Seas & Oceans
Restorative powers for the mind, body & soul
For me, there is nothing more restorative for the soul and senses than sitting by the beach, filling your lungs with fresh salt air whilst being soothed by the sounds of the waves hitting the shore.
My mum and step dad relocated to Broadstairs a few years back now and my husband and I along with our two boys will frequently visit this idyllic place full of the remedies of a promising weekend of relaxation and sea views.
One evening my husband and I went for a lovely meal in a local restaurant. The bathroom was lined with brown bottles that looked minimal and natural. The scent of the hand wash lingered. I couldn’t help but continue to bring my hands to my nose to inhale the aromas. It evoked such a sense of grounding.
I had never heard of Haeckel's before. With such an usual brand name and ingredients such as Bladderwrack listed on the bottle I was instantly intrigued!
The very next day I explored their website and was surprised to find they were based in Margate, Kent. I was instantly invested and wanted to discover more about the passion they weave through their products, professional treatments and philosophy of the brand. Focused on using ocean water, seaweed and marine minerals for their repairing and restorative properties. They position themselves as an ecological skincare and wild fragrance brand harnessing the powers of seaweed.
Interesting Fact
The name Haeckels comes from Ernst Haeckel, a German botanist, Scientist and Artist who beautifully illustrated and studied ocean life amongst many other subjects. His illustrations were wonderfully detailed and included a variety of seaweeds and ocean life such as jellyfish to name a few.
The Founder
Dom Bridges is the founder of Haeckels.
His vision was to transform the perception of Margate’s seaweed from unsightly to sustainable by handcrafting skin and body care products in his clifftop labs. It’s this passion that really echoes through all of the products created, evoking a love for the coastal town where the ideals of this brand are truly rooted.
Let’s care for the world we live in so we can pass it on to our future generations
The team at Haeckels are championing changes for the way in which we care for the world we all live in today.
As a company they continue to ‘innovate and create alternatives’ with regards to their packaging by hoping to minimise consumer waste.
One of their innovative ideas is to use Algae Bottle Seals. It creates an alternative to using a plastic seal for their exfoliant and facial masque products.
Haeckels have combined their forward thinking, environmentally friendly ideas beautifully by simultaneously bringing awareness to the benefits of using ocean based ingredients within skin and body care products.
Could this inspire a new generation of skincare users to be mindful in the ways in which their decisions can shape the future of how the beauty industry should be? Could it possibly influence existing skincare users to rethink their buying habits and instead support innovative skin care companies that are invested and committed to making a change to our future world?
This is a brand with environmental and ethical credentials at the core of their creations.
The facts of plastic pollution - A wake up call!
As this is one of the key focal points that Haeckels takes very seriously, I decided to conduct my own research into this so I could connect and broaden my understanding.
It’s fascinating to discover the facts and figures with regards to the way in which plastic is causing catastrophic and irreversible damage to our oceans and seas.
The Surfers Against Sewage Organisation is a very knowledgeable website with regards to the statistics involving plastic pollution.
It states that “Over 150 plastic bottles litter each mile of UK beaches." We know how sturdy plastic is, making it even harder to break down over time. It is estimated that “a plastic bottle can last for 450 years in the marine environment.”
Haeckel's have a innovative way to introduce their Bladdewrack Body Cleanser to consumers ~ by encouraging them to collect a bag full of beach rubbish from Walpole Bay. This promotes awareness for cleaner beaches and shines a spotlight on their
Plastic pollution can also damage the marine wildlife causing harm and even death with marine animals mistakingly eating the plastic that ends up in sea, oceans, rivers and lakes.
Fish caught for human consumption will directly be effected. The plastic being digested by these fish will absorb certain chemicals from the seawater, creating a negative effect on our bodies internal health systems when eaten.
It certainly is a wake up call and something that is making headlines worldwide. Documentaries such as Drowning in Plastic and War on Plastic with Hugh and Anita commissioned by the BBC can help re-educate the viewer on what can and should be done to reduce single use plastic.
