Thai Skincare

My name is Emma and I founded Inner-Soul Organics just over 3 years ago now. Occasionally I travel to research how different parts of the world use skincare and what their main needs are - at the mo I'm in Khao Lak on the Southern side of beautiful Thailand.

They call this place the 'Land of Smiles' and it quickly becomes obvious why when you meet the huge grins and kind eyes of Thai people everywhere. For me this has also become a world of natural beauty, where each and every one of our senses is stimulated in any one moment, from the hypnotic call of the various tropical birds, the sweet taste of cool, fresh coconut water, to the sights of the damp mist rolling in over the green mountains behind me and the scent of heady, woody spice which permanently hangs in the air. This place has completely got under my skin!

So I went to the local supermarket and pharmacies to have a look at what skincare needs Thai people have and must admit, was surprised and saddened to see the shelves absolutely crammed with products claiming to have skin-lightening properties - I admire the smooth, nutmeg skin of these people.  This reminded me of the insatiable human spirit, how we are often searching for what we simply can't have and ironically, the UK fake tan market was worth £3.5 million in the first half of 2015 alone. 

So what kinds of ingredients are in these lightening products? When I looked at random product labels Kojic Dipalmitate is  commonly used - there is no research to prove this s effective in blocking melanin production in our skin, and can also cause skin irritation. Was also shocked to see the compound Tretinoin recurring along with Hydroquinine on a couple of product labels - these are known to irritate skin and the latter is banned in the EU due to its carcinogenic properties. Companies often add mild steroids into creams and serums containing these chemicals to reduce skin inflammation during use, which carries a high risk of skin thinning over time. 

Thai skin is naturally designed to deal with humidity and heat at one of the earth's closest points to the sun, with its high oil and pigment content.

Over the years, I have formulated 100% natural, bespoke creams and facial oils for my clients with hyperpigmentation. Key ingredients include anti-oxidant rich Raspberry, Aloe, Bear Berries, Lavender, Lemon, Rose and Rosehip oils. Many of these clients have seen a vast improvement in their skin tone, specifically a clearer and more balanced colouration over the face.

This exercise has reminded me that we still have a long way to go in making skincare safe for people all over the world. It has also helped me to remember that being more content with what we have, leads to better health both in mind and body.

Emma xx

Hip and Healthy: The Beauty Behind the Brand

This month our founder Emma chatted with inspiring healthy guru Sadie Mcleod, founder of her favourite go-to health and fitness website HipandHealthy.com This site delivers top quality insight on how to take best care of you from the inside out and has a fabulous Activewear Shop too so you can look your best whilst doing it!

Emma: Tell us more about your role as editor at HipandHealthy.com

Sadie: I started Hip & Healthy when I couldn’t find engaging health and fitness content delivered in a stylish and fun way on the net. It became increasingly apparent that the UK was also missing a destination to buy stylish sportswear so we then built the digital activewear store too. My role used to encompass EVERYTHING but now I have a team I tend to focus on growing the business, building and maintaining relationships with clients, partners and brands as well as sourcing stylish new gear and focussing on the marketing side of things.

Emma: What inspired you to launch Hip and Healthy?

Sadie: I was living in Hong Kong freelance writing and through researching health and fitness titles that I was hoping to work for I realised that very few of them were on line and none of the ones that were online where lovely to look at and delivered a luxury product to the reader - that’s when I thought that I could fill that gap in the market. It was very soon after Hip & Healthy first launched as an online wellbeing magazine that we then set wheels in motion to get the digital activewear set up.

Emma: What are the top 3 philosophies behind your site?

Sadie: To inspire our readers and customers to be the best versions of themselves. To eat naturally and as organic as possible. To workout for yourself, not for any other reason.

Check out yummy Hip and Healthy Recipes here

Emma: What has been a personal highlight for you since Hip and Healthy began?

Sadie: I love nothing more than when a reader gets in touch telling us how an article inspired her to adopt a healthier lifestyle or when a customer shares their H&H outfit on instagram. They inspire us to keep doing what we’re doing.

Emma: Did you always have an interest for all things fitness and health?

Sadie: Yes - my mum instilled a love of healthy food in us (I have a sister and a brother - both of whom are ridiculously healthy as well) from a young age. The fitness passion came later - when I was at university - and I realised how great it made me feel.

Sadie's healthful lifestyle choices have been inspired
by family and further encouraged by how good she felt

Emma:Tell us about your latest HipandHealthy.com news
Sadie: We have just launched our first ever physical retail space at Psycle Spin Studios in Canary Wharf.

EXCITING! You can now pick up items
from the Hip and Healthy brand at Psycle

Emma: If you had the power to change one key thing about the world...? 

Sadie: That is such a good question. Can I ask for world peace?

Emma: Which people / person have most inspired you in your life? 
Sadie: So many people inspire me daily; my family inspire me to be the best mum, wife, sister, daughter I can possibly be. And I am constantly inspired by other women who have started their own business - especially those who have children. It really is hard on another level once you become a mummy!

Emma: Which special things do you do to nourish yourself and stay centred?

Sadie's Pearls of Wisdom x

Sadie: Have a bath. Run. Do yoga. Indulge in a face mask. Eat the best raw chocolate. Travel to the South of France every year. Eat dinner with my husband. Read a magazine with a cup of tea. They may not be super special, but they are special to me.

Emma: What pearl of wisdom would you give your 16 year old self?  

Sadie: Don’t squeeze your spots…

Our Latest Giveaway - It's All About You XX

Emma spent 12 years as an aromatherapist
before launching Inner-Soul Organics

Ever fancied trying your hand at skincare design?

With our latest competition we really wanted to convey what our philosophies mean here at Inner-Soul Organics. When our founder Emma Coleman launched the initial skincare range in 2012 she had been making bespoke products for her aromatherapy clients for over 12 years. In keeping with this, Emma still drives her strong desire that every woman who shops our 100% natural skincare ranges should feel special and find something which suits her just perfectly, be it for face, bath, body, maternity or tailor-made collections.


The brand's new 'All About You' competition provides Inner-Soul's customers and social media supporters with the chance to design their own unique idea for the perfect gift set and pitch it to the company. The event will be running until July 31st with one lucky winner's idea being chosen. This entrant will then win their gift set once it's been created here in London using only fine quality botanical and organic extracts. Four other entrants will also be chosen at random to receive the winning design and this will be officially launched for general sale onto Inner-Soul Organics' website in early November.*

It's in your hands xx

Perhaps you have a specific skincare issue which you would like to address, a gorgeous travel set in mind or simply love a particular aromatherapy scent. You can submit your idea here or alternatively click into one of our social media channels below. Good Luck!!!


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*The judges' decision is final. All winners will be notified by e-mail or social media and will receive their prize via post.