5 things nature is trying to tell you

We’re proud to be certified organic by the Soil Association and COSMOS, so as Organic September and its dedicated Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Week swings round, we’re always keen to celebrate all things green.

This year’s campaign message is ‘Listen to nature’. An important mantra for our times, the campaign is all about protecting our environment and the many benefits of organic farming.

So it got us thinking – what might nature have to say to us if it could talk? Here’s what it could be trying to tell us about our beauty habits…

Shop organic

When it comes to farming ingredients, certified organic products are the only way to go. “Organic farming protects biodiversity, uses only biodegradable ingredients, and while it works with the resources of the natural world, it ensures they are not exploited and have a chance to sustainably regenerate,” The Soil Association explains.

Sustainability is as much about people as it is the planet, and shopping from brands that are certified also ensures employees are paid fairly, and minimises negative impacts on local communities.

Natural products really work

We’re no doubt preaching to the converted here, but if nature were to get on its soapbox it would be pointing out that natural ingredients are just as powerful – if not more so – as their synthetic counterparts. There’s often a misconception that synthetic products are better formulated or more high-tech, but this isn’t true. The formulation process itself is the same as any other skincare; it simply uses different raw materials.

We’ve seen the remedial properties of plants for ourselves (it’s why Pai’s Founder, Sarah, created it in the first place). We also put every product through its paces before it makes it to the market, to ensure it delivers the benefits we know it’s capable of. What’s more, there are exciting natural actives emerging all the time, with science behind them to back up what they can do for your skin.

Think before you throw it away

Chucking used packaging in the bin is bad news for the planet and its delicate ecosystems. This waste usually ends up in landfill - or worse, our oceans. This can be avoided by choosing products in packaging which can be easily recycled. And it’s worth making it part of your routine, too; why not get a separate recycling bin in your bathroom to make recycling your beauty products second nature?

Some packaging parts - like pumps and caps - can’t be recycled by local recycling companies. That’s why we offer a free recycling scheme for your Pai empties. Simply pop these parts in your Pai outer mailer box, label it ‘recycling’ and send it back to us using the free returns label. We’ll handle the rest and you won’t be out of pocket.

Don’t be fooled by greenwashing

As sustainable beauty has become more trendy, it’s sometimes tricky to differentiate between brands doing good and brands appearing to do good. Greenwashing - making claims that products are in some way helping the environment as a means of marketing - is rife. Wondering how to sort the wheat from the chaff? Look to brands who back up their claims with legitimate accreditation, such as COSMOS and the Soil Association.

You can also keep an eye out for verification platforms like Provenance, which we’re signed up to at Pai. It’s a tool which confirms these certifications are all present and correct, so you know you can trust what a brand’s telling you.

Never let nature go to waste

Ensuring you use the entire plant is one of the best ways to reduce waste and respect the environment. For example, with our Rosehip Bioregenerate face oil, we use the whole fruit to make the most of every last drop of the Rosehip Oil benefits.

But sometimes you don’t need the whole plant to reap its rewards – and that’s where upcycling comes in. Upcycling improves the quality of the so-called waste product and reduces the need for production, which overall uses less resources.

Within beauty, this usually means taking produce from another industry - often food - that is going to waste, and turning it into an ingredient that’s good for our skin or hair. For example, in our C-2 Believe Vitamin C face cream, we use four upcycled ingredients, including Bilberry Extract. We harness the seeds that would otherwise be thrown away by the juicing industry and use them for their omega-rich, barrier-supporting benefits; good for the planet, and great for your skin.

Find out more about our organic certifications and shop our certified organic skincare to see what nature can do for you

Image credit: Unsplash