There has been much debate in recent years about whether our personal care products should be vegan, and whether even products we use for cleaning our homes should be both natural and eco-friendly.
It can be hard sometimes to know what to look for in a product. We don’t want to be “green-washed,” and we don’t want to waste money on skincare that contains a tiny amount of a nice ingredient but also a host of potentially toxic chemicals. Here are some great choices that are crystal clear about their credentials.
Hydrosil, HydroBrow Serum, $11.90/£8.50 (0.24 oz / 7 mL)
Many of us have flaky, itchy brows occasionally thanks to skin conditions, chemicals in our cosmetics, or too much waxing, dying or microblading.
Finding a natural treatment can be tricky, but enter the Hydrosil Hydrobrow, a dedicated vegan brow gel wand that helps to soothe and hydrate itchy, flaky brows.
It won’t color your brows as it’s a clear gel, but it contains a passion fruit seed extract that has proven anti-inflammatory properties, as well as chicory root extract to repair brow function and inhibit the growth of bad brow microbiota. Who knew our brows were this complex?
You can apply this easy-to-use gel twice daily to the whole brow area. Best of all, it’s vegan and doesn’t contain sulfates or perfumes.
Greenscents, Multi-surface Spray, £5.75 (500 mL)
I’ve been recommending natural cleaning and laundry products for years and have known about Greenscents since 2012. They have been awarded a number of certifications from the Soil Association, the Vegan Society and Cruelty-Free International, and they are the first UK household and laundry brand to be certified Palm Oil Free with POFCAP.
There really is no “green-washing” here. Greenscents products are made by hand in a small workshop in Somerset and contain premium ingredients and organic fragrances derived from essential oils.
Many products now include their new organic surfactant mix, which combines organic soap nut shells and shikakai pods to create a natural base. They look nice in your home, too—in stylish 500-mL amber glass bottles that you can reuse and refill almost indefinitely.
The multi-surface sprays come in citrus, lavender or minty scents and are highly effective genuine all-rounders ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and any other sealed surfaces, including wood and marble.
So Body Co. Peptigen+ Multi-Collagen Peptides, $40.40/£32.99 (30-day supply)
Many of us are aware of the benefits of collagen, but figuring out which type to use can be hard.
So Body Co’s Peptigen+ Multi-Collagen removes the mystery by offering you a powder that contains five different types of essential collagen proteins.
The company claims it can help to rejuvenate skin, hair, nails, organs and muscle structure, and people have found it can also reduce inflammation in the body and improve gut health.
It’s a natural superfood supplement, keto friendly and free of GMOs. It’s also dairy, gluten and carbohydrate free, but of course it’s not vegetarian or vegan.
You only need to add one scoop of this flavorless multi-collagen powder to a hot or cold drink, or even when baking, to start looking and feeling years younger!
Ohelo, Yellow Bee Bottle, $36.55/£30
I’m guessing you own a reusable water bottle or two, but how about one that is insulated and lead free? Many bottles on the market contain potentially toxic materials, so these stylish bottles from Ohelo are safer—free of not only lead but also BPA, BPS and BPF.
They are dishwasher safe, and their triple-layer insulation means they keep your drink cold for 24 hours or hot for 12. They’re also sustainable, with a lead-free powder coat made from natural mineral pigments for a high-quality, chip-resistant finish.
The brand donates 5 percent of its profits to sustainable charities, and its products are ethically made, with a big focus on fair trade and all that it means. The packaging is 100 percent free of plastic, has already been recycled and is easily recyclable.
Hay-Band, Hay-Band acupressure band, $14.68/£11.99
According to the principles of ancient Chinese acupressure, applying pressure to various points on the body increases the flow of natural energy and helps unblock energy pathways to the nose and throat and promote wellbeing.Studies show that 20 percent of people in the UK are affected by hay fever, and grass pollen is by far the biggest trigger.
A simple drug-free solution is Hay-Band, which works by stimulating the acupressure point LI 11, found at the outside end of the elbow crease. The band is fast-acting and may be worn on either arm or, if symptoms are acute, on both arms. You don’t get any side-effects, and it’s even suitable for children over the age of 3 (but is not recommended during pregnancy).
P’URE, PapayacarePapaya Skin Food Multi-use, $23.99/£22.49 (2.65 oz / 75 g)
purepapayacareusa.com / purepapaya.co.uk
As we move toward summer, multi-use products are a big win, and this vegan product range is fantastic for giving skin a moisture boost. P’URE Papayacare Papaya Skin Food contains the protein-digesting enzyme papain from papaya to exfoliate dead skin cells and regulate the skin’s PH balance. It also has shea butter, calendula and a special combination of vitamins and probiotics.
The brand makes it clear that it really is all natural and doesn’t contain petroleum jelly, sulfates or parabens. Its products provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial healing benefits that help to repair and nourish your skin.
