Why has a centuries-old farming method been touted as the next big thing in skincare? Julie Vuong unearths the purity and potency of biodynamic beauty
Why has a centuries-old farming method been touted as the next big thing in skincare? Julie Vuong unearths the purity and potency of biodynamic beauty
Many critics claim the concept is simply for organic purists but biodynamic farming – a practice and philosophy using the rhythmic influences of the sun, moon and planets to create a thriving ecosystem – is on the up.
As organic beauty products evolve and become more specialised, biodynamic formulations are being made from not only organic ingredients, but also those in tune with nature. Market analysts Organic Monitor put biodynamic in the spotlight. “In addition to organic practices, biodynamic farms use special plant, animal and mineral preparations,” it confirmed in a recent report. “This method has been controlled and certified by the Demeter International Association since 1928 and since then many product lines have put biodynamic ingredients on the map including Weleda, Primavera and Dr Hauschka.”
Crafted with care
Said to be the oldest organic approach to farming, biodynamic methods date back centuries. This practice was traditionally associated with the production of wine and food. The Biodynamic Association in the UK explains how it works: “A biodynamic farm functions as a strong, self-sustaining and vibrant single organism that recognises and respects the basic principles at work in nature. The more subtle rhythms associated with the sun, the moon and the planets form the basis of an annually produced planting calendar. This guides the farmer towards appropriate times for cultivation and sowing for maximum quantity and quality.”
So how does it influence our beauty products? Cosmetic companies swear that working in tandem with Mother Nature yields the most potent herbs and plants, which in turn provides skincare formulations that surpass all others. Instead of just sourcing organically grown ingredients, biodynamic plants have been produced with holistic practices that work in harmony with the seasons and the cycles of the planets to rear crops that are harvested at their peak. Cassandra Cavanah, executive director of SpaFinder Europe, says the wellbeing benefits cannot be ignored.“Biodynamic farming is said to create plants that are more vital and nutrient rich than traditional farming practices,” she points out. “When we eat these plants we are consuming this vitality and feeding our cells with it, or in the case of skincare – applying this vital energy directly to our skin.”
Force of nature
While critics argue it sounds like science fiction rather than science fact, this pioneering sustainable initiative is something we’re increasingly buying into.
A crop of household skincare names is founded on biodynamic principles – and top of them is Jurlique. Famed for its loyalty to organic standards, the company stays true to its biodynamic roots, which were set out by founder Dr Jurgen Klein and his wife Ulrike, both of whom were scientists. Since 1985, it has produced formulas made with the finest, most potent, biodynamic, organic and natural ingredients sourced the world over, many of which come from the Jurlique biodynamic farm in Adelaide. “Biodynamic farming goes beyond common organic practices to ensure the most natural herbal and plant extracts possible with maximum ‘life-force’ and no residual, unnecessary chemicals,” they say.
But don’t just take their word for it. Cassandra Cavanah continues: “Celebrities from Kylie to Kate Moss to Cate Blanchett have bought into the biodynamic trend, using products such as Dr Hauschka which claim to soften, smooth and revitalise and actually strengthen your epidermis layer. People who use biodynamic products also claim it clears up skin conditions more quickly. There are two types of people that would be attracted to biodynamic skincare – those who like to use organic, sustainable products and those who have very sensitive skin that could be allergic to synthetic ingredients. Many biodynamic products have no artificial ingredients at all – making it a godsend for people with problem skin.” What’s more, there is evidence to prove that the ingredients grown are of better quality – leading to better skincare products, says Cavanah, so it looks like biodynamic farming could be the way forward.
Quality control
To ensure your biodynamic beauty product has the thumbs up, look out for Demeter certification on the packaging. The Demeter International Association holds the trademark to the word biodynamic, is the oldest traditional organic certification in Europe and is seen as the highest grade of organic farming in the world.
The birth of biodynamic
Biodynamic farming dates back to 1924 and was founded by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher. His thinking on the holistic and spiritual understanding of nature led him to coin the term ‘biodynamic’ although such methods have been carried out in various forms throughout the centuries. Biodynamic agriculture involves growing to organic standards without chemical pesticides or sprays and takes into account the earth’s cycles. Crops are planted or harvested at the optimum time and the soil is enriched and revitalised with natural fertilisers. It is believed plants cultivated have an inherent life force and deliver more effective results when used in health and beauty products.
Biodynamic beauties
A quartet of wellbeing goodies Mother Nature would be proud of
Apodea Hand Cream, £12.50
Sourced from a family estate in Umbria, Italy, Apodea’s bee products include honey beeswax and propolis certified to Demeterand ICEA organic standards. Chantecaille
Biodynamic Lifting Fluid, £205
Luxury formulas don’t get better than this. If your purse strings can stretch this far, try the effects of biodynamic plankton found in the Sahel Desert in Africa.
Weleda Calendula & Chamomile Shampoo, £7.95
Having opened its first biodynamic farm in 1921, Weleda is one of the original pioneers of biodynamic and organic skincare.
Dr Hauschka Cleansing Milk, £22.95
A champion of biodynamic farming, the skincare favourite has infused ingredients such as jojoba and sweet almond oil into this gentle cleanser.
By Julie Vuong
