Lara Deutsch, founder of Stem Organics

4 December, 2010. Brand: Stem Organics

Lara Deutsch, the founder of award-winning organic skincare range, Stem Organics, suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so badly that she recalls not having the energy to get herself off the couch so she could go to bed - at 11am! Her illness ultimately led her to found her own organic skincare range. She also shares some skincare tips and details of how to make your own deliciously organic perfumes...

At the bottom of the page you can view the 9am Beauty Awards clip to learn more about what makes Stem Organics so special.

How did Stem Organics come into being, what inspired you?

I had a really long battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which I first got when I was 16 years old. Doctors could never figure out what was wrong or how to help me, so I turned to natural and organic alternatives.

This included what I ate, used around the house and what I put on my skin. Looking around at the time there wasn't any sophisticated organic anti-ageing skincare available, so I decided to do it myself in conjunction with a cosmetic chemist specialising in organic ingredients. After all, if you've got limited energy, it's best to spend it on something you love.

What have been your proudest moments so far during the growth of the Stem Organics brand?

I would have to say any time we get an email from a customer raving about Stem Organics it really tickles me. There have been some bigger moments in terms of the brand but sometimes you get lost in the business of the day to day, and when you get these emails you stop for a moment and think... "Hey! I created this, and I've had a positive impact on someone else's life (and skin!)". It's just lovely.

If you could wave a magic eco-wand and fix just one environmental problem, what would it be?

At the moment I really feel strongly about the Orangutans habitat being destroyed due to palm oil plantations. Palm oil is in so many cosmetics, soaps and skincare products under various guises. Orangutans are gorgeous creatures and it would be great for there to also be a global standard of Orangutan Friendly Cosmetics, so people who care can make the choice to avoid being part of this destruction.

What eco-friendly things do you and your family do at home?

Natural house cleaning products, veggie patches, recycling, trying to avoid wasting food for example. The usual things. Shopping at a local farmers market for organic produce that's been lovingly grown is also one of life's little delights.

If you could recommend just one change to our readers looking to make their lives a little greener or healthier, what would it be?

Grow something! Even if it's just a few herbs and cherry tomatoes in pots on a balcony. The pleasure of home grown, freshly picked produce, bursting with nutrients and antioxidants is not to be missed. A ripe cherry tomato, still warm from the sun and just plucked from the vine is an explosion of happiness in your mouth! I'm sure they are nature's sweets!

When it comes to choosing a healthier skincare product, what are the pitfalls to avoid?

Read the back of the label not just the front! To this day some brands labeled organic only contain a miniscule amount of organic ingredients. If organic ingredients is what you are after - make sure that's what you are getting! At Stem Organics we list every ingredient that is organic and the total percentage, which for us varies from 78% to 95% depending on the product and what's available organically.

Do you have a skincare tip to share?

If synthetic (i.e. regular) perfumes give you a headache like they do me, you can make gorgeous natural perfumes by blending essential oils in a base of organic sugar cane alcohol.

Do you have a favourite Stem product?

I adore the Balancing Face Fluid, it keeps my skin balanced, hydrated but not greasy, includes niacinamide (vitamin B3) for blemish fighting power and it's delicately scented with rose geranium essential oil. Plus an all round favourite is our award winning Gentle Cleansing Milk, which just won Cleo Magazine's Beauty Hall of Fame 2010 "Best Cleansing Milk".

What’s next for Stem?

We're looking at body products at the moment and also pondering a facial moisturiser with sunscreen that's non greasy and non whitening (ahh the holy grail of sunscreen!)