Country Living- April 2012

Abi Weeds and her mother Margaret launched the Soil Association-certified Essential Care range of skincare and hair products eight years  ago and recently introduced a cosmetics collection. "This range was the most difficult thing we have tackled. We didn't want synthetic polymers in the mascara, which made it  difficult to create a formulation that would stay put", Abi says. "Our products  is 85% organic and wears well, but you musn't rub your eyes too much!"

When it cames to eye pencils, they had to have them made by a specialist factory and started from scratch. "We wanted to produce a pencil that was as natural as possible. For example, we use real olive oil, not squalene which is an olive oil derivative."

Lipsticks are proved to be yet another challenge. Carmine - made from crushed beetles- is widely used in natural lipsticks, but the couple didn't want to include it."We managed to find alternative colours and created a lipstick which is 86% organic and held in vegetable-based containers".

Essential Care Gentle Herbe Shampoo (£10.50 , 200ml) was the first shampoo to achieve Soil Association approval and uses organic coconut oil as the cleansing ingerdient. It also has horsetail, nettle, rosemary and camomile to improve condition and shine, and no artificial preservatives. Some users report that after regular use they no longer need a conditioner and that flaky, itchy scalps are imrpoved.

Focus Magazine - April 2012

Gentle Herb Shampoo"Their affordable and innovative products... offer excellent results."

Angelinascasa - April 2012

Organic Calendula Balm "the perfect travel companion"

Take the Family - April 2012

Organic Calendula Balm "an all-round wonder product"

Dune - March 2012

Essential Care Rose Parfait 10 Lipstick "Pout like nobody’s business in this bright shade of mineral lipstick"

Eastern Daily Press - March 2012

Essential Care Rose Parfait 10 Lipstick "bursting with organic plant oils and butters including jojoba and castor oil, and Fairtrade shea to provide a moisturising vitamin-boost to your lips"

Makeup Advice Forum: Best of British - March 2012

Organic Lip Silk "Since 2003, Essential Care has offered one of the widest and most sophisticated ranges of certified organic skin and haircare products on the market... the Lip Silk feels amazing on the lips, smells very delicately sweet, but leaves you with very soft lips"

Curiouser and Curiouser - March 2012

Essential Care Mineral Eye Pencil "this is one of THE softest eyeliners I think I've ever come across, it's so smooth and silky, just melts onto the skin"

The Detour - March 2012

Essential Care Ocean Eye Shadow Palette "offering a softly shimmering effect truly evocative of a gentle spring day by the British seashore"

The Detour - March 2012

Rose Gift/Travel Set "Offering a travel-sized selection of luxury organic products... this set is a perfect introduction to a fabulous range"

Marie Claire - February 2012

Ultra Rich "A winter all-rounder... instantly leaves skin softer"

Cosmetic News Portal - February 2012

Essential Care Lip Liner "glides on effortlessly to define and nourish the delicate lip area"

Essential Care Mineral Lipstick "not only do they look fantastic but also provide a much needed moisturising vitamin-boost to your lips"

2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask "Reveal a smooth, radiant complexion by gently deep cleansing and exfoliating in one"

Been there, done that, got the lipstick - February 2012

Organic Coconut Candy Scrub "it delivers everything I look for in a body scrub... there are so many pros for this product but I can't think of one single con"

Take the Family - February 2012

Organic Ultra Rich "the ultimate moisturiser to winter-proof your skin"

Been there, done that, got the lipstick - January 2012

Rose Parfait 10 Lipstick "They're made from highest purity mineral colours and are free from toxic chemicals...its non drying due to the 100% organic plant oils, butters, fruit and flower extracts"

Whats Good To Do -January 2012

2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask "I was really impressed with the mask... My skin felt really clean and smooth afterwards. It was a very relaxing experience"

Whats Good To Do - January 2012

Cherry Tart 16 Lipstick "glides on very smoothly and looks lovely...The thing I was most impressed with was the moisturising quality it had... I will definitely be buying more colours"

Surrey Times - 4th January 2012

2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask "a rejuvenating mask sure to brighten skin... Reveals a smooth, toned and revitalised complexion"

Whats Good To Do - January 2012

Organic Coconut Candy Scrub "it will leaving your skin feeling refreshed and looking nicer"

Eco-Luminescence - January 2012

Organic Coconut Candy Scrub "leaves your skin amazingly refreshed... This is a 5 star product."

