Say "NO" to nasty chemicals and animal testing with these fabulous organic and cruelty-free beauty brands in Hong Kong.
As today’s health savvy consumers become increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals found in skin care products, and the cruel implications of animal testing, more and more beauty brands are stepping up their game to source natural and ethical ingredients that don’t harm the environment — or our skin. So if you’re looking to say “no” to the nasties, check out these top eco-friendly beauty brands and suppliers in Hong Kong.
Urban Greenosophy
Combating the myth that organic or eco products are unaffordable, the savvy team at Urban Greenosophy work hard to source organic and sustainable products from around the world and deliver them straight to your home. From skin and body care products, to makeup, health supplements, and even household cleaning detergents, all products are toxic free and certified by international organic associations.
And that’s not all, as a portion of each purchase goes towards supporting organisations and activities that are creating a better living place — so it’s a win-win. Check out the deliciously refreshing Lemongrass & Ginger Skin Conditioner ($260) from the Siam Roots range which is ideal for nourishing dry and tired skin.
Coconut Matter
On a mission to inspire a lifestyle of well-being and sustainability, Hong Kong based brand Coconut Matter have nailed it when it comes to offering amazing natural products at affordable prices. They choose to only work with Fair trade farmers to ensure that all of the products are pure and organically made — as well as being cruelty free. Their coconuts are harvested from naturally wild coconut trees that grow in the pristine Solomon Islands (nice!) which are untouched by pollutants and chemicals, so you know you’re getting some of the purest virgin coconut oil on the planet.
From lip balms to body butters, and of course their famous WILD Virgin Coconut Oil, their gorgeous products not only smell fantastic, but also keep your hair and skin beautifully soft and silky all day long. Check out their delicious Wake Up & Smile and Sleep & Dream Big body butters ($180) which are our favourites and work wonders at making us want to get up in the morning and wind down at night.
Gourmet Skin Bar
For gorgeous products that are 100 percent natural and free of animal testing, head to Hong Kong’s luxury online organic beauty boutique Gourmet Skin Bar and stock up on their huge selection of skin, body, makeup, and hair products which are only ever tested on people and use high quality Fair trade and certified organic ingredients wherever possible.
With the simple philosophy of “Love, Cherish, Protect”, you know you’re in safe hands when it comes to filling up your virtual shopping basket with these goodies. Take a look at their adorable range of award-winning Cowshed products from England, which use only the best organic and wildcrafted plant extracts and mood-boosting essential oils to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Nature and the City
The high levels of humidity in Hong Kong, not to mention the soaring pollution levels, can wreak havoc on our skin, and nobody knows this better than the brains behind Nature and the City. Their range of chemical free products provide the perfect antidote to a hectic life in the 852, and aim to restore your skin’s health and improve its overall well-being.
Their carefully selected range of products come from brands in the UK, Poland, Australia, and Hong Kong, and are free of harmful chemicals, but packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them irresistible for busy Hongkongers on the go. Check out their brand new Organic Pink Himalayan Salt & Lemongrass Scrub from ECO BY SONYA ($360), which provides intense exfoliation for silky smooth skin. Make sure to check out their organic remedies at their Sparadise spa in Central too.
Available at Sparadise, 3 & 4/F 60 Wellington Street, Central
John Masters Organics
John Masters Organics has caused quite the stir since landing on Hong Kong soil in the summer of 2017. The popular US luxury beauty brand is well known for its commitment to creating toxin-free products that are strictly against animal testing. Founded by visionary stylist John Masters in his Soho, New York salon, the line of premium hair, skin, and body products are now up for grabs in three branches across Hong Kong.
They also come in 100 percent recyclable packaging using earth-friendly production methods, which aligns with their ethos that “We only get one body and we only get one planet, so why not treat them both with the utmost care?” Check out their bestseller Geranium & Grapefruit Body Wash ($220) and lovely moisturising hand creams (each $180).
Click here for store locations
NQ Organics by Nigar Qureshi
There’s nothing like having your very own skin care products tailored to your specific skin type and needs, but that’s exactly what spa owner, makeup artist, and cosmetologist Nigar Qureshi can offer – and better still, her range is completely natural, organic, and animal cruelty free. Being in this field around 30 years, Qureshi knows that every skin type is different and so started to create her own line of organic foundations, concealers, and face creams that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each of her clients. Her products (which cost around $500) include an organic blend for anti-aging, a detoxifying and clarifying cleanser for acne prone skin, chamomile moisturiser for calm skin, and a soothing night cream.
As she believes every skin type is different, she invites clients to her spa for a consultation ($250) so she can carefully examine their skin and determine what their skin type and requirements are. She then creates products using her range of essential oils and ingredients which include shea butter, rose hip oil, white clay, frankincense, virgin coconut oil, walnut oil, and pear powder to name a few. As if that wasn’t enough to lure you to her spa, she also offers heavenly facial treatments which use the same custom-made products.
Available at Spa BPZ, 12/F Sea Bird House, 22-28 Wyndham Street, Central, (+852) 9364 5271
Trilogy
When New Zealand sisters Sarah Gibbs and Catherine de Groot discovered the powerful benefits of rose hip oil for skin back in 2002, they created Trilogy and took natural skin care into the future — and Hong Kong. From their small range of five rose hip skin care products, they now craft over 40 effective natural alternatives to synthetic skin care, body care, and hair care, which also happen to be cruelty free and void of genetically modified organisms (GMO).
Their packaging is recyclable and environmentally friendly too, and they are also proud supporters of several not-for-profit organisations around the world including the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Check out their fabulous bestseller Everything Balm ($188) which they rightly claim is “skin care’s answer to the Swiss army knife” and “fixes everything”.
Available online or at 2/F, Wellington Plaza, 56 – 58 Wellington Street, Central
MiNaturally
Founded by two female entrepreneurs who aspired to promote a community of like-minded people and share knowledge about natural products, MiNaturally aims to offset all the artificial stresses of living in a modern urban environment. The online store sells environmentally and organically conscious skin and body care products created by the founders themselves: the Baie Botanique brand, which focuses on Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water as a key natural ingredient, and Vetivert & Co. which offers a range of body lotions and natural essential oils designed to bring about various health benefits.
Baie Botanique’s bestseller Rose Renew Regenerating Serum ($850) and Rose Renew Regenerating Eye Cream ($600) are great for those looking to reclaim their healthy glow, while the popular Elemi & Vetivert “Destress” Body Oil ($310) is ideal for tired city dwellers wanting to relax and calm their minds – just what we need in the hectic 852.
GLOHS
Founded by inspiring breast cancer survivor and Hong Kong native Giselle Lee, GLOHS offers products comprised only of natural ingredients, and organic whenever possible. Lee created the brand after discovering the shocking amount of harmful chemicals used in mainstream skincare products while she was battling the illness and dealing with the side effects of her treatments. This led her to take extensive classes to learn more about mineral, essential oils, and herbal remedies and how these substances could help her during her journey to recovery.
As a result, her extensive range of lotions, gels, serums, toners, and creams contain no synthetic fertilisers or pesticides, and instead rely on some rather interesting natural ingredients that have been used for decades, and in some cases centuries, to treat various skin ailments. Her Facial Serum Hydrate and Refine ($880), for example, contains galactomyces ferment filtrate, a by-product of fermented sake, while her Balm for All Skin Types ($480) contains bamboo silk extract. She also shares some very important and useful advice on her blog regarding product labelling and what to look out for when browsing the shelves in conventional beauty stores.