Review: Project Harmless – A Natural Skincare Brand That Actually Cares

The word ‘sustainable’ has become a buzzword which is thrown around by big brands, often with little transparency. So, discovering a business that genuinely cares about sustainability is refreshing. Project Harmless is an Edinburgh (UK) based start-up with a mission that feels authentic: to offer eco-friendly products. In a skincare industry clouded by greenwashing and mass production, their Harmless Apothecary range stands out. These products are filled with the finest botanicals, including Scottish lavender, Scottish bog myrtle, and English marigold flowers. I was lucky enough to be gifted four of their soaps and a tub of hand cream, and after testing them for a couple of weeks, I can confidently say this is a brand worth talking about. I also think it’s important to mention how when our post lady delivered the parcel and handed it to me, she commented on how beautiful her delivery van now smelled after having the parcel inside.

The Four Soaps

Every item in the Harmless Apothecary range is genuinely handmade in small batches, using high-quality botanicals and essential oils. They are also palm oil free. Each bar of Project Harmless soap starts its journey with naturally soft waters of Argyll and Bute, a rare treasure from Scotland’s unspoiled landscapes. The surprisingly soft water is the foundation of their process, each soap bar is cold-processed and cured for 28 to 48 days, enriched with organic essential oils and botanical extracts. The result is a luxurious, creamy lather that feels both indulgent and naturally pure.

Purifying Patchouli Soap

The Purifying Patchouli Soap is infused with organic patchouli, rosemary and lavender essential oils. The purpose of this grounding scent (the rosemary in particular) is to refresh the senses and restore balance, plus patchouli is known for its skin-rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory benefits. The addition of calming lavender soothes, maintains the skin’s natural harmony and encourages relaxation. I personally find anything lavender scented more relaxing anyway, so this was the soap bar I was instantly drawn to.

Restorative Scottish Lavender Soap

With a calming mixture of Scottish lavender and cedarwood, the Restorative Scottish Lavender Soap smells divine. Scottish lavender is known for its relaxing properties, so by including it in this soap bar it is designed to calm the mind. As previously mentioned, lavender is a scent I am drawn to. I found the lavender scent of this soap bar to be fresh, tranquil and comforting.

Awakening May Chang Soap

The Awakening May Chang Soap is infused with a blend of May Chang, English marigold and green tea. It’s designed to awaken the senses and energise the skin. May Chang is known for its bright, citrus aroma and skin-rejuvenating properties. The English marigold flowers are thoughtfully grown on a small English farm, which as an ingredient help to nourish the skin leaving it deeply cleansed. The scent of this soap is definitely citrusy and uplifting.

Rejuvenating Mugwort Soap

This soap has an infusion of mugwort, lemongrass, patchouli and Scottish bog myrtle. The Rejuvenating Mugwort Soap restores, revitalises, rebalances. Mugwort is celebrated for its healing and regenerative properties and the lemongrass provides a boost for the skin and mind. I found this soaps scent to be fresh and earthy (and slightly herbal), it also did soothe my skin upon use.

Rosemary & Lavender Hand Cream

I love discovering new hand creams. With the colder months taking a toll on my hands, I hoped for a hand cream that was hydrating without being greasy. The Project Harmless Rosemary & Lavender hand cream definitely didn’t disappoint. Infused with organic rosemary essential oil and soothing lavender scent, this hand cream leaves your hands feeling soft and moisturised. The aroma of the hand cream was floral, yet subtle, helping me to feel calm upon use on my hands.

Project Harmless is a business which truly puts sustainability at its core. This shows in the quality, ethos and thoughtfulness of their products. The Harmless Apothecary range is beautiful, proving sustainable skincare doesn’t mean compromising on indulgence. If you are looking for handmade and genuinely natural products that care for your skin and the planet, Project Harmless is absolutely a brand to keep on your radar.