Organic Rose Petal Tonic "I have found my favourite tonic! The sensation on your skin is incomparable to other tonic waters"

MyGreenLifestyle - January 2012

Organic Ultra Rich "absorbs into the skin layers to rehydrate, replenish and protect"

Laura Ashley - January 2012

Essential Care Lipstick - Raspberry Coulis 12 "It’s wonderfully moisturizing and looks amazing. It contains Fairtrade shea butter from Ghana as well as organic plant oils and jojoba butter  – just another reason to smile!"

This is Life - January 2012

Organic Coconut Candy Scrub "One of the best I've used... Left my skin feeling soft and plumped"

Eco-Luminescence - December 2011

Essential Care Lipstick - Rose Parfait 10 "The lipstick is so nourishing for the lips that it is like using a lip moisturiser, as it is so creamy, and does not leave your lips dry from useage. Another benefit is that the lipstick is very long lasting!"

Essential Care Lipstick - Praline 15 "an every day asset to your make up collection"

Essential Care Eye Shadow Palette - Ocean "The colours looked beautiful on application, somehow brightening the eye area, adding luminosity... this is really an eye shadow palette to feel proud of using"

Essential Care Mineral Mascara "The highly moisturising properties was evident upon application"

Essential Care Lip Pencil - Rose "a truly gorgeous colour... wonderfully moisturising and very easy to apply"

Eco-Luminescence - December 2011

Aloe Vera Bodywash "ultra creamy... gentle"

Organic Calendula Balm "I have tried various calendula products before...but many have had me wanting for more of this nurturing key ingredient, until I discovered the Essential Care Calendula’s creation!"

Organic Repair Lotion "I really love the effectiveness of this product, and whole heartedly recommend it for those experiencing any skin problems at all that might benefit from some extra care"

Creamy Coconut Cleanser "The texture is luxurious and creamy, and the smell is a lovely natural coconut scent"

First Aid Lotion "simply amazing at calming the skin"

Miss Eco Glam - November 2011

Essential Care Eye Shadow Palettes "A makeup range which is a World first! This is a very impressive product."

Miss Eco Glam - November 2011

Creamy Coconut Cleanser "It smells yummy, a subtle scent of coconut with also a touch of clary sage in there but what I love about it is the organic content... it really leaves the skin make up free and is very soothing"

Skins Matter - November 2011

Gluten-free skincare

Essential Care is referred to as a good source of 'free-from' beauty products in SkinsMatter.com

Sublime magazine - November 2011

"Welcome the cooler season with protective, nourishing products that boast a wealth of potent plant and flower extracts" - features Essential Care Organic Coconut Candy Scrub

"A mega spree-or-steal bath and haircare selection that will leave you – and your bank balance – feeling amazing" - features Essential Care Gentle Herb Shampoo

The Ecologist - 25 may 2011

Mineral magic: five of the best natural lipsticks - Essential Care lipstick in Rose Parfait

"The only make-up range to meet both Fairtrade and Soil Association standards, Essential Care’s lip colours are 100 percent natural and 86 percent organic. Synthetic colours and carmine are also excluded in favour of shea butter, plant oils and mineral pigments. While the colour range is limited, the shades available are all ultra wearable and hugely pretty; none more so, than our favourite, Rose Parfait. A robust pink; it’s perfect for adding some English rose appeal to your look. "

Daily Mail - 17 January 2011

Spritz Stress - "This Calming Spritz from Essential Care is a must-have for anyone feeling the stresses of January's gloom. Its wonderful aromatherapeutic blend of rose petal water, lavender and clary sage essential oils relaxes body and mind. It's also perfect in the nursery to calm babies, and can even be used as a gentle cleanser."

Natural Health & Beauty - September 2010

Grain goodness - Honey & Oatmeal Soap - "This handmade soap is gentle enough to use everyday, while the grains of oatmeal act as an exfoliator."

Femail - August 2010

TRIED AND TESTED: HOLIDAY HODGEPODGE: "I loved the smell of Mosimix and the fact that there are no harsh chemicals involved in the manufacturing is a definitely plus. I applied it to my ankles after each shower and didn’t get bitten so either it worked really well or there weren’t any mosquitos along the river Rhone. I think the former applies rather than the latter."

Natural Lifestyle - July 2010

Summer Beauty: "Banish the biters: Ward off bugs while nourishing the skin with Essential Care’s Mosimix. [...] will give your skin a healthy glow without being greasy."

Swansea - June 2010

Hot buys on our beauty barometer this month...: "Avoid being a feast for the mozzies this summer with Mosimix [...] keeps skin soft as well as bite-free!"

