In the UK, The Allergy and FreeFrom Show has been a regular fixture on the allergy calendar for many years – with smaller shows in Liverpool and now Glasgow supplementing the well-established and larger London event, which takes place in July at Olympia. But what does it have to offer the MI-allergic visitor?
Unless you also have food allergies or intolerances – where you’ll be well-catered for with substantial gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free offerings – you might think not much. But confirmed exhibitors at the London event include a few MI-free brands. The show is co-located with the Love Natural Love Organic show, which also has a number of suitable exhibitors. Free tickets are available at this link.
Here is a round-up – with stand numbers in brackets – which will be added to in the coming months, so bookmark and check back regularly for updates. Links provided to home sites and points of sale for those outside London or UK, unable to attend.
Household
Aquaint (A191)
100% natural sanitising water, containing only water and the natural chemical, hypochlorous acid. Free from everything else, it kills 99.9% of bacteria. Stocked in Boots, buy at Aquaint’s site here, or via Amazon here.
Attitude (A365)
Wide range of household goods, hailing from the United States, including laundry products, household cleaners and pet care (as well as personal care). Available via Amazon US.
Ecozone (A161)
Range of laundry, kitchen and bathroom cleaners and household problem solvers, plus other niche produc
ts such as insect / pest controllers. Most – but not all – products are isothiazolinone-free. The products which definitely contain both MI and BIT are the Limescale Remover / Bathroom Cleaner, the Multisurface Cleaner, and the 3-in-1 Kitchen Cleaner & Degreaser – although the manufacturers have told us they are being reformulated by the end of 2016. The Dishwasher Rinse Aid previously contained isothiazolinones, but has been reformulated and no longer does – although some old varieties may still be in circulation. Ecozone have told us, with the exception of the three cleaning sprays, all other products on their stand will be safe for MI-allergy sufferers.
Greencane (A59)
Papers – toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues. NB: Believed to be MI-free, but awaiting confirmation.
Toiletries
Earthpaste (L157)
Natural toothpaste from the US with only water, clay, salt, essential oils and xylitol (tooth-friendly sweetener). UK customers can buy it online.
Jack’n’Jill Kids Toothpaste (L05)
Another natural toothpaste, for kids, and from Australia, with natural and organic ingredients, and tooth-friendly sweetener xylitol. Free from SLS, fluoride, gluten and preservatives.
Cosmetics
Aviela (L113)
Bath, body and hair care products.
Green Frog Botanics (A65)
Small selection of hand and body washes.
Green People (A99)
Organic and natural, well-known brand, who do not use MI (see their MI-Free policy here). Widely available in the UK. US consumers can buy a wide selection from Amazon.
Hope’s Relief (A189)
‘Therapeutic’ skincare range, suitable for problem skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis. Available in the US too.
Neal’s Yard Remedies (F6)
Famously natural, organic and ethical beauty and healthcare products, totally free from isothiazolinones. Also available in the US.
Purepotions (L135)
Natural oils, creams and ointments suitable for those with eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Weleda (L19)
Another well-known and established skincare brand, focusing on natural and biodynamic principles, and entirely free of any synthetic ingredients. Widely available in health stores in the UK, and on Amazon in the US.
Miscellaneous
Bug Soother (A487)
Insect repellant. Seems to be isothiazolinone-free. Have enquired; awaiting confirmation.