INTERVIEW WITH BRIDGET CARMADY

FOUNDER OF CLÉMENCE ORGANICS The brand uses naturopathic principles to create nourishing, non-toxic skincare, while also caring about Mother Earth.

What is the philosophy behind Clémence Organics? How did your work as a qualified naturopath lead you to develop the brand?

As a degree-qualified naturopath, I have always been passionate about natural but effective ways to help people improve their health. I started my career in complementary medicine research, before running a naturopathic clinic, where I used nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine and lifestyle changes to remedy people’s health issues. In my clinic, I started noticing that many of my clients had skincare concerns. For some it was ageing skin; for others, sensitivity, acne, eczema or rosacea. I, too, had skin challenges, having experienced acne in my teens, scarring in my twenties and signs of ageing in my thirties. However, my clients and I were faced with a lack of skincare products that were gentle and made from natural, organic ingredients but still able to deliver powerful results and the luxurious experience of conventional high-end skincare.

I started off experimenting with blends and noticed a real change in my skin. As word of mouth grew, clients came to me requesting individualised skincare formulations. A trip to southern France in 2015 cemented my resolve. I visited several well-known natural skincare companies, and realised that I offered something unique for those with an appreciation for luxury, authentic organic skincare, that truly alleviated their skincare concerns. The product of over a decade of knowledge and experience, Clémence Organics isn’t about marketing hype or ingredients that claim to improve your skin but instead bombard it with harmful chemicals. It’s about using naturopathic principles to create nourishing, non-toxic skincare, plus a commitment to the planet’s health, through recyclable packaging and ingredients which are not harmful to the environment. On a personal note, I lost both my father and sister to cancer in the period from 2009 to 2016. Their stories fortified in me a passion for nurturing health and reducing cancer risk wherever possible.

The role that skincare plays in health may seem small and insignificant for some, but when the body absorbs about 80 per cent of what we put on it, I don’t feel we can take it too lightly. I know for me, having full confidence in what I put on my skin (and therefore in my body) makes me feel that I have at least taken control of that aspect of my health.

What makes Clémence Organics unique?

I pride myself in creating products that not only address beauty, but also consider the effect that skincare has on health and the environment. I have formulated the products using 100 per cent natural and certified organic ingredients. My education and experience as a naturopath has led to formulations based on a combination of traditional use (history) and research (clinical studies).

Sustainability is a core value at Clémence Organics and so ingredients are never ‘faddish’ – nor are they on any threatened or endangered species lists – but rather plants which have been used effectively for skincare for centuries. Stunningly packaged, we chose to encase our products in clean, easy-to-recycle containers, minimising our impact on the environment.

What’s one product you would like everyone to try and why?

Our Ultimate Face Crème. It’s one of the first products I developed and has always been our bestseller. It turns dull, dry skin into plump, hydrated glowing skin overnight. Customers say it’s like a facial in a jar.

Finally, what is your skincare advice for the cooler months?

It’s all about hydration. Firstly, don’t strip your skin with a harsh cleanser. Choose a gentle cream cleanser instead (our Refining Cleanser comes highly recommended). Secondly, layer your skincare products. For daytime, I recommend our Ultimate Biome Spritz, followed by our Repair Face Serum and our Protect + Clarify Daily Face Lotion. Lastly, don’t go to bed without applying a rich night cream (our Ultimate Face Crème is the best).

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