Organic skincare is one of the fastest growing areas of the beauty industry, as more women become aware of the importance of going green.

It's estimated that, on average, women apply more than 200 chemicals to their skins a day. Research has shown that 60% of these are absorbed into the bloodstream, further aggravating skin conditions like eczema, allergies and other skin complaints.

Whatever your skin type, choosing organic products brings many benefits.

"As I get older, I'm more keen on using fresh natural ingredients," says Lush's Mark Constantine. "Why would you bother with synthetics when you can use wonderful natural things? You wouldn't ask a chef why he uses the finest fresh ingredients, and you wouldn't have microwave food when you can have fresh food. In beauty, why would you use liquid paraffin when you can use almond oil? Or phenyl ethyl alcohol when you can use the real thing, rose absolute?"

With the first two weeks of this month designated Organic Fortnight, here's a few products you could look at for. As there's no legal definition for organic beauty products as a general rule, look out for the Soil Association symbol, proving that they contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients.

CIRCAROMA (020 7359 1135/www.circaroma.com)

Founder Barbara Scott turned her passion for organic skincare into a full-time job, and Circaroma uses the finest natural ingredients available. Hero products include Rose Flower Replenishing hand cream, £22, and Rose Otto & Apricot Skin Gentle Facial Serum, £26, which have both won awards.

NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES (0845 262 3145/www.nealsyardremedies.com)

Romy Fraser founded Neal's Yard Remedies in 1981, to offer information and advice about skincare that worked with the body - and more than 20 years later, little has changed. They work closely with the Soil Association to guarantee customers are getting what they ask for. Frankincense Toning body cream, £20, is their newest addition.

SPIEZIA ORGANICS (0870 850 8851/www.spieziaorganics.com)

All the products from this Cornwall-based company are hand-made with pure ingredients, without the addition of chemicals or water, so they are highly concentrated. Try the Organic Facial Cleanser, £24, or award-winning Lemon and Marigold soap, £7.90 each.

WILLOW (01590 670 483/www.willowbeautyproducts.co.uk)

Pamper yourself with a clear conscience with this fragrant fruit and flower line which sources ingredients from all over the world, like sensual oils from Kashmir and Egypt. There are five scents - Jasmine and Geranium, Rose and Sandalwood, Orange, Lime and Bergamot, Lemongrass and Ginger, and Ylang-Ylang and Lavender. Take your pick from luxurious body lotions, bath and shower gels and even EDT, from £4.50.

JUICE BEAUTY (01273 408 800)

This Californian brand uses only organic fruit juices in its products, which include the yummy-sounding Green Apple collection, designed for ageing and problem skins. They contain powerful boosters and anti-oxidants to smooth fine lines, firm skin and help clear occasional blemishes. Try the Cleansing Gel, £26, Peel, £30, and Nutrient Eye Cream, £35.

LUSH (01202 668 545/www.lush.com)

The Bio Fresh range uses only the freshest ingredients and avoids preservatives. Each mask and scrub, including Sacred Truth anti-ageing mask, £5.75, Catastrophe Cosmetic cooling mask, £6.95, and Ayesha cleansing mask, £6.15, delivers vitamins, minerals, enzymes and proteins directly to the skin for an instant pick-me-up.

MODERN ORGANIC PRODUCTS (01282 613 413/www.hqhair.com)

Follow stars like Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry and Mischa Barton and switch over to organic haircare range, MOP. Using certified organic ingredients and whole food derivatives such as fruits, vegetables and juices, popular ranges include Glisten and C-System containing vitamin C. Mischa loves the C-System Firm Hold Spray, £10.95, while Halle likes the Shine Drops, £9.45.

ALVIN CONNOR (0800 083 4315/www.alvinconnor.com)

TV presenter Lisa Snowdon loves Alvin Connor Natural Balance Crystal deodorant, which is 100% organic and will keep you fresh without any irritation. The deodorising crystal salts and plant extracts stay on skin and prevent the formation of bacteria that cause unpleasant odour. It comes in solid stick, £6.50, and body spray, £7.50.