The pull of the garden is strong, especially as the seasons change. But for those of us gardening with sensitive skin, the simple pleasure of tending to plants can sometimes lead to redness, itching and discomfort.
The key is twofold: choosing your green companions wisely and adopting a gentle post-gardening skin care routine. At Green People, we have been creating certified organic formulas for ultra-sensitive skin for over 25 years, using the power of nature to soothe and protect.
At a glance
- Learn why some plants can cause skin irritation
- Discover gentle flowers and herbs for a UK garden
- Build a soothing skin care routine to use after gardening
- Care for hands with Scent Free Hand Wash and Scent Free Hand & Body Lotion
- Protect skin from the sun with Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30
Understanding skin-irritating plants
Why do some plants leave you feeling itchy while others do not? The reaction is often a form of contact dermatitis, triggered by a plant's natural defence mechanisms.
Some plants produce a sap that can irritate the skin, while others are covered in fine, almost invisible hairs or thorns that can cause a physical reaction. Certain plants also contain substances that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to rashes or blisters after sun exposure.
Being aware of these traits is the first step to creating a garden that is a joy to be in, rather than a source of irritation.
It is always best to wear gloves and long sleeves and trousers when gardening to keep your skin clean and protected.
Gentle plants for your sensitive skin garden
Filling your garden with gentle species means you can get hands-on with less worry. Many of our favourite garden plants are perfectly suited for those with reactive skin. Here are a few beautiful, UK-friendly options to consider.
- Roses: While the thorns require care, the petals and foliage of most rose varieties are non-irritating. Their timeless beauty and scent are a wonderful reward.
- Lavender: This hardy perennial is famous for its calming aroma and is generally soft to the touch. It is a brilliant choice for sensory gardens and attracts plenty of pollinators.
- Chamomile: A classic soothing herb, Roman Chamomile can be grown as a fragrant lawn, while German Chamomile produces the daisy-like flowers used in calming teas. Its reputation for gentleness is well-earned. You can find out more about the best natural ingredients for sensitive skin here.
- Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina): As the name suggests, the leaves of this plant are incredibly soft and woolly, almost like felt. It is a wonderful, tactile plant for ground cover and is exceptionally gentle on the skin.
- Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus): These charming wildflowers add a splash of brilliant blue to any border and are soft-stemmed and non-irritating to brush past or handle.
Your post-gardening skin care routine
After a satisfying session of weeding, planting and pruning, a dedicated skin care routine will wash away any lingering pollen or soil and leave your skin feeling calm and comfortable.
Start by thoroughly cleansing your hands. Our COSMOS Organic certified Scent Free Hand Wash is clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses without stripping natural oils, leaving hardworking hands feeling soft and settled, not tight.
Scent Free Hand Wash 300ml
Soap-free and organic, this fragrance-free hand wash is a sensitive skin essential€20,95
For a full-body cleanse to wash away dirt and allergens from arms and legs, step into the shower with our Scent Free Shower Gel. This COSMOS Organic formula is also dermatologically tested on sensitive skin and gently refreshes your body from top to toe.
Scent Free Shower Gel 200ml
A hypoallergenic shower gel for gently cleansing ultra-sensitive skin€23,95
Next, replenish lost moisture. Our Scent Free Hand & Body Lotion is a beautifully light, unscented lotion designed for barrier repair. It sinks in quickly to soothe and hydrate hands and body without any sticky feeling.
Scent Free Body Lotion 150ml
Discover deep skin hydration with our soothing, fragrance-free body lotion€38,95
Finally, the most important step for any gardener is sun protection. Before you even head outside, apply a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Our Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 is a natural, non-greasy formula that is dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin, offering the protection you need while you are out enjoying your garden.
Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 200ml
Protect sensitive skin naturally with our best-selling SPF30 sun cream€42,95
We hope you have found these tips for gardening with sensitive skin helpful. If you need any more help or advice on our scent-free products, our friendly UK customer care team are happy to help on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
MEET CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People's Choice in the 2023 list of Who's Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible 'Naturally Gorgeous'. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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