Hello and Welcome to Natur Cosmetics!
Your Story - We Start with You
You want skincare products that look, feel and smell great, and that leave your skin looking, feeling and smelling great too. But every day you hear another story about toxic ingredients in cosmetics, or how the oceans are drowning in plastic, or people in vulnerable communities being exploited to harvest the oils in that bottle that sits on your shelf. It becomes overwhelming and you don't know who to trust any more. Sound familiar?
I hear you. I've spent years researching ingredients, testing and refining formulations to create products that really work, whilst avoiding toxic ingredients, environmental pollution and animal (human and non-human) exploitation. So you can buy high-performance cosmetics, without the guilt.
I hear you. I've spent years researching ingredients, testing and refining formulations to create products that really work, whilst avoiding toxic ingredients, environmental pollution and animal (human and non-human) exploitation. So you can buy high-performance cosmetics, without the guilt.
My Story
My formulating journey began when I was a teenager. I have such over-sensitive (I like to call it melodramatic) skin that I can't use anything containing synthetic preservatives, and have actually had chemical burns from things as innocuous as shower gels in the past. So I began to make my own skincare. I experimented with recipes found in old books and new ones; some worked well, others were total disasters! Eventually I signed up for a Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation with the School of Natural Skincare, and my formulating took off. I went on to study Advanced Cosmetic Science with Formula Botanica. After several years of research and practice I was able to make a full range of skincare that even my hypochondriac of a face could use without a flare up. I was also making cosmetics for my family and friends, and it was they who suggested I ought to start selling my products. Meanwhile, I had become so angry at the amount of plastic waste in the beauty industry, that I decided I needed to make a stand against it. And so Gaia's Little Helpers was born, now called Natur Cosmetics. I love creating new formulas, so I hope to expand the catalogue considerably over the coming years.
Kate, Natur Cosmetics
Kate, Natur Cosmetics
What makes us different
Plant-based
All of the ingredients in Natur products are derived from nature. I only use plant-based ingredients*, and, where available, those that are certified organic**. Wherever possible I source these locally (including growing and preparing my own herbal extracts where allowed), and for the more exotic ingredients I strive to ensure that these are certified fair-trade and from sustainably managed sources. Nothing goes into Natur products which isn't 100% biodegradable under normal environmental conditions.
* The only exceptions are a small number of inorganic compounds such as water and the salts used in the spa products. These are nonetheless naturally occurring substances derived from the environment, rather than manufactured in a laboratory.
** In some cases I've opted for an ingredient that is produced locally and not certified organic, over one that is certified but has clocked up a lot of air-miles.
All of the ingredients in Natur products are derived from nature. I only use plant-based ingredients*, and, where available, those that are certified organic**. Wherever possible I source these locally (including growing and preparing my own herbal extracts where allowed), and for the more exotic ingredients I strive to ensure that these are certified fair-trade and from sustainably managed sources. Nothing goes into Natur products which isn't 100% biodegradable under normal environmental conditions.
* The only exceptions are a small number of inorganic compounds such as water and the salts used in the spa products. These are nonetheless naturally occurring substances derived from the environment, rather than manufactured in a laboratory.
** In some cases I've opted for an ingredient that is produced locally and not certified organic, over one that is certified but has clocked up a lot of air-miles.
Zero-waste
This has become a bit of a buzz-word lately, but what does it actually mean? I strive very hard to ensure that my business activities are circular, meaning that whatever I buy in gets cycled around again and again. All of my equipment is made from heavy duty materials suitable for repeated sterilisation and re-use, and by making products in small batches I ensure that I never make more than I can sell. I have also implemented an innovative bottle return scheme to extend the life of Natur packaging (see below for more information). All of my labels and boxes are made from recycled paper* and printed with non-toxic vegetable inks, so are 100% biodegradable. I never use single-use plastic in any of my products or in the manufacturing process.
* The recycled paper option didn't work very well for my Luxury ranges, so for these products I've gone with a bio-plastic made from wood chips. The labels are thus more durable, and still 100% biodegradable.
This has become a bit of a buzz-word lately, but what does it actually mean? I strive very hard to ensure that my business activities are circular, meaning that whatever I buy in gets cycled around again and again. All of my equipment is made from heavy duty materials suitable for repeated sterilisation and re-use, and by making products in small batches I ensure that I never make more than I can sell. I have also implemented an innovative bottle return scheme to extend the life of Natur packaging (see below for more information). All of my labels and boxes are made from recycled paper* and printed with non-toxic vegetable inks, so are 100% biodegradable. I never use single-use plastic in any of my products or in the manufacturing process.
