Safe cosmetics are as much about the recipe and what's omitted from the jar of which Neal's Yard Remedies (NYR) nods to the naturally nice and gives a head-shake to synthetic nasties.
"Consumers are now more aware of harmful chemicals and seek personal care and cosmetics without them," said Sumanus Montrechok, who co-founded Covent Garden (Thailand) with Promruck Limsodsai.
As NYR importers, they opened the first counter at Paragon department store in early 2016, and recently added another location at The Emporium for the retailing of natural and organic products.
The British brand itself first opened its doors at Neal's Yard in Covent Garden. In 1981, it was one of the few companies against using chemicals, which has now become more commonplace with the natural beauty movement.
Ten compounds are on its blacklist, including parabens due to the lack of safety data, phthalates that are banned from the EU market, and synthetic fragrances triggering allergies and asthma.
Another common cosmetic ingredient, petroleum jelly has also been given the thumbs down.
Derived from petroleum, mineral oils and petroleum jelly have raised health concerns since they can accumulate over time and can contain toxic chemicals when not fully refined.
"Petroleum jelly has been used in making cosmetics because of the occlusive property, forming a barrier against moisture evaporation from the skin, but they don't truly function as a moisturising agent," Sumanus noted.
While excluding the controversial compounds, NYR sources natural and organic herbs, botanicals and essential oils in formulating its products. Additionally, organic vegetables are used as natural emollients rather than blacklisted synthetic silicone.
The new counter at The Emporium allows exploring the various skincare collections, such as rehydrating Rose with organic rose essential oil from Iran and age-defying Frankincense Intense with organic frankincense essential oil from northern Kenya.
A shelf is dedicated to a range of essential oils, each bottle delivering different aromatherapy such as cleansing lemon, balancing geranium and relaxing frankincense.
"The counter is designed to encourage product testing and with a space to hold workshops for our customers, such as on using essential oils to enhance well-being," Sumanus said.
