Essential Care is a European leader in
certified organic skincare offering one of largest body care ranges certified to UK Soil
Association organic standards. Essential Care’s philosophy is simple: All ingredients must have therapeutic value, as well as making the product a joy to use. Still with these achievements, the personal
touch remains at the heart of what they do. Here we catch up with Margaret
Weeds, Essential Care founder.
Margaret, you must be very proud of what
you have achieved with Essential Care. What would be the highlight, if you had
to pick one, from the last (almost) 10 years?
I might have to name two here. One happened
near the beginning of Essential Care - producing our Gentle Herb Shampoo, the first Soil Association certified shampoo back in 2004 as it has gone on to be so popular. Secondly our
make-up (especially the just launched mascara) which was also the first ever
mascara certified to Soil Association standards and was incredibly difficult
from a formulation perspective. I'm very proud of how it works.Clearly Essential Care cares about the environment and trading ethically. Is there a cause you personally feel particularly strongly about; one you would fight for?
It is hard to single out one... We try to
push the boundaries on a lot of fronts to show what can be done. And ethical
trading in skincare touches on so many areas - fair trade, organic agriculture,
consumer education, not testing on animals, manufacture of clean, safe
cosmetics, responsible packaging. If we can champion toxin-free lifestyles to
preserve the balance of nature for ourselves now and for future generations,
then I'll be happy.
Who do you admire and why?
I admire anyone who has triumphed through
adversity or stuck to their beliefs against popular opinion and then gone on to
make the world a better place for others. People like Nelson Mandela and the
environmentalist Rachel Carson.
You are based in Suffolk, a lovely part
of the country. What is your favourite spot in the UK?
There are spots in Devon and Somerset I'm
particularly fond of, but it's true there are some beautiful places near us
too. The Breckland forests are wonderful for a peaceful stroll, as is the North
Norfolk coast which has lovely beaches and forms a huge Nature Reserve, home to
a great diversity of wildlife.
What are your everyday beauty essentials?
All Essential Care products, of course:
Creamy Coconut Cleanser, Rose Petal Tonic (also as an all-over fragrant
rehydrating spritz) and Essential Care Rose Moisturiser - I adore Rose for its heavenly
fragrance as well as its skincaring and emotional benefits. From our makeup
range I can't be without our eye and lip pencils, mascara and lipstick (for
lips and cheek tint).
If you would treat yourself to one thing
this month it would be....