BALANCE’s Beauty Editor Jess Punter shines a spotlight on the beauty brands that are making a positive impact and trying to revolutionise the industry

Today’s switched-on shoppers are constantly seeking new and innovative products for their skincare regimes. And here at BALANCE, we know our readers expect mindful ingredients and low impact packaging as standard. And it’s a growing trend. According to a new report from the Soil Association, the UK market for certified organic and natural products has risen by 23% over the last year*, driven by consumer demand for genuinely conscious products. Pioneering, holistic beauty brands have risen to the challenge; responding with efficacious natural ingredients and refined formulas that harness the latest technology.

BALANCE has partnered with Latest In Beauty to bring its audience a box of beauty wonders from a long list of cult brands. “BALANCE is on a mission to champion the people, products and brands that are trying to make the world a better place”, Sophie Scott, BALANCE Founder and Editor-in-Chief explains. “That’s why we’re particularly excited about the launch of this ‘Changemakers in Beauty’ box. There are so many ground-breaking beauty brands out there that are thinking differently when it comes to formulation, innovation, sustainability and packaging,” says Sophie. “We’ve selected our favourite ‘hero‘ products, each with its own unique selling point, but they all have one thing in common: a drive to show that progress is possible.”

The box contains sixteen generous travel minis for face, body and hair. 

It’s the Inside That Counts

The experience begins with Murad’s Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser. “Murad has a truly pioneering and scientific approach to skincare – and it shows in the products’ efficacy,” explains Sophie. This Vitamin C cleanser counteracts damaging free radicals and works to protect your skin against environmental aggressors.

Rich botanical ingredients are a common feature in the selected facial care products; Dr Botanicals Hemp Infused Natural Nutrition Moisturiser contains all of hemp seed oil’s 21 amino acids, while Jurlique’s Supreme Restorative Rich Cream for nourishing days and nights is infused with nature (the brand hand-harvests each plant at the height of its vitality).

Although one of the smaller products in the box, Tropic Super Greens Nutrient Boost Oil is certainly mighty. “This is an award-winning brand that wants to be a force for good beyond beauty, collaborating with United World Schools, working for every child to have the chance to go to school,” says Sophie, “also this lush oil is packed with broccoli, kale and Vitamin C, making it rich in antioxidants.”

See the Difference

If you are looking to reveal a healthy glow and smooth, supple skin, this box provides the optimal routine, with each step brought to you by a pioneer in their respective field. 

Start your regime with the Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque by Kiehl’s, the original New York apothecary. The masque contains sustainably sourced Thai Ginger Leaf (which smells amazing), plus Kiehl’s deserve a special mention for their commitment to incentivising customers to recycle (10 empties = 1 free travel-sized product). Next up, apply a layer of SuperSerum 6-Acid Refining Treatment from GLAMGLOW, arguably the biggest and best-known cream-based mask brand in the world. Then finish off with Skinlongevity Vital Power Infusion from bareMinerals, the leaders of the mineral makeup revolution.

When most of us are prioritising our daytime run or walk, protect your skin from the elements with REN’s Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen. “REN are the ultimate changemakers in beauty – always pioneering products that are clean for the skin and for the planet,” says Sophie. “They were the first premium skincare brand to sign up to the LOOP initiative. The tube of this SPF is made from 50% recycled plastic and the cap from 100% recycled plastic. With 22% non-nano naturally derived Zinc Oxide, this SPF protects your skin even on cloudy days. It’s also an amazing primer for makeup.”

When stress or tiredness is getting the better of you, give tired peepers a lift with Patchology’s Moodpatch Chill Mode Eye Gels. “A lot of products contain hemp seed oil, but fewer are formulated with cannabis sativa seed oil, like these eye patches,” says Sophie, “the innovation behind the brand is super cool; their background in medical patch technology means none of the product goes to waste, and the ingredients are really absorbed into the skin.”

Afterwards, soothe the delicate eye area with Botanics Hydrating Eye Cream. It is 80% organic and formulated in partnership with Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens.

Be The Change

Treat your locks to Davines’ melon-infused Momo Conditioner. The Italian haircare brand is proud of its ethical foundations. “As a B Corp brand, Davines believes in an alternative business model where respect for people and the environment is the focus of everyday activities,” explains Sophie. Founded in Parma, the company maintains an artisanal approach to haircare formulation. Products are generated with renewable electric energy and are packed with ingredients from natural origins whilst using minimal plastic.

The deliciously scented body regime features a Coconut Oil & Ylang Ylang Shower Gel from Love Beauty and Planet, smoothing Rêve de Miel Body Scrub from Nuxe, hydrating Wild Rose Pampering Body Oil from Weleda and mood-enhancing Sapphire & Oud Relaxing Foot Cream from Prismologie.

The timely inclusion of Nursem Caring Hand Cream, which contains medical-grade Manuka honey and soothing White Willow extract, will rescue chapped hands. The natural hand salve brand was founded to support our vital NHS workers and their relentlessly washed hands. Nursem provide a month’s worth of free product to a nurse or midwife for every product sold. If there was ever a time for hand cream, it’s now, and if there was ever a time to make that Nursem, it’s most certainly now.

With ten skincare items, five body products and one nourishing conditioner, this blissful box of beautifiers has a total value of £120, and is exclusively yours for just £30.

To claim your box, visit www.latestinbeauty.com/changemakers and quote CHANGEFPP for free P&P