As we've become more aware of the chemical nasties going into the products we eat, we've also started paying a lot more attention to what goes into the stuff we put on our skin. The mysteries behind those obscure ingredients are starting to unravel, and in many cases it should comes as no surprise when a product that's meant to be good for your skin makes you itch like fury; it probably contains a cocktail of chemicals.
So, the sensitive-skinned among us will welcome the arrival of Elave skin products in the UK, previously only available in Ireland. It's an organic, 'chemically safe' range, free from all of these commonly used, potentially harmful ingredients. None of Elave's products are (or ever were) tested on animals, making them an ethical as well as a healthy choice.
Don't know your parabens from your phthalates? There's a useful source for identifying chemical ingredients and information on why you might want to avoid them at organic skincare site LoveLula.com.
From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes