The Organic Beauty Expert

ZOLD Introduces Canada’s First Eco-Beauty Recycling Program

from press release

ZOLD Eco-Sales Agency is proud to introduce the first Eco-Beauty Recycling program in Canada. In partnership with the company’s manufacturers, ZOLD will work with resellers and consumers to recycle every container and package that the company produces, reducing the amount of bottles and containers being sent to Canadian landfills every year.

This is the first time a Canadian company engages its whole supply chain to recycling its own products. ZOLD will provide both the recycle container and the signage at the reseller’s location for the return of bottles, packaging and any other ZOLD-represented container. For every bottle brought into the reseller’s location, the consumer will receive a $1.00 rebate on their next purchase, while ZOLD will provide the reseller a monthly reimbursement.

“What is great about this program is that no refilling, reusing, or other potentially harmful actions are required. We would not want to recommend or endorse a program that could potentially cross-contaminate or be harmful to our resellers, their customers or the environment”, says Rob Siegmund, ZOLD’s President and Sales Manager. “To participate in the Eco-Beauty Recycling Program is a terrific way to not only reward our clients for doing ‘their part’, but to also increase the demand for the reseller’s fabulous line of eco-products. It’s good for our customers, good for their business and, most importantly, good for the environment.”

Available in select centers across Canada, the Eco-Beauty Recycling Program is one of the services provided by ZOLD’s Eco-Beauty team, a group of professionals comprised of estheticians and cosmetologists that provides training and hands-on support to ZOLD’s customers. Other services provided by the Eco-Team include demonstration days for the reseller’s customers, in-depth analysis of the customer’s front and back of the house, marketing support and an advertising co-op program.
 
For more information on ZOLD’s Eco-Beauty team and its recycling program, visit the company’s website at http://www.zold.ca.

New data on parabens suggests no adverse hormonal effect on the body

OBE Note:: I've maintained the belief that this paraben fear was a bit of media hysteria without any scientific backing to the claims. Please do not email with comments regarding the use of animals for testing. It's science. Take it up with them. As for the paraben data, I'm stoked to learn that we'll soon have objective information instead of myths and rumors.

Florian Schellauf from industry trade body Colipa presented the findings from a recent study on rats at a conference organised by the Scandinavian Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCANCOS) in Sweden.

The study was performed at the request of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) (formerly the SCCP) for more data on the longer parabens, propyl- and butylparaben, following research that claimed the commonly used preservatives may affect the reproductive and hormonal systems of the body.

According to the study data presented at the SCANCOS conference, in rats, parabens are well absorbed after oral administration but only partially absorbed after dermal exposure.

In addition, the data suggests that the compounds are fully metabolised before they enter the blood stream.

Read the full article and please share your thoughts.

New from Liz Earle Naturally Active: Superskin line

Due to popular demand, Liz Earle has created a range of super-rich and extra-powerful solutions for the body, bust, lip and eye areas under the Superskin line.  Containing ingredients such as kigelia and shea butter, these products aim to plump and smooth while helping the skin appear more youthful from head to toe.

Superskin Body Cream is the ultimate in body moisturizing luxury, designed to visibly enhance and rejuvenate your skin.  Specifically formulated with powerful naturally active ingredients rich in GLA, omega 3 and antioxidants, this body cream helps mature or very dry skin look and feel alive and replenished.

Superskin Bust Treatment is a powerhouse product packed with skin nourishing ingredients including Mangosteen that is sourced from a community-based sustainable forestry project in Malawi.  Mangosteen extract is blended with quince extract, green algae extract and white lupin protein to help firm and tone the often neglected bust area.

Superskin Lip & Eye Treatment By blending organic pear seed extract with organic rosehip and cranberry seed oil, this highly effective two-in-one treatment works to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles surrounding the mouth and the most delicate and fragile areas of the eyes.

The entire Superskin range is available for purchase at STUDIO BEAUTYMIX at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, California, Brownes Apothecary & CO. in Miami, Florida and at www.us.lizearle.com.

Intelligent Nutrients (IN) Hair Care Review

review by Gina Rafkind

This product line has a very natural look. As soon as I received it and saw the company name, I immediately went to the website to check something out. And what I had suspected was true – this line I was about to review was founded by Horst Rechelbacher, who was the original founder of Aveda back in the late 70’s.

I have been a fan of Horst Rechelbacher practically my whole cosmetology career because I feel he is a pioneer in the beauty field. I knew if someone would be able to come up with an all-natural, non-toxic hair care line, it would be him. So my expectations as I dove in to try his products were set quite high.