* The recycled paper option didn't work very well for my Luxury ranges, so for these products I've gone with a bio-plastic made from wood chips. The labels are thus more durable, and still 100% biodegradable.
Caring for all our planet's inhabitants
As well as minimising our impact on the environment, I care about all those we share our planet with. All Natur products and packaging are vegan, and I source the ingredients carefully from suppliers who share my values. I strive to find fair-trade ingredients from sources with sound environmental policies. Several of the ingredients I use support workers' co-operatives in vulnerable communities. I will never sell my products in countries which allow animal testing for cosmetics.
As well as minimising our impact on the environment, I care about all those we share our planet with. All Natur products and packaging are vegan, and I source the ingredients carefully from suppliers who share my values. I strive to find fair-trade ingredients from sources with sound environmental policies. Several of the ingredients I use support workers' co-operatives in vulnerable communities. I will never sell my products in countries which allow animal testing for cosmetics.
A family affair
This operation is a small-scale family business run from home, which enables me to keep costs low, and products affordable. By purchasing products from Natur Cosmetics you are supporting a small UK-owned business.
This operation is a small-scale family business run from home, which enables me to keep costs low, and products affordable. By purchasing products from Natur Cosmetics you are supporting a small UK-owned business.
Total transparency
Have you ever read a list of the ingredients on a cosmetic bottle and realised you don't know what half of the ingredients actually are? If you don't know what you're putting on your skin, how can you make informed decisions? That's why I like to keep my products simple. I use a select number of tried and tested ingredients, and on Natur product listings you will find a detailed breakdown of everything that goes into that product and why it is there. That's because I have nothing to hide.
Have you ever read a list of the ingredients on a cosmetic bottle and realised you don't know what half of the ingredients actually are? If you don't know what you're putting on your skin, how can you make informed decisions? That's why I like to keep my products simple. I use a select number of tried and tested ingredients, and on Natur product listings you will find a detailed breakdown of everything that goes into that product and why it is there. That's because I have nothing to hide.
Hypoallergenic, as standard
Here at Natur, I know all about sensitive skin. That's how this brand got started. Since I only use natural ingredients, Natur products are less likely to cause allergic reactions than those which contain synthetic chemicals. I only use essential oils and plant-based scents to fragrance my products, never artificial fragrance oils, and I also offer unscented options of many of the products.
Here at Natur, I know all about sensitive skin. That's how this brand got started. Since I only use natural ingredients, Natur products are less likely to cause allergic reactions than those which contain synthetic chemicals. I only use essential oils and plant-based scents to fragrance my products, never artificial fragrance oils, and I also offer unscented options of many of the products.
Minimal packaging
We all love pretty packaging, but is it really necessary? It's bad for our planet, and it also adds to the cost of the product. A sparkly box might look good, but do you really want to pay extra for something that you're only going to throw in the recycling bin anyway? I've decided to keep things simple, using only the packaging that the products really need, so you won't be paying extra for unnecessary frills. And, it goes without saying, there's no single-use plastic involved. This means that my labels may not look as shiny as some brands, but at least you know they're not harming the planet.
We all love pretty packaging, but is it really necessary? It's bad for our planet, and it also adds to the cost of the product. A sparkly box might look good, but do you really want to pay extra for something that you're only going to throw in the recycling bin anyway? I've decided to keep things simple, using only the packaging that the products really need, so you won't be paying extra for unnecessary frills. And, it goes without saying, there's no single-use plastic involved. This means that my labels may not look as shiny as some brands, but at least you know they're not harming the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does shipping cost?
Postage and packing costs are calculated at the checkout based on the total weight of your items and the delivery service you choose. Prices start from just £3.30. I also offer free P & P on orders over £35.
Where do you deliver to?
We deliver to any UK address. Currently our products are only certified for sale within the UK, so we cannot deliver to anywhere overseas.
Why is there a photo of a product on your website, but it says 'Coming Soon'?
I've been formulating cosmetics for my own use for some years now, so I have quite a range of products that I'm planning to put out for sale. However, before they can be sold each product needs a safety assessment, and some also need laboratory testing, all of which takes time and can be very expensive. Therefore, it can take a little while for a product to be available for sale, even though I've already been making it for some time and so had a batch available for photographing.
Why doesn't my voucher code work?
