However, there are some good ingredients, including leontopodic acid, the unique and powerful antioxidant extracted from the Edelweiss flower.

When it comes to skincare, we all have our unique requirements, what with fearsome dark spots we refuse to accept and the hassles of daily pollution we can’t work our way around. But with this new plant-based alternative to Retinol, their new product range delivers safer, cleaner, sustainably sourced beauty must-haves for whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever you need. I love this day cream because it is so light, absorbs really well and has a lovely, gentle fragrance. It contains hyaluronic acid and leontopodic acid from the Edelweiss flower – an extract that has 43% more antioxidant power than that old favourite, Retinol which seems pretty amazing. However, I’m not really thinking about that when I apply it to be honest, I’m just pleased with the results!Overall, my skin has felt more hydrated, and I have not had any breakouts or reactions to the products which is great. But let’s face it, change begins at home. While The Body Shop is working towards changing the face of skincare through external factors, their collaboration with psychodermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed is motivating us to discover beauty from within. “I couldn’t be more delighted to partner with The Body Shop. Very few beauty brands respect the relationship between emotional health and the health of our skin. The natural process of ageing can induce fear and anxiety, especially for women. We must change the narrative,” Dr Ahmed says, rightly adding that skincare shouldn’t fill anyone with dread, but inspire confidence.

There are a lot of ingredients in these Body Shop Edelweiss products. That’s not to say that is necessarily bad, although I don’t think they can all be classified as ‘natural’. Just the way the Edelweiss flower thrives under harsh conditions, she suggests building your own inner resilience to conquer stress for a healthier, thriving skin. She also adds that cultivating a good sleeping schedule to complement your skincare regimen is a must. Because it’s during the dark hours that our skin can work to repair the damage that is caused during the day.And lastly, but quite importantly, love yourself. For all the products you use, take a minute to massage them in, transcending in their aromas as you love yourself and your skin. Like the Edelweiss extract, your love has the power to soak into your skin and nourish it, replenish it and enhance it. The healing properties of Edelweiss deliver smoother, stronger skin for anyone who applies it. While keeping you safe from the woes of pollution, this Edelweiss enriched cream works to repair your skin from the inside. The formula is perfect for dry skin and will leave your face feeling rejuvenated and fresh, no matter the time of the day. One thing to note though is this cream doesn’t appear to offer any protection from the sun, so if it’s important to you, you may still need to consider applying something with an SPF factor.

The flower extract is made with ‘green chemistry’ principles—with zero chemical waste—first through drying the plant, and then distilling it using a renewable process. As the supplier Francois Paul explains, “The Edelweiss flower is harvested directly from the flowering tops to maximise the effectiveness of its active antioxidant properties, including phenolic acid and flavonoids.” By the time the goodness of Edelweiss seeps into your skin, it has been combined with beneficial peptides sourced from rice, offering a vegan, farm to face beauty experience. Tired of grime and dirt hiding your natural beauty? This lightweight gel cleanser works on all skin types to wipe away any and all pollutants from the face. With 43 per cent more antioxidant power than Retinol, its Edelweiss extract will release your skin from the clutches of environmental stressors and let it breathe! Edelweiss Intense Smoothing Cream When we decided to do some testing on skin, we discovered Edelweiss is a very strong antioxidant and that it’s able to reinforce the skin barrier, which can be compromised and sensitized by pollution, chemicals, or even stress,” explains Francois Paul, an Edelweiss expert in the Swiss Alps. In the same way that the flower is able to insulate itself with snow and sustain crazy winds at high altitudes, it’s able to protect the skin from environmental aggressors. “Knowing how Edelweiss manages to not only survive, but thrive, in all these trials and tribulations, makes it an obvious ingredient choice,” adds Laura Keane, Global Director of Brand Development at The Body Shop.The Body Shop does also provide a complete breakdown of the ingredients contained in all their products, and explains why they are there which is helpful. At least you have clearer information which can help you to decide whether or not you want to smother it all over your face! Vegan Mum’s conclusion on The Body Shop Edelweiss Skincare range