Here at Greenscents we want to share information on how to prevent eczema in babies and help mothers keep their babies healthy. Protection against eczema in babies as well as asthma is so important as these allergies are so common these days. This is why we always recommend our fragrance-free Nonscents range for anyone with sensitive skin.
So we want to tell you about organic skincare company, Odylique, who are a small family business like us. They are also certified by The Soil Association. We spoke to their Digital Marketing Manager, Beccy Rushton.
Can you tell us a bit about your company?
We are an award winning, family-run company, specialising in additive-free, fully certified organic, 100% natural skincare. Each product is hand-made and formulated to the highest quality, using organic herbs, plant oils and other therapeutic natural, active ingredients.
How and why was Odylique set up?
Our founder, Margaret, began making natural skincare in her kitchen over 30 years ago, as she was desperate to find a remedy for her family’s eczema problems. She felt there must be a healthier, more effective way to make skin care than using petroleum and artificial additives. So, armed with qualifications in herbal medicine and aromatherapy, and a passion for the genius of nature, she set about creating truly effective formulations. They were based only on organic herbs, plant oils and natural active ingredients that were compatible with the most sensitive skin.
The result was Odylique – which means ‘power of nature’ that she launched as a company with her daughter Abi and husband, Colin, in 2003.
What are the most important things mothers should look for when choosing products for their baby?
Choosing products for your baby is a very personal thing and we would emphasise that it’s up to parents to make their own choices. We do believe though, that whether skincare, food, household products or clothing, choosing the most environmentally responsible products is the right direction. Choosing organic and other sustainable ingredients / materials where possible is a step everyone can take to help protect the planet and their children for future generations. It can also be helpful to avoid common allergens such as products with peanuts or dairy, if there is a family history of eczema.
Why do you believe it is important for baby products to be certified organic?
When it comes to skincare, organic certification is the only way to be sure that the product is as pure as you would like it to be. It should be, for example, free from artificial fragrance, parabens, harsh detergents and other potentially harmful ingredients. There is no regulation for cosmetic products though, so just saying organic on the packaging isn’t enough. You need to look for an official certification mark, such as the Soil Association, and be wary of the fake symbols!
What steps are you taking to reduce plastic in your packaging?
Every single piece of packaging we use has a careful decision process behind it. We use glass wherever possible, and where it makes sense, but it’s not a simple black and white issue of ‘glass is good and plastic is bad’. There are safety reasons to use plastic rather than glass – for example in bathrooms, and especially with baby products. And also environmental ones – the carbon footprint of recycling and transporting glass is far higher than for plastic. The key issue is recycling – both ensuring the recycled content in plastic containers is as high as possible, and ensuring that the packaging is recycled so as to restrict environmental damage. Most of Odylique’s plastic bottles, jars and tubes are made from recycled material – and made just half an hour from our eco-HQ.
Do you have any advice for pregnant mums as well?
Many women discover organic products when they’re expecting and that’s – no pun intended – completely natural. Pregnant mums want the best for their baby and many want to eat and live as healthily as possible to give their baby the best start in life. Our advice for pregnant mums is to keep active, listen to your body, and eat what you feel like. And don’t forget to look after all the areas of your skin that are stretching!
Do you think it’s important that mothers choose organic laundry and cleaning products?
Yes – the fragrances and other harsh ingredients in washing powders can trigger allergies – particularly in families prone to eczema.
To find out more about how to prevent eczema in babies by using Odylique products, just visit www.odylique.co.uk