If you have returned containers to a shop or salon and been issued with a voucher, then you will need to send me an email with a photo or scanned image of your voucher before you can use the voucher online. Please use the contact form on this website if you don't have my email address. Alternatively you can use the voucher in-store at any of our stockists. If I have emailed you a voucher or if you have sent in an image of your paper voucher then the code should be valid on the website. If you have any problems with this please get in touch and I will look into it for you as quickly as possible.
I'm seeing a lot of 'pentylene glycol' listed in your ingredients, isn't that a nasty petroleum derivative?
No, it's entirely natural! You may be thinking of propylene glycol, which is a petroleum-based chemical and a suspected allergen. It's commonly used in cosmetics, but you won't find it in the formulations I make. Products that contain water legally have to include a preservative system of some sort, and I've gone with pentylene glycol in many of my products, a substance found naturally in plants. A synthetic version is also on the market, but I only use the natural form, which is extracted from a waste by-product of the sugarcane industry.
How long will my products take to arrive?
If the product is shown as 'in stock', then I will usually dispatch it the next business day. If products are shown as 'pre-order' or 'unavailable' then the date of dispatch will be shown. I will send an email when your order has been posted. Occasionally there may be a short delay in sending out products due to issues with my ingredient suppliers, but this is very rare and I will keep you informed if this happens.
The product I want is out of stock. When will it be available again?
In order to avoid any waste I tend to make small batches of products at the beginning of each month. However, this means that I have to estimate the demand for that product, and sometimes I might get it wrong! Products will be automatically restocked at the beginning of each month but if you do find the product you want is unavailable, it would be really great if you could contact me. I can then make the product for you straight away and it will help me to adjust my calculations in the future!
If your products are all natural/organic etc. why are they not certified?
These days there are a whole host of certifying bodies who can supply you with check-marks to demonstrate that your products are organic, natural, plastic-free and so on. You've probably seen a variety of these logos on product packaging. Unfortunately, most of these schemes (whilst great in principle) involve paying a considerable annual fee in order to use their checkmarks on products, and I decided that my funds could be better spent elsewhere for the moment. The ingredients I use are fully certified, so if you have any queries about a particular ingredient in any of my products, please get in touch and I can send you details of its credentials.
Do your products contain...?
I prefer to celebrate what is in my products, rather than what isn't in them. However, since this is a question I get asked a lot, I can confirm that none of my products have ever contained or will ever contain any of the following: animal-derived ingredients, artificial fragrances or perfumes, palm oil, parabens, PEG compounds, petroleum/mineral oil derivatives, phthalates, plastic microbeads, SLS, synthetic flavours, talc, triclosan.
Are your products suitable for children?
My products have been safety tested with the general population in mind, so should be suitable for people of all ages. Since I only use natural ingredients, my products are particularly gentle on delicate skin. They have not, however, been tested for use on infants, who are especially vulnerable to dermal infection, so I would not recommend using them on children under 36 months (except for my Chamomile and Calendula Infant Serum, which is suitable for use from birth). Some of my products, such as the Luxury ranges, have been formulated with specific age groups in mind, so please refer to the individual product listings for details.
Are your products suitable for pregnant women?
Although my products are natural, so are gentle on the skin and do not contain synthetic toxins, caution is recommended during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. In particular, it is safest to avoid products containing essential oils. I do sell a number of unscented products, but please ask your doctor or midwife for advice if you have any concerns.
Container Return Scheme
Minimising our impact on the planet
Don't throw your containers away!
Reusing your containers couldn't be simpler. When your product is finished, simply pop the lid back on and follow the instructions below to get it back to me. It may sound strange but I would really prefer containers to be returned unwashed, as many of my products are oil-based and do not respond well to being mixed with water. I have specialist cleaning materials at my end, so please just return the containers as they are and let me do the cleaning. All of my outer packaging is made from recycled card, and can be added to home compost or recycled (no need to send your boxes back to me!).
Reusing your containers couldn't be simpler. When your product is finished, simply pop the lid back on and follow the instructions below to get it back to me. It may sound strange but I would really prefer containers to be returned unwashed, as many of my products are oil-based and do not respond well to being mixed with water. I have specialist cleaning materials at my end, so please just return the containers as they are and let me do the cleaning. All of my outer packaging is made from recycled card, and can be added to home compost or recycled (no need to send your boxes back to me!).
How to return your containers
If you are local to one of my participating stockists (please see here for a list) then you can take your empty Natur containers to any of these places, regardless of where you originally bought the products.
If you don't live near any of these stockists, then you can also return containers by post. Simply save your empty containers in a cupboard until you've got a few, then send me an email or add a note to your next order telling me that you need a postage bag. I'll pop one of our recycled padded envelopes in with your next order. These are pre-paid so no stamp is required; simply fill it up with your containers, seal it and pop it in the post-box. The postage bags are quite roomy, but if you have a lot of containers to return, just let me know and I can send you a larger bag.
