Last week we had a look at all the possible nasties in our beauty products, so what should we use then? Beauty expert Laura Ludlow recommends her favourites

Below is a list of products I have researched and use myself. These products have a natural preservative system so don't contain unnecessary chemical to preserve them. Some of the brands are certified organic – look for the Soil Association symbol if you want proper organic products – and are also free from synthetics.

Green People – UK based company (Soil Association accredited)
Green People are committed to offering products that are 100% natural, certified organic and highly effective. None of their formulations or products are tested on animals and most products are registered by the Vegan Society. All of products are suitable for vegetarians.

They believe the customer has a fundamental right to know exactly what is contained in the products and therefore list all ingredients fully. Green People also support charities with related environmental concerns and each year 10% of their net profit is donated to charitable causes linked to 'green' or environmental issues. The Green People team is a small group of dedicated people all working together for a healthier future and a less polluted world.

These are fabulous products! The shower gesl are great and the suncreams are excellent, no more rashes! The range is particularly good for childrens' products.

Trilogy – New Zealand based company
Sun exposure, environmental stresses, lifestyle and injury can all result in damage and unnecessary premature ageing of the skin. Rosehip oil is the perfect antidote and is the key active ingredient in most Trilogy skin care preparations. This unique oil is a powerhouse of the nutrients and essential fatty acids that play a vital role in the regeneration process of skin cells and the repair of damaged tissues. Rosehip oil is an ultra-fine oil that absorbs instantly allowing the skin to breathe as it works, helping reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines and pigmentation and restoring the skins moisture balance. Rosehip oil also:

  • Assists the body in minimising scarring

  • Improves the appearance of fine lines, skin tone, pigmentation and signs of premature ageing

  • Nourishes and moisturises dry or very dry skin for softer, smoother skin

  • Assists with normal skin renewal and repair

  • Helps normal skin elasticity and resilience

  • Helps restore your skins healthy glow

Trilogy Rosehip Oil is extracted from the seeds of certified organic rosehips using a low temperature, solvent free and certified organic process that preserves the unique qualities of the oil and ensures Trilogy Rosehip Oil is the premium quality rosehip oil available.

Try the Trilogy Rosehip Oil. It's an absolute winner for using at night – my skin is markedly better when I use this.

Sanctum – From Byron Bay, Australia
Having witnessed first hand the ‘chemical’ side of the industry while running a manufacture and fill business in Sydney, Sanctum's director Greg was determined to produce a range of products that remained true to their promise of ‘natural’, carried meaningful levels of active ingredients, and most importantly, really worked. Greg furthered his studies in natural ingredient products chemistry with a vision to encapsulate the pure, tranquility of his surroundings combining locally sourced ingredients with therapeutic levels of active herbal and plant extracts, essentials oils and vitamins. The result is a range of skin, body and hair care treatments that take the efficacy of all-natural preparations to an exciting new level.

Sanctum remains a family owned and run business. Greg takes on the role of chief formulations chemist and draws on his ‘trusted mates’ in the Byron shire as a source for raw, natural ingredients. From humble beginnings in local health food stores, Sanctum is now exported to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, UK, Ireland, Canada and USA.

Beautiful packaging (great for presents!), the shower gel is absolutely lovely as is the body soothe (body moisturiser). The facial products are second to none, I am a big fan of their foaming cleanser and eye products. I predict this to be a massive brand in a couple of years time.

All these products are available at www.nicetouch.co.uk or can be found in Fresh and Wild and other reputable health shops.