I believe education is one of the most important things in the world. The UN stresses that education is one of the key tools when it comes to tackling poverty; it empowers individuals by giving them a lasting foundation and improved prospects, creating sustainable change rather than getting stuck in a system of dependancy. So it’s nice to find companies like OneSqin, who are working to make education accessible to all.

OneSqin is a business that channels purchasing power towards social change. After spending a year and a half perfecting their products and building a viable business model, with all profits from their products going to projects that empower girls in need by removing barriers to education, they are ready to launch. Their aim is simple: by merely switching to a better product, conscious consumers can help lift girls across the world out of poverty.

The cycle of poverty is complex and intricate, and women are often the most marginalised, affected group. OneSqin have already begun to be active in the education field, sponsoring girls in Tanzania to attend the SEGA school through the non-profit organisation NurturingMindsInAfrica.org. The SEGA Girls School is a residential secondary school for Tanzanian girls who otherwise are unable to attend school due to extreme poverty. The students are vulnerable girls who have left school before completing their primary education (up to 7th grade). Some have lost their parents to malaria, AIDS or other diseases; some can’t afford uniforms, books or transport to traditional government schools; some work to support themselves and their families and have no time to attend school. As OneSqin grows, so will sponsorships of education for vulnerable girls across the world. Their plans for the future include the launch of a dedicated factory, providing opportunities for women at risk of social exclusion.

Onesqin currently sell a range of organic tampons and natural skincare. Whilst I swore off tampons a long time ago in the quest for a sustainable period, they sent me some of their natural, all purpose skin cream to try out.

OneSqin’s cream is designed to moisturise and soothe minor irritations such as sunburn, windburn, insect bites and shaving rash, but can also be used as an overnight face mask for dry skin, cuticle softening, stretchmark prevention or for adding shine to eyelids, cheeks and lips. Very much all purpose. It’s made in Spain in a family-owned artisan lab, the formula is cruelty free and the packaging is 100% recyclable, so great if you’re looking for a zero waste option. While Onesqin lists all of their ingredients online, hold on to your hats because their list of ~special~ ingredients and top benefits is long, including:

Schisandra fruit extract – soothes stressed, sensitive and reactive skin, anti-inflammatory
Balloon Vine extract – soothing and anti-inflammatory (particularly helpful for allergic reactions)
Squalane (from olive oil) – antioxidant that prevents UV damage, promotes cell growth and is antibacterial
Rosehip fruit oil – good for hydrating skin, reduces scars and fine lines, full of antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids
Safflower seed oil – hydrating, promotes skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles
Chamomile flower extract – antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiseptic and hypoallergenic
Calendula flower extract – good for dry or damaged skin, promotes fast healing and skin regeneration whilst being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
Raw organic Shea butter – has anti-ageing properties, reduces stretch marks, scarring and cellulite, relieves windburn, sunburn and dry skin
Hemp seed oil – prevents premature skin ageing and maintains moisture balance

So. Many. Things. Isn’t natural beauty cool?

I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect with this cream, but I think it does what it says on the tin really well. The formula is thicker than I imagined, but a little goes a long way as it’s super moisturising and nourishing on the skin immediately. My skin is on the greasier side so this is a little too heavy for an overnight mask, but it’s perfect for my makeup routine to add a little shine as a highlighter (I literally only need the tiniest amount), and it works so well on irritated skin or dry lips. It has an interesting fruity smell that’s hard to explain, kind of like berries with a tinge more earthiness, which I really like. But what I like most about it is how all-purpose it is. If you can own one product in replacement of five different ones its cheaper, more eco and just way easier. I like the simplicity of having something that sits in my makeup bag, but I can also pull out to relieve sunburn or soothe chapped lips. If you travel a lot, the lightweight life this provides is so so convenient. With the combination of skin benefits and promoting education opportunities, there’s a lot to love.

To learn more about OneSqin you can check out their website here

Until next time, stay magic y’all.