All of the IN products are not tested on animals, contain organic ingredients (which are USDA certified organic), and are also manufactured with 100% certified renewable energy. The scents are all made from pure essential oils.

 

Products reviewed:

Volumizing Spray, 6.7 oz              $29.00 US

Hair Spray, 6.7 oz                            $29.00 US

Treatment Oil, 1.3 oz                     $34.00 US

Hair Balm, 0.6 oz                             $24.00 US

Available at IntelligentNutrients.com

Number of times used on myself:  12+

Number of times used on various clients at my salon:  12+

Volumizing Spray – This product delivers great lift without the stickiness. I used it at my salon on many different hair textures and it worked fantastic. The scent is light and clean and many clients commented that they liked the scent.

Hair Spray – Finally, a natural hair spray that works!!! This pump hair spray has the perfect amount of hold and you are still able to work your hands through your hair after you apply the hair spray. The scent is light and refreshing and you will notice a nice shine to your hair. Plus, it doesn’t leave you in a chemical cloud!

Treatment Oil – This is a very versatile product. Nice scent too which many clients commented on. Use this oil to massage your scalp with before you shampoo, to calm frizzies on dry hair after styling and to just add overall shine to your hair. But remember, a little goes a long way.  This product also seems to help control static!

Hair Balm - Love this product! Excellent for all hair types to add texture and control – not too stiff or sticky. Great for adding texture to guys hair as well. Also, use a little of this product to tame your eyebrows – works like a charm!

 

Overall:  This product line surpassed my expectations. All 4 products worked extremely well and I felt so good using these products, knowing that they are truly products that use 100% non-toxic plant chemistry. Yes, they may be a bit more expensive than some lines, but it is worth the investment. I’ve used a few professional salon products that are in this price range that performed nicely, but which contained chemical preservatives, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. For a couple dollars more, the IN line uses no harmful chemicals, no artificial colors and no synthetic fragrances – totally worth, in my opinion, the investment.

Australian-based LillyPilly crosses into the US

The Australian-based skincare line, LillyPilly™, a skincare line of hand and body crèmes and body washes made with native Australian plant extracts, recently announced that it will distribute in the United States.

The Australian plant extracts within LillyPilly’s products include Tasmanian Kelp, Kakadu Plum, Quandong, Bush Tomato, along with other extracts more familiar to the average American or European consumer, including the more well-known tea tree oil, rosewood oil, and eucalyptus.

LillyPilly™ hand and body crèmes and body washes are available in 1.7 fl. oz to 5.1 fl. oz. and in gift packs.  Prices range from $10 to $36 per package.

Strange Invisible Perfume: Fire & Cream review

After a dreadful summer of mediocre perfume samples, this new scent from Alexandra Balahoutis is simply divine.

Company literature states that "Fire and Cream is a complex and elegant composition with many prismatic transitions from rooted notes of vetiver, sandalwood, and Indonesian patchouli to the twinkling essences of hydro-distilled oranges and their blossoms." In laymen's terms, this scent is erotic and quite seductive. In a musky base, Fire & Cream, for me, is deliciously feminine.

You can purchase a sample on the website for just $5 bucks before making the grand commitment of a full size for either $145 or $195, depending on your preference.

As with any natural/organic perfume, don't expect a full day of aromatics. Natural perfume is not meant to be sprayed on every inch of your skin and smelled by the whole neighborhood (we've all been next to THAT man or woman... sadly). You can expect to enjoy this scent on your skin for about four hours before you need to re-apply; but an extra hint... run a bit through your hair if you like to smell your perfume longer. Highly recommend you add this perfume to your fragrance wardrobe for the winter.

A skinyskinny flagship store grows in Brooklyn

skinnyskinny, the hand-crafted, all-natural organic bath and body product line, is slated to launch their first flagship store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn today.

Adjacent to the workshop where many of the skinnyskinny goods are made, the eco-friendly storefront will offer the entire line of the company’s organic lifestyle products. The space has been customized from reclaimed wood and is powered by 100% renewable energy.

Clara Williams started skinnyskinny in 2005 with a strong belief that organic, eco-friendly bath and body products should work as well (if not better) than conventional  products and are made from certified organic ingredients. They contain no synthetics, sulfates, or artificial preservatives.

One of only three beauty brands with a “Four out of Four Leaf” environmental rating from Greenopia, skinnyskinny continues its commitment to sustainability in all aspects of its business by being 100% carbon-neutral. It uses recycled, reclaimed, and sustainable materials for nearly all packaging; and with very few exceptions, makes every product in Brooklyn, NY. skinnyskinny is a member of the Organic Trade Association. Most products are vegan, and all products are cruelty-free.

skinnyskinny products are available online and at retailers across the country, as well as at the company’s new flagship store at 129 Roebling Street in Brooklyn, NY.

