Paraben Free Cosmetics (Skin Care and Hair Care)
June 12, 2008
There are all kinds of cosmetic skin care and hair care products on the market, all promising youth, beauty and renewal, what’s more, many of these products are EXPENSIVE! But what exactly are you paying for? The fact is that 99% of these products contain synthetic chemicals and additives such as:
* Parabens
* Phthalates
* “Fragrance” (otherwise known as “Perfume” or “Parfum”)
(To find out more about these ingredients and the adverse effects they have on our health click HERE to see our article “Chemicals in Cosmetics”.)
The following products are brands that I love and trust. They are FREE of the above ingredients and even in some cases tout the benefits of being Organic and or Biodynamic.
So take a look-see and start planning your “Green Makover” today! You can view many of these products by visiting our online store :
My personal favorite brands are:
* Aubrey Organics:
In 1969 Aubrey founded Aubrey Natural Labs, the company that later became Aubrey Organics®. His premise was a simple one to create completely natural hair and skin care products free of synthetics and petrochemicals, products good for both the body and the earth. Aubrey’s pioneering company remains one of the most respected and reliable manufacturers of natural bodycare products in the industry.
* Boscia:
Besides their award-winning manufacturing process, two of the ingredients that boscia uses to provide an antiseptic effect, retain moisture and deliver ingredient benefits to the skin, have also proven to increase shelf life. While other preservatives such as Parabens can prolong the life of a product almost indefinitely, yet have a harsh effect on the skin, Boscia relies on its unique formulas to deliver gentle, non-irritating products. Where necessary, boscia also relies on its unique airless dispensing system to further retain product efficacy. boscia products have all been tested for freshness for three years from the date of fill. Each product is stamped with the “use by” date to ensure optimal product quality and freshness.
* Dr. Hauschka:
Hauschka’s manufacturer WALA Heilmittel supports sustainable, ecologically sound agricultural practices by obtaining as many of their ingredients as possible from certified Biodynamic and Organic sources. The vast majority of ingredients in the Dr.Hauschka Skin Care line are Biodynamically and organically grown and harvested, and not a single ingredient comes from an organization involved in animal testing. Their Eco-conscious packaging and natural botanical preservatives help keeps products fresh without the use of chemical additives. In this way, they are able to maintain the vitality of their Biodynamic and organic plant ingredients, delivering their nurturing, supportive qualities directly to you.
Dr.Hauschka Skin Care goes beyond both the Pledge and EU regulations by adhering to the Guidelines for Natural Cosmetics BDIH of the which bar the use of phthalates, parabens and many other synthetic ingredients in our Certified Natural Cosmetics.
* MyChelle
:
MyChelle Dermaceuticals was developed for all skin types to balance, nourish and hydrate even sensitive skin by supporting the skin’s immune system. They search the world over for unique botanicals and fruit pulps. They tout high concentrations of quality ingredients to support the skin’s hyaluronic acid and collagen production.
MyChelle Dermaceuticals’ products are plant based. They are preserved with essential oils, powerful antioxidants and exceptional antimicrobial extracts. This means that they can omit harmful chemicals for preservation that can be estrogen mimickers.
Mychelle products support tissue respiration—the detoxification and breathing of the skin (tissue respiration) is supported by the use of their products which are non-occlusive and non-comedogenic. They do not suffocate the skin or cause acne.
* Suki:
Suki custom preparations promote vibrant skin, improved mood and a clear complexion without any side effects to the person or the planet.
Because their formulas are 100% natural, they do not challenge the skin or the body with ingredients that do not exist in nature.
Suki is committed to creating the most gentle and effective treatments for even the most allergic, fragile or challenged conditions, without compromising the purity or integrity of the formulas.
* Weleda:
Their motto, “In harmony with nature and the human being,” represents our upholding of the highest quality and environmental conservation through every step of the value chain—from soil to product.
Their products are therefore free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants and raw materials derived from mineral oils. Additionally, animal testing is not carried out by either them, or by their suppliers. Weleda products are instead full of the highest quality, pure and natural ingredients for your body.
From an environmental and global sustainability perspective, one of their top priorities is to increase their share of raw materials from organic and Biodynamic® sources.
