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I Was a Greenwasher (And I Didn’t Even Know It)

When I started out in the beauty industry seven years ago, I truly believed I was creating something good. My products were “natural”, my intentions were pure. I was excited and my heart was in the right place, but looking back I can say something that many in the industry never will:I was a greenwasher. […]

Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare vs Algica®: Hydration Plus Pollution Protection

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most recognised skincare ingredients. It hydrates the skin by binding water, leaving it plump and dewy. But it is only one-dimensional — all it does is hold water. Algica®, a silica derived from marine algae, does that and more. It hydrates like HA, but also cleanses, protects, and […]

Peptides in Skincare vs Marine Extracts: Natural Collagen Support from the Ocean

Peptides have become a buzzword in skincare. They are short chains of amino acids, designed in labs to signal the skin to produce more collagen or elastin. They can work, but they are man-made, often fragile in formulas, and usually come with a high price tag. Marine bio-actives offer another way. Instead of relying on […]

Retinol vs Fucoidan: A Gentler Path to Radiant Skin

  Retinol is often called the “gold standard” in anti-ageing skincare. It speeds up cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and helps even out skin tone. But anyone who has tried it knows it comes with a price: redness, flaking, dryness, and sensitivity. For many women in midlife, those side effects are simply too much. That’s […]

Fucoidan vs Vitamin C in Skincare: A More Sustainable Alternative

When it comes to anti-ageing skincare, vitamin C is often the first ingredient people look for. It is well known for brightening, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and supporting collagen. But there is another marine-derived ingredient that not only rivals vitamin C in performance, it also outshines it in sustainability: fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus, […]

Your 2-Step Ritual for Midlife Skin

  If you are over 40 and searching for a routine that truly supports your skin, you may already feel the shift: dryness that was never there before, sensitivity to products that used to ‘just work’, and the realisation that complicated routines are not always better. Midlife skin needs simple, effective products, not layers. Hormonal […]

4 Common Sunscreen Mistakes Women Over 40 Make

  Someone recently asked me if there was something I used to get wrong in my skincare routine. I knew the answer straight away: Sunscreen. I even shared this story on my Instagram because it is such a common mistake. Like many women, I once thought SPF was mostly for summer holidays or weekends outdoors. […]

Slow Beauty: Why I Believe It Matters More Than Ever

In a world that often rushes us toward the next quick fix, the concept of Slow Beauty feels like a breath of fresh air. For me, slow beauty is not just a trend but a philosophy that mirrors how I live, how I formulate, and how I want women to feel when they use my […]

Nurturing Your Scalp: A Conversation About Hair Health

When it comes to hair care, we often focus on the strands themselves—seeking shine, strength, and style. But have you ever paused to consider the foundation from which your hair grows? Your scalp, much like the skin on your face, requires attention and care to maintain its health and vitality.​ Imagine your scalp as the […]

Hemp Seed Oil – Brilliant For Oily Or Problem Skin

If you’ve ever stood in the skincare aisle wondering whether hemp seed oil is worth the hype, you are not alone. Hemp seed oil has gained popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. As a cosmetic chemist, I’ve worked with this remarkable oil in formulations and can confidently say it is one […]

Summer’s Coming: Effective Organic After-Sun Skincare Treatments

With summer just around the corner, I know we’re all looking forward to sun-drenched days and beach adventures. But with more time in the sun comes the need for a little extra care for our skin. I’m excited to share how you can use my Oceanic Cleansing Balm and Oceanic Exfoliating Balm as part of […]

Host a Fun and Educational Skincare Party for Preteens!

