Customers can feel good about their purchase of the kits not only because they’re purchasing natural, organic products to improve their skin’s health, but because ten percent of all profits from the sale of the skin care trial kits are being donated to V-Day, an organization devoted to stopping and preventing violence against women and girls.

“At Alchemilla, we get behind things we can believe in,” says Deanna Vazquez, Founder and CEO of Alchemilla Ultra Pure Skin Care. “That includes using only natural organic materials in our skin care line, much of which we grow ourselves on our biodynamic herb farm, as well as supporting causes like V-Day. We’re proud to not only be offering women new natural skin care options but also a chance to get involved with a very worthy cause.”

The company’s new trial size kits are available for those with normal, oily, dry, or combination skin. Each kit retails at $28.00 and contains a trial size version of a natural facial cleansing gel or cleansing milk, toner, exfoliating face wash cream, purifying masque (not included in the dry skin kit, which instead contains a rich rehydrating night balm), moisturizing cream (such as their patent-pending Rosebay Willowherb cream), rehydrating essence, antioxidant concentrate serum, and an eight-page information booklet.

About Alchemilla Ultra Pure Skin Care

Alchemilla was launched in October, 2007 and is headquartered in Oregon City, Oregon and carried in several spa and boutique retail locations in several states and in Ontario. The company is committed to developing non-toxic, organic skin care products with superior antioxidant-rich formulations that nourish skin for optimum health and beauty. Alchemilla grows most of the natural ingredients used in the company’s biodynamic preparations independently at their herb farm in Oregon.

For more information about Alchemilla’s natural skin care lines or their support of V-Day, please visit www.MyAlchemilla.com or contact Brian Vazquez at 888-268-6861. For information about V-Day and the movement to stop violence against women and girls, please visit www.vday.org.

Taking to the window of Selfridges, to launch the device, Marie kicked off an alternative to London Fashion Week - London Skin Week, an event which enables women and men over thirty years old to change their skin as easily as they change their clothes. In her case, a Maria Grachvogel gown.

“We are constantly driven to believe that women should look a set age or be a certain body size which is fuelling an obsession with ever more dramatic and invasive steps. However, now, for the first time ever, women can feel great about the skin they’re in with a non-invasive treatment which offers professional clinical results to STOP(TM) the signs of ageing from the comfort of home”, says Marie.

She continues “Women are now looking great in their thirties, forties, fifties and above. With the migration of professional technology into a home device there is now a product that is truly effective to firm skin and boost collagen renewal without a syringe or scalpel in sight”

Marie launched the STOP(TM) London Skin Week event from a dramatic window scheme adorned with Gothic clock reversing time and urged shoppers to take the power to erase fine lines and wrinkles into their own hands. Following Marie’s appearance a team of models all in their forties was taken to the window to give demonstrations on how to turn back the hands of time with STOP(TM), the clinical skin renewal device.

The innovative STOP(TM) is first to market in offering professional TriPollar(TM) technology in a home device. The sleek hand held product works by emitting four low power beams deep into the dermis much like a laser lens focuses its light. The clinical effect occurs by stimulating dermal activity to tighten collagen fibres and increase neo collagen production. This leads the skin to become tighter, more supple, with significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Clinical tests for the device have shown up to 50% increase in dermal thickening; consequently making the skin 10 years younger.

STOP(TM) is the first product from TriPollar(TM) technology creators, Ultragen Ltd, a company that aims to bring professional aesthetic products to the home market. Sister company, Pollogen Ltd, already supplies professional skin tightening and firming systems using TriPollar(TM) in the form of apollo and regen machines in over 50 countries worldwide including the London Dermatology Centre and Harley Street’s Body and Face Place.

Renowned anti-ageing expert, Dr Ghislaine Beilin (M.D. France), comments that “TriPollar(TM) technology has proven to be an effective solution for tightening skin and erasing wrinkles and fine lines. Migrating the same technology to a device that can be used in the home will enable more consumers to access effective anti-ageing treatments.”

The STOP(TM) product has launched in the UK exclusively through Selfridges during September followed by Harvey Nichols in October. The product will also be launching in France in October.

For more information on STOP(TM) visit http://www.stop-age.com or http://www.tripollar.com

STOP(TM) is priced GBP396.00 (RRP) and available exclusively at Selfridges throughout September followed by Harvey Nichols and other leading beauty retailers

STOP(TM) is the latest anti-ageing device from Ultragen, leaders in radio frequency technology, and is the first product for the home market offering patent pending TriPollar(TM) technology made for consumers.

