The Natural Beauty Brands that Changed the Industry!

There's so much incredible history behind our favourite products here on Nourished Life, that I decided to dedicate a whole post to learning more about them! It's amazing how people have been using and seeing benefits from these products for decades. There's nothing better than a natural product that stands the test of time!

1858 - Dr. Bronner's make the first liquid Castile Soap

Dr. Bronner created his "All-One" philosophy and love for ecological consciousness way back in 1858. This is when Dr. Bronner started manufacturing his now famous liquid Peppermint soap, which he sold during his lectures given at universities. He began to realise that his students were taking the soap without listening to what he had to say, so he wrote his philosophy in tiny script on the front of his labels!

In the 60s and 70s Dr. Bronner's soaps gained popularity, particularly with people who were part of countercultures. His soaps could be used to clean their bodies, their cars and even their clothing! In the 80s, Dr. Bronner's soaps were distributed into every American health food store, followed by mainstream stores. 2003 was a big year for the Dr. Bronner's company which was certified organic and recognised as the largest personal care company certified under the USDA National Organic Program. In 2007, they were formally certified as a Fair Trade Company. Today the Dr. Bronner's company is still a family business with 4th and 5th generations running the company. How incredible is that!

The Dr. Bronner's products that changed the industry

Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Did you know that the Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Liquid Soaps $12.95, have 18 different uses! Recently I wrote a whole blog post teaching you each and every way you can use this multipurpose product. They can be used as anything from a dog shampoo to a facial cleanser! The only problem will be choosing your favourite fragrance!

Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap
If you prefer using a bar of soap, the Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soaps $7.95, are a great alternative. Made with gentle ingredients, these soaps work into a creamy lather that can be used to clean your hair, face and body without leaving you feeling dry or irritated. It's perfect for the whole family!

1920 Weleda was born

Founded by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s, Weleda was made with a focus on biodynamic farming and anthroposophical medicine. In Switzerland, Dr Rudolf Steiner and Dr Ita Wegman developed this anthroposophic medicine which encouraged people to see their body, mind and spirit intrinsically linked to the world. This meant that everyone was part of a single holistic system. They believed that the body had the ability to heal itself, but natural products could improve the process. Weleda was developed as a personal care approach to health care. They used only natural ingredients and worked with the body holistically.

Weleda created the world's first biodynamic gardens that grew the ingredients for their skincare! Now available in over 50 countries worldwide, Weleda has stuck to their roots. They still cultivate their own biodynamic gardens and use natural ingredients that provide the body with a range of skincare benefits!

The Weleda products that have made history

Weleda Skin Food
One of Weleda's most famous products is the Weleda Skin Food $14.95. This multitask product can do pretty much anything for your skin! With a formula that hasn't changed since 1926, Skin Food is made with a rich blend of plant and flower extracts including Chamomile, Calendula and Wild Pansy. This calming product may be used for anything from a face mask for dehydrated skin to a split end treatment for damaged hair!

Weleda Salt Toothpaste
Another incredibly popular product is the Weleda Salt Toothpaste $9.95. This unique formula actually uses the natural components of your mouth to clean your teeth. It has a salty/minty taste that uses Sea Salt to stimulate salivation. Once you try this salt toothpaste you won't go back!

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant
The Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant $27.95 is another multipurpose product that can be used as a natural deodorant or a delightfully scented body spray! It's aluminium free and very gentle on the skin. Made with Organic Rose Leaf extract, you can spray throughout the day for a burst of aromatherapy.

1967 - Dr. Hauschka invents Rose water

Dr. Hauschka's interest in natural ingredients sparked during a lecture where he heard Dr Rudolph Steiner's advice to "study rhythm". He began to study how botanicals reacted to natural extremes and discovered how to create a water-based rose extract. In 1935, Dr. Hauschka helped found a holistic pharmaceutical company called WALA (warmth, ash, light, ash). This company began to create and manufacture anthroposophic and homeopathic remedies.

In the early 1960s Dr. Hauschka's esthetician, Elisabeth Sigmund, was using the benefits of traditional herbs to provide healthy skin. She too was interested in the rhythm of the skin and how the lymphatic system was involved. In June of 1967, Dr. Hauschka's skin care range of 100% natural products was introduced by Elisabeth Sigmund. This first range contained products that are still available today! These include the Cleansing Cream, Facial Toner, Clarifying Day Oil and Rose Day Cream, amongst others.

"When we developed these unconventional skin care products we naturally felt like rebels." - Elisabeth Sigmund

For nearly 50 years, Dr. Hauschka's skin care has been loved and used by people worldwide. With a focus on following the natural rhythm of the skin, this range works to support healthy and balanced skin!

The Dr. Hauschka products that made history

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
The Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream $62, is ultra nourishing and may be ideal for anyone with dry, sensitive or mature skin. It may soothe redness and irritation, while preventing the signs of premature ageing. It's a great day cream for the Winter months because it's deeply hydrating and keeps skin moisturised.

Dr. Hauschka Tinted Day Cream
Created in 1989, the Dr. Hauschka Tinted Day Cream $65, was the original BB cream. This is a beautiful true beige cream that illuminates the complexion. It has a light to medium coverage which may even out the skin tone, conceal blemishes and give your skin that sun kissed glow. It even works to balance out your skin's oil production and may help your skin appear tighter and toned!

