Loved by eco-conscious Hollywood stars like Drew Barrymore and Sandra Bullock and by top makeup artist Bobby Brown who said on The Oprah Show that Dr Bronner's Magic Soap is "probably the finest soap in the universe", finally California's best kept secret has arrived on our shores. Certified fair trade, organic, against animal testing and biodegradable, this soap can be used in 18 different ways: as a shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, clothes and dish detergent and even as a soap to wash your pets with, among other uses! I armed myself with a bottle of Dr Bronner's Magic Soap 18-in-1 Hemp Citrus Orange Pure Castile Soap to see what all the fuss was about and promptly turned jumped in the shower. What followed can be best described as showering under an orange juice spring as the soap felt very fresh and natural with a long lasting citrus scent to die for. I also did try it as a toothpaste and although it felt nice, I was by then so addicted to my Dr Bronner's bottle that I didn't want to use it for anything else but my skin. Mind you, I was really tempted to give my cat a nice orangey wash, but considering that her claws are a lot sharper than mine I thought it best to give it a miss. Beautifully packaged, the Dr Bronner's Magic Soaps come in peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, almond, rose, baby mild and tea tree. Also solid soaps and travel size bottles. Available from Fresh & Wild, Planet Organic, Whole Foods and www.victoriahealth.com

Non animal tested, vegan and with almost all products being organic, The Celtic Herbal Company has created a luxurious line of hair, face and body care products suitable for all skin types. The Organic Moisturising Shower Wash in Lavender and Geranium (£8.95 for 250ml) is a beautifully thick and moisturising body wash that will leave your skin hydrated and smelling of lavender fields. The solid rose soap was another winner and the Cedarwood bar (£4.95 each for 140ml) was particularly loved by Mr Stef, whilst the Nappy Cream with Chamomile and Calendula (£4.95 for 65ml) was tried and tested by 1 year old Sofia, who, according to her mum, left her skin ultra soft, soothed and devoid of any skin irritation. Check The Celtic Herbal Company‘s fantastic range of products and gift baskets at www.celtic-herbal.co.uk or call 01758 701 883.

Eco-friendly, recyclable, 97% natural, and non animal tested, this seaweed and sea salt based body scrub gets rid of dead skin cells, dirt and moisturises the epidermis. Fun to use and luxurious to the touch thanks to its thick consistency and lovely marine smell, it leaves the skin feeling soft, clean and glowing. Works wonders on both dry and wet skin. Perfect for a pre-holiday scrub up and as a weekly routine for gorgeous, healthy epidermis. Available exclusively at Boots stores nationwide (www.boots.com) and at www.nakedbodycare.co.uk

An all over lotion, perfect for face, hands, body and feet, Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion and now Natural Shielding Lotion with SPF15 are a perfect way to look after your skin. Free from parabens, fragrance, colorant and animal products, Skin MD Lotions are recommended by dermatologists thanks to their highly moisturising and protective properties. Rich, yet very easily absorbed, these fantastic all-rounders have anti-aging properties and are perfect for all skin types, including problem skin like eczema. Not tested on animals. www.beautynaturals.com (0845 094 0400); www.victoriahealth.com (0800 389 8195); www.pharmacy2u.co.uk (0845 803 9033); www.lloydspharmacy.com (0845 600 3565) & John, Bell & Croyden (0207 935 5555)

A couple of years back, for reasons that still escape me, my skin decided that softness was passé and eczema was the new black. Despite trying several products, even the mildest one felt like paint stripper on my poor epidermis. At a loss I went to my GP who advised me to give Oilatum Bath Formula and Oilatum Cream (£4.24 for 150ml or £8.61 for 500ml) a try. My skin's condition improved within the first use, with dramatic results after a month. Now restored to its natural softness and suppleness, I still use Oilatum when in need of an extra moisture kick or when my skin is irritated. A product that delivers fast, long lasting results. www.oilatum.co.uk

Just launched at Topshop, the fabulously packaged Miss Oops range is truly a must have for any girl's boudoir and handbag. In view of my summer holiday I tried Pedicure In A Bottle, a cream specific for dry feet that exfoliates and hydrates. The sugarcane and lemon get rid of the dead skill cells, whilst avocado, jojoba and sunflower oils moisturise. Lavender and peppermint give it a fresh fragrance, making this the perfect all-in-one treatment for feet in need of care. Whilst you are at it check out the rest of Miss Oops's cute and smart range, which includes the truly magical Rescue Sponge (a sponge that gets rid of white marks on clothes- no more annoying deodorant stains on our favourite dress!), Nundies (the panty-less panty, no need to go commando anymore), Chicken Cutlets (for a surgery free breast lift), the handbag-size Lint Rollers, Pucker Protectors (gorgeous, highly moisturising lip glosses) plus a vast array of skin care products, kits for mums to be and more genius ideas all at credit crunch friendly prices. Available from Top Shop, www.boutiquevive.com, www.jasonshankey.co.uk and other independent retailers.