Kneipp - Pure, Natural Plant Based Skincare That Actually Works

Natural skincare may be all the rage right now, but with a history dating back to the 1890s, the Kneipp range certainly can't be accused of hopping on a bandwagon. Improbable as it may seem, the Kneipp name comes from a german priest who so believed in a holistic and naturopathic approach to health and wellbeing that he worked with an apothecary to develop the formulas for plant-based care products that are still at the basis of the Kneipp range today. What you get as a result are effective products that don't just pay lip service to the plant-based ingredients, but actually use the different botanical ingredients to resolve specific issues.

So say you're having trouble sleeping? You could try the Valerian and Hops Sleep Well herbal bath. You're suffering with a cold and feeling congested? The Eucalyptus Sinus Relief Herbal Bath might help. And maybe you're not suffering with any complaints, but just want a nice new body wash? I've been using the Lemongrass and Olive New Energy body wash (200ml, €8.99) and am loving both the gentle, creamy formula and the uplifting, refreshing fragrance.

A couple of things I loved about the herbal bath products: first, they come in full size bottles, but also handy little trial sizes that will do 1-2 baths, so if you have a cold and want to remedy it without committing to a full-sized bottle of the Eucalyptus bath oil, you can try the 20ml mini bottle for the bargain price of €2.25. In addition, I loved the helpful tips printed on the packaging, such as how to use the Valerian and Hops bath oil in a "half-bath" if you're suffering disturbed sleep or how to use the Eucalyptus oil in a foot bath to treat the first symptoms of a cold.

With sandal season fast approaching, the Healthy Feet products are worth a look - start your home pedicure with a soak in the Foot Bath Crystals and then slather your feet in the Calendula-Rosemary Foot Repair (100ml, €13.70) before bed and wake up to baby-soft feet.

If you're looking for more moisturising goodies, I've been using and loving the Red Poppy & Hemp Pure Bliss Body Lotion (200ml, €15.99) - a really rich, comforting formula that sinks in to leave dry skin smooth, soft and comforted. And if oils are your thing, try the Almond Blossom Body Oil (100ml, €9.99), perfect for sensitive skin, or you could rope in a willing partner to try the relaxing Lavender Body Massage Oil (100ml, €9.99).

Have you already tried anything from the range or are you tempted? Let us know in a comment!

The Kneipp range is widely available in pharmacies nationwide - find details on kneipp.ie