Almost all of the ingredients in skincare and beauty products trace their origins to plants and fruits, which were later on synthesized and mimicked in a laboratory.
Lately, though, more and more women have begun to educate themselves on the difference between synthetic and natural, and as we become more conscious of what we ingest and apply, a demand for a wholesome natural alternative for beauty products has intensified.
Julie Ducret, founder of Pulpe de Vie, spent 10 years immersed in the natural beauty of Africa, and her experience would bring her back to Aix-en-Provence in France, exploring the benefits of fruits to the skin, with research culminating in the creation of Pulpe de Vie, an organic skincare line with the Ecocert stamp of approval (a stamp given only to products that are free of GMOs, paragons, silicon, PEG, synthetic perfumes, dyes and animal-derived ingredients, and contained in biodegradable or recyclable packaging).
Pulpe de Vie’s face and body products contain around 50-94 percent organic ingredients, a high number when compared to other brands. “We also have one of the highest numbers of fresh fruit content in our products, around 20 percent,” says Ducret. Because of its all-natural composition, the products are highly recommended for those with sensitive skin and oily skin. The products are also free of essential oils, some of which cause allergic reactions or prohibited for pregnant women (Ducret guarantees the line safe for expectant women to use).
Fruits that take center stage in Pulpe de Vie’s potions are grapefruit, which Ducret says is good for cleansing and purifying skin from toxins; peach, which helps skin glow; and tomatoes, which are high in polyphenols. Because of the high fruit content, the products have a subtle, fruity scent that helps perk you up. They also smell good enough to eat, while the day moisturizer has a creamy, yogurt-like consistency.
Ducret is also a proponent of the multi-benefit beauty product. “We want our products to deliver as much goodness as they can, like our 3-in-1 cooling eye mask, which helps de-puff eyes while lightening dark circles and preventing wrinkles,” she adds.
The body moisturizer, a blackcurrant and grapefruit concoction, contains glycerin, yogurt proteins and a touch of mica, which gives skin a subtle sparkle—perfect for nights out when you want to show some skin.
Of the skincare line, Ducret’s favorites include Cozy Cuddle radiant face cream (“It really makes your skin glow!) and Sweet Frappe mask and face scrub. “It helps make skin smoother, you apply it dry, massage on your skin and, when you add water, it melts into a milk that will make your skin soft,” adds Ducret.
In an effort to reduce the product’s carbon footprint, all ingredients are wholly sourced from farmers in Provence, from the prickly pear, honey and beeswax infused in their lip balm to the apricot kernels crushed into the repairing face mask and scrub.
Each purchase also helps support Un Toit Pour Les Abeilles, an organization which helps protect the bees, whose population has been diminishing over time.
Pulpe de Vie is available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source.