About TriPollar(TM)

TriPollar(TM) RF technology was developed by Pollogen Ltd in 2006 to offer professional aesthetic systems to medical and aesthetic clinics. The company distributes to over 50 countries globally. TriPollar(TM) Radio Frequency is the integral technology behind regen(TM) and apollo(TM) machines which provide fat reduction, body contouring, and face firming treatments

Ultragen Ltd, a sister company to Pollogen Ltd, was established in 2007 to bring TriPollar(TM) RF technology to the consumer with products that offer professional treatments and results in the comfort of the home environment.

For further information or interview opportunities with Marie Helvin or independent skin specialists’ contact:

    Grace Fung/Gabriela Davies,
    gfung@goodrelations.co.uk / gdavies@goodrelations.co.uk,
    Tel: +44(0)207-861-3134 / +44(0)207-861-3106

Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of Ultragen Ltd

There are a myriad of factors responsible for causing lines and wrinkles: facial expressions, environmental damage, UV rays and cigarette smoking. Additionally, skin naturally loses collagen and moisture as we age, making it appear drier and more fragile. Look for some of the following effective ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acids, ceramides, peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Products that contain these ingredients can help to both correct wrinkles and fine lines, as well as prevent future damage from happening.

Skincare-News.com product ratings**

StriVectin SD
Rating: 5
Originally designed as a stretch mark cream, StriVectin SD actually does much more — in fact, this topical cream is now hailed as a non-invasive alternative to Botox® and other fillers. What’s more, StriVectin SD smoothes wrinkles and fine lines that Botox® treatments often leave behind, providing longer-lasting results that continue to improve over time.

CosMD-3
Rating: 4
Created by the Cosmedical Aesthetics of Beverly Hills, CosMD-3 works on wrinkles, scars and stretch marks to firm and soften skin. A great choice for delicate skin that’s beginning to show signs of aging, this product is especially effective in preventing new wrinkles by reducing musclecontractions — particularly those around the eyes, mouth and forehead.

Bellaplex
Rating: 3
Unlike your everyday moisturizer, Bellaplex restructures the skin and repairs damage in deep tissues, leaving you with a youthful and vibrant complexion. You can also use Bellaplex on just about any place where wrinkles are a concern.

Alterna 7 Minute Lift
Rating: 2
This dermatologist-tested product is natural and hypoallergenic and treats all skin types — even sensitive skin. It works to smooth frown lines, laugh lines, crow’s feet and other signs of aging –without the use of toxins, muscle relaxers or harsh chemicals.

Hydroderm Age-Defying Wrinkle Serum
Rating: 1
This product works on deep wrinkles, helping to refresh and rejuvenate aging skin. Helping to tone the skin and improve texture, Hydroderm Age-Defying Wrinkle Serum is formulated with proteins and peptides that treat wrinkles and fine lines for vibrant looking skin.

Skincare-News.com covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe. Check out these latest articles:

Alpha Hydroxy Acids
http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?Page=4
Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs are natural acids derived from fruit, milk or sugar cane, which dissolve dead skin cells and allow fresh, healthy cells to emerge. With so many kinds of AHAs, including glycolic, lactic, citric, mandelic and malic acids, the degree of exfoliation depends on the particular acid and its pH level. Because of their ability to boost cell regeneration, AHAs are used for everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne and age spots. Dermatologists and other skin care professionals use higher doses of up to 70 percent for chemical peels.

Amatokin for Anti-Aging
http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=570
One of the goals of stem cell research is to find ways to repair damaged parts of the human body. So naturally, it was only a matter of time before stem cell technology extended to the skincare industry. Launched in the spring of 2007, Amatokin is a revolutionary product that claims to harness the power of epidermal stem cells to generate fresh, brand new skin cells, untouched by age, pollution, sunlight or other environmental stresses.

Idebenol and Idebenone
http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=563
Used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, depression and stroke, idebenone only recently entered the skin care market with a big, exciting bang; dermatologists and patients alike anticipated its arrival. Idebenol, a similar ingredient, has also enjoyed surging popularity. And it isn’t merely hype: there’s research to suggest both idebenone and idebenol are effective anti-aging ingredients. For one, idebenol and idebenone guard skin against free radical damage. It’s free radicals, or environmental factors, including chemicals, pollutants and cigarette smoke, that damage skin and cause signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dryness and age spots.