Dr. Hauschka Starter Kits
If you're new to Dr. Hauschka skin care and want to try travel sized products, before you commit to the full size, I recommend trying their range of Starter Kits! There is one for each skin type and they're also the perfect size to take travelling!

1986 - Egyptian Magic launches and the do-everything balm is born!

Egyptian Magic has such an unusual history! It all started in 1986 when founder Westley Howard was approached in a restaurant by an elderly man. The old man told Westley that he had something important to reveal to him. The stranger's name was Dr. Imas and from that day on, periodically visited Mr. Howard in Washington. During his visits, he showed him how to make a skin cream containing the ingredients beeswax, bee pollen, royal jelly and bee propolis. It's believed that this formula was the exact same formula found in Egyptian tombs!

This miracle cream is now used worldwide and loved by everyone from doctors and hospitals to the fashion industry! It's a truly multipurpose product that can be used on a long list of skin conditions including nappy rash and mild forms of eczema. The Egyptian Magic All Purpose Cream $34.95, is famous around the world for its ability to treat almost any skin condition! It's made with six simple ingredients and may help heal skin issues such as acne, burns, scars and wrinkles. It's loved by everyone from makeup artists and celebrities to naturopaths and plastic surgeons!

1987 - Lavera is created in Germany

The Latin word Lavera means "the truth" which is relevant to the brand which focuses on all natural skincare! Lavera's products are 100% free from synthetic perfumes, colourants and preservatives. They may also be ideal for anyone with skin allergies as they are designed not to cause irritation. The company was founded by Thomas Hasse who long suffered with neurodermatitis (itchy skin disease like dermatitis). When Thomas was still very young, he developed an interest in alternative skin treatments as conventional remedies didn't seem to work. With an emphasis on healthy living, Thomas began experimenting with skincare. In 1975 he created his first lip balm which contained only three natural ingredients; beeswax, wool wax and olive oil.

After more than 10 years of research, in 1987 Lavera was founded. This range of natural cosmetics is still as popular as ever! With over 350 awards won, Lavera continues to produce innovative and health based products!

My favourite Lavera products!

Lavera Organic Fake Tan Lotion
The Lavera Organic Fake Tan Lotion $38.45, is an award winning formulation that gives a glowing tan in just 3 hours! It's a stunning, streak free lotion that may be great for those with dry skin. Unlike most chemical based fake tans, this lotion doesn't have leave an unpleasant lingering smell on the skin! It can be used on both the face and body.

Lavera Basis Anti-Ageing Moisturising Cream with Q10
If you're over 30 or have highly sensitive skin, the Lavera Basis Anti-Ageing Moisturising Cream with Q10 $25.95, may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and deeply moisturise the skin. This cream is formulated with Coenzyme Q10 which provides a boost of powerful antioxidants and may help give your skin a healthy glow.

Lavera 2-in-1 Cleansing Milk
If you're looking for a gentle cleanser that can also remove eye makeup, the Lavera 2-in1 Cleansing Milk $15.35, is suitable for all skin types. Rich in Vitamins A & E, this cleanser also contains soothing ingredients like Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter. This Lavera cleanser is the perfect natural alternative to many budget supermarket brands!

2005 - 100% Pure use fruit & vegetable pigments to colour their cosmetics

My absolute favourite natural skincare and beauty brand is 100% Pure! Founded in Napa, California in 2005, 100% Pure uses only healthy, natural ingredients. Founder Susie Wang, decided to create natural skin care while she was still in college! This came about after she invented a way to stabilise natural ingredients from oxidising in skincare. One of 100% Pure's most impressive features is that their products are naturally pigmented with fruits and vegetables! With beautiful stores all over the world, this company also lives and breathes sustainability and animal rights, and the founders of this company still own and run the company today.

The 100% Pure cult products!

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream
This award winning 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream $18.95, is one of my favourite products! It's made with Organic Green Coffee Beans, Green Tea and Rosehip Oil which may help improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and puffy eyes. It increases circulation so you can look wide awake. It's a definite skincare must have!

100% Pure Intensive Healing Moisture Balm
For a natural alternative to mainstream cold creams, the 100% Pure Intensive Healing Moisture Balm $39.95, may help heal dry, flaking and sore skin. I recommend using it to soothe sensitive skin conditions such as mild forms of eczema and inflamed skin, as it's filled with calming ingredients including Avocado Oil, Shea Butter and Almond Butter. Great for the whole family!

100% Pure Black Tea Mascara
The 100% Pure Black Tea Ultra Lengthening Mascara - Blackest Black $34.95 is a true phenomenon in the natural make up world. Consistently scoring 5 star reviews this amazing mascara is coloured with Black Tea leaf pigments, Cocoa and Blackberries. It has a delicious smell too, which is from the berries, and is also full of healthy lash nourishing ingredients including ProVitamin B5 and Vitamin E. It is smudge resistant and may be suitable for those with sensitive eyes.

(sources: pravera.co.uk, organicbeautytalk.com, Egyptian Magic, Weleda, Dr. Bronner's, Dr. Hauschka)