June 16, 2025

What Truly Constitutes Natural Skincare—and How to Find Authentic Brands You Can Trust

by Alana Wannell in Skincare Science

In a world where countless skincare brands boast about being “natural” or “organic,” it can feel overwhelming to navigate the seemingly endless sea of options. I get it — especially if you’re someone who cares deeply about what you put on your skin, the environment, and supporting genuinely honest brands. That’s why I want to share some insights on what truly makes skincare natural and what to watch out for, so you can make informed choices that align with your values.

What Is Truly Natural Skincare?

1. Pure Ingredients from Nature
Real natural skincare is rooted in ingredients that come straight from nature — think aloe vera, chamomile, shea butter, jojoba oil, and plant extracts. These ingredients are minimally processed to preserve their natural benefits. At Lily Bee & Me, we believe in harnessing the power of nature’s gifts, ensuring our products contain recognizable, wholesome ingredients.

2. No Harmful Chemicals or Fillers
Authentic natural products steer clear of synthetic chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances or dyes. Instead, they use gentle, plant-based preservatives and formulas that respect your skin’s natural balance.

3. Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing
Supporting brands that prioritize sustainability isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for your conscience too. Lily Bee & Me is committed to sourcing ingredients ethically and eco-consciously, making sure every product you use has a positive impact.

What to Watch Out For

1. Greenwashing
Some brands play with words like “natural” or “organic” without backing it up. They might include only a tiny percentage of natural ingredients or use misleading labels. The key is to read the ingredient list carefully and understand what’s really inside.

2. Hidden Synthetic Ingredients
Sometimes, products contain sneaky synthetics masked under complex names. If a product’s ingredient list is long and unfamiliar, take a moment to research or choose simpler, more transparent options.

3. Confusing or Lengthy Labels
Less is more. If you see a lengthy list of hard-to-pronounce chemicals, it’s worth considering if that’s the right natural alternative for your skin.

How to Choose Truly Natural Skincare

Opt for Simple, Recognizable Ingredients: The fewer, the better.
Start Small & Patch Test: Find what works for you without overwhelming your skin or budget.
Tune Into Your Senses: Smell, feel, and observe how your skin responds.
Keep Learning: Stay informed through trusted sources about what “natural” really means.

At Lily Bee & Me, we’re passionate about creating skincare that is sincere, effective, and environmentally responsible. We believe that natural skincare shouldn’t just be a trend — it should be a genuine commitment to nurturing your skin and respecting the planet.

So, when you choose Lily Bee & Me, you’re not only caring for your skin but also supporting a brand dedicated to authenticity and sustainability. We’re here to help you feel beautiful inside out.

September 12, 2025

Understanding Sensitive Skin: Causes, Variations, and How Lily Bee & Me Can Help

Sensitive skin is a common concern, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many people think that if their skin reacts easily or turns red after certain products, they have "sensitive skin." However, the truth is that skin sensitivity differs widely from person to person, and understanding these differences is key to choosing the right skincare routine - natural or otherwise. What Causes Skin Sensitivity? Skin sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices. Common causes include: Environmental irritants: Pollution, harsh weather, or UV exposure can weaken the skin's barrier, making it more reactive. Chemical sensitivities: Certain preservatives, fragrances, and synthetic ingredients can cause irritation. Natural ingredient intolerances: Paradoxically, natural ingredients like essential oils or botanical extracts may cause reactions in some individuals. For example, some people might react to lavender or citrus oils. Skincare habits: Over-exfoliating, using too many products, or harsh cleansers can strip the skin’s natural barrier. Why All Skin Is Different One person’s version of sensitive skin may not be the same as another’s. For some, it’s redness and itching; for others, it’s dryness, peeling, or breakouts. That’s because skin sensitivity depends on individual genetics, skin type, and current skin health. While many seek gentle, chemical-free skincare that respects this diversity, it’s important to recognize that even all-natural skincare can sometimes cause sensitivities. Ingredients like certain essential oils, botanical extracts, or even natural preservatives may not suit everyone. How Lily Bee & Me Supports Sensitive Skin At Lily Bee & Me, we prioritize safe, natural skincare formulas designed to be gentle and effective for most sensitive skin types. Our products are made with plant-based, cruelty-free ingredients, and free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. We carefully formulate each product to ensure they help soothe, hydrate, and support your skin’s natural barrier. For example, our vegan facial moisturizers and nourishing body lotions are crafted to reduce irritation and promote a healthy, radiant appearance. Important Tips for Those with Sensitive Skin Patch test: We strongly recommend performing a patch test before trying any new product. Apply a small amount to the skin behind your ear or on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction to any of the ingredients. Personal sensitivities: Remember, just because a product is gentle or natural doesn’t mean it’s suitable for everyone. Some individuals may react to specific ingredients like certain essential oils or botanical extracts. Contact us: If you experience any reaction, contact Lily Bee & Me immediately. We don't want you to be stuck with a product that doesn't work for you. We’re happy to help you swap out products or to offer a full refund (provided you notify us within 14 days of purchase, please see our refund policy). Our goal is to help you find the best possible skincare routine tailored to your unique needs. Final Thoughts Skin sensitivity can be complex, but with the right approach, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin. At Lily Bee & Me, we believe with careful formulation, personalized attention, and a gentle touch, everyone can enjoy effective skincare suited for sensitive skin. If you’re ready to discover natural, cruelty-free skincare that cares for your skin, explore our range — and remember, always listen to your skin and seek professional advice if needed.

Learn more

July 26, 2025

Myth or Fact - Does Drinking Water Clear Your Skin?

