Vegan Beauty brand of the week: Organic Botanics

Considering that 60% of what we apply to our skin is absorbed into our bodies and most conventional beauty products contain a cornucopia of synthetic chemicals that have been linked with a variety of illnesses, including cancer, it seems crazy not to buy organic beauty products. Almost 100% of all plant products used in cosmetics are grown with artificial chemical fertilisers and sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, leaving residues of these substances in non-organic ingredients and therefore products. If you think about it logically, a pestcide is designed to repel or destroy particular pests, whether insects, fungi or bacteria and so it follows on that these chemicals can cause adverse reactions in our skin cells.

Along with poisoning human beings, ironically in the name of beauty, there are still beauty products that are tested on millions of animals, to evaluate the toxicity of the chemicals used in those products. Rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits and other animals are forced to swallow or inhale huge doses of toxic substances, or else endure the pain of chemicals burning into their eyes or shaved skin, whilst they are completely immobilised with restraints. Manufacturers that have sanctioned such treatment in the name of beauty, couldn't be further away from the true realisation of that term. There is no beauty to be found in the suffering of living beings.

Brands who stick their neck out and create genuinely natural products are a breath of fresh air in a world of mass-produced, chemical infused 'beauty' products. Even better are those companies who refuse to test on animals and avoid the inclusion of animal ingredients in their beauty and skin-care items.

My brand of the week, Organic Botanics, is an ethical, family run company, which was established by herbalist and vegetarian Celsi Richfield and her family, over eight years ago. Celsi has been producing natural skincare for over 20 years and eventually she came up with Organic Botanics, a range of unique vegan and cruelty free products with certified organic ingredients and thankfully without chemical nasties, such as: parabens, artificial colour, synthetic perfume, chemical UV filters and petro-chemicals.

Organic Botanic's range of skin-care products consist of organically grown cool-pressed plant oils, herbal extracts, floral waters, aloe-vera, pure essential oils and other lush, natural ingredients. Having sampled a few of their products I am now officially a huge fan and their Moisturising Nutritive creams (rich in natural vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants with a natural UV filter) and Satin Body Lotion (rich in vitamin E and sunflower, almond and apricot kernel oil) will be taking pride of place on my bathroom shelf, alongside my other organic and vegan beauty brand favourite, Raw Gaia. If you haven't tried Organic Botanics yet, I suggest you do so right away!