I think I first heard about SW Basics from an ethical blogger, but I can’t remember which one.
The concept is simple, like its name implies: uncomplicated, sustainable, minimal formulas. At first I turned up my nose at the idea of buying luxury skincare made of grocery store standbys like olive oil and coconut oil. I think in my head I figured I would somehow get around to experimenting with my own concoctions to save money.
But now that I’ve been using two products, one for the last year and the other for a couple months, I’m hooked. I purchased the cream out of pocket, but received the serum as a part of my EarthHero collaboration.
SW Basics Cream
This cream is intended for face, but I use it on trouble spots like rashes and dry patches. I had an allergic reaction to my (all natural, aluminum free, baking soda free) deodorant this summer and needed something that could soothe my painful, itchy underarms. I had this cream lying around in my nightstand drawer and started applying it before bed and within a few weeks, the rash was gone. Recently, I had a dry patch on my elbow that needed attention. The cream healed it in about a week.
I also like to apply this to my tattoo for extra moisture, which makes it appear more vibrant.
I’ve read amazon reviews for this product, and it looks like a lot of dermatologists recommend it for eczema, as well.
SW Basics Oil Serum
I don’t use serums the “right way.” Rather than using it as my sole moisturizer, I normally add 3-4 drops to a basic lotion like Cetaphil before applying it to my face at night.
I had been using Desert Essence products until recently, but the SW Basics serum is much gentler on my skin. It’s made with Avocado, Geranium, Turmeric and Coffee Oils and smells a bit like celery, which I’m kind of into. I have found that in addition to healing dry spots on my face, it also makes my skin look a little more glowy when I wake up. I’ve switched back and forth between my old serum and this one a couple times just to make sure I wasn’t making it up.
I am not a big spender when it comes to beauty and skincare products, but when something really works for my sensitive skin, I hold onto it. So I’ll be repurchasing these products as long as they make them.
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.