Natrl skincare – 100% clean, plant based
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Natrl skincare a 100% natural, plant-based skin and haircare range for men and women was founded by Jo and Ian Merry in 2019 due to personal skin experiences. Jo suffered a severe reaction to a mainstream brand cleanser stripping her skin surface. After investigating beauty labels and determining the amount of parabens, synthetics and harsh chemicals hidden by ingredient greenwashing, the duo decided to train in phyto-skincare formulating before launching Natrl skincare. I caught up with couple to find out the whole story of creating an independent skincare brand from the ground up.
‘The beginnings of the brand were actually the immediate steps I took to soothe and treat my damaged skin from the wipe cleanser back in 2015,’ begins Jo Merry, ‘I began mixing synthetic free ingredients and found three core products that were efficacious: organic olive oil for its cleansing and moisturising properties, witch hazel as a powerful astringent and cleanser, and spring water to lighten the feel of the blend.’ At the time uncertain about how to emulsify the formulation, she mixed it up and found ongoing benefits for her dry and damaged skin.
Fast forward to full-time phyto skincare training in 2018 with globally recognised phyto chemist, Polish born, Margaret Karlinski, followed by intense research; the founders formulated their first Natrl skincare product, a makeup remover (fully compliant and updated from Jo’s initial formula) using the same base ingredients but adding in a plant derived emulsifier, plant derived preservative and a tiny amount of castor oil to improve ‘its grime grabbing capabilities.’ Natrl skincare was ahead of its time simultaneously creating a small range of natural deodorants – these were not mainstream back in 2019 and the ‘natural’ deodorants on the market were poorly formed. ‘We studied how we could create effective deodorant using only plant-based ingredients and natural minerals, and this evolved into our deodorant gel then airless pump; in the formulation we included a small amount of bicarb, alongside powdered Alum Crystal, Farnesol, Lemon Ester, and rice starch, suspended in a light gel, with Aloe Vera as a calming agent, and Witch Hazel again for its astringent properties.’
As a sensitive skin sufferer who has never done anything invasive yet wants anti-ageing support, my way into Natrl skincare was the Natural Botox Facial Moisturiser – so how does the plant-based formulation mirror botox in lightening fine lines and penetrating deep into the skin epidermis?
‘This has become a bestselling hero product – customer results are beyond even our expectations,’ exudes Ian Merry, ‘it is down to the carefully selected ingredients with the focus heavily on the ‘natural botox effect of the Acmella extract but there is also a lot more precision to it than that.’ Infact, Acmella is an extract from a flowering plant that grows in the Southern Hemisphere, where in Brazil it is traditionally known as the toothache plant and was applied to numb gums and to reduce pain. Ian explains ‘we source the Acmella Oleracea direct from South Africa to ensure its sustainability, in this case it doesn’t actually cause a numb sensation but does contain an important bioactive compound, Spilanthol, that relaxes facial muscles and smooths fine lines rather than blocking nerve signals as Botox does.’ The Natrl skincare Natural Botox Facial Moisturiser however is a complex, sophisticated formulation that also includes Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Tomato Seed Oil (up to 50% Linoleic Acid, key in maintaining a healthy epidermis), and Vitamin E. Whilst Acmella helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, the other antioxidant rich plant oils nourish and protect the skin supporting a healthy skin barrier and regeneration.
I am interested to hear about the array of rare botanicals they use ‘our phyto skincare training gave us experience in how to use traditional ingredients in different ways and also to explore new botanicals and balance them in innovative, effective formulations,’ and how they work to support the skin’s natural microbiome rather than triggering it. They continue, ‘Probably our favourite is Flax Seed Mucilage (Gel), which we believe is one of nature’s most underrated skincare ingredients. It is rich in polysaccharides, amino acids, and omega fatty acids, and has traditionally been used as a hair gel/conditioner for Afro-American hair. However, it is also a powerful humectant and works as a breathable shield on the skin. It locks in moisture (in the same way that petroleum jelly does), stops dryness, calms inflammation, and gives skin a silky-smooth temporary tightening effect. It also gently softens dead skin cells, so they wash away easily without harsh scrubbing,’ they continue ‘We make it by boiling Harlequin Flax Seeds, which we source direct from the farm in East Sussex, in locally sourced spring water, and use it in our Renovating Hand Cream, and our Hydra-Flax Ultra Gel.’
Besides the Acmella extract featured in the Natural Botox Facial Moisturiser, Natrl (Unscented) Face Oil, the Borage plant oil is another Natrl skincare favourite. Prized for its exceptionally high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is closely associated with mechanisms that support the integrity of the skin barrier – moisture retention, improved suppleness, balanced skin texture. The borage oil is also popular with clients suffering from eczema and irritated skin.
Impressively for a small independent start up, the co-founders are intent on sticking unwaveringly to their ethos and to be ‘the leading 100% natural plant-based skincare brand in the UK.’ They remain true to their word so even though they are getting constant demands for a retinol product and have found it difficult to find transparency in sourcing plant-based alternatives, they are currently working on a bakuchiol alternative. And all the preservatives in the products are plant based, palm free and picked to work with the lipid content, actives and function of the specific product.
‘We believe our ethos and the high-quality effective products we create resonates with a new direction in skincare, and our policy of simple, clean and effective is no longer in conflict with the wider skincare industry,’ Jo and Ian Merry explain. ‘Next we will expand our product offering and are looking to move more heavily into retailers across the country.’
It seems like this is just the beginning for Natrl skincare!