Summer is upon us in the Southern Hemisphere and with it the sizzling heat and inevitable sweat, kindly served by our largest breathing organ- skin.  Our meat's container is not only our largest detoxifying avenue but also a factory for our vitamin D reserves, a necessary hormone which plays a role in immune regulation and a myriad of other functions in the body .

Lord knows I am still not 100% toxin free in my life ( hello occasional Shellac, big brand make up and hair dye ) but I do try to bring chemical use in my environment to as low as possible to avoid triggering autoimmune issues that come with my MTHFR gene mutation, especially in the heat and humidity when pores open to breathe. Harvesting powers of Nature in concoctions that smell great is the easy part, the next mile is making a product which excels when compared to a more toxic counterpart.

Above: Minnensey face mask is  intensely hydrating and moisturising - perfect after a little too much sun at the beach 

La Mav vitamin C hand cream contains ingredients CoEnzyme Q10, Shea Butter, Hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts and vitamin C plus adaptogenic actives such as Ashwagandha and Amla to help neutralise the impact of external stressors, reduce inflammation and leave hands feeling smooth and supple.

Beauty Chef's Glow Face oil excels in fermented ingredients for that otherworldly glow and this product is no different- with prebiotic and postbiotic extract, bakuchiol, vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants, and over 20 plant extracts, this oil promises a smoother, firmer and more nourished complexion.

I really love the Pure Haircare product range- it's certified organic, smells great and does the job really well. Their Goddess range is a salve for my dry, kinky and unruly curls in the summer. If your hair is absolutely dying of thirst in the strong Australian Sun, add the Pure mask to the above combo and watch a miracle happen.

Nutra Organics After Sun Mist uses the power of collagen peptides, cooling botanicals and Aloe Vera to soothe a sun kissed face, calm redness and cool down hot irritated skin.

I love Recreation Bondi Beach's Stardust Body + Hair oil , it smells like a musky sandalwood dream after the beach. I use mine with Imbibe's Contour Body Gua Sha for the ultimate lymphatic drainage experience  

I love everything about Fluff : natural ingredients, a subscription model, insistence on sleek, cool and sustainable packaging. All hail the skincare revolution!

Phthalates added to conventional perfumes have been associated with a ridiculous amount of health concerns from menstrual irregularities and infertility to heart issues, asthma and autoimmune problems. Solution? Natural perfumes! While not as long lasting as their toxic cousins, these babies smell delicious and don't mess up your health in the process.

Clockwise from the top : Heartwood's Touch Wood 's blend of  Indian sandalwood, Cedarwood, Amyris, Nagarmotha, Black pepper, Cardamom, Frankincense, Geranium, Vetiver, Myrrh and Patchouli is a sensual and comforting scent, Vahy's Isle of Blanc fragrance is a light, summery scent with an edge of marine with notes of Coconut, Patchouli and wood, Mihan Aromatics' Munlark Ash perfume is a warm blend of Bergamot, Black Pepper, Fir Needle, Tree Sap, Australian Blue Cypress, Vetiver and Frankincense, Wyalba Australian Virtues Perfume Oil smells like Lemon myrtle, Rosalina and Eucalyptus - Australian summer in a bottle and Recreation Bondi Beach Stardust refreshes and alights through scent of Bergamot, Lemon, Thyme, orris, Geranium, Galbanum, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Musk.

Vanessa Megan is one of my favourite organic skincare companies around. I was gifted her Aeon Azure moisturiser last winter and it worked like some sort of magical precious salve. On a regular day, I'm extremely simple with my skincare routine: just wash with a gentle cleanser in the shower, then add a nice face oil but topping this with the Aeon Azure moisturiser made my skin feel super plump and comfortable in dehydrating cold weather.  As I became hooked on the brand, I wondered what else I should be using on the regular. Remember that Apricot Kernel exfoliator we all used as teenagers? Well, enter Vanessa Megan's Rosemary and Jojoba Exfoliating cream cleanser, an adult version of the popular product - a gentler, softer, creamier iteration that promises to slough off impurities and help our skin shine.