Monday, September 19, 2005

All Natural Cosmetics and Products (all natural cosmetics and makeup information and books)

*Note: edited Sept 29, 2006 to remove a MMU company (Aromaleigh) which is no longer all natural.

I try to use only 100% natural products (or as close to them as possible). Ever since my skin has become super sensitive to chemicals, I've tried to stay away from synthetic ingredients in cosmetics and makeup. Throughout the years I've learned a lot about what really consitutes as natural, what is 'borderline' natural, and what simply isn't. It still astounds me how many companies 'green wash'; that is, claim to be natural or organic when they are not. In the coming weeks, I will profile many companies, reviewing their products, and commenting on their effectiveness. Most of them will be 100% natural, or as close to it as possible, and some will even be (or have some) organic (ingredients), though I will also try to profile why I won't use some of the other popular 'natural' brands (hey, I'm anal about this!). If some of their products contain synthetic ingredients, I will mention it.

Until then here are some good brands: Aubrey Organics (skin and hair, some makeup and household cleaners), Paul Penders (skin, hair, makeup), Burts Bees (skin, hair, makeup), and Badger Balms (skin). Aubrey Organics and Badger Balms also use some organic ingredients. For 100% natural and organic: Terressentials (skin and hair), MiEssence (from Australia; skin, hair, makeup), Dr. Bronner's and Sun Dog's Magic (skin, in particular soap and lotion), and Vermont Soap (soap, some cleaning products). For mineral makeup: Monave.

I recommend getting books on the subject or researching on the internet, since some of the companies in natural health food stores, while they may use a lot of natural ingredients, they really aren't 100% natural (Kiss My Face, Avalon, Nature's Gate, and Jason come to mind). They are way better than other companies though.

For a good site on the topic check out the Organic Consumers Association's website. Though this only focuses on 100% natural and organic standards, and may exclude 100% natural (though not organic) companies.

Also check the websites of some of the companies I've listed (in particular Aubrey Organics, Terressentials, Miessence, and Dr. Bronner/Sun Dog); lots of good information on the subject on their sites.

I would also suggest any book by Aubrey Hampton (of Aubrey Organics): 'What's in your cosmetics' is a good source on natural and synthetic ingredients in products (written like an encyclopedia). If I come across an ingredient I don't know, 95% it's in this book. 'Natural Organic Hair and Skin Care' is the book on natural versus synthetic comsetics. He's also written 'the Take Charge Beauty book' which I thought was better organized than 'Natural Organic' but 'Natural Organic' has more information. 'Take charge' has more recipes though.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing such valuable information with us!! I have been reading your blog and it is very interesting and informative.

Solarkat said...

Thank you! Glad you like it!

Cheers,
Solarkat

Anonymous said...

Hi there,

I have a free E-Book you can download from my site www.aussieorgaicsrus.com which has a list of most of the chemicals in your bathroom products

Cheers
Alanna

Anonymous said...

Sorry the website is www.aussieorganicsrus.com

Anonymous said...

Hello, Thank you for this information. I wanted to share a new product line that I think the readers will enjoy. WWW.modskinlabs.com - It was developed by Raffaele Ruberto and he will be hosting an event in CT on January 7th 2007. Sign up for free at event@modskinlabs.com. There will be complimentary drinks and food catered by Whole Foods.

All of his product sales support a non-profit campaign - presently the company supports Project(RE)Tree.

mod.skin was launched in New York City in November 2006, where it gained a great deal of respect, and is now being distributed and sold at multiple locations. Ruberto retains a background in chemistry and has been in product development for over 10 years, beginning is career as a makeup artist.

mod.skin Labs is a modest, eco-luxury collection of finer skin treatments designed to deny excess and embrace modesty. mod.skin is committed is to providing uniquely designed skin treatments that utilize organic and renewable resources to aide in health, beauty and earth preservation.

Solarkat said...

Hi Alanna

I am familiar with Miessence products, thanks.

Anon,

Thanks for the link.

Cheers,
Solarkat