If you are local to one of my participating stockists (please see here for a list) then you can take your empty Natur containers to any of these places, regardless of where you originally bought the products.
If you don't live near any of these stockists, then you can also return containers by post. Simply save your empty containers in a cupboard until you've got a few, then send me an email or add a note to your next order telling me that you need a postage bag. I'll pop one of our recycled padded envelopes in with your next order. These are pre-paid so no stamp is required; simply fill it up with your containers, seal it and pop it in the post-box. The postage bags are quite roomy, but if you have a lot of containers to return, just let me know and I can send you a larger bag.
Money off your next order
If you return your containers to a shop or salon, they will issue you with a voucher for money off your next purchase (£1.50 per container returned)*. You can present this voucher at any of my stockists for a discount on your next purchase. Alternatively, if you would prefer to use this voucher online, please send me an email with a photo or scanned image of your voucher. Please make sure the voucher code is clearly readable. I will then set your voucher up for use on the website and email you back when it's ready to use (please use the contact form on the website if you don't have the email address, as I kept receiving spam when displaying it publically).
If you return your containers by post then I'll email you an e-voucher for £1.50 off your next order per container returned*. Please note that e-vouchers can only be used for orders on my website.
* Some smaller containers e.g. eyeshadow pans have different voucher rewards. See individual product listings for details. Biodegradable pouches, Kraft jars etc. are not included in the container return scheme; instead please recycle or compost these.
If you return your containers to a shop or salon, they will issue you with a voucher for money off your next purchase (£1.50 per container returned)*. You can present this voucher at any of my stockists for a discount on your next purchase. Alternatively, if you would prefer to use this voucher online, please send me an email with a photo or scanned image of your voucher. Please make sure the voucher code is clearly readable. I will then set your voucher up for use on the website and email you back when it's ready to use (please use the contact form on the website if you don't have the email address, as I kept receiving spam when displaying it publically).
If you return your containers by post then I'll email you an e-voucher for £1.50 off your next order per container returned*. Please note that e-vouchers can only be used for orders on my website.
* Some smaller containers e.g. eyeshadow pans have different voucher rewards. See individual product listings for details. Biodegradable pouches, Kraft jars etc. are not included in the container return scheme; instead please recycle or compost these.
Terms and Conditions
In order to qualify for a voucher, containers must be returned in a usable condition (no missing lids or visible cracks). We can only issue vouchers for the return of our own containers. We reserve the right to refuse to issue a voucher if a container is returned in an unusable condition or was not purchased from Natur Cosmetics Ltd. This right also extends to our stockists.
In order to qualify for a voucher, containers must be returned in a usable condition (no missing lids or visible cracks). We can only issue vouchers for the return of our own containers. We reserve the right to refuse to issue a voucher if a container is returned in an unusable condition or was not purchased from Natur Cosmetics Ltd. This right also extends to our stockists.
Product Badges
I know that customers can have very specific requirements when it comes to choosing their skincare. To help you identify which products meet your specific criteria, I've designed this collection of badges and applied them to all the products I sell where relevant. Below you'll find a more detailed explanation of what each badge means.
Returns Policy
Right to Cancel
In line with UK distance selling regulations, you have the right to cancel your order up to 14 days after delivery. If you change your mind within these 14 days, you can return your items for a refund; however, products may only be returned if unopened due to their perishable nature. If you wish to cancel your order, you must send an email to the address on your invoice or contact me via the website contact form within 14 days. Products must then be returned within 14 days of this notice. Please note that you will be responsible for the cost of the return postage in this case.
Faulty Goods
If you have any concerns over the quality of products, please contact me immediately to let me know. Full refunds will be offered for any faulty products in line with your statutory rights.
In line with UK distance selling regulations, you have the right to cancel your order up to 14 days after delivery. If you change your mind within these 14 days, you can return your items for a refund; however, products may only be returned if unopened due to their perishable nature. If you wish to cancel your order, you must send an email to the address on your invoice or contact me via the website contact form within 14 days. Products must then be returned within 14 days of this notice. Please note that you will be responsible for the cost of the return postage in this case.
Faulty Goods
If you have any concerns over the quality of products, please contact me immediately to let me know. Full refunds will be offered for any faulty products in line with your statutory rights.
As part of my commitment to sustainability, I have completed the Small Business Britain course: Green Skills for Small Business.
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