I haven’t left the UK for a couple of years now because, well, you know, but Canada is definitely high on my list of places I would like to visit one day. And a little piece of Canada popped into my postbox recently in the shape of cruelty-free skincare brand Céla.
Céla – about the brand
Céla is the brainchild of mother of three Celine Tadrissi, who also founded the award-winning Toronto based Hammam Spa. The idea behind the brand is to create high quality spa products made using cruelty-free ingredients from Canada.
Each of the products contains what the brand calls “the Céla Complex”. This is a blend of six Canadian botanical extracts – Blueberry, Elderberry, Evening Primrose, Juniper Berry, Rosemary and Lavender. The complex is designed to both protect and support the skin. It’s particularly aimed at protecting skin from harsh climates. If you’re outdoors a lot and find that your skin gets dried out as a result, then this is for you.
Glacier Clay Mask
This gentle clay mask is my favourite of the products I was sent. I’ve been using it a lot over the last few weeks. It’s made from mineral-rich oceanic clay from the coast of Canada. It dries after about 20 minutes, but not in that concrete-like way that many clay masks do, and it rinses off much easier than other masks too.
As well as the clay, it contains chamomile extract to soothe the skin. A good choice if you want a light, natural, non-scrubby exfoliating mask that leaves the skin radiant.
Suitable for vegans, this 75 ml mask is $50 and available here.
Essential Balm
This product is a good intro to the brand since you can use it in a multitude of ways. It’s a multi-tasking balm that comes out of the tube as a soft solid, but then quickly liquefies with the heat of your hands. It contains a mix of plant butters and moisturising oils with a divine scent of lavender and bergamot. I’ve been using this for extra moisturising on knees, elbows and cuticles but it can even be used on hair or to soothe sunburns or insect bites.
Good for anyone who’s travelling, especially to a cold climate. If you happen to be in Canada in winter, pack this.
Contains beeswax, so not suitable for vegans, but is certified cruelty free. 60ml tube, RRP $45, available here.
Creme Violette
More lavender in this hand and body butter, this time paired with oatmeal. It’s not an overpowering scent: there’s just enough lavender to be relaxing without going full Parma Violet.
Again there’s a mix of natural butters and oils, but this is a creamier product than the balm. It’s got quite a luxurious feel to it. I’ve been using it on weightlifting callouses (been doing a lot of deadlifting recently) and it’s great for moisturising and repair. Again there’s a little beeswax in there so it’s suitable for vegetarians but not vegans.
30ml tube, RRP $37, available here.
I can’t find a UK stockist for Céla so for now this is a US and Canada recommendation only. The marbled, metallic packaging plus the effective, thoughtfully sourced ingredients makes it a good choice for gifts.
More vegan and cruelty free skincare reviews here