What is it made from?
INGREDIENTS: Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Olivate (Olive Oil), Aqua (Water), Sodium Castorate (Castor Oil), Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernal Oil.
That’s it. Five ingredients, one of which is water. If that’s not pure and natural I don’t know what is. Keeping your hair clean doesn’t have to be complicated after all.
Where does it come from?
Made in the UK.
Is it sustainable and environmentally friendly?
Olive Oil - does have some environmental issues within its production, mainly due to intensive farming methods. However, a lot of olive oil farming is still done by small scale farmers using traditional methods, which is much better environmentally.
Castor oil - is used as a replacement for petroleum-based substances in many products. It is a much greener alternative as it is renewable, unlike oil.
Coconut oil - seems to be ok.
Argan Oil – The argan tree grows nearly exclusively in Morocco, but neighbouring Algeria, as well as Israel, have also started growing this crop as its popularity has increased. Very specific conditions are needed to successfully cultivate the argan tree, so there is not much scope for it to be grown outside of these areas, which could become a problem as demand is quite high and growing. The argan tree helps stave off the encroaching desert, stops soil erosion and protects water resources, so it is a very important feature of Southern Morocco, which has been made a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, who recognise the importance of this plant. The argan tree was nearing extinction, but demand for argan oil has actually helped save this tree from its vulnerable status. This doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be carefully looked after though, as its sustainability needs to be ensured and that is not guaranteed without careful monitoring of this useful tree. Only women are involved in producing argan oil, and the rising demand for this product has led to the formation of women’s co-operatives which make sure the women are paid fairly for their work. This has greatly benefitted the local Berber women and their economic prosperity has had the happy knock-on effect of improving levels of girl’s education in the area as they can afford to send their daughters to school. Although this, of course, is not true for all of the women working in the industry, as there is still some worker exploitation apparent, unfortunately, as not all employers are interested in supporting their workers. Because argan is a desert plant, its most useful properties are as a humectant and emollient. Which means it has the ability to absorb and retain moisture. It also has a very high vitamin E content. This is why it is used so widely in beauty products.
How about ethical?
Made in the UK by a small handmade soap business, so ethically we are all good here. They are a living wage employer and have the ‘Fair Tax Mark’ certification.
Extra good stuff:
Vegan, not tested on animals, free from palm oil and known skin irritants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate’s (foaming agent) and parabens (preservatives). Ooo and this one has an Ethical Consumer ‘Best Buy’ seal of approval. Get in!
Conclusion –
Shampoo with no plastic, palm oil and good ingredients? What more could you want!