LUSH
TIMES
LUSH
TIMES
14
ISSUE#002
SPRING 2024
15
YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS We’re hippies. But even hippies have high standards. Safe skincare explained
-Lola “Bury me in this mask” SKINCARE
For several years now, Lush has been diligently building up a database of ingredient safety information through a partnership with XCellR8: the UK’s first completely animal- free testhouse. Innovative tests on human skin cell models (not ‘cruelty-free’ animal tissues derived from the meat industry) have given us new and more accurate insights into cosmetic ingredients on humans. Not only is it more ethical, but using human cells to test human exposures is simply better science.
exfoliators damage the skin whilst promoting high strength ingredients like retinol, Helen recently initiated the testing of finished Lush skincare products with XCellR8. These tests assessed the potential irritancy of the product on the skin as a customer would use it, whether left on like a moisturiser or scrubbed and rinsed like an exfoliator. The results were vindicating: every tested Lush skincare product was completely non-irritating to human skin in realistic use conditions, apart from our most active scrub, Bright & Beautiful, which was ranked as mild to moderate. “The results we’ve had tell us what we already knew,” she explains, “that we formulate carefully in a way that’s sensitive to the skin. They also tell us that blanket statements about avoiding perfume, essential oils or physical exfoliants don’t ring true — it comes down to expertise in formulation and knowledge of your ingredients.” Helen, Mark and their Lush colleagues are used to not following industry trends. Decades before the microbiome was a buzzword in cosmetics, they were formulating self- preserving products to protect the health of this ecosystem. Where others add packaging to their skincare and years to their shelf life, Lush sells it minimally packaged and fresh. And now, while competitors put formulas once only available from dermatologists straight into the hands of customers, Lush is working towards making the safest cosmetics in the world.
ANGELS ON BARE SKIN CLEANSER Natural and timeless, this gentle almond recipe may be mediaeval, but it’ll leave delicate skin feeling good as new. Contains over 30% almonds grown using organic practices.
PEACE MOISTURISER
Whether you’re 18 or 80, this softening oat milk and almond blend puts back in what life takes out. Made with Colombian cocoa beans from the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó.
From sunscreens to essential oils, Lush’s in- house toxicology team has data on over 500 ingredients. This is ready to be used by our inventors and in-house perfumers as they formulate safe and effective products. For Lush Co-Founders and Product Inventors Mark Constantine and Helen Ambrosen, it’s the next step in their ambition to make products that will care for you for life. “You should never have an uneasy feeling if you’ve used a product from Lush” says Mark. “We are interested in long-term care, not cheap, short-term results. That’s why we are offering products that consider the health of your skin beyond its appearance as a site that has an important immune function.” Fed up of competitors and influencers claiming that fragrance and physical
“Most masks make no difference - but this one is a pure miracle. Skin is left perfect, matte and poreless.” -Allie
“One of my favorite skincare products ever. After I use this mask, I feel as if I have the skin of a newborn baby.” -Dehydrated skin
“My skin feels as if I’ve had a spa facial and it smells amazing. I’m hooked.” -Stacey
COSMETIC WARRIOR FACE AND BODY MASK
“I don’t know what kind of magic is in it, but my face is visibly firmer, glowing and healthy after I wash it off, not to mention soft, moisturized and supple.” -Bree
“I will legitimately buy this for the rest of my life. So calming. I use it every night before bed and sometimes in the morning if I’m feeling anxious.” -Emma
“Whenever I use this mask I look so refreshed for the rest of the day, every time I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror I’m like, “woah, why do I look so good?!” -Jessie
Honey, tea tree, grapes and garlic gently combat hormonal spots without stressing out your skin. Organically grown jojoba supports climate resilience in the Peruvian Desert.
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