Wake up & win with Origins

Wake Up & Win Sweepstakes with Origins from November 2nd until November 30th. Fabulous prizes will be awarded to one Grand Prize winner and nine additional winners!

Stop by the below Origins retail stores, and receive FREE illy espresso, a FREE sample of Origins GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream, a FREE “Eye-Opening” Mini-Facial, a FREE Makeup Application and a FREE Origins and illy gift bag!

To keep you bright-eyed and energized for weeks to come, Origins is giving away gift bags containing a three week supply of GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream and illy espresso, while supplies last.
 
Events will be held in the following locations:
 
New York, NY
Flatiron:  175 Fifth Avenue
SoHo: 402 West Broadway
Upper West Side: 2327 Broadway
Grand Central: 62 Grand Central Terminal
 
Los Angeles, CA
South Coast Plaza: 3333 Bristol Street
 
San Francisco, CA
Embarcadero Center: One Embarcadero Center
San Francisco Centre: 865 Market Street
 
Boca Raton, FL
Town Center at Boca Raton: 6000 Glades Road
 
Dallas, TX
Southlake Town Square: 1426 Civic Place

White Sands hydrating shampoo & conditioner Review

by Gina Rafkind

OBE NOTE : This product was presented to us as "a 100% Vegan... all natural, sulfate, silicone and cruelty free cleansing duo powered by Wheat and Silk Amino Acids. The line excels at moisturizing dry, damaged hair from the inside out, while providing superior hair color protection with each use." Not so much, yet Gina used it and her review follows.

White Sands Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner is for color treated hair and is meant to clean the hair gently and also to condition without weighing the hair down. Both products do not contain organic ingredients. The shampoo is sulfate and silicone free. They do use some natural ingredients but there is coloring and synthetic fragrance added.

I loved the shape of the bottles.They are easy to squeeze and hold onto because of the shape. The scent of the shampoo is a little strong for me. The conditioner has a more subtle scent, but still stronger than I like.

Products reviewed:

White Sands hydrating shampoo,  7.6 ounces  $12.00 US

White Sands hydrating conditioner,  7.6 ounces  $15.00 US

Number of times used on myself:  5

Number of times used on clients:  6+

Review:  I did not like this product for my own hair. I have fine hair, but a lot of it and although my hair felt clean, I felt it was too squeaky clean and I needed to use a styling product with it so my hair felt softer.

I also was not crazy how the shampoo and conditioner worked on my clients. I used it on my clients with coarse, fine, and dry hair – all of which have color-treated hair. I felt I needed to use an extra leave-in conditioner because their hair did not feel soft and moisturized, but the product did leave some shine.

Overall:  I’m not the biggest fan of this product because of how it made my hair feel. My hair felt a little on the dry side and I don’t feel like it leaves the hair moisturized like it said it would. 

Organic facial cleansers from HollyBeth's Natural

from press release

HollyBeth’s Natural Luxury recently added two organic cleansers to their natural product range - Chamomile, Rosemary & Primrose Cleanser  for normal to dry skin and Marigold, Sandalwood & Grapefruit Cleanser for normal to oily skin. Both cleansers are a fragrant blend of certified organic essential oils and organic castile soap, which gently cleanse the face, leaving skin refreshed and renewed.

CHAMOMILE, ROSEMARY & PRIMROSE CLEANSER – suitable for normal to dry skin
Chamomile essential oil is good for sensitive and dry complexions. It soothes irritated skin and helps to calm any redness or irritation. Rosemary essential oil helps decongest and improves blood circulation, stimulating cell renewal. Primrose essential oil hydrates the epidermis and keeps skin supple.
 
MARIGOLD, SANDALWOOD & GRAPEFRUIT CLEANSER – suitable for normal to oily skin
Marigold essential oil inhibits several medicinal attributes and is especially great for balancing acne prone. Added Sandalwood and Grapefruit essential oils help to purify and decongest and are also good for use on an oily skin. Together this purifying blend soothes irritated skin, calms redness and restores balance to the complexion.
 

The base of this cleanser is an organic castile soap which is a gentle cleaner made from a combination of olive, coconut and jojoba oils rather than animal fats or synthetic substances like many other traditional liquid soaps and cleansers. The simple nature of castile soap means a lesser environmental impact due to reduced waste stream during manufacture and also faster biodegradability. Castile soap is gentle on skin, hypoallergenic and completely natural. With the added benefits of organic essential oils HollyBeth has created an effective and soothing cleanser that cleans skin thoroughly without stripping it of moisture and dehydrating.

