Q&A: In conversation with Odylique

Ethical Consumer: Tell us about Odylique

Abi at Odylique: Odylique was born in the 1980s when my mother, Margaret, started exploring skin-friendly concoctions to help soothe friends’ and family's extremely sensitive/problematic skin. Armed with her qualifications in herbal medicine and aromatherapy, and a passion for the genius of nature, she set about creating truly effective formulations – from moisturisers to shampoo and makeup – based only on organic herbs, plant oils and natural active ingredients that were compatible with the most sensitive skin.

From day 1, all Odylique products have been certified as organic to provide customers with an independent guarantee that what is labelled as organic really is just that.

Our philosophy is simple: all ingredients should provide a positive therapeutic value, and the product should be a joy to use. Much of what we apply to skin is absorbed into the body, so it makes sense to cut down on your toxic load and ‘feed’ your skin with wholesome organic ingredients. Certified organic beauty is guaranteed free from the ingredients many people like to avoid so is generally more compatible with sensitive skin. And it doesn’t mean compromise - today’s organic makeup, hair and skincare products really can perform.

Where would you like to see Odylique in the next 5 years?

I’d love to see Odylique and more natural beauty in general in UK pharmacies. I think it’s the one retail avenue that’s yet to properly embrace organic, but also the one where we can do most good. We’re behind the rest of Europe in this respect where many countries’ pharmacies offer alternative remedies.

Natural beauty can help a lot of the skin problems that prescription creams and remedies struggle to solve. This isn’t just the effect of avoiding synthetic chemicals, although that often helps. We continue to learn and discover new properties of botanical extracts, particularly in skin microbiome support that can help conditions from eczema to rosacea.

If you had to sum up the ethos of Odylique in two sentences, what would it be?

Health and beauty products that strive for better for people and planet. We believe that nature has all the answers where the skin is concerned.

What big change would you like to see in the health and beauty industry?

Proper regulation around the use of the word ‘organic’. Non-food products (like cosmetics and textiles) are not subject to the same laws as food products. So you can call a shampoo or moisturiser organic when it’s not certified as such. We think that’s confusing for consumers and invites greenwashing.

What is your advice to consumers?

Everyone has different ethical preferences and priorities, but if you’re keen to buy genuinely natural and organic skincare, always look for a genuine organic certification mark on the product you choose.

Where can consumers find Odylique products? 

Odylique is mainly an online brand in the UK, although you’ll find us in select independents like the wonderful Blomma Beauty and Blackheath Remedies stores in London, Pure Source in Cambridge and select pharmacies across East Anglia. We’re also available in many European countries online and in pharmacies.