Skinfood Spotlight: The Organic Pharmacy
- Skinfood.care
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
A brand which has stood the test of time in my rotation over the last 15 years is The Organic Pharmacy. In fact, their products even helped to inspire the name of this blog. Unlike their competitors which are mostly synthetic, the brand prides itself on formulating their skincare with largely natural and organic ingredients, which act as literal food for the skin. Once applied, your complexion instantly looks well fed and nourished. Keep reading to learn more about the brand story and my #SkinfoodFavourite products.
Founder Story
While working as a pharmacist, original co-founder Margo Marrone felt unable to truly help her patients with chronic skin concerns; commercially available products were laden with chemicals. She also understood the long term impact that synthetic ingredients could have on our physical and mental health. "These chemicals actually impact our health, and some are carcinogenic, some cause mood swings, some affect our nervous systems, and some can be related to feelings like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, all sorts of things...Back in those days, it was really difficult explaining to people what organic meant. People knew why they should eat organic food, but most people didn't understand why they should use organic skin care. It took a lot of education explaining what these chemicals do to our bodies and our minds. Also, the facts about natural ingredients being high in nutrients and vitamins and phytochemicals and how they can really make the skin healthy."
Raised in her native Iran until the age of 11, she was used to a much more holistic approach. A core memory she cites, was visiting her local bazaar with her mother and grandmother, watching herbs, flowers and essences either being mixed into skincare or tonics to cure ill health. She understood first hand that nature was a powerful tool which was being largely overlooked in the West. "There was an apothecary that had all these different-colored herbs and spices, where the owner would mix everything up on-site for you. I very much grew up assuming that natural treatments are always the first course of action before seeing the doctor,” she recounts. Thus, with the help of her co-founder and husband Franco, The Organic Pharmacy was founded in 2002. They opened their first small flagship store on King’s Road selling organic skincare and homeopathic remedies. The company was later bought in 2018 by Italian dermocosmetics company Istituto Ganassini S.p.A di Ricerche Biochimiche with the goal of fuelling their international growth and expansion into other markets.
Skinfood Favourites
I felt compelled to start my list with the one cream which kick started my love of the brand. I remember going through a challenging time with my skin in my early 20's, and as a response, was leaning into incredibly drying and stripping products which promised clear skin. All I was left with was a very irritated and disturbed acid mantel. Through word of mouth, I heard that the Organic Pharmacy's products were excellent at healing stressed and irritated skin. The first time I used this cream, it was as if my complexion had drunk a healing potion. I could see luminosity, dewiness and balance start to restore and continue. Key ingredients in this product include Rosehip, Centella Asiatica and Bilberry extract. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins A and C (which are two of the most crucial vitamins for optimal skin health and luminosity) this cream does what it says and truly rejuvenates your complexion leaving the skin barrier healthier, stronger and soothed.
The Honey Rich Nutrition Mask is another hero product in my skincare arsenal. If your skin is feeling irritated, dry or dehydrated; this is the mask for you. Clinically proven to boost your skin's moisturisation by 73%, this mask is formulated with honey, aloe vera and olive squalane, all powerhouse ingredients which serve to deeply hydrate and improve your skin's elasticity. Apply either a rich layer and allow it to soak in for 10-20 minutes or if you prefer, apply a thinner layer over your nighttime skincare and allow it to sink in overnight. I personally love to apply this when I'm habit stacking, such as doing an at home workout, tidying up or meditating. Given it isn't a sheet mask, it can get to work without sliding off, meaning it creates time for you to do other things. Once it sinks in, you can feel a big improvement in the softness of your skin and how much more hydrated it looks. Dehydrated complexions will look instantly plumped and more nourished.
Slightly newer to the mix is the brand's Brightening Plus Serum. I was incredibly impressed when I first saw the before and after pictures (after 28 days of using the product) which were featured on their website. It wasn't the type of difference where you had to squint to see a 2% change in someone's complexion. The transformation was stark. Perfect for anyone suffering with hyperpigmentation, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (after suffering from breakouts) or simply looking to brighten and boost your complexion, this is the product for you. Formulated with the brand's award winning niacinamide, plant enzymes and orange peel oil this powerful cocktail addresses skin smoothness, brightness and elasticity. I certainly noticed a big difference in overall brightness and improved skin health after using this.
It's easy to forget about the skin on our bodies when we are much more often reminded to think about the skin on our faces. However, major life events such as pregnancy are a quick reminder to invest in your body care especially as your skin is required to do so much throughout the 10-month journey. This oil is perfect for anyone who is pre-natal but also someone looking to hydrate and rejuvenate their physical complexions. It's key ingredient is Bakuchiol, a plant derived "retinoid-like" ingredient which is packed with Vitamin A and helps to both decrease signs of ageing and boost skin regeneration. Further ingredients such as Calendula and Rosehip support elasticity and boost cell regeneration. Whether you are looking to support your skin as it matures, help reverse sun damage or give your growing belly the support it needs across your pregnancy journey, this oil is the perfect solution.
I've never come across a bad product from this company, so whatever it is you feel inclined to try, I encourage you to give it a go. At the heart of the brand is the ethos and the wish to do good for their clients, a desire to give them better, healthier and more efficacious products. The Organic Pharmacy is a brand I fully stand behind and has played a huge role in nurturing my skin's health from my 20's into my 30's and hopefully beyond.
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