Just how important is organic personal care? Approximately 60-70% of the products we put on our skin are absorbed by the skin. This includes all synthetic or toxic chemicals that these products may contain. Many of these chemicals have the potential to interfere with our body’s biological functions; many others create allergic reactions – sometimes severe. Cosmetics pose a special threat to women – the primary consumers of cosmetics - and many cosmetic products are known to contain harmful ingredients – particularly hydroquinone, parabens (preservatives), phthalates (used in fragrances), nitrosamines, formadehyde, and acrylamide. There is no better time than the present for us to make an important change in the choices we make with regard to personal care products. Although “natural” and “organic” are terms that have been bandied about in the personal care industry, we do have an assortment of certified organic and all-natural personal care products available to us – products that are free of animal testing, animal ingredients, synthetic additives, and toxic chemicals.
Recently, the organic personal care industry suffered a blow when, according to the Organic Consumer Association website, companies can no longer label their body care products with the USDA certified seal. This will go into effect as of October 21, 2005. Personal care companies are not regulated the way food companies are, and now it will be even more difficult to tell products apart.
What does this mean for consumers? The personal care industry is big business. Cosmetics alone account for approximately $35 billion in U.S. sales. The disturbing news is that the majority of the ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the Food and Drug Administration. The best thing that consumers can do is to stay informed about the developments in this industry, especially as new products are added. At the Environmental Working Group’s website (www.ewg.org/issues/cosmetics) consumers can access their assessment of personal care products, and in the Virtual Drugstore we can search for a review of specific personal care products. You may visit the Safe Cosmetics website (http://www.safecosmetics.org) to view a list of companies that have pledged not to use toxic chemicals in their cosmetics. It is important to note that the effects of toxic substances are cumulative and long-term; that is, the toxic substances that accumulate in our bodies are stored in adipose tissue and remain for decades.
In October, 2004, California became the first state in the U.S. to sign into law the "Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005". It will require cosmetics companies to disclose to the state's Department of Health Services ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. The legislation was co-sponsored by the Breast Cancer Fund, and was signed into law by California Governor Arnold Schwartzeneger. Once again, California leads the way with legistation aimed at consumer protection.
Below is a list of personal care products that we have either tried ourselves, or have been recommended by our visitors. Although they are not all certified organic, none of them contain the questionable ingredients mentioned above. They are all hypoallergenic, to reduce adverse reactions. (Please check ingredient lists if you suspect sensitivity to some essential oils.) Many people have reported that once they began using organic products, their skin problems disappeared. Please try them for yourself and see.
Aubrey Organics A full line of personal care products (paraben-free, of course). They were made fresh in batches, with over 200 products to choose from, like their Natural Sun products. For a limited time, shop online and receive a free gift with purchase.
Aromafloria certified organic personal & home products
For over 10 years, this company has been creating unique personal care and home products infused with certified organic food-quality ingredients like green tea, pomegranate, and papaya. Experience the soothing benefits of aromatherapy for yourself and visit their website today.
Burt's Bees natural body care products
We love this company, not only for their products but for their social consciousness. We particularly like their lip balms (petroleum-free), and their cream blushes. We're also helping those busy little bees! While not organic, they are all-natural.
Ecco Bella Botanicals personal care & cosmetics
Their full line of bath and body products have received rave reviews. They are available in stores like Wild Oats, Whole Foods, and Wegman's.
Erbaviva organic personal care
Begun in the 90's with a line of organic baby care products, Erbaviva now offers a full line of organic personal care products.
Exuberance personal care
Another one of the personal care lines using organic herbs, with no animal testing and no synthetic ingredients.
Indigo Wild bath & body products
This hip woman-owned company contains all-natural and organic extracts and essential oils, to create their goat's milk bar soaps, soy wax candles, and products for people and pets (a favorite: rosemary-mint moisturizer). Order online, or send for their colorful catalog.
Juice Beauty organic personal care
The product name really says it all. Organic citrus juices and vitamins are good for you. All products are vegetarian. A nice product to try: green apple peel.
Kiss My Face organic personal care products
Would you believe this company was started by two GUYS?! We love their moisturizers and lip balms, which are petroleum and paraben free.
Miessence organic personal care and cosmetics
A personal care line produced by One Group, its skin care line contains such ingredients as organic aloe, guar gum, olive leaf, and essential oils. Consumer-recommended, products can be purchased through their website.
Suki's Naturals organic personal care
OK, so this company, like Indigo Wild and a few others, was started by a woman (not that we're biased, or anything!) Organic ingredients and great for sensitive skin.
TerrEssentials Certified Organic personal care
The only personal care company we know to make this claim; we love the natural-looking colors. Their website is also crammed with useful information.
Tom's of Maine natural bath and body products
We are addicted to their mouthwashes and toothpastes; we wouldn't use anything else. (If you're not fond of gargling with alcohol, you'll feel the difference.) Although not organic, they have pledged to remain free of synthetic chemicals. Hurray!
Vermont Soapworks organic soaps
Their liquid and bar soaps are reasonably priced (although bar soaps are relatively small), but they are fresh-smelling and naturally antibacterial. Shipping is prompt, and they take wholesale orders.
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