The May collection from The Natural Beauty Box was themed around all things "Fresh & Fruity," and has proved to be a fab roundup of summer essentials.  With five beauty products, four full size and one item exclusive to this box, the subscription has delivered everything to get prepped and ready for sunny days!



From exfoliants, hydrosol, deodorant, shower gel, and hand cream, this box is packed with aromatherapeutic and nourishing formulas that are sure to uplift, moisturize, and rejuvenate both body and mind.  Many of these items are multi-purpose as well, which is great as that means if you're on the go or on summer holidays you can be totally sorted with just a handful of skin treats!

So what was in the May Fresh & Fruity box?  Let's take a look!:


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Gifted product - this subscription box was gifted

No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.


1] Kathleen Natural Citrus Cheer Bubble Bath & Shower Gel (150ml/£18):

Now this is a brand I have really enjoyed for a long while now, so when I saw that subscribers could look forward to a full size bottle of the Citrus Cheer bath and shower gel I was thrilled.  I've actually reviewed the whole range of bubble-icious products here on The ecoLogical previously, so you'll know these are green goodies I love.

Kathleen Natural was created in Royal Leamington Spa in 2014, and has been crafting fabulous formulas ever since.  And when it comes to bubble bath, these are some of the best I have come across so far!  With clean ingredients, beautiful blends, and a great foaming effect, the Bubble Bath & Shower Gels are top notch


My only disappointment about these products is the packaging - while many of the Kathleen Natural range comes housed in glass bottles, these do not.  I know not everything can be in glass (nor should everything, as glass has it's own issues when it comes to carbon footprint, etc), but it would be great if in the future steps were made to make the packaging just that little bit more sustainable.  Plus. then the packaging could match just how lush the formula itself is.

"Inhale clarity with the zest of lemon, spiked with a warm rosewood scent, to bring a vibrant, cheerful quality. The floral geranium enhances the feeling of intense citrus brightness. You will instantly feel uplifted and awakened as your senses are renewed."

It's easy to underestimate the power of something simple like scent.  When we inhale, our brain and body is effected by what we breathe in.  Aromatherapy offers incredible benefits, from respiratory disinfection to helping ones' psychological state of mind.  One of the fastest acting family of oils for wellbeing (in my experience) is citrus, so it is no wonder that Kathleen Natural's bubble bath elicits immediate happy vibes.

The gel reminds me a bit like a cleaner (in all the best ways I mean -- with that potent zingy lemon scent!), with a floral undertone to soften up the experience.  This is the perfect early morning or afternoon treat, as it helps establish joy and sets the tone for the remainder of the day.  Or, if you need a bit of a pick me up in the evening, just pour a bit into running water and get ready to smile!  And not only does it smell fab, but it leaves skin clean too (and with no drying or stripped feeling that some other gels can unfortunately leave behind).  This is a bathtime treat that leaves both your body and mind feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!

Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Coco-sulfate*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Glycerin*, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine*, Decyl Glucoside*, Citrus Limon Peel (Lemon) Oil**, Aniba Rosodora wood (Rosewood) Oil**, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil**, Citric Acid*, Levulinic Acid*, Lauryl Glucoside*, Coco Glucoside*, Glyceryl Oleate*, Sodium Levulinate*, Sodium Phytate*, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool**, Benzyl Benzoate**, Limonene**, Citral**, Geraniol**, Citronellol**. **from essential oils *natural plant origin


2] Kathy Sue Ann's Super Nourishing Organic Body Scrub (200ml/£14.95):

I was pleased to discover a new brand in the May edit, as it's such a delight learning about all the wonderful small businesses out there.  Kathy Sue Ann's is a natural beauty brand that began after the founder was struggling to find a formula that totally suited her wishes and needs.  All handmade in North London, Kathy's products are each created using natural ingredients that promise to leave you feeling nourished with soft, supple, glowing skin.


I'm going to be honest - when I first opened the tub of body scrub I was a little disappointed it didn't have a complex aroma to it.  I'm very much a lover of holistic beauty, so my brain has really come to expect all the green goodies I use to offer aromatherapeutic qualities along with the benefits they bring to the skin.  But then I let it sit, and I started to think... Why am I so down on products that don't immediately hit me with a distinct fragrance?  Not only are there many people out there who cannot use essential oils due to allergies or skin sensitivities, but fragrance free formulas can be beautiful without the need for added extracts!