Grapefruit
http://www.skincare-news.com/articles.php?ArtID=585
While grapefruit is typically associated with one’s diet, it can also do amazing things for the skin. First documented in 1750 by Reverend Griffith Hughes in a theological discussion on Biblical fruit, grapefruit is considered one of the “Seven Wonders of Barbados” because of its health and skin benefits. Today, skincare companies are taking full advantage of this natural ingredient by including grapefruit in a variety of products.

About SkinCare-News.com — “Your Source for Intelligent Skin Care”
Skincare-News.com is the online source for consumers seeking intelligent beauty and skin care news, advice, tips and articles. Founded in 2005, SkinCare-News.com features articles, news items and frequently asked questions on skincare and beauty related issues. SkinCare-News.com is located in Sacramento, California, but receives visitors from all around the world. For more information, visit http://www.skincare-news.com.

*Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan Inc.
**All ratings determined by the Skincare-News Product Research Panel.

We should be clear that anti aging skin care products involve more than a simple wrinkle cream. No one wants to wrinkle and look like you’ve been sleeping on corduroy, but there’s more to keeping skin healthier and younger appearing than wrinkles. One of your most important sources for anti-aging efforts is your grocery cart.

We will look at some of the antioxidants that work when applied directly on the skin, but we can’t forget that ideally they will come from within by eating a healthy diet of as much natural food as possible. That means a diet heavy in colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, modest amounts of healthy oils and few refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Trans fats should be completely avoided if possible.

Some of the same antioxidants we should look for in our diets also work when applied to the skin. They can protect the skin for damage, decrease inflammation, and help to repair damage that has occurred. Carotenes and lycopenes work on the skin, and so do vitamins like C and E.

Also, just as we should eat good quality proteins, we need to consider some that the skin can use as well. Hydrolyzed proteins and aloe juice are good ingredients to see. Look also for products that add moisture or help keep it in. Apply these just after washing to keep in the most moisture.

Another desirable ingredient in anti aging skin care products is a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. This can be as simple as zinc oxide, which doesn’t always look very nice, or one of the well tested sunscreens that do come from labs. While natural, gentle ingredients are great, it is so important to prevent the sun damage this is one exception. Sun causes wrinkles, dries, and damages which looks bad and can lead to skin cancer.

Always try to find hypoallergenic products because a bad reaction can be a nightmare. In fact, don’t forget that everyone is different and some mild natural ingredients can cause allergies in some people. Those with delicate skin need to read labels carefully to avoid substances they do not tolerate even when it says it is hypoallergenic or all natural.

A great source of help in choosing anti aging skin care products is asking friends and family what they use. If you know someone who looks far younger than her years, ask for her secret! She will be pleased to hear her regimen is working and share it with you. You also can look in print and online media for reviews by individuals and large consumer sites about the specific products you have in mind.

Jen Hopkins has worked in the anti aging cream industry for years. She maintains websites about anti aging cream and anti wrinkle eye creams.

Before you decide on which product to buy, certain things are to be given closer look. It is hard to be selecting from numerous over-the-counter products, especially if they are all claiming to be the best. It is irrational to go and buy right away the most saleable product available.

Here are 3 factors to aid you in selecting the acne treatment that will suit your condition best.

1. Know Your Type of Skin

For anyone with oily skin, it is best to select products which is in a form of liquid or wash to reduce further oiliness of the skin. Products that are water-based don’t block pores and is useful in washing excess oils. For those with dry skin, choose a cream or gel type products. For people with a skin type that’s a mix of two then, it needs to be spot-treated.

Choose the acne treatment product that works effectively on the affected areas. If your dry skin springs up pimples, then select a gel or a cream form. If the acne condition breaks up in the oily areas, then choose water-based product. The sensitivity of your skin is another factor under skin type.

Most products in the market carry strong chemicals designed to cause peeling of the skin. Thus for people with sensitive skin be careful in choosing and use the least potent possible. Carefully review labels and check the active ingredients and their individual dosages since you can worsen an acne condition by using a product that is too powerful.

Unintentionally you may end up over drying the affected area, making your sensitive skin respond negatively through more sebum production which will lead to more acne. Going for a gentler acne treatment when your skin is sensitive is the safe and smart approach.

