Natural and organic

Natural Products News is produced by a Diversified Communications UK, a Brighton-based publisher and event organiser.

Last year, it covered how the natural and organic personal care sector is being driven by health concerns.

A Consumer Insights report by Organic Monitor revealed that concerns regarding synthetic chemicals were driving consumers to switch to natural and organic personal care products. The Soil Association logo is most associated with certified products, with nearly 30% of buyers seeking it out.

The 2014 study found that 90% of UK consumers of natural and organic products in this sector cited that the "avoidance of synthetic chemicals" was either important or very important to them. Almost two-thirds named parabens. Regarding price, 72% of participants said they'd pay up to 20% more; 12% said they would pay a premium of more than 30%.

Interestingly, although the number of brands has mushroomed in the United Kingdom, established producers still comprise the most sales in every product category. Weleda, Dr Haushcka, and Jason Natural are among the market-leaders.

In fact, Weleda's new Evening Primrose Age Revitalising range has just won a Good Housekeeping "Reader Recommended" award following a month-long trial by readers. The collection is aimed at women in their mid-50s. Its formulations aim to restore radiance and firmness to mature skin, strengthen resilience and improve elasticity.

The range specifically supports the changing needs of post-menopausal skin, which can lead to uneven skin tone, hyper-pigmentation, or darker under-eye circles. This skin is prone to becoming drier and thinner so deeply penetrating products are key to finding a balance.

Essential fatty acid-rich Evening Primrose oil is the base, plus nurturing wheat germ, macadamia, sesame and Inca nut oils, and plant extracts to boost collagen production and cell regeneration, topped off by some marshmallow root to soothe.

The three products are Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Day Cream; Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Night Cream; and Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Eye and Lip Cream.

The great thing here is affordability as well as credibility; everything is under £20. Plus, I spotted a 20% off deal on www.naturisimo.com - which helps things along nicely.

The Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Day Cream has also won a "New for 2015 Platinum Award" from Janey Lee Grace in her pick of the most promising new natural launches for 2015.

Sounds good to me, but I'd love to hear what readers think, if you try it, too.

For Natural Products News, visit: www.naturalproductsonline.co.uk.