Yes, I know it has always sold such things, but for me it never seemed that appealing — just rather worthy and a limited choice of brands. Well now the matter has been put right... and how. Not just a nod towards this rapidly growing market, but a great big leap into it, with it's own exclusive to Holland & Barrett range: Dr organic.
In fact it's a collection of six ranges, each revolving around an ingredient recognised for its specific properties: aloe vera (soothing); pomegranate (antioxidant); tea tree (healing and purifying); vitamin E (protective); lavender (calming) and manuka honey (nourishing and restoring). And within each group is an all-encompassing line of products from body butters and eye creams to lip balms, shampoos and deodorant — around 60 in total.
And as the name states, the ingredients are not just natural but organic — no parabens, no potentially harmful sodium laurel sulphates, no GMOs, no animal products or mineral oils or artificial perfumes. And unlike most toiletries that are made up of 50-70% water, where possible Dr organic products use aloe vera as the main ingredient instead, which helps other active ingredients to absorb more efficiently.
Such a broad range of organic toiletries available on the high street is a bonus in itself, but what's particularly impressive, is that this line — which comes with the all-important Bio-Cert seal of approval — is priced so reasonably. From £2.49 (toothpaste) to £8.99 (body butter) it's far more accessible than most comparable organic ranges.
But is it any good? Sceptic may argue that organic toiletries (such as those with no chemical foaming agents or strong perfume for instance) rarely feel as luxurious as they'd like. I can't vouch for the whole line but I can certainly recommend the 100% Organic Manuka Honey Foot & Heel Cream (£4.99). Even if you don't have "sore, dry, cracked and smelly" feet, you can't help but appreciate this really rich and lusciously soothing cream, which smells good enough to spread on toast and eat. My partner, who's on his feet all day at work and then runs every evening, is addicted to it now.
I didn't think I'd be needing an aftersun lotion quite so soon, but after some intense exposure over an unexpectedly hot weekend, I treated my burnt shoulders to the 100% Organic Aloe Vera Skin Lotion (£5.99). it takes a while to absorb, but it's saved my skin from blistering and feels instantly cooling. The cocoa and shea butters, olive and sunflower oils in it mean that it also helps to prevent dryness. i've also slathered it on nettle stings — much more pleasant than being rubbed by a dockleaf!
A friend who is pregnant and has found her skin much drier than usual, has been using the 100% Organic Manuka Honey Rescue cream and is thrilled to find that the cocktail of honey, mosqueta rose, almond oil, borage oil, shea and coca butters... the list is endless, is moisturising her face without causing irritation. So result!
From Holland & Barrett shops nationwide. 0870 606 6605 www.hollandandbarrett.com |