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Seed Oil*, Olea Europaea (olive) Oil*, Aloe (vera) Barbadensis  Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)Oil*, Oenotera Biennis  (evening primrose) Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (matricaria) Flower Oil**organic

Dry hands like Weleda Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream; you might, too

As a massage therapist, I spend half my day with lotion on my hands and the the other half washing it off. So as you can imagine, at the end of the day, my hands can feel just a little bit dry.

I never believed that one needed a hand cream; that a lotion would suffice. Lately, I've changed my mind. Lotions quench the whole body and can leave a dew behind. Hand creams, for me, are best left to simply moisturize not slick.

Therefore, if you have dry hands and are looking for a nice, reasonably-priced hand cream (about $10 bucks), take a trip to your local Target and try the tester of Weleda's Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream.

I've posted the ingredients so you can choose for yourself whether this product is natural enough for your standards.

From Weleda's website:: Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Beeswax, Tapioca Starch, Lysolecithin, Beeswax (Cera Flava), Glyceryl Stearate SE, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Parfum)*, Limonene*, Linalool*, Benzyl Benzoate*, Benzyl Salicylate*, Geraniol*, Citral*.
* from natural essential oils

A classic example of the non-natural, natural:: Boscia

So, if you haven't noticed, this week I'm a little emotionally on edge. I'm sure it's TMI but I'm waiting to get confirmation on my thoughts that I'm pregnant. If I'm not, then this is an uber serious case of PMS!

But I digress...

So here's a classic example of "natural" pitches that irritate. Though I will say that at least they posted their ingredients so I didn't have to bother to reply to the email.

But here's the pitch that almost sold me::

"boscia, the well-known, preservative-free and botanical-based skincare collection entered the cosmetic arena for the FIRST time on October 23rd at Sephora on 5th Avenue with the launch of their new Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 - a lightweight, oil-free, natural formulation that delivers a flawless finish and healthy-looking coverage to the face."

So you're thinking it's going to be a natural product, right? Or at least that the product will offer more nature than not, right? You and me both, sister. So I take a look at this product and after water, I'm hard-pressed to find these botanics of which they speak. To be fair, I should accurately say, they're there, but so far down on the ingredient listing that it falls into my "natural crap" category.

Come on, now, companies. I'm possibly the most flexible of green bloggers, but this ain't working. It's not natural if the majority of ingredients aren't natural.

I'm just saying...

Earthtonics Pure Herbal skincare review

Handmade, natural ingredients, woman-owned and great for the skin. A perfectly delightful product line that's a natural for this blog!

Products reviewed:

Sweet Plum Face Wash, 4 oz, $22

Moonlit Facial Emollient,1 oz, one sale now for $20.40

Review:

I used this line during Summer 2009 after I had a horrendous experience with a presumably "natural acne care line." My skin was in horrible shape and I just needed a soothing, uncomplicated clean. Reading the ingredient list, I thought Earthtonics fit the bill.

I will say that some of you may not like the smell and/or feel of the face wash. As a castille-based wash, it does leave a "film" feel on the skin. But if you apply the wash to your face dry,the filmy feel is less apparent. Granted, simple ingredients offer simple results. We're not getting earthshaking results, just a clean face and pretty decent complexion, which is just what I needed. This is my go-to face wash during PMS week. Remoes the oil, keeps my face clean and doesn't strip away the good stuff. Recommended!

The facial emollient only highlights my bias. Kukui nut oil is a superb facial for acne sufferers and that's what really sold me on this oil. Daron blended this oil is a very nice way and it requires only a drop or two before bed and feel it working. Again... the perfect oil blend for that time of the month. In conjunction with the face wash, this is an awesome oil-fighting duo and highly recommended.

For a consistently fragrant clean, Mrs. Meyers is just at your local natural store

Mrs. Meyers offers a full line of household cleaning products that are fragrant, eco-friendly and hard-working. The purists may object to the use of fragrance in the products, but a long look at the ingredients really makes that point moot, in my opinion.

I've used a good number of eco cleaning products and Mrs. Meyers performs as well as any of them, and what's better (at least for me) is that I can buy it at my local natural food store. Many of the newer eco products have not yet made it to the shelves and I'm more apt to make a drive to the store than remember to order online and pay shipping.

I'm just saying.

My picks: the Dish Soap Liquid in Basil and Geranium, the All-Purpose Cleaner in Lemon Verbana (excellent all-around cleaner; just buy a re-usable spray bottle, add some water and this works great on every surface, including stovetop!) and the Surface Scrub (as a child who grew on Comet, I never thought I'd stray. While a bit more cash, it's worth it!)

