Sarah Hancock: On Founding Organic Skincare Brand Skin And Tonic

We’re constantly in awe of the growing number of Londoners taking their health into their own hands – and empowering others along the way. Sarah Hancock, founder of British natural skincare brand Skin and Tonic, is one such example.

In this honest and thoughtful interview, guest contributor Zeena Kalisperides speaks with Sarah about quitting TV to follow a new passion, why 7 is the magic number, and how natural, organic skincare is the way forward for urban wellness junkies.

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How would you describe Skin and Tonic in three words?

Minimal, organic skincare.

When did you start and what inspired you to create this amazing brand and range of skin heroes and heroines?

I started experimenting with organic skincare in our kitchen about 3 or 4 years ago. In 2010, I was diagnosed with endometriosis (a disease that causes pelvic pain and can affect fertility), which was a very difficult time for me: I struggled both emotionally and physically and decided that I had no choice but to re-evaluate my lifestyle. Little by little, I started making important changes: I stopped drinking and smoking, I started to do yoga, eat nourishing foods and, importantly, I began to look for skincare products that were free from endocrine disrupting chemicals, carcinogens, skin irritants and cheap fillers.

As I was already a self-declared beauty junkie, I quickly became obsessed with trying natural and organic skincare lines! However, I soon realised that I couldn’t find any products that were organic, minimal and stylish. I felt very strongly that I had the right to know and understand what I was putting into, and onto, my body!

The results of my kitchen experiments really impressed me. I was convinced that the market was crying out for a cool, healthy and transparent skincare company so I quit my job in TV and retrained in essential oil science and skincare formulation. Josh (my boyfriend) soon followed suit and together we launched Skin & Tonic in September at our favourite shop Content Beauty and Wellbeing.

What made you decide to use only organic ingredients?

We decided to exclusively use organic ingredients because they are highly therapeutic when retained in their natural state. Our suppliers all adhere to internationally recognised organic standards that guarantee the plants that are grown never come into contact with chemical fertilisers or pesticides. This means that the ingredients in Skin & Tonic’s products remain unadulterated from the moment they are planted to the moment they touch your skin.

In the coming weeks, we will also be certified in our own right by the Soil Association; something that we are really excited about as we love everything they stand for!

So along with De La Soul, Skin and Tonic think seven is the magic number! Why do you limit the number of ingredients to seven?

Each ingredient is selected very carefully and we insist that they bring a valid therapeutic benefit to each formulation. After extensive experimentation, we decided that any more than 7 ingredients would simply be too much; especially for those who suffer with sensitive skin. We decided that limiting our formulations to a maximum of 7 ingredients would best enable our customers to understand what they were putting onto their skin, and why.

Where do you source your ingredients from?

Skin & Tonic is a British brand, so wherever possible, we source our ingredients from small, local producers. We use Marshmallow Root, Oatmeal, Calendula and Cornflour, for example, that are grown organically right here in the UK and we source Thistle and Grape Seed oils that have been distilled by small British specialists.

Why do you think it’s important for Londoners to protect their skin?

The pollution, air-conditioning, central heating and day-to-day stress of city life can cause havoc for the skin. A really powerful and effective way of tackling this is by using ingredients that are rich in nutrients. Skin & Tonic’s products are highly concentrated and packed full of anti-oxidants and omegas that help fight free radicals and maintain cellular growth. They are also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory: perfect for helping protect and nourish Londoners’ skin!

For time stretched Londoners, what would be your one tip to protect their skin from city pollution and damage?

Wow! Ok, I’m struggling to narrow this down so I’ve picked 3 tips:

1. Drink lots of water and eat lots of nutrient rich foods.
2. Cleanse (morning and night), preferably using a balm or oil.
3. Moisturise with nutrient rich plant oils: they are magic!

If you had to use only one skin product from your range, what would it be?

I’m obsessed with our Steam Clean. It is packed full of Spearmint, Eucalyptus, Thistle and Borage oils and smells amazing! I take five minutes of ‘me time’ each morning and night to massage the balm into my face. I then use a warm, damp cloth to steam my skin, which opens the pores and removes all the grime from the day. There is something beautifully ritualistic about using the Steam Clean and it is no surprise to me that it’s turned out to be our best seller. It leaves the skin balanced, refreshed and radiant.

When you are not busy making skin cleansers, protectors and foods, how do you choose to keep healthy?

Essential oils are integral to my wellbeing and I love them! On a daily basis, I use them to help me relax, boost energy levels or soothe a headache. I also see an incredible reflexologist – Helen MacAuley – who specializes in women’s health, which has really helped manage the pain associated with endometriosis.

And at every available opportunity, Josh and I take long walks in the fresh air in and around Victoria Park…

What’s coming up next for Skin and Tonic?

We’re expanding our range over the coming months, which we’re really excited about as creating new products with the help of our amazing customers is, without doubt, the most interesting part of running an organic skincare company. We have just launched in the US, Spain and Canada (which is very cool!) and are currently working on plans to continue expanding our little skincare range so that more and more people are able to enjoy the beauty of minimal, organic skincare.

For stockists and to buy Skin & Tonic products online, visit: www.skinandtoniclondon.com