Summer eco beauty round-up

Eco Beauty Roundup
The Ecologist's top picks for the holiday season features mineral suncream, a soap with 18 uses, natural insect repellent and more...
 

Lavera suncream

Lavera suncream

- Family Sun Spray SPF 15 £14.50
- Baby & Child Neutral Sun Spray SPF 20 £16.50
- Baby & Child Sun Cream SPF 20 £13.50

Pioneering natural/organic skincare company Lavera has reformulated its Sun Sensitiv mineral sunscreens in line with recently revised Colipa recommendations to now feature an additional UV filter, the mineral ingredient zinc oxide.

Together with titanium dioxide, which also acts as a natural sunlight reflector, these mineral ingredients are coated with Stearic Acid (from coconut oil) rendering the particles inactive i.e. they cannot penetrate the skin. The lotions also contain skin-caring, cold-pressed organic sunflower oil, organic shea butter, organic calendula extracts, organic aloe vera gel, vitamins A, C and E, organic rose petal and lavender essences, and organic almond and jojoba oils.

All products are available direct at www.lavera.co.uk

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Weleda Aloe Vera Body Lotion

Weleda Aloe Vera body lotion

£7.95

This wonderfully cooling lotion makes a great after sun drench. Milky in texture the lotion soaks in quickly, leaving skin with a fresh, cool feeling.

It is made with 100% natural ingredients (BDIH certified) including organic aloe vera  which is combined with protective jojoba oil, apricot oil and shea butter.

Aloe vera is well known for its healing properties. For centuries desert Arabs used the gel inside the aloe leaves for sunburn, to offer immediate relief and promote healing. Many people keep a plant as a natural quick fix for burns and scalds when cooking or ironing.

Available in many health stores around the UK or direct from www.weleda.co.uk

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Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soap

Dr Bronner's

236ml, £4.99

The magic of Dr. Bronner’s soap is its versatility, with 18 uses from 1 bottle. You can use it to clean almost anything - your body, teeth, bathroom, kitchen, clothes and even your pets. They're great for travelling or camping.

There are 7 main varieties: peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Citrus, Almond, Rose, unscented Baby Mild and Tea Tree which can even be used to treat minor cuts.

Completely biodegradable, the soaps are made with certified Fair Trade and organic ingredients sourced from India, Ghana, Palestine, Israel, and Sri Lanka.

Dr Bronner's contain no synthetic foaming agents, thickeners, preservatives, fragrances, dyes or whiteners and use 100% post consumer recycled (PCR) cylinder bottles and paper labels.

Available from health food shops including Planet Organic, Whole Foods and online from the Natural Store

For more information see www.drbronner.com

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incognito insect repellent

incognito

£7.99

Rigorously tested by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, incognito claims to be ‘very effective against all small biting and stinging insects’ including mosquitos, ticks and midges. It even works against fleas and is safe to spray onto pets. 

Made using use ‘a secret blend’ of 100% natural ingredients, all containing an organically certified citronella the formulation is gentle, and has none of the health risk associated with chemical repellents such as DEET.

The range includes a 100ml camouflage spray, citronella incense sticks, after-sun moisturiser, and a 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and camouflage, as well as soaps.

incognito is sold direct through their website www.lessmosquito.com and many chemists and health stores. For stockists click here

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Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Lip Formula     

Neal's Yard Organic Lip Formula

£5.20

This 99% organic clear balm will keep your lips soft and smooth for the rest of the summer. Made with moisture replenishing organic shea nut butter and an assortment of oils including rosehip, coconut, avocado, pumpkin seed and lemon, it tastes better than lipstick.

Available from Neal’s Yard Remedies stores or online

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Weleda shampoo and conditioner

Weleda shampoo and conditioner

£7.95 per bottle

An Ecologist favourite, Weleda’s eco-friendly hair care range is free from Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) and Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS),  artificial additives, synthetic preservatives and parabens. All ingredients are GMO free. There are three blends to choose from:

  • Calendula & Chamomile - a gentle formulation ideal for sensitive scalps.
  • Lemon Balm & Orange Blossom – to balance normal to oily hair.
  • Rosemary & Ginger Shampoo – helps revitalise hair and scalp

Available from health stores around the UK or direct from www.weleda.co.uk

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Matilda Lee is the Ecologist's Consumer Affairs Editor

Laura Sevier is the Ecologist's Green Living Editor

For ethical and sustainable suppliers of health and beauty products goods and services check out the Ecologist Green Directory here

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