Beauty Report: Ethics and aesthetics

The beauty industry can, for all the sparkle and softness of its products, lack conscience. However, there are plenty of ethical and sustainably sourced product options which don’t force you to compromise on luxury or loveliness.

The Ethical Silk Co Teal and Taupe Grey Print 100% Mulberry Silk Camisole and Shorts Set (€120 online from theethicalsilkco.com): This company uses ethical, animal-friendly Ahimsa silk and tailoring. Wearing silk is excellent for the skin, particularly during sleep to regulate body temperature. A silk sleep set like this would make an especially thoughtful gift for anyone struggling with symptoms of menopause.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil (€11.50 for 10 mls): One of the first cosmetic brands with a conscience, The Body Shop sources its Fair Trade Tea Tree Oil from the foothills of Mount Kenya. I'm not an advocate of using it on spots (I don't think it does anything for infection deep beneath the outer layers of skin), but it's an excellent antibacterial to add to your shower gel after a grungy gym workout.

L'Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath (€23 from July): L'Occitane responsibly get their lavender from 20 sustainable sources, and developed their sustainable communities programme to cover all sustainability challenges. The famous foaming bath is available in a new version from July, and is intoxicating.

Dr Bronner 18-in-1 Hemp Pure-Castile Soap (€8.75 for 236mls): Comes in nine varieties and can be used to wash everything from body and hair to the baby, the dog, and even vegetables. The soaps contain no synthetic foaming agents, thickeners, preservatives, fragrances, dyes or whiteners and use 100 per cent post-consumer recycled cylinder bottles and paper labels. Completely biodegradable, the soaps are made with certified Fair Trade and organic ingredients sourced from India, Ghana, Palestine, Israel and Sri Lanka.

Pure Marine Active Active Night Cream (€23): Ingredients for this brand (which is new to Marks and Spencer) are sustainably sourced from the Roaring Water Sea Vegetable Company in west Cork. The night cream is rich and pleasantly cooling – ideal for mature skin.

Voya Visage Awakening Eye Mask (€39): All five types of seaweed used by Sligo company Voya are sustainably sourced and hand-harvested. As of last year, the outer packaging is made from dried seaweed and vegetable inks. All of the products, like this eye mask, are richly delectable and effective.

Lush Charity Pot Hand and Body Lotion (€8.95): With every purchase of Charity Pot, Lush donates 100 per cent of the price (minus taxes) to small, grassroots organisations that could use the helping hand to continue their work. Charity Pot supports organisations that align with Lush's ethics in conservation, animal welfare and human rights.

Aveda Thickening Tonic (€23): The hero ingredient within Aveda Thickening Tonic is certified organic Amla fruit that comes from a small farm in Sangli, India, using time-honoured growing methods. The tonic itself gives hair delightful oomph.

LAURA’S PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Pureology Colour Fanatic Mask (€30): Pureology is 100 per cent vegan and uses organic botanicals, and is one of the best haircare brands on the market.

This mask refreshes colour and the handy packaging prevents waste.