Ethique is one of my all-time favourite skin care brands – for myself and my babies

It’s Plastic Free July. Which makes me feel a bit sad actually because the world is so far from being plastic free it’s not even funny. It’s 2017 and we all know better and yet STILL we have to petition supermarkets against individually wrapping vegetables and sitting them on styrofoam trays. The world’s oceans are choking with plastic, which our fish are consuming and we’re then eating. In fact, it’s predicted that by 2050 the oceans will contain more plastic than fish. My heart truly breaks at the thought.

Since having children, my eco consciousness has been heightened because obviously I don’t want them to grow up on a planet that has been trashed and I want them to be aware of the impact that consumerism and its resulting rubbish from packaging has on our world.

Fortunately there is a Kiwi company that recognises there is a problem and is doing something about it.

In 2012 Brianne was in her second year of a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Canterbury when she discovered a way to create solid shampoos. (NB: I have tried many of her solid shampoos and conditioner bars and can vouch for the fact they are ah-mazing. Heck, even Britney Spears is a fan.) Ethique, (pronounced Eh-tique) is the French word for ‘ethical’ and now has its own manufacturing facility with a customised lab where Brianne formulates cutting-edge products that marry science with nature.  All Ethique products use ethically sourced, naturally-derived and sustainable ingredients. And of course, there’s no plastic packaging for any of her products, which are sold in compostable packaging, meaning zero consumer waste. Ethique now boasts more than 30 solid beauty bars in its range, including solid shampoos for different hair types as well as conditioners, cleansers, scrubs, moisturisers, serums, a self-tanning bar, pet shampoo, men’s shampoo/shaving bar and household cleaners. I am in the process of using up or donating many of my old hair and skin care products so that I can make a permanent switch to Ethique. If you’re keen to try her products look into a sampler pack, which is an ideal way to see what works for you.

I have recently tried a couple of Ethique baby products including Oaty Delicious, their baby shampoo bar, which is formulated with oats and coconut oil as well as lavender and chamomile oils. It can be used to wash their skin as well, which as a busy mama I really appreciate. One of my boys has eczema and I believe the oats in this can help to soothe his itchy skin. I actually also tried this shampoo myself and it was wonderful on my coloured hair too. These solid shampoo bars are the equivalent to three bottles of shampoo which is not only a great saving, but I love the way they take up so little space in the shower, which is usually a place that is easily cluttered by plastic bottles.

When it comes to body wash, I am usually a Dr Bronner’s girl, but for something more creamy and luxurious, the Ethique Sweet Orange and Vanilla Creme Body Wash Bar is an absolute pleasure to use. On days when I am prepping for a fake tan, I also really like to use their Lime and Ginger Body Polish to exfoliate my skin, it’s quite gritty so it does a thorough job yet feels conditioning at the same time. I also recently made the switch from aluminium based anti-perspirants and was thrilled to try out their Lavender and Vanilla Glow Solid Deodorant. The fact that this is solid makes it sooo much nicer to use than the paste deodorant that I was currently using. This one is free of baking soda, smells really yummy and helps to reduce sweating as well as keep you freshly scented all day long. It is winter, so granted it’s not put to the test as much as it would be on a scorching hot day, but so far so good – it lasts perfectly for me – even through a good sweaty workout.

I really can’t rave enough about this amazing brand and I feel everyone in the world should be using their products – and a lot less plastic. If you haven’t tried Ethique yet, give their website a visit and get ready to fall in love with this amazing brand.