SHELLEY SEID MEETS LAUREN LAMONT OF NATRALOGIC
It’s a scientific fact – pregnancy changes the brain. There is conclusive proof that the brains of pregnant women remodel themselves and the feelings most associated with becoming a mother – love, protectiveness and concern – are directly related to these neurobiological shifts.
It’s something scientist Lauren Lamont can attest to. In fact, as a research and development chemist, with a Master’s Degree in Chemistry under her belt, this Hillcrest mom would be the first to agree that having a baby turns the world into a different place.
“When I fell pregnant with my son I needed a tummy cream, something to prevent stretchmarks, an oil
for massage – all the products pregnant women generally want,” she says. “I went shopping and was horrified to find that most of the products available in South Africa contained harmful ingredients, either not recommended for use during pregnancy or untested on pregnant women.”
As a mother-to-be, Lauren’s primary urge was to protect her unborn child, not expose him to chemicals that could potentially put him at risk.
“Many of these products include chemicals associated with miscarriage, bleeding complications, congenital disabilities, disruption in foetal growth. Some are known carcinogens,” she adds.
“I realised that mothers-to-be are concerned about what they put into their mouths but people don’t think enough about what they put on their skin. As a pregnant woman you would not put a nicotine patch on your skin, so why would you use untested or dangerous chemicals?”
With her scientific brain triggered by her new maternal brain, Lauren got to work developing a range of skincare products that would be safe to use during pregnancy.
Her brand, Natralogic, hit the shelves at the beginning of this year and it’s been a long, hard process. “My son Connor is now four years old. It’s taken that long for me to make sure the products were perfect. I worked hard on perfecting the formulations, and I worked as hard ensuring that they were eco-friendly, biodegradable, effective and above all, safe.”
In South Africa there are no regulations or standards regarding cosmetics. For Lauren, who puts herself firmly in the shoes of all mothers-to- be, this was not good enough. “So I ensured that our products complied with the stringent EU Cosmetic regulations.” Added to that, all the preservatives used in the range are certified natural and safe by ECOCERT, one of the largest organic certification organisations in the world.
Growing up, science was always Lauren’s strength. “I was a curious child; I wanted to invent things – I particularly wanted to invent a chemical that would make my hair straight,” she laughs. Her dual love of cosmetics and science led her to complete a diploma in cosmetic chemistry to complement her master’s.
It wasn’t long before Lauren was snapped up as a research and development chemist in the personal care industry. Working with top products and brands like Woolworths, Sorbet, Oh So Heavenly and The Tan Lab was, she says “a dream come true”.
But nothing beats creating your own range of products – one that lives up to each and every one of Lauren’s high standards as a mother and as a scientist.
The brand name represents the fusion of nature (Natra) and science (logic), she explains. “There are plenty of so-called natural products out there that make unsubstantiated claims. I wanted natural and organic backed by proper research.”
“I worry about the world my son is growing up in, I worry about the state of the planet. I’ve made sure that my products are highly biodegradable, grey water safe and that our packaging is sustainable.”
The products also reflect the little girl who wanted straight hair and who loved cosmetics. The smell, feel and look of the range holds great appeal. Her tummy gel has been described as “soothing”, and by one mum as “a creamy and expensive yogurt”. The toning oil has a gentle citrus scent, the nipple crème is 100% medical grade lanolin, and the cooling gel, which gives relief to puffy legs, has been described as “light” and “fresh”.
Feedback on the Natralogic range has been phenomenal. “I’m overwhelmed by the response,” says Lauren. “I now have so much on the go – I’m still a consulting chemist, I have Connor, I need to market and distribute the range and I also want another baby.”
There is no doubt that Lauren’s brain, vision and commitment will manage all this and more.
FOR MORE INFO
www.natralogic.co.za; lauren@natralogic.co.za