In fact, the Super Nourishing Organic Body Scrub does have its own scent - a subtle mix of tropical coconut and the sweet nuttiness of avocado.  It's not necessarily fresh or fruity to me, but it's a nice addition nonetheless!  This is great for days when your skin is feeling irritated, when you are planning on using a particular scented oil or cream afterwards, or if you just want to be soothed by the natural loveliness of this blend.

The scrub itself is gentle, with not an overly coarse grain but also not super fine - it's a great middle ground, and works to buff away dead skin cells and leave your body glowing.  This is a really good way to prep your skin before using self tan or if you want to be super smooth for your debut in the sunshine.  The oils help moisturize post scrub, so no need to apply any additional products if you don't want to!  Another perfectly planned product for this pre-summer edit!

Ingredients: Maris Sal (Dead Sea Salt), cocos nucifera ( extra virgin coconut oil), prunus amygdalus dulcis( sweet almond oil), vitis vinifera (grapeseed oil), persea gratissima (virgin avocado oil), a-tocopherol (Vitamin E).


3] Aromantic Natural Skincare Organic Orange Blossom Hydrolate (30ml/£6.50):

One of my all time favourite, can't live without them products is hydrosol.  I am all about a good floral water, and use them daily - to keep cool, focused, awake, and hydrated.  I have my staples, like rose water, and ones I use for specific needs, like chamomile before bed, but they all have a special place on my beauty shelf.  And neroli is a wonderful, uplifting scent that always is in my rotation.


That's why I was so happy to see a bottle of Aromantic Natural Skincare's orange blossom hydrolate in the latest collection from The Natural Beauty Box.  Aromantic is a one stop shop for natural ingredients, recipe bases, and more, and they created an exclusive sample of one of their offerings just for the Fresh & Fruity edit - how cool is that??

Neroli water has amazing aromatherapeutic qualities along with regenerative skincare benefits.  It can help regenerate skin cells, improve elasticity, balance moisture levels and excess oils, plus it has healing capabilities too!  It's such a good all-rounder, especially when you consider how it acts as a mood booster.  Neroli is reduces stress, lifts the spirit, and relieves tension!

Aromantic Natural Skincare's orange blossom hydrosol spray is so juicy, sweet, and full - it's an absolute delight to smell, and feels so light and refreshing on the skin.  The mister is perfect, as it evenly spritzes, and it's such a lovely daytime pick me up.  I'm definitely tempted to pick up another bottle of this, and maybe try a few more out too!

Ingredients: Citrus aurantium amara Flower Water


4] Ben & Anna Persian Lime Deodorant (60g/£9.95):

Those who have been using eco friendly deodorant for a long while may recognize this fab natural brand, as it is one of the OG vegan friendly plastic free options I personally ever heard about.  Not only is it all natural, vegan, and cruelty free, but it minimizes waste by cutting out unnecessary plastics and instead opting to use a paper tube.  Another bonus?  They use certified organic ingredients!


Ben & Anna offer seven varieties of natural deodorant, and the Fresh & Fruity collection from The Natural Beauty Box included Persian Lime, a great unisex option that is full of zesty notes.  Another fab scent selection that is ideal for the upcoming summer months.  This natural deodorant helps fight off odor for the bulk of the day, and even holds up during exercise.  For me, I find I don't need to top up at all, meaning I apply once in the morning and that's that.  However, this may vary from person to person - but luckily the tube is a handy size so it can easily be popped into your bag for a quick touch up midday if you need!

The deodorant applies nicely, and isn't grainy at all meaning it goes on smoothly and with no extra effort.  The stick itself warms up quickly which helps it glide on, and I find you don't end up using tons.  This has proved to be a really good natural deo!  And an interesting aspect to this product is that when you think you are running low, you just push up the bottom and more will slowly appear on top - like a lipstick tube, but without the twist (or the plastic!).

One quick word of warning for those with sensitive skin: the formula does contain sodium bicarb, so be sure to do a patch test before slathering this on.  In the past I have had no issues whatsoever with bicarb, but recently my underarms do seem to have been a bit more sensitive and have had some trouble with peeling skin and irritation.  So far the Ben & Anna stick hasn't caused any problems, but I'm keeping an eye on it as I have found using a bicarb option daily sometimes does dry out the area and can lead to the effects I mentioned.  I do think the nourishing ingredients like shea butter help combat this, but still worth being careful as itchy underarms can be the absolute pits!

Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter*, Maranta Arundinacea Root Powder*, Zea Mays Starch, Cocos Nucifera Oil*, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil*, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Shorea Robusta Resin, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limonene**, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Cera, Citrus Limon Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Linalool**, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citral**, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil*, Geraniol**, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract*


5] Benecos Sea Buckthorn & Orange Hand & Nail Cream (75ml/£3.45):

Benecos is a wonderful budget friendly brand that offers unparalleled quality for the value.  Time and time again I have been wowed by how good their formulas are for their price point, and I actually have a few staples from their range that make their way into my makeup bag month after month.  This is by far the best 'cheap' brand I have come across.  I usually get a bit nervous when I see green goodies listed for under a fiver as sadly more often than not that means the ingredients contain a lot of fillers and not so nice stuff (like alcohol denat) or that the formula itself isn't going to be as good as I want it to be.  That's not the case with Benecos, and after having tried a bunch of their items, I've come to recognize that they will always be high performing.

And while you lovelies know I'm a bit fussy when it comes to creams. this one smells so lovely that I just can't be as picky.  When it comes to lotion-style consistencies I need it to be fast absorbing, non-sticky, and not super wet.  I definitely prefer thicker products, rich but not heavy, as I find they make my skin feel loved, nourished, and silky smooth.  But the Sea Buckthorn & Orange Hand & Nail Cream from Benecos isn't thick, yet I'm still enjoying it because despite it looking more on the thin side it is surprisingly smooth and moisturizing.


This cream turned out to be a dream last time I tried it, so when I saw I would be getting another bottle in May's edit of The Natural Beauty Box I was more excited than I usually am about a product like this.  It applies like silk, and you only need a small amount as it is heavier duty than you'd expect.  This is the perfect summertime hand and nail treatment, as it is uplifting in scent and light in feel while still giving your skin the boost it needs.  In fact, it boosts both hands and mind!  I love just breathing in the aroma after applying, as it is like pure sunshine.  And for under a fiver -- you really can't compete!

Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), HELIANTHUS ANNUUS HYBRID (HYBRID SUNFLOWER) OIL*, PYRUS MALUS (APPLE) JUICE*, CETYL ALCOHOL, STEARYL ALCOHOL, SODIUM CETEARYL SULFATE, TARAXACUM OFFICINALE (DANDELION) ROOT EXTRACT, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE)**, GLYCERIN, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL, SODIUM BENZOATE°, POTASSIUM SORBATE°, CITRIC ACID, GLYCERIN*, ROSA CANINA (ROSE HIP) FRUIT EXTRACT*, SAMBUCUS NIGRA (ELDER) FRUIT EXTRACT*, HYPERICUM PERFORATUM (ST. JOHN´S WORT) FLOWER EXTRACT*, URTICA DIOICA (NETTLE) ROOT EXTRACT*, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS (POT MARIGOLD) FLOWER EXTRACT*, ARCTIUM LAPPA (BURDOCK) FRUIT EXTRACT*, TILIA CORDATA (LINDEN) FLOWER EXTRACT*, SODIUM CITRATE, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES (SEA BUCKTHORN) FRUIT EXTRACT*, TOCOPHEROL, SUNFLOWER SEED OIL SORBITOL ESTERS, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL*, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT*, LIMONENE**, LINALOOL**, CITRONELLOL**, GERANIOL** * certified organic ** natural essential oils ° preserved with sodium benzoate




The Natural Beauty Box created a great edit filled with green goodies that are perfect for the transition into summer.  Exfoliation to get the body super smooth and prepped to get that sunkissed glow on, zesty and zingy scents that capture the warmth of the season, nontoxic deodorant to help keep fresh even on the hottest days, skin nourishing cream, and hydrating formulas to keep you healthy and happy!

And overall the May "Fresh & Fruity" collection was worth over £52, meaning subscribers got more than double what they paid for!  I'm always impressed by the value offered by this beauty box, and the theme always is so thought through.  This is a subscription you can rely on month by month, and know that you are getting the best natural formulas, discovering the best of small business, and are being introduced to the best green beauty brands!

Want to be sure to receive the next brilliant box specially curated by The Natural Beauty Box and Rare Beauty?  Be sure to get your order in ASAP as they're already almost sold out!  Last year was the first time these two collaborated, and the edit was amazing.  A few spoilers have been posted for the June box already, and I can tell it's going to be another slam dunk.  So grab your 10% off and guarantee yours now before it's too late!