products to the UK, developed specifically for sensitive skin and suitable for both men and women.

The fragrance- and allergen-free range is based on organic virgin coconut oil combined with a clear polysaccharide gel produced by the New Zealand harakeke flax plant, known for its antiseptic, soothing, cooling and calming properties. Containing d-glucuronic acid and d-zylose, the gel is a natural humectant that draws in moisture to keep skin hydrated.

Designed to help address the skin inflammation and irritation often experienced by those with sensitive skin, the range incorporates: Sensitive Cleanser; Sensitive Hydrating Toner to soothe, hydrate and tone; Sensitive Day Moisture, combining coconut oil, harakeke flax extract and avocado oil to provide a gentle daytime moisturizer; and Sensitive Night Moisture, for deep overnight nourishment.

Sample envelopes containing the new Living Nature Sensitive Skin Range cleanser, toner and moisturizer are available as part of the launch strategy to provide a low-risk, low-cost way of dipping into the range.

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