In the US many cosmetic and skin care companies take the defensive posture that there is no proof when it comes to harmful chemicals such as parabens. Isn’t it funny that in the EU they have banned these chemicals from skin care and hair care products because of their link to cancers? Only in the US do corporations wait until “absolute” proof (once many people die and there is a public out cry) before they will eliminate harmful chemicals from our products. It’s up to us to make a stand with our wallets and stop purchasing these types of products!
The following web sites offer a wealth of information on these harmful chemicals and products to avoid:
www.bcaction.org
www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org
There are several good books on the subject of toxic chemicals in our household and cosmetic products. Check them out:
Not Just a Pretty Face; The ugly side of the Beauty Industry By Stacy Malkan (www.notjustaprettyface.org)
Exposed; The toxic chemistry of everyday products and what’s at stake for American power By Mark Shapero
How Everyday Products Make People Sick; Toxins at Home & in the workplace By Paul D. Blanc, MD
Some of you have asked about safe natural organic skin care products that do not contain any of the harmful ingredients we have been reading and hearing about lately. In an attempt to fulfill that request we have put together a list of skin care companies for your consideration. This list is by no means all inclusive; we welcome any additional information you may have on other companies that you would like to see added to our list. It’s nice to try products prior to purchasing them, some spas offer facials using these products which is a great way to experience a product and have a moment of relaxation! Check web sites for store and treatment centers. Some companies offer travel size kits that you can purchase to see if you like the line before you make a larger investment in the product line.
www.drhauschka.com Dr. Hauschka Skin Care line is certified natural by the BDIH, an association of German product manufacturers whose “Guidelines for Natural Cosmetics” are the most selective in the world. Dr. Hauschka’s like utilizes raw materials derived from nature, organic and biodynamic plant ingredients with minimal processing and is free of synthetic fragrances, colors and dyes. They offer a travel kit if you would like to purchase it and try it out first. For a real treat visit their web site for a store and treatment center near you for one of their “signature treatments”!
www.usa.weleda.com Weleda believes beautiful skin starts with ingredients from beautiful farms. That’s why Weleda has been practicing Biodynamic® and organic farming since 1921. Purer ingredients more closely mirror what goes on inside our wonderful, amazing skin. Weleda’s products are certified by NPA (Natural Products Association) in the US and BDIH in Europe.
www.szepelet.com ilike Organic Skin Care originates in Hungary. These products contain whole fruit and herb pulps as primary active ingredients rather than herbal extracts. The importance of using real whole pulps versus extracts can only be explained by looking at the different processes and results of creating each. Read about these important facts on their web site. Products are all organic food grade (you can eat them) with no harmful chemicals.
www.pangeaorganics.com Pangea Organics Ecocentric skincare line using whole organic ingredients. Whole, organic herbal extracts & essential oils – no synthetic fragrances, fillers or chemical solvents. Everything in the products will be listed on the label – no surprises! Ingredients listed on their web site for those that like to do advance research.
www.alkaitis.com Dr. Alkaitis Holistic Organic Skin Food products are biologically active. Only living ingredients are used – naturally all chemicals, synthetics, “plant derived products”, trans-fats and GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) are rigorously excluded. 100% certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel is the Base of our products. He doesn’t waist money on fancy bottles, very basic.
www.mychelleusa.com MyChelle skin care products are ALWAYS FREE OF phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, ureas, EDTA, fragrances, encapulated nano particles, and artificial colors.
www.juicebeauty.com Juice Beauty Innovative organic beauty solutions masterminded by a team of women from California who are passionate about organic and healthy lifestyles and whose organic products are backed by powerful science.
www.alaffia.com Alaffia Sustainable Skin Care formulated with handcrafted, unrefined shea butter and other fine indigenous plants oils, butters and extracts for highly active natural face care products. Alaffia shea butter is made by women, used primarily by women and the funds from the sales are helping women through empowerment projects.
www.sukipure.com Suki is also an organic line. I ran into this line at a natural body store in Vermont. The owner said it was her best selling line, partly because you can purchase a travel size kit – she says once people try the kit they buy the product. Many of their products contain sugar, for those that are sensitive to sugar or diabetics you may wish to sample first before buying. This company is supported by Breast Cancer Action which is an organization that looks for companies with products that do not contain harmful chemicals.
www.modskinlabs.com Mod Skin labs is animal cruelty-free, paraben free, synthetic fragrance free, and dye free. The line looks interesting, might be worth a look see on the web site.
www.farmaesthetics.com Farmaesthetics “Herbal skin care from the farm” – she got her start in Portsmouth, RI making natural skin care products for friends. Claims to be all natural and without all the harmful chemicals. Too bad her web site doesn’t list ingredients. She does offer a travel size kit if you want to give it a try.
www.johnmasters.com John Masters Organics is another organic hair and skin care line. He got his start making products out of his SoHo salon. His web site lists ingredients so you can check it all out there.
www.aubrey-organics.com Aubrey Hampton was born on an organic farm in rural Indiana, and by age nine was helping his mother make herbal cosmetics. Educated in New York City, a phytochemist and herbalist, he founded Aubrey Organics in 1967. Found in many health food stores.
www.iamapeacekeeper.com PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics is committed to the well-being of women. PeaceKeeper prides itself on producing one of the cleanest lines of cosmetics in the beauty industry. Lip gloss, lip pain and nail pain all using safe clean products. All profits, after taxes, are used to support women’s health advocacy and human rights issues.
We hope you find this useful. If you do purchase products from any of these companies, let us know what you think. Our clients are always asking and it’s good to have feedback!