For lovers of minimalism, the Grown Alchemist packaging is design heaven. I must admit that the packaging was what created my initial desire to look into the brand, along with the Instagram flatlays that kept popping up on my feed that stirred up the urge to take some images using the products. However, looking past the cool aesthetic of Grown, I also had been thinking about making the switch to some natural beauty products that contain less toxic ingredients.
Grown Alchemist is an organic skincare brand that uses certified organic botanical ingredients to create beauty products that don't contain harmful chemicals. Their products don't contain Lauryl Sulphate Gylcols, Petrochemicals, Artificial Fragrance, Animal Derivatives, T.E.A, D.E.A, Synthetic Colours, Silicones or Parabens. (Find more information on these toxins here).
I will honestly confess that I am far from a skincare expert; I have never really had much of a skincare routine, and have only trialed a handful of brands before. I have a normal skin type, with a little dryness around my nose and some bumps from skin picking (a habit I'm trying to change!). I decided that it was time to be a little more mindful of my skin and begin a skincare routine with a small selection of Grown Alchemist products to see whether they would make a noticeable difference.
PRODUCTS USED:
Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser: Geranium Leaf, Bergamot & Rose-Bud - 200ml
Balancing Toner: Rose Otto, Ginseng & Chamomile - 200ml
Facial Polishing Exfoliant: Pink Grapefruit & Glucomannan Extract - 75ml
Matte Balancing Moisturiser: Acai-Berry & Borango
Lip Balm: Watermelon & Vanilla 12ml
I use the cleanser, toner, and moisturiser every morning and night, and use the exfoliant in the morning only.
Cleanser: I certainly look forward to my morning routine using this gel cleanser as I've found that the smell is delightful (the rose scent smells natural and isn't overpowering), the pump bottle is easy to use, it foams significantly and feels super fresh and invigorating. I'm definitely a fan!
Toner: The balancing toner is light, hydrating and feels wonderfully refreshing. It contains ginseng, antioxidants from aloe-vera and rose otto to visibly smoothe and tighten the skin.
Exfoliant: By far my favourite product is the Pink Grapefruit & Glucomannan Extract Facial Polishing Exfoliant, as it has a subtle, natural smell and the beads are a perfect size as they are just rough enough to polish away my dry skin. I find that after using this my skin feels revitalised, smoother and noticeably more radiant.
Moisturiser: The moisturiser worked effectively for hydrating my skin, and I have found that my skin is smoother and softer. I'm not a huge fan of the smell of this product and I find that in combination with the tube that it comes in, reminds me of using antiseptic - not something that I want to be rubbing all over my face. So personally I would rather use this moisturiser that comes from a squeeze/pump bottle, or pot. Overall however, the functional benefits outweigh the negatives because it has done wonders for visibly smoothing my skin and its bio-active ingredients and anti-oxidants play a part in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and signs of aging.
Lip Balm: Whilst the watermelon scent reminds me of a Lipsmacker (which personally I think gives it an artificial feel), this lip balm contains watermelon extract, antioxidant tryglycerides from shea butter and jojoba oil as well as sweet almond and rosehip. I have found it to be quite addictive, and I love the natural shine and softness that it adds to my lips. I'm afraid of using the whole tube too quickly!
Using these products in combination, I have already felt a huge difference in my skin; it now feels extremely supple, soft and hydrated. The dryness around my nose has reduced and my skin appears more vibrant. Overall, the Grown Alchemist products have definitely exceeded my expectations, they add an extra moment of self-care and luxury to my day and the greatest part is that I now look forward to my skincare routine and am more mindful of taking care of my skin!
Have you used Grown Alchemist before? What are your thoughts on natural/organic beauty products?