Pai is taking the beauty world by storm. Created by ex-PR girl, Sarah Brown, who was trying to get to the root of her own skin issues, Pai only uses the highest grade, naturally active ingredients that have been proven to deliver fantastic results. And the best part? They are totally Organic (certified by the Soil Association). An organic product that delivers results? It doesn’t get much better than that.

What is Pai’s best-selling product?
Without a doubt our Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream. It has always been our signature product but was catapulted to cult status when Natalie Portman named it her ‘skincare favourite’.

What drove you to create Pai?
Having had healthy skin all my life, I suddenly developed the skin allergy urticaria in my mid-20s. Identifying the triggers was a slow and frustrating process, but I eventually uncovered a number of chemicals in my skincare products causing my flares. Like many people I turned to organic products for help, but couldn’t find anything my sensitive skin could tolerate – the more I searched the more disillusioned I became. I couldn’t believe the number of beauty products claiming to be ‘organic’ that weren’t certified and still contained a long list of chemicals and irritants. I created Pai as a solution for sensitive skin sufferers that doesn’t compromise on the luxury we love in our beauty products.

How old is Pai?
Pai was founded in 2007, so we’re celebrating our fifth birthday this year!

What makes Pai different from other skincare brands?
Firstly, Pai is all about sensitive skin. All of our products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so we never use synthetics or harsh irritants such as Phenoxyethanol or Alcohol Denat. These irritants can often be found lurking on the ingredient lists of natural and organic beauty products – even certified ones.

Secondly, we have our own in-house formulation team and are one of only a few organic brands on the market that can say this.  Most natural skincare companies farm out their product development work – often to the same formulators – which has resulted in a lot of identikit, unimaginative products flooding the market. The man hours that go into the development of each and every Pai product is phenomenal. We are absolute ingredient experts and have a rooted relationship with our products that is second to none.

Team Hip and Healthy has fallen head over heels for the Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil, tell me more about that…
Thanks to the current beauty obsession with facial oils, Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate oil has become a favourite amongst beauty editors. While creams hydrate the skin, oils condition it – delivering high doses of active ingredients with more immediate effects. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate oil is one of the most concentrated Rosehip oils on the market due to the fact that it blends both the seed and the fruit of the hip. High levels of Omegas 3,6&9 feed the skin, optimising tone & texture as well as improving the appearance of scars, stretch marks, sun damage and fine lines. Rosehip also improves skin elasticity and suppleness, so is ideal for preventing premature ageing or pregnancy-related skin issues.

What’s next for Pai?
As well as several exciting retail product launches we also plan to spend 2012 developing our Pai Professional business. Launched in late 2011, we developed Pai Organic Facials after huge demand from customers looking for sensitive skin-friendly treatments, and from therapists looking for certified organic treatments that really work. We’re so proud to have ticked both these boxes – Pai Facials are currently available from a select number of beauty destinations across the UK, with more to be announced throughout the year.

Sum up Pai in 3 words…

Pure, honest, effective.

Sarah Brown: Her Beautiful Life

What is your skincare regime?
I cleanse with our Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser and purifying Rice & Rosemary Toner every night and follow up with a few drops of our Rosehip BioRegenerate oil three times a week. I also apply a light application of our Rejuvenating Echium Rejuvenating Eye Cream when my eyes are feeling a little tired or puffy.

In the mornings I splash my face with water, and then apply our Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream, which absorbs instantly and sits great under a light brush of mineral make-up.

Top beauty tip?
As far as sensitive and problem skin is concerned, few people really appreciate the importance of diet and nutrition. Pure, gentle and high performance products are of course essential, but truly healthy skin comes from within. Vitamin C keeps skin youthful, Omegas 3,6 & 9 leave skin smooth and supple and carotenoids protect the skin from environmental damage. I also try and eat a slightly alkaline diet with plenty of fruit and veg, as way back in the 1930s Ragner Berg’s research suggested this was best for calming and soothing reactive and allergy-prone skin.

What can’t you travel without?
Definitely my BioAffinity Toner – in-flight air can drop to as little as 10-20% humidity (compared to a UK average of 80%) and I can always feel my skin drying out as soon as I take off! The hydrating water keeps my skin soft and supple throughout the flight, and prevents that dull skin jetlag. At 50ml it’s also perfect for hand luggage.

How do you keep fit?
Pai has me running around 24/7, which keeps me fit and luckily compensates for the fact that I don’t have the time (or admittedly the inclination) to go to the gym!

How do you relax?
I’m a big believer in the negative effects of stress on the skin and on our health in general. Reading and meditating always calms me down – I also love live music so try and fit in a gig when I need to unwind!