Juju Salon & Organics offers Philly natives holistics on a green scale

For the eco diva who needs salon services, you'll need look no further than Juju Salon & Organics. Designed in a kind of shabby chic style, the salon offers uber organic service from the time you step in the door.

Here's a bit from the website that truly highlights the green commitment of owner Julie Ebner:

• Reuse: most of juju’s furniture, display items and furnishings was bought second hand, trash picked and/or are Repurposed goods. Before they buy anything new, they check out Craigslist, local thrift stores and yard sales.
• Their facilities are PECO Wind Powered;
• All construction and re-configuration of juju’s spaces were done by Local, Certified Green Contractors. Upgrades are energy efficient and sustainable materials are used.
• Use of CFL (Compact Fluorescent) Lighting throughout, which use 50 - 80% less energy than incandescent light bulbs.
• All Green Cleaning Products used are natural, non-toxic and biodegradable

How can you pass this by? While I can't speak to their customer service, their eco philosophy  is spot on and at least worthy of a try. If you need more convincing, take advantage of their Back to School special and/or the free community events with Qigong Sun., Nov. 1 from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. at the salon and Monday Meditation every Monday at 6 p.m. at the spa.

Vote for me! Vote for me!

Okay, I'm snarky, opinionated, frugal and don't always drink the same environmental Kool-Aid the other kids are drinking. That's still no reason not to vote for me!

The Body Shop is running a little contest for readers to vote their favorite Natural Beauty Blogger. The winner gets interviewed on The Body Shop blog. It would be cool and I'd appreciate your vote.

If you can spare a second, just follow the link and click your pick!

DIY pumpkin tips from Kayla Fioravanti:: Honey Pumpkin Spread

Kayla Fioravanti, ARC Registered & Certified Aromatherapist and the Co-founder and Chief Cosmetic Formulator for Essential Wholesale explains why pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween with her delicious Honey Pumpkin Spread Recipe!

Pumpkins: They're Not Just For Halloween
Canned pumpkin is on sale everywhere today! Stock up for holiday baking of course, but there are also other things you can do with pumpkin that don't include packing on the calories. Skip raiding the kids' trick or treat bags for late night treats and pamper yourself the right way with this easy to make, skin loving Honey Pumpkin Spread. It's especially nice for very dry skin types.

Ingredients
5 tablespoons canned organic pumpkin
1 teaspoon agave sweetener
1 tablespoon softened organic butter

To Make
Combine everything together and mix well to make a smooth paste. Make sure your face is clean. Spread Honey Pumpkin Spread over your face in an even layer. Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse and enjoy the softened skin.

Hmmm ... Can't use it all at one time? Since it's fresh, you can refrigerate it for a few days. But I have a better idea. Why not spread it over a slice of warm toast and enjoy it with a cup of your favorite tea. Who says pumpkins are just for Halloween!

How frickin' cute! Bloume Baby Organic Yoga Set

Ya'll know I got baby on the mind! And this super cute 100% organic cotton yoga set set my ovaries in a tizzy. Available in blue or pink for just $36 bucks.

Summer may be over, but the fruit is ripe at Zia Skincare

Zia Natural Skincare still has fruit for your face... thankfully for your skin!

Apple Refining Mask, $24.95

Organic apple juice, plantain and firming pectin are combined in this clarifying treatment to help heal sun-damage, fine lines and clogged pores. Apple Refining Mask helps eliminate toxins and impurities, while minimizing the appearance of darkened and enlarged pores. 

• Organic Apple Juice, Willow Bark and Grapefruit Essential Oil encourage cellular renewal while releasing impurities in the skin.
• Sugar Cane acts as a natural AHA, providing exfoliation to skin. 
• Lemon Juice helps promote cell turnover, minimize fine lines and correct sun damage.

Pumpkin Exfoliating Mask, $24.95

This mask is an advanced treatment that blends nourishing pumpkin puree with pineapple juice to clear away old cells and pore congestion. It rejuvenates cells with fresh fruit extracts and leaves skin feeling silky smooth.

• Frankincense Essential Oil is blended with Vitamins A & E to help correct cell damage & dark patches.
• Pumpkin Puree helps to improve skin texture.
• Clears clogged pores & heals blemishes.

A natural scalpel-free facelift? Marie Claire UK highlights NY surgeon Dr. Yan Trokel

Using hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body and used for years to help relieve joint pain, Dr. Yan Trokel has been "plumping up" faces and offering a no downtime alternative to facelifts.

His scalpel-free procedure is showcased in the November issue of Marie Claire UK Edition below. What do you think? Might it be in your future?