With rising concerns around the effect of chemicals on our environment, and indeed our skin, more and more people are opting for greener and more natural products. According to new research from the Soil Association, the UK’s leading organic certification body, the UK organic market is now worth £2.33 billion and is expected to reach £2.5 billion by 2020. So, it makes sense that both natural and organic beauty brands are enjoying having a moment in the sun.

However, there is a difference between ‘natural’ and ‘organic’. In order for a product to be certified organic, it must contain no GM, no toxic chemicals, no parabens, no synthetic fragrances, no nanoparticles and must not be tested on animals. Confusingly, ‘natural’ is a commonly used term when it comes to beauty and skincare products. Although ‘natural’ should mean that the product contains no ingredients made in a lab, the term is not regulated by a governing body, so really, any brand could stick a ‘natural’ logo on their products and in fact be full of chemicals and synthetics.

If you’re ever unsure, just look for the Soil Association logo which appears on the back of all certified products, indicating that the product is certified organic.

To help guide you on your organic journey we’ve rounded up some of our favourite go-to organic, and genuinely natural skincare brands.

PAI

This certified organic and vegan skincare brand believes in ‘quality, purity and transparency’. All Pai products are specifically formulated for sensitive skin and are free from parabens, alcohol, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, detergents (SLS/SLES) and artificial fragrance. Going one step further, in 2015 the brand phased out all laminated packaging boxes to instead use glass wherever possible to make their products easier to recycle. In addition to this, the 2ooml Cleanser now comes in a recyclable bioplastic tube derived from sustainably sourced Sugarcane.

TRY…Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask + Cloth (£30). Suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, this gentle 10-minute mask with natural anti-bacterial properties gently cleanses to decongest the skin and heal blemishes without drying skin out.

BOTANICALS SKINCARE

Award-winning Vegan Natural Organic Skincare brand Botanicals Skincare is one of the few companies specialising in body-care products to be licensed by the Soil Association. Harnessing the power of plants, Botanicals strives to keep all of their products as close to nature as possible, blending every single product by hand. All formulations are free from skin irritants such as petrochemicals, sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate and propylene glycol and hormone-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates.

TRY…Revitalising Hand & Body Wash (£15). This palm oil and detergent-free body cleanser with refreshing lemongrass and mandarin oils and anti-bacterial tea tree awakens the senses leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated. Made entirely with natural ingredients this plant-based cleanser washes the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

TABITHA JAMES KRAAN HAIR ORGANICS

In 1999, husband and wife duo Dennes & Tabitha opened the first sustainable, holistic, organic hair salon in the UK. Having studied ancient rituals and herbs, organic and biodynamic growing practices Tabitha & Dennes decided to supply their salons with their own organic haircare range, Tabitha James Kraan Hair Organics as of 2013.

TRY…Amber Rose Hair Cleanser 165ml (£25). This revolutionary shampoo alternative works to restore hair and scalp health while nourishing and protecting the hair to give your locks incredible shine and body. Formulated using certified organic aloe vera, oatmilk, argan oil, coconut oil, rosehip oil and essential oils of rose, patchouli, neroli, chamomile and ylang ylang this is a fantastic natural option to help you escape harsh chemical washes.

LUCY BEE

Starting off with Coconut Oil as the brands only product, Lucy Bee has grown to produce a range of products to include oils, soaps, bath salts and other store cupboard essentials. Caring deeply for the environment, Lucy Bee strives for all products to be as organic, extra virgin, raw and Fair Trade as possible. What’s more, the brand also insists on using only recyclable packaging and applies easy-peel labels to all products to encourage re-use.

TRY…Body Exfoliator Balm (£20). Made using Dead Sea salt and coconut sugar this 100% natural scrub exfoliates and detoxifies the skin by removing dead skin cells, encouraging skin cell turnover for soft and stimulated skin. The subtle scent of grapefruit and mandarin pure, organic, essential oils works to invigorate the senses as you buff and polish the skin.

NATURAL DEODORANT CO.

Every single one of the Natural deodorant Co.’s products is 100% natural, free from preservatives, alcohol, artificial fragrance & palm oil and are all certified cruelty-free and the brand is registered with The Vegan Society. Taking things one step further, all full-size deodorant pots are now plastic-free, and it has been promised that the travel sizes will soon follow.

TRY…Clean Deodorant Balm Palmarosa + Mandarin (£2.50-£11). Launched in early 2015, the brands award-winning Clean Deodorant Balm Range uses a clever combination of antibacterial magnesium to absorb wetness, and sodium bicarbonate to stop odour-causing bacteria, to provide all-day odour protection while coconut oil and shea butter nourish delicate underarm skin.

NAZAN SCHNAPP SKINCARE

All Nazan Schnapp skincare products are 100% natural and vegan and are all manufactured and handcrafted in Zürich, Switzerland. Blending organic botanicals with the finest natural clays, precious gemstones and minerals, Nazan Schnapp uses the most effective and natural ingredients from across the globe. Absolutely no fillers or preservatives can be found in their products and the brand is PETA verified cruelty-free & vegan.

SAINT IRIS ADRIATICA

All Saint Iris Adriatica products contain 100% sustainable ingredients and the brand is proud to be cruelty-free. Saint Iris Adriatica also uses only 100% natural fragrance and all products are free from parabens, mineral oils, silicones, sulphates and propylene glycol. The range consists of only 5 skincare products (plus a masking brush) so you can rest assured, that this limited collection has been thoroughly considered.

TRY…Vitality Spritz (£45). This award-winning mist hydrates skin on the go to boost both the body and mind, leaving skin feeling cool and calm. One of the Spritz’s hero ingredients is the antioxidant-rich Adriatic fermented lemon peel has that has been found to effectively brighten skin. Another is the seaweed protein aids that works to improve collagen and elastin formation, helping to keep skin healthy and resilient, while 20 wild plant oils and wildflower essences hydrate, nourish and restore radiance to dehydrated and stressed skin.