2. Consider How Severe Your Acne Is

There is a wide range of acne treatment products, varying from topical (applied to the skin) to oral (taken by the mouth). Different stages of acne have particular corresponding treatment. Are you experiencing a handful of blackheads and whiteheads and a few pimples? Then you may have mild acne. If it’s just a few pimples with red blemishes and scarring, then you might be suffering from moderate acne. Or if it is more than pimples and blemishes with lesions and major breakouts all throughout you face, then it might be a severe acne case. Understanding the severity of your acne will help you in choosing the products with the correct ingredients for your skin condition.

3. Define Your Personal Goal In Treating Your Acne

Do you simply want to prevent acne? Then select the right skin care and acne preventing products. Is your objective to achieve a smooth and flawless skin? Then choose acne products that can clear away those acne scars if not reduce them.

Remember that all medications and treatments work differently and can have various side effects. Always review your product’s package to know the proper dose and application and always ask your dermatologist about any possible side effects.

Darren is an online medical researcher and webmaster of Acne and Acne Treatment. Visit site for related article: “Tea Tree Oil – Popular Natural Acne Treatment”. Also, don’t forget to download your 70-page Acne eBook for free.

SkinProductsOnline.com also provides information on skin care products, and cosmetics such as acne cleansers, skin moisturizers, skin foundations, and sunscreens.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT

Exederm Ultra Sensitive Skincare products for eczema and dermatitis sufferers, is pleased to become a signatory to the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

“The exederm philosophy is perfectly aligned with that of the campaign for safe cosmetics. It’s just common sense to us” said John Gardiner, President of Bentlin Products LLC.

The basic concept behind Exederm products is that less is better and that those with sensitive skin should avoid unnecessary chemicals or additives that can irritate or trigger an eczema flare-up.

Exederm Ultra Sensitive Skin Care Products are:

Fragrance Free
Color Free
Paraben Free
Phthalate Free
SLS & SLES Free

On the exederm site the company highlights the difference in formulation between its brand and many well known brands including children’s creams and washes.

“Our customers are continually amazed to find that some of the best known and highly respected brand names contain ingredients that may cause irritation” said Gardiner.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, women’s, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients.

Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign’s “Compact for Safe Cosmetics,” a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.

A hard bill to fill.

The explosive growth and interest in organic/natural skincare is fueled by the older baby boomer population and “NPRents” – a term coined in jest by Radar magazine to describe the newest variation of the classic Yuppie: Educated, affluent progressive young parents who have a generalized fear of toxic ingredients and care about fairtrade farming. 

Holistic lifestyle savvy boomers started turning 50 in the mid-1990’s and have been steadily switching to natural skincare products to preserve their looks and health. 

Across the board consumers are demanding non-synthetic chemical toothpastes, deodorants, skincare, shampoo and makeup.

For me, the journey towards organic/natural skincare began with a quest in 2001 to find a deodorant that did not contain aluminum after a breast cancer scare (luckily benign) made me rethink what I applied daily to my skin.

As a result of these health concerns and ecological conscientiousness, this organic/natural personal care market is exploding in mass market retail outlets.

Several factors are contributing to the strong growth of the market.

A growing awareness of organic food and concern about environmental issues has increased consumer interest and demand in natural products for total well-being.  Natural personal care products, retail trends and sales projections from the founders of companies such as Pangea Organics, and Rachel Perry, a pioneer in the organic/natural skincare industry, will offer valuable insight on what you should consider in making your purchase.

What is natural and what is organic?

The term “Natural” and “Organic” are not the same.  The market is full of body care products labeled “natural.” Remember that natural is an illusory marketing term not regulated by the government.

A lotion or shampoo labeled as natural does not necessarily mean it is mainly comprised of natural ingredients.  Products labeled “natural” can often use synthetic preservatives and other un-natural chemical ingredients alongside plant ingredients.
The term natural has a broad meaning. According to government labeling requirements, “natural” means that an ingredient has not been significantly altered from its original state, nor has anything been removed from it (with the exception of water), nor have other substances been added to it.

Organic products are made with ingredients grown without any synthetic chemicals, sewage sludge or GMOs (genetically modified organisms), and are third-party certified.  Organic products typically do not contain synthetic ingredients because you cannot certify a synthetic as organic. “Certified organic” means that an official certifying agency has approved the producer has grown and handled the ingredients adhering to strict procedures.

Only products which are grown according to the organic standards and verified by an approved certifier may be called “organic” or “certified organic”.   All “organic” products must be certified as such to be called “organic.”