* John Masters Organics:
John Masters is one of the pioneers of Organic Hair and Skin Care products and even has an Organic salon in Manhattan. His strict guidelines include that his products are free of SLS, Parabens, DEAs, MEAs, orTEAs, GMOs, Petrochemicals and there is no animal testing for any of the products. His products are free of synthetic fragrances, fillers and artificial colors and ingredients must be as Organic as possible. All plant extracts and essential oils must be certified organic wherever possible, and essential oils must be SteamDistilled, not extracted with Propylene Glycol.
All products are harvested in an eco-friendly manner and are beneficial to the hair and skin.The ingredients used in his products are Certified Organic by:
www.ecocert.com
www.qai-inc.com
www.ccof.com
www.ocia.com
* Crystal Body Deodorant:
This is the all natural alternative to mainstream deodorants, is hypoallergenic, fragrance free, non-sticky, non-staining, and is made of 100% natural mineral salts with no artificial coloring or ingredients. It is free of chemicals or dyes and contains NO Aluminum Chlorohydrate, helping you stay odor-free safe and naturally.
* Pacifica Perfume
Essential oils are blended with denatured grain alcohol for a simple, natural scent without chemicals.
* Dr. Bronners Castile Soap
Renowned for their quality, versatility and eco-friendliness, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps enjoyed a small but loyal following in the early years. In the late 1960s, however, soap sales started to explode, due to the unsurpassed ecological quality. Word-of-mouth soon made Dr. Bronner’s the iconic soap of that era, and in the decades that followed the soaps spread into every health food store in the U.S. and then into the mainstream as well — winning over fans from all walks of life on the way to becoming the number-one-selling natural brand of soap in North America.
What’s in my cosmetics bag?
I should preface this by saying that beauty products are my weakness…I love them! So I’m a little over the top, but here it goes:
Hair, Skin and Body Care:
*Shampoo
John Masters Evening Primrose for Dry Hair
* Conditioner
John Masters Lavender and Avocado Intensive Conditioner
* Body Lotion:
Alba Unscented Body Lotion
Aubrey Evening Primrose Lotion
* Cleanser:
Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk
Aubrey Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Cream
* Toner:
Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner
Aubrey Sea Buckthorn Facial Toner
* Vitamin C Serum:
Boscia Vitamin C Serum
* Eye Serum:
Boscia Enlivening Eye Treatment
Shakai Borage Eye Treatment
* Sunscreen:
Boscia Daily Moisture SPF 15
MyChelle SPF 28
Aubrey Organics Natural Sun SPF 25 (For the Body)
Badger Sunscreen
* Facial Moisturizer:
Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
Weleda Wild Rose Moisture Cream
Shakai Borage Skin Therapy for Dry Skin (My favorite!)
* Deodorant:
Crystal Body Deodorant
* Perfume:
Pacifica Tahitian Gardenia
* Toothpaste:
Tom’s of Maine (ADA Approved)
* Hand and Body Soap:
Dr. Bronners Castile Soap
Please click HERE to visit our online store for our collection of Hair and Skin care products.
If you would like to visit our article on natural and Organic Make-Up brands and products, please click HERE.
In the meantime, if you want to check a product you are currently using check out ”Skin Deep” part of the EWG’s database for safe cosmetics. Here you can find out what’s in your cosmetics and how they rank in terms of safety.
NOTE: Some products come up as a “Moderate” safety rating on “Skin Deep”, however as Suki Cosmetics points out:
“the EWG / skindeep’s rating system does not differentiate between a botanical extract that is clean(meaning does not contain parabens, propylene glycol, or is extracted with the highly toxic hexane or any other means-in fact people doing the rating didn’t even know when i spoke with them that ingredients can be hidden in extracts), or between regular lecithin and the lecithin we use (non-gmo, organic, food grade). there is no way to enter such a differentiation when you as a manufacturer go to enter your ingredients in the database. they do not make a distinction between organics, naturals in many cases, and/or regular, synthetic ingredients, not to mention cosmetic-grade and food-grade, nor do they care whether you use an ingredient at 100%, at 1%, or at .01% within your formulas. you get the same rating no matter how much of an ingredient you use.”
I have seen this in the instance of some amazing products such as:
- Dr. Hauschka
- Weleda
Both of which are sustainable, organic and biodynamic and are used for people with medical issues or with extremely sensitive skin.
- Suki
Which is another clean and natural product as well.
So please do not be alarmed if you see these ratings. If you have any questions you can always email the manufacturer and clarify the ingredients they use in their products.
I hope that this article has helped to identify some key traits to look for in your cosmetic products and to help you find some great brands to keep you looking, smelling and feeling great!
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