You - June 2010

Revive mature skin - recommends Essential Care Organic Superfruit Concentrate as a neck cream.

Black Hair - April 2010

Organic Hair Clear Oil - "If you hate the smell and thought of over-the-counter remedy’s for head lice, try the herbal alternative from Essential Care."

Pregnancy & Birth - April 2010

Organic Nipple Balm featured in the ‘everyday heroes’ section

Easy Living - April 2010

3 of the best dry skin solvers - Organic Repair Lotion: "a deliciously scented natural product to help calm inflamed skin."

Women's Fitness - March 2010

6 of the best eco-friendly body lotions - Organic Hand & Body Lotion: "organic oils to keep dry, chapped skin flake-free and silky soft."

Natural Health - March 2010

Products we love - Products we love - Organic Rose Moisturiser: "the best that nature can offer!"

Daily Mail - 15 February 2010

Stop Split Ends - Organic Calendula Balm: "works as an all-round wonder!"

Green My Style - 7 Feb 2010

Tried & tested: Essential Care’s Organic Coconut Candy Scrub! 
"We’ve found an absolutely sweet treasure with Essential Care’s Organic Coconut Candy Scrub! [...] I scrubbed up with it in the bathtub and found it very easy to use indeed. What’s more, a little bit went a long way. I found my skin still beautifully smooth and soft and wonderfully fragranced the next morning. I’ll certainly aim to always have it in my prized beauty pampering collection."

The Sun - Jan 2010

celeb love 
Organic Coconut Candy Scrub: "Denise Van Outen loves Essential Care Organic Coconut Candy Scrub."

Practical Parenting - Jan 2010

Awards 2009/10 Finalist: Essential Care Organic Nipple Balm

European Cosmetic Market - Jan 2010

2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask: "Essential Care was one of the first 5 UK companies to brand its products with the Fairtrade Foundation logo."

Norwich Evening News - Dec 2009

Beauty buys to beat the winter blues 
Organic Coconut Candy Scrub: "award-winning delicious body scrub."
Organic Superfruit Concentrate: "for radiant, smooth skin in seconds."

Derry Journal / Donegal Democrat - Dec 2009

have a beautiful Christmas! 
Organic Coconut Candy Scrub: "We’ve tried it and it’s just divine with a gorgeous coconut smell that left our skin silky smooth."

Optima - Dec 2009

Fair’s fair 
features 2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask

Cambridge Style - Dec 2009

festive feel goods 
features the Organic Coconut Candy Scrub

National Geographic - Winter 2009/10

who’s who: Essential Care - "rising beauty brand."

marieclaire.co.uk - Dec 2009

Buy of the Day 
Organic Coconut Candy Scrub: "you won't be disappointed."

La Luminata - Dec 2009

Sustainable design & trends online magazine 
Organic Coconut Candy Scrub: "Buy this as a special indulgent treat for yourself."

Zest - Nov 2009

Fair Play 
2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask: "you can now buy beauty products with the Fairtrade stamp, too."

You magazine - Nov 2009

The hot 50 budget beauty buys 
Organic First Aid Lotion: tester talk: "spots definitely dried up & less inflamed."

Slimming World - Nov 2009

The Best Things in Life 
Organic Coconut Candy Scrub: "Featuring deliciously fragrant ingredients - coconut oil and cocoa butter - plus exfoliationg sugar-cane crystals and poppy seeds, Essential Care Organic Coconut Candy Scrub rejuvenates your skin to give it a softer, smoother finish."

The Green Parent - Oct/Nov 2009

All in a Lather 
Ylang Ylang & Orange Body Wash: "Divine smell. Really creamy and moisturising. Skin stayed soft for ages."

Index - Sep 2009

Tried & Tested 
Avocado Replenishing Cream: "I loved the fresh lavender scent... my skin felt softer and plumped up. I'd definitly recommend this."

Health Food Business - Aug 2009

UK awards recognise industry's favourites 
"Delighted co-founder Abi Weeds said: 'Our Superfruit Concentrate was shortlisted by a panel of beauty industry experts and then the final results were decided by public vote, so it's very exciting to see that so many people are enjoying and getting great results from our products'."

etc. magazine - Aug 2009

Look Good Feel Great 
features 2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask

OK magazine - 1st Aug 2009

80 of the best coconut products 
features Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser & mentions Denise Van Outen as a brand fan.

Daily Mirror - 18th July 2009

We Love Summer 
features Denise Van Outen's summer style: "For summer skincare it has to be Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser - I can't live without it!"