Dr. Bronners soaps
The terms Organic and biodynamic are similar; both are grown without chemicals and GMOs. However, the biodynamic® method of agriculture, developed by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Swiss organic skincare line Weleda, is a holistic practice where all things are considered living inter-related systems - animals, plants, and the solar system.

Biodynamics is a sustainable form of ecologically responsible agriculture that predates the organic movement by replenishing the soil and adding vitality to the plant, soil and/or livestock.

The argument for organic skincare versus traditional products.

People are more aware of the number of toxins we apply on our largest organ – our skin - in the name of comfort and/or beauty.  Up to 60% of what you put on your skin will absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream.

A study conducted by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, which measured the amounts of environmental contaminants in humans, found an average of 91 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals in the blood and urine of volunteers.

According to the Environmental Working Group, one way to reduce your exposure to chemicals is to use organic natural products.

Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com noted in their research that The Baltimore Sun (May 14, 2007), reported that the American Cancer Society had listed 216 chemicals that caused breast cancer in animal tests. Ninety-seven of the carcinogens are breathed in by humans or used in our consumer products, which included personal care products.

Mass merchandisers like Wal-Mart and Target are introducing natural & organic personal care products, supermarkets like Safeway and Loblaws are expanding product ranges, whilst drugstores are launching exclusive products.

The Organic Monitor cited the launch of ErbaOrganics organic skin care products by Target stores earlier this year. Wal-Mart has entered the arena introducing Natural & Organic Bodycare Oasis sets in 366 superstores.

Also mentioned was Be Fine Food Skin care, a paraben-free range of skin care products started by Florence Sender, now launched in CVS and Rite Aid drugstores.

Joshua Scherz, the Natural Markets Coordinator and head of sales of the one–year old company in Newton, MA. noted:  “We made a conscientious decision as a natural skincare line to appeal and pursue the mass market buyer and the customer. What you put on your body is as important as what you put in your body, you have to feed the skin the best foods - just as you would your stomach.  All our 181 ingredients we use are food based.”

The Cost factor

Consumers are willing to pay more for organics because of the perception that it is better quality.  Buying organic supports organic farming and is one big step in lowering pesticide use. Organic products are more expensive because the ingredients usually are more expensive; it is more labor intensive and has to conform to more stringent regulations.

In Macleans January 2005 report, Jeff Binder, co-founder of www.saffronrouge.ca, a Canadian online organic cosmetics store, noted organic skin care tends to be made with better ingredients.

“These products contain herbs, oils and juices produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or genetically modified ingredients. In other words, they’re better for the environment, and they’ll leave less chemical residue on your skin. But they’re also quite a bit more expensive than your average skin care product.”

Lines like JASON, Zia and Aubrey Organics in the US have extended their men’s stock range. 

Even corporate behemoth Clorox acquired Burt’s Bees, the earth-friendly maker of lip balms, hand soaps, shampoos and body lotions based in Durham, N.C.

MarketWatch reported in October 31, 2007 that by 2006, Burt’s products had racked up $250 million in sales at retailers, according to the company’s Web site.  “Clorox has virtually zero presence in personal care categories in the U.S,” wrote Lehman Bros. analyst Linda Bolton Weiser. “We wonder how much Clorox can really do to enhance the distribution of Burt’s Bees.”

The deal is part of a broader effort by Clorox to grab market share in what it calls two major consumer trends: “green” products made to do less harm to the environment, and products made with natural ingredients that are better for consumers.

Skincare line Rachel Perry is widely considered to be a natural skin care pioneer brand - one of the first organic/natural skin care lines to occupy shelf space in traditional grocery stores.

Founder and CEO Rachel Perry has received numerous awards including “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Small Business Administration and appearing on the cover of the inaugural issue of “Entrepreneurial Woman.” 

She is active in Rainforest preservation and animal rights, among other important causes. 

Rachel Perry’s liplovers
Ms. Perry spoke about her company’s growth into mass-markets.

“It started about 10 years ago in 1997, when some of our heath food distributors contacted us with news that Safeway’s and Ralph’s (Southern California) were interested in carrying our natural skin care line. We even found out that some of our loyal health food customers had been asking store managers at these two grocery chains why they weren’t carrying Rachel Perry products. This eventually led to our skin care being introduced to a mainstream audience for the first time through traditional grocers.” 

