NEOM Organics founder Nicola Elliott set up her company in 2005 to provide a luxury alternative to organic skincare products that sometimes have a rather worthy image.
She is convinced that organic is best for skin. Here she explains why.
Nicola says, 'One of the main reasons I use organic skin care is the plain fact of harmful chemicals being in so many beauty products, and the effects they have on your skin.
'According to new estimates, your skin can absorb up to 60% of substances - that's into your bloodstream. And the average woman is using over 250 chemicals every day on her skin.
'Many synthetic product manufacturers include 'penetration enhancers' to allow the chemicals to absorb deeper into the skin - so to many consumers, that sounds great: that the product is sinking deep into the skin. But in fact, this level of absorption means the chemicals eventually could go into the kidneys and liver, and (depending how long you use them) for decades. Nobody really knows about the cumulative effects of this long-term use.'
We'd all love to avoid ingesting unnecessary chemicals, but at the same time, we want products that actually work. How can you make sure your natural or organic skincare products will do some good?
Nicola advises, 'Choose cleverly and, wherever possible, go for what is actually natural AND organic. Watch out for labels that boast 'natural ingredients' or products 'inspired by nature' - this means nothing - a product only needs to have 1% natural ingredients in it to be allowed to call itself 'natural'.
'Nature really does offer up some of the most beneficial, gorgeous things to use on our skins - oils, butters, essences, herbs, fruit and leaf extracts. It's crazy not to use what is out there, wherever possible in its purest form. And believe me, your skin will thank you for it.'
Find out more about NEOM Organics products
What do those logos mean? Organic beauty explained
