Wash World

I am a huge fan of body wash in the shower. There’s nothing so invigorating when you wake up. I also don’t like the harshness of soap, so here’s a look at natural, paraben-free body washes from some eco brands…

I am a huge fan of body wash in the shower. There’s nothing so invigorating when you wake up. I also don’t like the harshness of soap, so here’s a look at natural, paraben-free body washes from some eco brands…

First up, Pure Fiji Coconut Crème Body Scrub with Starfruit Infusion ($35.50) is one of the coconut milk products from Pure Fiji that utilise the vitamin-rich creme to hydrate skin. Coconut milk is a wonder food that is now so popular in health drinks of late, and we are even cooking with the oil as it is so much healthier than vegetable oils. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used to prepare for self-tan to gently buff skin. Its subtly sweet scent is of island Starfruit.

Below: some of the gorgeous body washes we tried. They are all recyclable and free of animal-testing.

Next up, Linden Leaves Aromatherapy Synergy Shower Gel ($22.95) follows the aromatherapy concepts of emotions and physical wellbeing being intrinsically linked through the senses and scent; so it uses the blend of essential oils and fragrances to promote happiness. What a fabulous outcome from a morning shower. The oils it contains are mandarin, petitgrain, rosemary and lavender in a foaming shower gel base, and as with all Linden Leaves products, it is free from parabens, mineral oil and sodium lauryl sulphate.

I’ve been using various Trilogy products since they launched ten years ago and I have emptied their body wash bottles from constant use. I love this gently-scented gel with a thick consistency that makes you feel really clean. Trilogy Botanical Body Wash ($29.90) also uses aroma-therapeutic oils and botanicals Kawa Kawa and French lavender.

A good price for its size especially for this great German brand, Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash ($19.90) has the strongest fragrance of those I tried, for those who prefer a floral bouquet to start their day. As the name suggests, it is rich in roses, containing organic rosehip oil from the mosqueta rose together with organic oil of the damascena rose. It is a creamy wash, rather than foaming gel, and is aimed at hydrating dry or ageing skin.

I loved the thick and rich consistency of Savar Energising Body Wash ($38), and its refreshing, subtle lemon scent from lemon balm. I also found the pump bottle ideal for using in the shower, rather than fumbling around taking lids off wet bottles! Many may not yet be familiar with Savar as it is a very new brand, having onling recently been founded by NZ artist Vicky Woolford in 2011. It is made in New Zealand with 99% natural ingredients and is committed to sustainability with low carbon-emission practices and donates 10 percent of its profits to charities. Savar is sold online worldwide at the website www.savaronline.com and leading retailers.

It’s not often that you can visit the factory where skincare comes from, but that’s exactly what we did with Siminuvich Olive Estate at their olive harvest. We got to see first hand where their skincare range Olive is harvested and produced in Auckland. Here’s me picking olives, below, and the article is here.

Their Olive Hydrating Shower Gel ($17.95) is a rich gel that lathers well and left my skin feeling fully moisturised, rather than stripped of oils. As well as olive oils, it contains chamomile flower extract to soothe dry and irritated skin.

Kimi Organic Body Wash ($29) is another local Auckland woman’s brand, started to help with her own children’s sensitive skin needs. This creamy body cleanser is perfect for tose with sensitive skins that react to harsh soaps and cleansers, and has a mild and non-irritating formula to gently cleanse using organic shea butter and organic sunflower oil. it has a delicate fragrance from organic peppermint oil and organic rose otto oil.

The Aromatherapy Company Rose and Patchoulli Shower Gel is great value at $14 and smells amazing. It has a rich feel and a clear, foaming gel with 100% natural essential oils of rose, patchouli and ylang ylang with New Zealand manuka honey. It is free from sodium sulphates, mineral oils, parabens, artificial colours and fragrances and is available from Farmers and leading gift retailers.

Megan Robinson 5 August 2012