| Many of us are becoming more conscious of using | | | | these are deceptive tactics. |
| skin and body care products that are safe and | | | | Because the FDA does not monitor what goes |
| non-toxic. Over the past year or so, there has | | | | into cosmetics and skin and body care products, |
| been an explosion of "green" products flooding the | | | | each manufacturer must decide how they will |
| market. Gone are the days when we could only | | | | market their products. That is why it is so |
| find a naturally based skin cream or body wash in | | | | important for consumers to familiarize themselves |
| our local health food store. | | | | with a least a basic knowledge of cosmetic |
| Walk down any skin and body care aisle in any | | | | ingredients. |
| drug store in America today, and you will see a | | | | There is no need to feel overwhelmed by this |
| plethora of products ranging from skin care to | | | | process, as it does not require that you have a |
| shampoos and conditioners touting the benefits of | | | | chemistry background. One thing to watch out for |
| its natural plant botanicals. Have you noticed that | | | | is very long ingredient listings (over 30 or so) |
| just about every major company has come out | | | | which contain ingredient names that are barely |
| with their version of a so called "natural" product? | | | | pronounceable. While not always necessarily the |
| Take a look at all of the new packaging designs | | | | case, in many instances this is an indication that |
| that have hit the market recently. I couldn't help | | | | synthetic chemicals make up the majority of the |
| but notice that just about every major | | | | product. However, that is not to say that all |
| manufacturer of shampoos and conditioners has | | | | synthetic ingredients are toxic, or that all natural |
| come out with their version of what they would | | | | ingredients are safe. |
| like you to believe is a natural product. | | | | There are some wonderful organizations which |
| "Green" packaging has now become the latest | | | | can help to educate you about the safety of skin |
| marketing rage. And when I say, "green," I am | | | | care ingredients. The Compact for Safe |
| not necessarily referring to responsible companies | | | | Cosmetics and Skin Deep are two such |
| who have chosen to use packaging materials | | | | organizations. You can look for them on-line. |
| which are kinder to our environment. What I am | | | | Also when looking at skin care products look for |
| referring to is the use of design motifs which | | | | those that contain natural oils rather than |
| may give the impression that the product is all | | | | petroleum, lanolin or mineral oil. Natural oils often |
| natural. Typically you will see a "nature" inspired | | | | contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and |
| design with some variation of leaves or other | | | | often have antioxidant properties. |
| vegetation to conjure up images of purity and | | | | Look for preservatives that are non-toxic. Try to |
| good health. | | | | avoid those which release formaldehyde such as |
| Why are these companies using this type of | | | | imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea. Sodium |
| marketing strategy? The main reason is to | | | | hydroxymethylglycinate may also be questionable. |
| increase their bottom line. If market research tells | | | | Also, because there is still a question regarding the |
| them that consumers want natural products, then | | | | safely of parabens, it is best to avoid that group |
| that is what they will endeavor to give you. | | | | of preservatives as well. |
| Whether or not the product is really natural is | | | | Also, remember that according to some |
| another story. | | | | organizations, such as the Natural Ingredient |
| Often, companies will state on their packaging | | | | Resource Center, a manufacturer can ethically |
| something like, "made with natural botanicals." So, | | | | state that a product is "all natural," if at least 95% |
| even if a product only contains two natural | | | | of the ingredients come from natural sources |
| botanicals out of an ingredient panel that contains | | | | which meet their criteria. The other 5% may |
| 50 or more synthetic ingredients, the statement | | | | come from natural or synthetic sources as long |
| would not be inaccurate in a literal sense. But, it | | | | as no synthetic fragrance, artificial color, or |
| does raise the question of whether or not this | | | | petrochemicals are used. The overall toxicity of |
| presentation is deceptive. Would the average | | | | each ingredient must also be minimal. |
| consumer be led to believe that they are | | | | Empowering yourself with as much information as |
| purchasing a natural product because of the look | | | | possible will ensure that the products you use are |
| and feel of the packaging? One could argue that | | | | truly all natural and safe. |