by Linda Chaé

There’s a big difference between synthetically derived ingredients (called raw materials in the manufacturing world) and those directly extracted from plants. There are three distinctions to be aware of as you try all-natural, ToxicFree® hair and skin care products.

1. Chemical surfactants (detergents) have been engineered for manufacturers to easily make lots of cheap product. Then other chemicals are added to make hair look and feel good, but not really contribute to healthy skin, scalp or hair. Some of these surfactants cause roots of hair to weaken so people begin to see loose hair in the shower floor after bathing. Chaé^® Organics utilizes many plant-based products that were used 15 years ago in shampoo products. These were considered very sophisticated in the 80’s because of research had proven how healthy they made the hair. But it took manufacturers all day to make a batch of shampoo because of the careful mixing necessary to avoid lumps, etc. Enter the era of petroleum plastics that allow a lab to make 100,000 gallons of shampoo in a matter of hours! The sacrifice of manufacturing plant pollutants dumped into waters ways [see article: San Francisco Bay Polluted with Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals Commonly Found In Skin Care Products ] along with hormonal and toxic chemicals that covered men, women and children every time they bathed became secondary to convenience and profit.

2. Because people use more cleansing products (called down-the-drain products) than creams and lotions; shampoos and shower gels became competitive based on price and fragrance. What most people don’t realize is that scientific research confirmed there are side effects after weeks, months and years of using synthetic ingredients. Short term memory loss, reduced concentration and other mental handicaps such as learning disorders are now the norm instead of the exception. Hormone disruptors not only contribute to bad attitude, mood swings and depression; but are also connected to early puberty in 7-11 year olds. Several birth defects connected to these products are increasing also. For more about the specific ingredients that cause these side effects and the supporting research, check out www.toxicfree.org or www.ewg.org.

3. Natural organic ingredients don’t require that you use lots of product. Actually, in Chaé products, formulations are concentrated and you may be able to use less if you try the tips listed with each product. Natural ingredients are just different. After using them, you will miss their feel and results if have to use “one of the other” brands. For instance, there is a slippery, soft feel to the natural organic products. It feels like they are not rinsing off right away, when in fact they immediately rinse off (if you only use a little bit like we suggest). Rather, you are feeling the conditioning agents designed to be left behind. You’ll need less conditioner or use of body lotions through the day. See specific product information on the back of each product or in detailed information in the Chaé Organics Store online.

Wild Orange Shampoo (…for great hair days )
This organic conditioning shampoo meets the needs of most hair types without conditioners. We’ve included some natural vegetable extracts to create big, thick foam, so be open to a new type of suds-ing experience. Most of all, you are treating each individual hair on your head with lots of nutrients for healthier looking hair. You’ll notice more natural wave and bounce to your hair as well as better shine. If you have long hair, you’ll find your hair will have fewer tangles and will comb out more easily than with typical shampoos. Those of you who add additional color to your hair will be pleased with the softening, smoothing effect on damaged, expanded hair shafts. Both permed and colored hair will have better shine because the hair cuticle has been polished with natural conditioning agents in this shampoo. TIP: Wild Orange Shampoo is quite concentrated, so start with less product than usual. If you use hair spray, styling wax, etc. you may need a light first shampoo to release the petroleum-based plasterers attached to the hair and follow with a light second shampoo where you will experience lots of creamy lather. Most of all, you may save time and money by not needing a conditioner. Enjoy your shampooing experience… life is too short to not take special moments with a “happy” scent that has been designed to lift your spirits and give you a good attitude.

Wild Thing Shower Gel (…I think I love you)
TIP: use a net ball. Without a net ball, you will be getting clean but you may not see much lather. You may find the addition of a net ball will produce lots and lots of suds using very little product. With a net ball, about 1 teaspoon of shower gel should cleanse from top to toe. Your skin will feel soft and you can be grateful that you are free from free-radicals and hormone disrupting chemicals all over your body. Enjoy the stimulation of the orange, vanilla and peppermint scents that help release tension. These scents are designed to help you stop the “merry-go-round” and enjoy your time in the shower.

Wild Ginger Hand Wash (be happy, without worry)
Busy hands deserve to be washed with a cleanser that leaves them feeling softer and more pleasant than before washing. Most hand washes contain detergents that wash the oils from skin right along with the dirt. There’s a special guar plant extract that actually helps the “griminess” wash away while protecting the moisture mantle of your hands. TIP: Try using soap about the size of a bean, verses the typical size of a quarter, to wash your hands. You’ll need less hand wash than you think – so try a little and see how far it goes.

CocoMango Body Butter (…smooth, soothe ’n repair)
Lovely, fruit-based scent is strong enough to delight as you apply it, yet 90% will fade within 20 minutes of application. The scent is literally made from fresh essences of coconut and mango mixed with just a small amount of essential oils. Some of the rich oils will penetrate to soothe and moisturize dry winter skin. Other natural oils are included to form a protective barrier on the surface, keeping moisture in your skin instead of being wicked away by the typical fabrics worn in winter. Use the butter all over body skin, including feet. If your hands get dry during the day, refresh them with a little more CocoMango Butter. Chaé has several Body Butter scents including a brand new one to help you relax, breath deeply and focus on your dreams. It’s so rich and dreamy, we call it Vanilla Dreamer.
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