Luxury skincare that’s cruelty-free, vegetarian, vegan, organic, Halal, natural & chemical-free

Couple the onset of winter and the firing up of central heating in homes all across the U.K, with the kids going back to school and bringing all their germs home, and what do you get? The flu. Yes, I’ve been struck down with the worst case possible and am feeling pretty sorry for myself.

Whenever I’m feeling under the weather, my skin gets blotchy and more sensitive than usual. Long baths do help me feel more human, but the trade off is extremely dry skin - particularly on my legs after shaving. Fortunately I was recently sent a tub of Saaf Super Hydrating Body Balm (£24.99) which has really helped soothe my parched skin. A totally natural and intensely hydrating balm, it delivers plenty of moisture to keep my skin soft and supple, with a gorgeous scent I can actually appreciate despite the heavily blocked nose.

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The origins of Saaf?

Saaf means “Pure” in Persian and was born in 2004 when Dr Mah, a qualified pharmacologist with a keen interest natural remedies, got frustrated with skincare companies that too readily described their products as organic and natural. As a mum, she recognised the need for a truly organic alternative for her families skin and set about creating one herself. As my own children, Dexter and Heidi, have incredibly sensitive (often eczema-prone) skin, I’m totally onboard with her ethos.

What’s so great about it?

It’s a balm in the truest sense of the word, which is fabulous as I love digging my nails into them. You are directed to apply a generous amount all over your body, paying close attention to rough areas such as knees and elbows. The balm rubs in well leaving a reassuring light sheen, and long-lasting scent. I’d go so far as to say my skin looks visibly healthier, after just 2 weeks of use.

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Ideal for those with dry, thirsty, flaky or itchy skin, and those wanting a spa-like post-bath experience, its certified organic with no unnecessary chemicals that might irritate sensitive skin types. With a base of super oils the formulation is primarily concerned with nourishing the skin deep down, rather than simply moisturising the top layer.

… The oils:

Safflower oil helps soothe irritations on even the most sensitive skin.

Sesame oil has proven moisturising properties. It penetrates the skin easily, nourishing and detoxifying the deepest tissue layers. This means greater healing, moisture delivery and longer-lasting nourishment.

Organic beeswax helps soften dry skin whilst shea butter improves elasticity. Its cell regeneration properties are an effective anti-aging ingredient that also helps to minimise the appearance of scarring.

… The essential oils:

The scent is totally unique but I’d liken it most to Elizabeth Arden’s 8 hour cream. At first sniff my mother and I remarked it was more herby than many others of its kind, but there’s still the buttery scents of beeswax and shea, and a blend of Ylang ylang, patchouli, lavender and clove to create a pleasant fragrance. In short, it smells reassuringly simple, and post-bath applications last long into the evening.

The awards

Awards

Is it worth the price tag?

Yes. At £24.99 I’ve paid triple this for skin balms / moisturisers before now. The fact that it’s natural and organic and every ingredient sourced ethically and carefully chosen for its properties (not its scent, or to win praise from beauty editors and influencers), means it scores extra highly from me. Saaf’s Super Hydrating Body Balm offers 10+ hours of constant hydration per application, and calmer, softer and better conditioned skin - it’s exactly what this flu-ridden mum of two needed.