The Beauty of Seaweed
Haeckels star ingredient
This natural ingredient can be sourced moments outside Haeckels flagship store in Margate, with the Seaweed being harvested by hand from the beach.
Abundant in valuable vitamins, minerals and amino acids that deliver hydration. Plumping lines and wrinkles, whilst infusing anti-inflammatory properties to heal and soothe.
Haeckels have a innovative way to introduce their Bladdewrack Body Cleanser to consumers ~ by encouraging them to collect a bag full of beach rubbish from Walpole Bay. This promotes awareness for cleaner beaches and shines a spotlight on their RUBBISH FOR PRODUCT scheme, where you can exchange the rubbish for this beautifully crafted product in store.
A small token that can contribute towards the bigger issues at hand.
Sharing the love
I was kindly gifted the below products and wanted to share my thoughts with you as to why I believe that supporting companies that invest in our future environments is something to seriously consider.
Bladderwrack + Fennel Hand Cleanser
This is a low foaming cleansing gel, with a beautiful blend of natural ingredients that have antibacterial qualities. The Seaweed harnesses vitamin B which repairs and rehydrates dry skin.
My review I have believe this has really helped to reduce my Atopic Eczema on my hands. I adore the essential oil aroma blend of tea tree, lavender, fennel and coriander combined with the skin soothing properties of the seaweed broth, bladderwrack and wheat germ oil. This makes for a beautifully hand crafted product that will take pride of place in my kitchen and bathroom spaces. The aroma will always evoke those special family memories of being back by the sea.
Small Exfoliating Vegan Seaweed Block
Haeckels say
This low-foaming, vegan-friendly seaweed soap is free of synthetic fragrances and lightly buffs the skin with botanical particles.
My review I cant remember the last time I used a soap based product so was intrigued to try this. I decided to use this in the shower. You moisten the block first then gently work over the skin in circular movements. The crushed botanicals of coriander seeds and peppercorns buff the skin gently to exfoliate away dead skin cells whilst boosting micro circulation. It is so easy to use and my skin felt super clean and refreshed.
It can also double up as a natural and plastic free alternative to liquid hand cleansers.
Rosehip + Seaweed Suspension 3.5%
Haeckels say
Combat dehydration, irritation, and inflammation with this combination of seaweed extract and rosehip oil.
Our seaweed extract present here at 3.5% has HA-like properties which help lessen transepidermal water loss without creating a gel layer.
My review This is such a pleasure to use. I apply 2-3 drops before my normal serum and moisturiser routine. This has really enhanced hydration and my skin has felt increasingly more supple and soothed after a period of time. The bladdewrack seaweed harvested in Margate is suspended in pure Rose Hip Oil (one of my favourite facial oils). It is such a refined, lightweight oil that it would be perfect for all skin types, it’s like an invisible comfort blanket for the skin.
A great recommendation for those who have been hesitant to introduce an oil based product into their current skincare routine. Give this a try you won’t be disappointed.
On my my wish list to try next....
Zinc + Fucoidan Overnight Spot & Acne Treatment
This product contains a dream team fusion of niacinamide, zinc and willow bark
Refining Powder Facial Masque
A masque to rebalance and combat impurities containing natural sources of antioxidants
Dreamland GPS 23’ 5”N Candle
I do love to burn a candle and this would be a lovely nod to my children spending their childhood visiting this place filled with joy and laughter with their grandparents
Final thoughts
Sustainability, creating solutions that reduce plastic pollution, designing innovative products and packaging that have a positive impact on our British coastlines as well as our planets ocean crisis, are all at the forefront of one of the most aspiring and inspiring brands I have come across in the beauty industry thus far. A brand with a vision for change and definitely one to watch out for.
If you would like to learn even more please visit the Haeckles website to read about their newest innovation for product packaging. It really is something amazing!
Lindsay x
Sources Used
https://www.sas.org.uk/our-work/plastic-pollution/plastic-pollution-facts-figures/
https://www.theguardian.com/books/gallery/2017/nov/01/ernst-haeckel-the-art-of-evolution-in-pictures
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0005xgz/war-on-plastic-with-hugh-and-anita-series-1-episode-1
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