Our 10 favourite natural enough to eat beauty products

La Bella Figura, Modern Radiance Concentrate, $170

A small organic skincare company based in Chicago, La Bella Figura has set themselves apart in the green beauty industry by sourcing rare, active oils from all over the world for their unique and potent healing abilities.

Always looking (and finding) the next great thing in natural beauty, they have done it again with their brand new vitamin C gel-cream. This gel-cream is derived from cellular extraction of the world’s highest source of vitamin C found only in Australia’s wild harvested Kakadu plums.

Whereas most products touting vitamin C qualities use ascorbic acid (the synthetic form of vitamin C) La Bella Figura uses the vitamin in its whole form, containing original flavonoids and phytochemicals to offer its benefits in a uniquely holistic and synergetic form. Paired with other antioxidant-rich fruit oils such as pomegranate seed, sea buckthorn fruit and barbary fig seed oils, this super-charged concentrate will restore radiance to the skin by stimulating collagen growth, toning and strengthening thinning skin and preventing premature aging due to oxidative damage.

S.W. Basics, Makeup Remover, $16

With no more than five ingredients in any of their made-from-scratch and all-natural products, this Brooklyn-based company has aesthetically pleasing packaging and a fresh, uncomplicated take on skincare.

Their eye-makeup remover contains only organic sweet almond oil, organic extra virgin olive oil and organic jojoba oil to gently take off makeup from the most sensitive parts of our skin. It can also double as a light moisturizer.

To boot, they only buy their ingredients from organic, fair trade or small-farm sources.

Tata Harper, Regenerating Cleanser, $82

With each of her 100-percent-natural products made on her 1,200 acre farm in Vermont, Tata Harper uses the finest organic botanicals to deliver effective results without a drop of synthetic chemicals. Out of the desire to offer women luxurious products without having to compromise their health, she has created a non-toxic line that is so wonderful it has earned her celebrity status in the green-beauty world.

One of her star products, this gentle exfoliating cleanser combines the benefits of willow bark, aloe vera, apricot-seed kernels and pink clay to give a refreshing cleansing experience that detoxifies the skin, reduces pore size and increases circulation and cellular renewal. Part of a complete anti-aging routine, this cleanser can be used daily, morning and night.

Province Apothecary, Healing Eczema Balm, $16

Created by holistic healer, aromatherapist and Toronto local Julie Clark, this rich balm is extremely anti-inflammatory and can be used to treat anything from eczema to bug bites to acne. Formulated for sensitive skin, this balm features calendula oil (for its calming effect) and zinc (for its ability to reduce irritation and prevent scarring).

Added bonus: This little tin comes with a packet of ground turmeric to sprinkle onto the skin after the balm is applied. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich turmeric works to further soothe skin and reduce redness, itchiness and irritation. A little goes a long way, and I promise, even the natural-remedy skeptics will be impressed!

Drip Organic Maple Syrup, $25

My absolute go-to when making something naturally sweet, Drip organic maple syrup is made by a Toronto-based husband and wife team who’ve had maple bushes in the family for years. Their love for the sticky stuff inspired them to create three mineral-rich grades each reflective of their time of harvest, all packaged in lovely glass bottles. And you can be sure there are no corn-syrup additives here.

A true Canadian treat, this syrup makes a wonderful gift (if you aren’t too tempted to keep it for yourself!).

Alexis Smart Flower Remedies, First Aid Kit, $30

Based on Dr. Edward Bach’s original five-flower Rescue Remedy (developed in the 1930s to deal with high-stress situations), this flower essence restores balance and calm within minutes of consumption. Flower remedies are herbal infusions made from the flowering part of wild plants, bushes or trees, that address emotional and mental aspects of wellness.

I fell instantly in love with them because they don't interfere with medications or cause side effects, making them an extremely safe alternative therapy. These tinctures are great to keep on hand for those unexpected stressful moments. Also available for children.

Consonant, The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30, $45

The name says it all! Made without endocrine-disrupting oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate – a form of vitamin A that actually does more harm than good in the presence of sunlight – this non-greasy sunscreen is 100 percent natural. It leaves no white residue (quite common for its natural counterparts) and instead evens skin tone with its subtle mica tint. This sunscreen is a must for daily anti-aging protection (you can read more at Consonantskincare.com).

ILIA Beauty, Lipstick in Wild Child, $28

After reading Gillian Deacon’s popular book, There’s Lead in Your Lipstick, I tried sourcing many natural lipsticks only to be disappointed by their ineffectiveness, packaging or lack of stylish colours. My search was over when I found ILIA Beauty lipstick.

Their sleek and contemporary packaging, high-quality, nourishing ingredients (which are 85 percent organic), trendy shades and great staying power make you wonder why you would ever use a conventional lipstick again! Right now I’m loving Wild Child (shown), a warm fiery red. Layer with ILIA lip conditioners for a softer, more moistened look.

Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner, $34 & $36

In my opinion, this is the best thing that's ever happened to natural hair care. This line contains omega-rich rahua-seed oil extracted from deep in the Amazon rainforest.

Traditionally used by the local women to achieve shiny, strong and radiant hair as well as to treat irritated scalps,  rahua oil is able to deeply penetrate the hair’s cortex and heal it from within, rather than simply coating the strands like silicone or other botanical oils. Made without parabens, sulfates or synthetics, these products are 100 percent natural, vegan, gluten-free and organic as well as extremely hydrating (which will extend the life of your colour as well).

Sapadilla Soap Co., Countertop Spray in Rosemary + Peppermint, $9

This natural, yet completely effective, countertop spray is not only earth friendly but also kind to your skin (no harsh, irritating ingredients). Scented with pure essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance (which can mean hundreds of undisclosed chemicals including parabens and phthalates), this spray leaves your surfaces smelling naturally fresh and clean.

The other day a customer told me she now actually looks forward to cleaning her house. I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s pretty awesome stuff. Plus the simple and bright packaging looks great in your kitchen. (Learn more at Sapadilla.com.)

For Canadian shipping, you can shop for any one of these products at Healthhutboutique.com. For more from Tara Miller click here.