Skincare - mini report

Soap and water might be enough for some, but a large proportion of the population uses some kind of skincare products to moisturise, cleanse or to smooth over the bumpy bits. Although the big names may dominate the market in terms of units sold, we’re seeing an increasing number of companies offering more ethical alternatives.

Because there are so many skincare products available, we have not scored any positive product attributes for this table. This means that the maximum score available for brand will be 15. However, Organic Blue, (020 8424 8844), Neal’s Yard Remedies (01747 834 634) and Green People (01403 740 350) are all committed to sourcing organic ingredients for their products. Weleda (0115 9448200) uses biodynamic (a type of organic certification) ingredients wherever it can. Faith in Nature (0161 764 2555) also uses some organic ingredients.

Vegans might want to avoid animal derivatives in their skincare products. Ingredients to watch out for include honey, beeswax, silk, collagen and lanolin. Faith in Nature, Lush, Neal’s Yard, Organic Blue, Honesty Cosmetics (01629 814 888), Weleda, Green People and Body Shop all make some skincare products suitable for vegans.

Finally, consumers might also be concerned about the chemicals used in the products that they put next to their skin. Campaigners such as Greenpeace, WWF, Women’s Environmental Network and FOE warn consumers to avoid ingredients such as parabens, artificial musks and phthalates. Receiving the highest rating on the Greenpeace website (www.greenpeace.org.uk/Products/Toxics/index.cfm) are Green People and Weleda. Weleda and Body Shop’s Olive dry oil mist receive the best rating on the WWF safer shopping website. http://safershopping.wwf.org.uk/