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Grown is a new range of organic, natural skin care that is developed by brothers Jeremy and Keston Muijs. With a philosophy that “Anything we can create in a lab nature can do and has done one hundred times better” they set about creating a range. 10 years on Grown was born – and our verdict? It’s really lovely! We chat to Jeremy about the brand and pick his brains on natural skin care…
How did GROWN come about?
We were first awakened to the harm of traditional skincare formulations when a close friend developed adverse reactions to almost every cosmetic during her battle with cancer. As a result our focus has always been more on healthy products that deliver a more sophisticated beauty result than simply organic. Not just certified, healthy.
We understand that having an organically certified product is important, which is why our products use 100% certified organic ingredients. However, we don’t stop there. Healthy skin care must also avoid harmful ingredients that certified organic products often contain like alcohol for example.
We also believe whether a product’s ingredients are organic, wild harvest or naturally grown healthy skin care is all about formulating products that don’t compromise on beauty or your health. All our products must delivery a visible beauty result.

What is it about natural skin care that’s so important to you?
Simply put, what goes on your body ends up in your body. There is also a phenomena with well formulated natural skin care where the skins biological structure is designed to recognise and utilise natural ingredients.
One of the most important considerations when using a skin care product is whether or not the ingredients will be accepted by your body. Sometimes, but not always, this might appear as an allergic reaction on the skin’s surface. However, whether it’s visible or not, every incompatible ingredient is viewed by the body as toxic. Some of these toxins are stored in fat cells while others trigger a reaction in the body known as oxidation. One of the side effects of oxidation is the production of free radicals. Among other things free radicals actually increase the signs of aging causing dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. Our products not only fight free radicals through rich antioxidants but minimise their production by not creating the allergic reaction in the first place.

How did you come up with the name?
We wanted to describe our product that was Grown not manufactured. Hence Grown.

For those who don’t know much about skincare products what are some of the ingredients in non-natural skin care that you have avoided using in your range?
There are many, but to name a few:
Lauryl Sulphate
A harsh detergent. May cause drying of the skin. A skin irritant. Has been associated with eczema [Inflammation of the skin causing itching, scaling and sometimes blisters. [information from CIR Expert Panel-Cosmetic Ingrediant review, Established in 1976 by the CTFA-Cosmetic Toiletry Fragrance Association].

Glycols
Literally means “glycerin” plus “alcohol” A group of syrupy alcohols derived from hydrocarbons that are widely used in cosmetics as humectants. A humectant [water binding agent] is a substance that is used to preserve the moisture content of a material, used most commonly in lotions. FDA [Federal Drug Administration] warns that glycols may cause adverse reactions in users. Glycols have also been associated with eczema.

Petrochemicals
Petroleum derived chemicals that are known to cause allergic skin reactions.

Artificial Fragrance
Any unnatural or synthetic substance used solely to impart an odor to a cosmetic product. Unnatural fragrances contain chemicals that cause allergic skin reactions.

Synthetic Colours
Any unnatural or synthetic substance used solely to impart a colour to a cosmetic product. Unnatural Colours contain chemicals that cause allergic skin reactions.

Silicones
Any of a large group of fluid oils, rubbers, resins, and compounds derived from silica [a white powder]. Used as a colouring ingredient, waterproofing agent and lubricant.

Parabens
Commonly used preservatives, an estimated 75 to 90 percent of cosmetics use parabens. In 2004 a study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology British researchers reported parabens are a cause for concern linking them with breast cancer.

Animal Derivatives
Any product derived from an animal.

T.E.A [an abbreviation for Triethanolamine]
Commonly used as a dispersing ingredient and detergent in cosmetic products. Its principle toxic effect has been attributed to over alkalinity. Is a skin irritant and is known to cause allergic skin reactions.

D.E.A [an abbreviation for Diethanolamine]
Commonly used as a solvent, emulsifying ingredient and detergent. Also used in emollients [cream, skin softner, moisturizer] for its softening properties and as a dispersing ingredient and Humectant [water binding agent] in cosmetic products. NTP [National Toxicology Program] study shows a link between topical application of diethanolamine and certain D.E.A ingredients and cancer.

Do you feel or see a difference when using GROWN skin care?
Definitely. We have carefully formulated our product to be rich in natural antioxidant and to optimise the skins anti-aging and regenerative profile, boost the immune system and prevent cell decomposition caused by free radicals. The result is skincare that achieves amazing results.

What are some positive changes you would like to see in the skincare industry?
More focus on ingredients and respect given to the awesome power we have access to in creation.

How does the packaging fit in with the GROWN concept?
Our packaging protects our product from light, liquid and air to seal in goodness and keep out bacteria. We use amber bottles to protect delicate botanical ingredients from being broken down by UV light. Our pumps use a patented valve technology to ensure nothing contaminates our ingredients. Aluminium tubes prevent air coming in contact with the product ensuring an optimum environment for our active ingredients. We also use safe non-leeching tubes and bottles instead of conventional chemically toxic polypropylene plastics, which emit harmful chemicals into the product they are protecting, to ensure our products remain as healthy as the day they were created.

What are your favourite products in the range?
I think we are selling a lot of Facial Moisturiser at the moment. But I must say for me I have a thing for the Hand Wash.

Plans for GROWN’s future?
I feel like it’s the other way around. What plans does Grown have for our future, it seems to have taken on a life of its own! The more I hear back from customers the more humbled I feel by all the work that is gone into the brand by a team of very clever people from around the globe. We have some wonderful people on the team and I must say we all want to make the product as assessable as possible to everyone who wants a beauty product that gives goodness as well as beauty.