As a mother or grandmother, I know how important it is to start teaching preteens about proper skincare, but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Imagine an afternoon filled with fun, where your preteen not only learns how to care for their skin but also gets to create their own natural skincare products. […]

Sudocrem for Acne-Prone Skin: The Real Deal? Mandy Hawtin Weighs In

Recently, I was interviewed by Yahoo Lifestyle Australia as a skincare specialist and cosmetic chemist to comment on the latest TikTok trend—using Sudocrem as a treatment for acne-prone skin. With so many myths floating around, it’s important to understand how this product actually works and why it may not be the best choice for everyone. […]

Why Seadragon Organic Offers More Value Than You Think: A Deep Dive into Product Longevity

When it comes to luxury skincare, price is often the first thing people notice. But as someone who is passionate about sustainable skincare, I believe true value comes from more than just the price tag. At Seadragon Organic, I’ve designed products that last longer, thanks to concentrated, filler-free formulas, larger sizes, and multi-functionality. Each product […]

Protecting Teen Skin: Tips for Parents on Sun Sensitivity when using Isotretinoin

As a parent or grandparent, navigating the world of skincare for teenagers can be a bit of a challenge, especially when medications enter the picture. Many common medications prescribed for teens such as Isotretinoin and other products for acne, can have a drying effect on the skin and make it much more sensitive to the […]

Embracing Midlife Skin Changes: How Seadragon Organic Can Help

As we journey through life, our skin undergoes significant changes, especially during midlife. These changes are often influenced by hormonal shifts that can lead to dry, sensitive skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration from sun exposure. For many women, including myself as I enter my 50s, these changes can feel daunting. However, with the right […]

From Megan Potter Cosmetics to Seadragon Organic: A Journey of Growth and Innovation

In the world of cosmetics, the journey from conception to creation is often marked by creativity, determination, and a deep passion for skincare. For Mandy, the founder of Seadragon Organic, this journey began with her cousin as they embarked on an exciting venture together with Megan Potter cosmetics. Reflecting on the early days, Mandy recalls […]

Understanding Certified Organic: What It Means for Seadragon Organic

Certified organic sustainable skincare products from Seadragon Organic represent a commitment to purity and sustainability. When I say “certified organic,” I am referring to ingredients cultivated without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. My stringent adherence to the COSMOS Organic standard ensures that every aspect of production, from farm to formulation, meets the highest international […]

The Science Behind Beauty Sleep

Ever wondered why it’s called “beauty sleep”? Well, the answer lies in the profound impact of sleep—or lack thereof—on our appearance. In the short term, insufficient sleep manifests as puffy eyes and dry skin. Over time, it can strip our skin of its natural radiance and exacerbate existing skin conditions, among other health concerns, as […]

Demystifying Skincare: Organic vs. Natural

One of the most common misconceptions in the skincare world is the interchangeable use of the terms “natural” and “organic.” In reality, there’s a distinct difference, particularly when we delve into the realm of certified organic skincare as defined by Australian Certified Organic. In terms of skincare performance, there’s little disparity between natural and organic […]

Unveiling the Truth: Fossil Fuels in Our Skincare

Yes, it’s true—fossil fuel-derived ingredients have quietly found their way into our everyday personal care products. While I can’t provide an exact percentage, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to estimate that a significant portion—perhaps 90% or more—of cosmetics contain these ingredients. Why? Because they’re incredibly cheap and easy to work with, offering excellent performance and a […]

Decoding Skincare Labels: How to Determine Effective Active Ingredient Levels

In the world of skincare, active ingredients are the powerhouse components that drive real results. However, not all products are created equal, and the efficacy of these actives often hinges on their input levels. As a cosmetic chemist, I’ve seen firsthand how the decision to include high-quality actives can significantly impact the performance—and cost—of a […]

The Key Benefits of Sustainable Skincare Products in Professional Facial Protocols

In the ever-evolving landscape of skincare, the rise of natural and organic products has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a profound transformation in the formulation of organic sustainable skincare, with a wealth of new ingredients that rival their synthetic counterparts in efficacy and performance. As a cosmetic chemist deeply […]

Sustainable skincare: Are Your Plant-Based Ingredients Counterfeit?

In the world of skincare and haircare, the use of plant-based ingredients has surged in popularity, with consumers seeking natural and organic alternatives to conventional products. However, amidst the demand for botanical extracts and oils, a troubling question arises: are all plant-based ingredients truly authentic, or are some merely counterfeit substitutes? As an advocate for […]