If you’ve ever wondered whether drinking more water can solve all your skin concerns, you’re not alone. It’s a common belief that hydration is the key to clear, glowing skin, but is it really that simple? Let’s dive into the truth behind this popular skincare myth. The Truth About Water and Skin Drinking water is essential for overall health, and your skin is no exception. Proper hydration helps maintain your skin’s elasticity, keeps it soft, and can prevent dryness and flakiness. When your skin is well-hydrated, it appears plumper, smoother, and more radiant. So, yes — water does play a vital role in supporting healthy skin. Does Water Really Clear Up Acne or Blemishes? While hydration is important, it’s a misconception that drinking water alone can “clear” your skin from acne, pimples, or other skin issues. Acne is primarily caused by excess oil production, bacteria, hormones, and inflammation—not dehydration. Drinking plenty of water won’t directly unclog pores or reduce breakouts unless combined with a comprehensive skincare routine and lifestyle habits. Hydration Supports Overall Skin Health What water does do is support your body’s natural functions, including the detoxification process. Proper hydration can help your body eliminate toxins and reduce dullness, giving your skin a healthier look. But it’s not a stand-alone solution for skin concerns — it’s part of a balanced approach that includes nourishing ingredients, good hygiene, and healthy lifestyle choices. Other Ways to Achieve Clear, Glowing Skin While drinking adequate water is beneficial, it should be complemented by: Using effective skincare products suited to your skin type = Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats Getting enough sleep and managing stress Avoiding excess sugar and processed foods Protecting your skin from environmental damage with a natural (and tested!) SPF In Conclusion Drinking water is an essential part of maintaining healthy skin, but it’s not a magic cure for all skin issues. Think of hydration as a foundation — it supports your overall health and skin’s vitality but isn’t the sole solution. For the best results, combine proper hydration with a holistic skincare routine and healthy habits.

Learn more

July 22, 2025

Caring for Your Skin and the Planet: The Importance of Sustainability in Skincare

In today’s world, our choices as consumers have the power to shape a healthier planet. When it comes to skincare, the impact of big companies mass-producing products at scale is far-reaching—both for our health and the environment. It’s time we all become more conscious about the true cost of the products sitting on our shelves. The Dark Side of Mass Production and Harmful Chemicals Many large skincare brands prioritize profit, often producing products in vast quantities to serve global markets. To do so cheaply, they turn to synthetic ingredients and harmful chemicals—preservatives, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances—that can be potentially damaging to our skin and health. But beyond this, these chemicals also have serious environmental consequences. During manufacturing, toxic by-products are generated, often released into waterways or the air, polluting ecosystems and harming wildlife. Once the products are used and disposed of, the chemicals don't just disappear; they enter our wastewater systems, soil, and even our water supply, impacting aquatic life and ecosystems for generations. The Toll of Plastic and Waste Most skincare packaging is made from plastic, which is notorious for taking hundreds of years to decompose. While recycling is often touted as the solution, the reality is much grimmer. A significant amount of recycled plastic is shipped overseas, where it is either dumped in landfills, buried, or burned - practices that cause catastrophic environmental and health impacts for communities nearby. Burning plastics releases toxic fumes, contaminating the air and poisoning local populations, often in vulnerable communities lacking proper waste management infrastructure. This cycle perpetuates environmental injustice and global pollution, at the expense of our planet’s health. The Illusion of Recycling and Corporate Responsibility Big corporations often put the onus on consumers to "recycle," but the truth is that most recyclable waste isn't really recycled in a meaningful way. Instead, it leaves our shores and ends up in landfills, incinerators, or illegal dumping grounds, creating damage on a global scale. It’s not just an environmental issue—these practices threaten the health of communities, wildlife, and ecosystems worldwide. A Different Approach: How Lily Bee & Me Minimizes Its Impact At Lily Bee & Me, we believe that skincare shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. We’re committed to making conscious choices that reduce our ecological footprint while providing safe, effective products. Here’s how we do it: Small-Batch Production: To avoid waste and overproduction, we manufacture our products in small, artisanal batches based on customer demand. This approach minimizes excess and ensures freshness, reducing unnecessary waste. Natural, Ethical Ingredients: All our ingredients are ethically sourced from certified suppliers who can provide evidence of organic certifications and ethical practices. We prioritize natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on skin and kinder to the environment. Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Unlike many mass-produced products, we do not use synthetic preservatives or harmful chemicals. The natural preservatives we do use are effective but require well-designed packaging to ensure product integrity and safety—something we take very seriously. Reusable Packaging where possible: We choose premium, reusable containers whenever possible. While our packaging needs to be sturdy and safe for our products—especially since we don’t use artificial preservatives - we carefully select options that can be washed, sterilized & reused and/or recycled responsibly. Future plans are to incorporate top-up packs at a reduced cost, however research is still ongoing to find suitable biodegradable packaging that will keep the product integrity at a high quality. Watch this space! We'll get there. Striking a Balance While we strive to be as eco-friendly as possible, we recognize that there are limits. Some of our packaging materials might not be fully biodegradable without compromising the product's safety or effectiveness. Our priority is our customers’ health and well-being, and we believe that responsible innovation—like selecting high-quality, reusable, and recyclable materials, creating small artisanal batches & carefully selecting our natural ingredients from responsible suppliers can reduce impact without sacrificing safety. In conclusion, choosing brands that prioritize sustainability doesn’t just benefit the planet - it also supports ethical practices, reduces waste, and promotes a healthier future for everyone. At Lily Bee & Me, we're dedicated to walking that path - creating beautiful skincare that cares for your skin AND the world around us.

Learn more