Aberdeen Evening Express - 10th July 2009

Luscious Lotions 
features 2 in 1 Purifying Mint Mask

High Spirit - July 2009

Tried & Tested 
Coconut Candy Scrub: "The sugar crystals aren't too large, nor is there too many so you get a really gentle srcub that is highly effective. It has a really tantalising coconut smell which lingers on, making this very pleasant to use. Skin is left feeling hydrated, smoothed and in great condition."

Prima - July 2009

Good Living Guide 
"Super smoother - If you want to get your skin in great shape for this summer, invest in a jar of Essential Care's Organic Coconut Candy Scrub."

Natural Health - June 2009

6 organic favourites - Want a truly natural beauty product? Here's our pick of the best 
"1 - Essential Care Organic Coconut Candy Scrub - This sugar based scrub smells good enough to eat and is so amazingly natural and organic that, should you get a bit peckish, you could!"

Saturday Express - May 2009

Travel Light 
recommended: Essential Care Calendula Balm 
"this super balm is 100 per cent organic and will fix pretty much every beauty calamity"

Pregnancy & Birth - May 2009

5 of the best products to create Claire's spa experience at home 
recommended: Essential Care Bump Butter

Closer - May 2009

Mum'n'baby must-have: "this miracle pot of nipple cream, rich in coconut and extra virgin olive oils, soothes and protects sore nipples or craked skin and is totally safe to use, even when breastfeeding."

Natural Products - May 2009

Our Coconut Candy Scrub is awarded Best Organic Bodycare Product at The Natural and Organic Awards 2009

Natural Health - May 2009

6 steps to a smaller make-up bag: "Body beautiful: At only £4.95 a pot, Essential Care'sCalendula Balm is, well, essential. Blended with shea butter and plant oils, it saves chapped skin and tames split ends!"

Natural Beauty - May 2009

Essential Care is highly commended in the magazine's awards: "this great range contains a huge selection of organic products." 

Ultra Rich is highly commended as a moisturiser for dry skin and as a foot cream 
"this great value product is perfect for dry skin" 
"this is overwhelmingly refreshing"

Marie Claire - April 2009

Keeping Mum: The story of Essential Care; how mother & daughter team Margaret and Abi Weeds came to set up an award-winning organic skincare company together.

Top Sante - April 2009

Health On My Shelf: Sarah Beeny reveals her healthy essentials, including "Essential CareCalendula Balm - calendula stops my nose from getting red and raw - I love it."

Junior - April 2009

Best Organic Brands for Pregnancy and Labour 
recommended: Essential Care

Organic & Natural Business - April 2009

Essential Care "has been staunch in its support of the Soil Association's health and beauty standards because, the Weeds say, they are the highest in Europe. It is gearing up now to be among the first to have beauty poducts certified Fairtrade"

Practical Parenting - March 2009

It's a Mum Thing: 3 of the best stretch mark butters: Essential Care Bump Butter "a light scent makes this perfect if you're suffering from morning sickness"

Diva - March 2009

Mum's the word - Go green for Mother's Day 
Recommanded: Bump Butter 
"a holistic blend of the finest plant oils"

That's Life - 12 March 2009

Beauty Salon - Eczema Dilemma: That's Life beauty editor says "try Essential Care OrganicUltra Rich which has been specially formulated for eczema and psoriasis and contains lots of natural ingredients"

Green Parent - February/March 2009

Rachel tried Essential Care organic herbal shampoo: "This had a really nice smell […] It's very effective - my hair feels really clean, soft and shiny. Another plus is that it didn't irritate my scalp either. […] I have to say that I like the packaging - it's nice and simple and goes well with the overall organic theme"

Pregnancy & Birth - February 2009

Best Calming Products  
Recommended: Essential Care for Mum Organic Labour Oil

Natural Health - February 2009

Tips from the top: "Denise van Outen recently admitted to signs of ageing and, yet, looks better than she did in her twenties. Her secret? Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser, £14.95. "Now I'm in my thirties, I'm very aware of how important it is to use organic products," she says. "Essential Care organic rose moisturiser is the ultimate natural moisturiser and, since I've discovered it, I can't live without it!"

The Ecologist - February 2009

Skincare for health: some of the best products available are made closest to home... 
recommended: Essential Care 
" 'All ingredients must have therapeutic value, as well as making the product a joy to use' is Essential Care's philosophy"

YOU Magazine - 18 January 2009

Makeup Masterclass with Jemma Kidd: "My secrets - Drink lots of water and keep a mineral water spray handy to refresh complexion. I love Essential Care Organic Rose Petal Tonic"