Most of us at some point in time have turned to our pantry to concoct a natural home-made solution to ail or soothe a skin condition. From olive oil to orange, coconut oil and cucumber, we know that botanical ingredients have the power to not only nourish our bodies but also heal and improve our skin.
Organic foods are increasing in popularity by those of us opting to live chemical and additive free and so it makes sense to switch to natural superfood products containing these active ingredients for our face, body and hair.
Here are some of our favourite Australian companies selling natural, organic and responsibly soured skin and hair products that are so good, you’ll want to eat them up!
Raw Skincare is locally owned and operated by Sydney entrepreneur Amelia Gartner, who founded the company in late 2016 out of her own personal experience with sensitive skin and hormonal breakouts.
“I struggled for years finding the right products that didn’t irritate my skin. After giving up on commercial products I turned to nutritional superfoods to nourish both my body and skin,” Amelia says.
“Unfortunately, today’s regulations allow companies to use harmful, toxic ingredients in skin care. Our products are as sustainable, eco-friendly, 100% natural and use only the best organic ingredients to help nourish your skin from the outside.”
Raw Skincare bridges the gap between superfoods and beauty and is formulated for people who are passionate about using natural and organic products but still want to harness powerful ingredients to repair and regenerate. All products are free of harsh chemical additives such as phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances and artificial colouring.
From cleansers to toners, moisturisers and masks, Raw is suitable for a wide range of skin types including sensitive, dry, normal and mature skin. Here are some delicious picks for your daily skincare routine:
- Spirulina + Orange + Raw Honey Detox Facewash
- Kakadu Plum + Green Tea + Pomegranate Toner
- Raspberry + Green Coffee + Co-enzyme Q10 Moisturiser
Botani was developed by Melbourne Naturopath and Herbalist, Barbara Filokostas who took after her Greek grandmother as a natural medicine healer. Using olive oil in cooking, Barbara knew it contained powerful anti-ageing ingredients that hydrated and renewed the skin.
“I wanted to provide a toxin-free and natural skincare solution that’s good for the skin, wellbeing environment,” says Barbara. “I worked with chemists and microbiologists to perfect Botani’s formulations by blending natural ingredients with powerful vitamin-rich actives such as Olive Squalene.”
Olive Squalene, derived from certified organic cold-pressed olives, has natural antioxidant and anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties, providing hydration and skin cell rejuvenation.
Botani’s extensive range covers cleansing and toning, hair and nails, body and skin and is not only formulated for dry, sensitive and oily skin but for those who suffer acne, dermatitis and eczema.
Founded in 1992 by owners Greg and Jicky Milham, Sanctum’s range of products are true to their promise of being natural and free from harsh chemicals typically contained in pharmaceutical products.
Originally from Sydney, but later moving to Byron Bay for a more peaceful lifestyle, Greg and Jicky sought to research, develop and create a line of skincare products using locally sourced ingredients containing therapeutic levels of herbs, plant extracts, essential oils and vitamins.
Sanctum’s certified organic skin care range is specially designed for sensitive, oily, normal and mature skin to nourish, hydrate and heal your skin. From cleansers to moisturisers, facial masks to eye treatment, every Sanctum product contains 70-95 percent certified organic ingredients. Their complete skin, body, hair, men’s and baby care range offers a gentle yet nourishing product for everyone.
Sanctum also kindly supports multiple charity organisations across Australia such as the Royal Blind Society, Camp Quality and the EarthWatch Institute.
Image source: sanctumaustralia.com
The Coconut Tree skin and hair range is made from a blend of certified organic coconut oil, emollient oils including rosehip, jojoba and argan nut oil and natural butters such as shea and cocoa butter. Further infused with vitamin A and E, Coconut Tree products are formulated to feed, nourish and protect your skin leaving it hydrated and supple.
Catherine Reddaway, based in sunny Noosa and founder of Coconut Tree explains how it all started.
“After years of spending money on products that promised much and delivered little, I ended up with the same skin and hair concerns and a bathroom full of half used products. And let’s not even talk about the wasted dollars!”
“After using pure coconut oil on my skin and hair for some time, I believe in the nourishing powers of coconut oil and am dedicated to harnessing and boosting its natural goodness to offer products that will feed, protect and beautify skin and hair.”
Coconut Tree’s range comprising of beautiful body washes, butters and balms as well as shampoo and conditioners contain coconut oil sourced from the South Pacific, offering the local rural people regular income and an improved standard of living. All ingredients are naturally derived and free from toxic ingredients including synthetic colours and fragrances, silicones, sulphates, parabens, PEG’s, glycols and mineral oils.
