By Linda Chaé
June, 2007

How Have You Impacted The Skin Care Industry?

Research shows there is a widespread trend as U.S. consumers are becoming increasingly convinced that beauty starts with "wellness". You, the consumer, have made a huge impact in the world of skin care marketing! You have stimulated the natural category to grow by 9% a year while all other skin care categories grew a mere 1%.

The EuroMonitor Report states that “natural” is the hottest growing category in skincare products today. There is record growth in natural products worldwide – predicted to increase from $3.9 billion to $5.8 billion between 2003 and 2008. One of the most noticeable trends is the increase in the number of cosmetic products stressing natural ingredients.

What Does Natural Mean To You?

As an informed consumer, you would expect “natural” to mean a pure product made from garden fresh vegetables. Most would expect “natural” to include ingredients that are botanically derived, even though logic says that science does something to the coconut oil to turn it into a shampoo.

Your definition is even supported by Wikipedia:
… herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives . . . made without the use of synthetic chemicals . . .the holistic philosophy of caring for one's body … feeling that natural beauty is healthy beauty.

Yet, sadly, the term “natural” continues to be overused and misused by most skin care companies – they count on customers NOT realizing this is a general term without any regulation.

“Natural” has no definition or enforcement by the FDA or by any other regulating body around the world. “Natural” is considered anything derived from planet earth - including petroleum.

When you read the complete ingredient list, most “natural” products consist of 50% to 90% synthetic, petroleum-based ingredients . . . which are often toxic and detrimental to your health.

So, Where’s The Good News?

Just as the market has been influenced by consumer demand for “natural”, some companies are doing a great job bringing you products with wholesome ingredients that are actually good for you. Here are some key points to look for and DEMAND in the skin care you use and buy for your family. You can choose products that contain independent certifications (see: Certifications You Can Trust), such as the ToxicFree® seal which carries the following criteria:
• Free of paraben preservatives (contain xeno-estrogens)
• Made without sodium laurel sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate or other potentially harmful detergents
• Contain no artificial colors, dyes or synthetic fragrances
• Free from synthetic chemicals such as ingredients containing the term PEG or other ethoxylated compounds which are hormone disruptors, neurotoxins and suspected carcinogens because of dioxin contamination
• Preserved without harmful formaldehyde preservatives such as DMDM Hydantoin or Imidazolidinyl Urea
• Produced from as many sustainable, certified organic and/or wildcrafted ingredients as possible
• Created with plant extracts using clean* technology; ingredient decks ethically listing the extraction medium
• Not tested on animals
• Companies committed to ‘Do No Harm’
* Extracted without petroleum solvents such as Propylene and Butylene Glycol which often are not displayed on ingredient panel

Secret Benefits from Certified Organic Plants

Did you know that almost all pharmaceutical drugs are modeled after medicinal plants in nature?
Plants contain very powerful compounds and today’s sophisticated organic companies are not only creating all “natural” products (exclusively from plant-based ingredients…exactly the way YOU define natural), but doing full clinical studies to prove their effectiveness. These testing protocols have previously been used only by pharmaceutical companies on patented, synthetic chemical compounds.

There is an abundance of Clinical Studies demonstrating plant-based ingredients provide beneficial treatments. For instance, there are synergistic extracts (including algae and artemisia) that reduce stinging by more than 68% and irritation up to 60%, all without the side-effects of cortisone. Another micro-algae has been clinically verified to tighten and firm the skin by more than 110%. This is proof plants work miracles! AND, here’s the secret . . . when smart companies use these smart plants to make products for smart consumers to buy, the products are free from negative health side-effects.
You Can Have It All

Now you can have safe, plant based ingredients and be free from worry or concern about toxic side effects such as short-term memory loss, cancer, hormonal disruption, birth defects, etc.

“Natural” and organic skin, hair and personal care products nurture you – at your physical, emotional and mental levels. Using what you believe to be a healthy product should not negatively affect your health or your ability to function optimally each and every day.

The more you demand companies provide products that honestly support not only your personal health, but the wellness of your family, your children and your pets, the more good, high-quality products will become available. Independent, third party certifications are one way to identify clean, safe products.

Discover More…

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Enjoy celebrating the wonder of our skin’s ability to heal, regardless of past chemical exposure. Truly, you have power to make the biggest difference of all. Read labels and buy wisely.