Natural cosmetic brands from Thailand
Bamboo Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Soap
A handy and natural alternative to conventional face cleansers is the Bamboo Charcoal & Tea Tree Oil Soap by Srann (120g/B429). The midnight black bar is especially effective for those suffering from oily and acne-prone skin. Bamboo charcoal is highly absorbent, and cleans deep inside the skin pores. Without leaving residue, it allows the pores to breathe and be naturally moisturised.
Meaning ‘being happy’ in Thai, Srann is a family business based in Northern Thailand’s Phrae province, and produces handmade soaps and organic skincare from local ingredients, including clean rainwater, cold pressed oils and home-grown herbs with natural healing properties. No chemicals are used in the soap making process ensuring that the by-products don’t contaminate the water supply. Pop by their store when in Chiang Mai (28/2 Nimmanhemin Rd. Lane 17), or order online via their website at: www.srann.co. For those interested, Srann also offers volunteering opportunities and soap making workshops.
Coffee Detox Shower Gel
If you need your coffee to wake up in the morning, why not use it to give your body a fresh start as well? The caffeine in the Coffee Detox Shower Gel by Panya Natural and Organic (200ml/B550) has numerous positive benefits for the body. It is said to brighten up dull looking skin, fight cellulite, and reduce swelling as it activates blood circulation. Its nutrients help keep the skin hydrated, and due to its amount of antioxidants, caffeine also protects the skin from damage by free radicals. Panya Natural and Organic is a Thai brand, and produces a range of 100 per cent organic beauty products, using natural ingredients from various regions in Thailand. The brand is both environmentally conscious, and also tries to support local communities. Their products are available both in Thailand and overseas. Either head to Panya Natural & Spa (28, Sukhumvit Soi 29) or check out their online shop at: www.panyaspa.com.
Ginger & Citrus Revitalizing Body Scrub
Wake up and refresh your senses with the spirit-lifting Ginger & Citrus Revitalizing Body Scrub by Bynature (250g/B160). In addition to cleansing and conditioning the skin, its antiseptic ginger oil helps increase blood circulation. A citrus oil blend is used to reduce puffiness, clear blemishes, increase perspiration, and assist the release of toxins, while walnut shell exfoliates and removes excess oil, dirt and dead skin, leaving it soft, smooth and naturally nourished. The brand is based in the Nonthaburi province, and their products are 99 per cent natural, plant-based, and free of pesticides and other nasty chemicals, including silicones, parabens and ethoxylate. To ensure environmental friendliness, these affordable toiletries come in recyclable or reusable packaging, and are available in select health and department stores, including Lemon Farm (Sukhmvit 39), Pure by Big (Rajadamri), and in Siam Paragon’s Gourmet Market. For more products, check out their website at: www.bynatureshop.com.
Essential Deodorant with Magnesium Chloride
While natural cosmetic products are becoming more and more popular, one of the most sensitive body parts is often forgotten: the armpits. The skin under your arms can absorb nearly 100 per cent of what is put on into the blood stream, and therefore, it’s important to stay away from toxic ingredients including aluminium, chlorohydrate and parabens, still found in most conventional deodorants. A welcoming alternative is the effective, and totally toxin-free Essential Deodorant by Essential Posology (40ml/B150). Its main ingredient Magnesium Chloride is also highly beneficial for the skin and body. By activating over 300 enzyme reactions, magnesium is crucial to nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood circulation, energy production, nutrient metabolism as well as bone and cell formation. It also has a strong excretory effect on toxins, drawing them out through the pores of the skin while chloride is needed to stimulate starch-digesting enzymes. It’s available in different scents and can be purchased at Bangkok Farmers Market (every second and fourth weekend of the month) or online at: www.facebook.com/essential.posology.
