10 Independent British Beauty Brands You Should Know About
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4 hours ago
Big-name brands in the making
Ateh Jewel chooses the ten most exciting independent British beauty brands that deserve our attention.
The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide
Independent British Beauty Brands To Know Now
By Sarah
By Sarah is a remarkable skincare brand founded by sisters Sarah and Lauren, born from a deeply personal journey. With over 15 years’ experience in the beauty industry, Sarah created this natural, soothing and restorative range to support Lauren during her recovery from leukaemia. What makes By Sarah so special is making products that are gentle yet effective, with every formula developed, manufactured, and packaged in-house in the UK.
Bouclème
Want to look after your incredible curls as naturally as possible? Step forward Michele Scott-Lynch, who founded Bouclème, a brand born from Michele’s mission to care for and nourish her own hair. It has since become a cult favourite. Bouclème uses recycled packaging and formulates its products in the UK with biodegradable ingredients.
Meadowfarm
Inspired by – and made in – Yorkshire, Meadowfarm is a lifestyle brand offering a delectable range of deliciously scented candles, diffusers (for the car too) and bath salts made from the purest ingredients. All made at home, fan favourites include Warm Fig, a creamy, earthy scent, and Smoked Honey and Orange – perfect for the winter season.
James Read
James Read is the king of tanning with a focus on skincare benefits alongside the feel-good factor of a bronzed skin. His products hydrate, plump, and rejuvenate the skin, with ingredients like plant-based DHA, fermented mushrooms, hyaluronic acid, apricot kernel oil and aloe vera. The formulations not only provide a beautiful, natural-looking tan but also nourish and improve the skin’s texture, helping diminish fine lines.
The INKEY List
The INKEY List was founded in 2018 by Colette Laxton and Mark Curry with a mission to empower people through better skincare knowledge. This accessible brand has revolutionised the industry with its democratic pricing and effective, science-driven formulas that deliver real results, like plump, hydrated skin without the sticky residue. Built on transparency and simplicity, The INKEY List has quickly become a go-to for skincare enthusiasts.
Star Seed
Five years of research, working with regenerative smallholders in Kenya and a personal founder story around curing their own skin conditions and Star Seed was born. So pure you can eat it (though you wouldn’t necessarily want to) and packed with plant essence, the products are nourishingly luxuriant balms, which are, most excitingly, water free.
Sisterly
Founded by three friends keen on supporting the wellbeing of the women in their lives, Sisterly combines convenience with powerful, clean formulations. Designed for modern women seeking simple yet effective solutions, Sisterly’s hero product, The Elevator (£81.30 per monthly subscription), is a game-changer. Packed with essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc and magnesium, it’s made to boost wellness from the inside out. Its travel-friendly design makes it a perfect companion for women on the go.
Charlotte Mensah
Hairstyling legend Charlotte Mensah owns the iconic Hair Lounge on Portobello Road, in West London and is the innovator behind her eponymous Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil haircare range. Made specifically for Afro, mixed and curly hair types, her products are made in the UK and feature organic, ethically and sustainably sourced oils. Her book, Good Hair, is a must-read, empowering individuals to embrace and care for their natural hair.
Votary
Votary was founded by makeup artist Arabella Preston and Charlotte Seller, and specialises in nurturing healthy, resilient skin through the power of luxurious plant oils, The brand’s hero product, the Rose Geranium and Apricot Cleansing Oil, has earned a loyal following for leaving skin soft, supple and deeply hydrated.
Bramley
Chloë Luxton founded Bramley in 2009, inspired by her love for nature and the British countryside. She wanted to create a brand that captured the tranquillity and beauty of rural life while offering natural, sustainable products for everyday use. The result is a delicious selection of nature-based bath, body and hair products enhanced with botanicals and essential oils, chosen for their therapeutic benefits.
Featured image: Charlotte Mensah