Ms. Perry shared how she thought past the confines of marketing her line solely in niche health food stores, and why she courted mass market retailers.

“I wanted as many people possible to experience my skin care and make up products, which I consider to be the best natural line ever created. Clearly, it meant that my products, which already enjoyed a devoted following in the Health Beauty market would eventually reach consumers in the mass market - especially the grocery chains across America.

It was inevitable as the change in consumer’s lifestyle over the years have gravitated toward one of being natural and healthy. In 2005, we were in the final stages of implementing an aggressive strategy to move into the mass grocery market to accommodate the rising demand of consumers seeking natural products, which we know are healthier and more effective.” 

Perry’s line is well served by her eye-catching packaging that is part art deco, part artist Peter Max in its inspiration; the product stands out on shelves.

Edward Kim, president of Rachel Perry explained what separated the Perry brand from the rest.  “Rachel Perry is the pioneer that introduced and created the world’s first skin care and make up line using natural ingredients such as vitamins, herbs and other botanicals in 1971.  So, you’re going with a powerful and innovative brand that already enjoys a huge base of consumers who recognize the quality.”

Tom’s of Maine is an all-American story of hard work paying off.  In 1968 - with a $5,000 loan – founders Tom and Kate Chappell began making products for home use that would not harm the environment.

During their first five years the company’s product line expanded to include natural personal care products. In 1975, Tom’s premiered the first natural toothpaste on the market. Organic natural baby shampoo, deodorant, mouthwash, and shaving cream soon followed.

By 1983, Tom’s of Maine was well established in the health food channel with annual sales near $2 million. Back then the company knew to continue growth they had to go mainstream: Supermarkets and drug store chains. Progressive Distributors and CVS were the first to agree to stock Tom’s of Maine next to the big corporate brands. 

Some of the organic/natural vendors have a long history originating in homeopathic tinctures and medicines that morphed into todays natural skincare lines, like Nelsons of London, Europe’s oldest and largest manufacturer of homeopathic medicines.

Nelsons’ 140 year history begins with the founding father of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann. In 1860, his student, Ernst Louis Armbrecht, moved to London where he opened a homeopathic pharmacy and married Charlotte Nelson in 1866 and soon after began trading as Armbrecht, Nelson & Co, later to be abbreviated to A. Nelson & Co.

Newcomer Kopali Organics has introduced their skincare products along with their food items to Whole Foods.   Like most lines carried by the specialty supermarket, Kopali is free of synthetic chemicals, parabens and stabilizers. No water is added to the Vegan, cruelty-free products which are dermatologist tested. Even their packaging is 100% recycled board with vegetable oil inks.

Smaller vendor Monoi Tiare Tahiti sells a limited line of coconut oil products (soaps and oils) with the natural essence of tiare flowers.  No preservatives, emulsifiers or animal products are added as genuine Monoi oil -  manufactured in Tahiti from pure Tahitian coconut oil and Tiare flowers – is used. The official Appellation d’Origine seal is on every Monoi product.

Dr. Bronner’s pure soaps is an unusual smaller company with an interesting history that shaped the private company’s fervent support of fairtrade and worker’s rights.

Emanuel Bronner was a third generation master soap-maker from an orthodox Jewish family in Heilbronn, Germany, who emigrated to the U.S. during the 1920’s. After the Nazis nationalized the soap factory in 1938, his parents and most of his family died in the Holocaust. 

Bronner bucked the trend of U.S. soapmakers usage of synthetic surfactant formulations, going into business for himself in the late 1940’s. His castile soaps and the company philosophy resonated powerfully with the counter-culture of the 60’s and 70’s, and he became an icon of the time.

His son Ralph Bronner spoke with me regarding his company’s commitment to giving back 70% of their earnings for fairtrade and other charitable causes, and noted that his salary was only five times the lowest paid employee. 

His staff has zero turn-over, starting salaries are at $30,000 a year and they enjoy $3000-$21,000 annual bonuses and full Blue Cross healthcare.  Their company commitment to holistic life extends far beyond their certified organic ingredients. Their philosophy is prolifically written all over their products touting many positive messages.

Dr. Bronner’s soaps are certified under the USDA’s National Organic Program. “We will never fudge on standards, or sell out to corporate interests, we won’t do it,” added Bronner.

Up and comer, IKOVE by Florestas founder Chao-Tang Liu  spoke with me of about his company’s growth and what non food buyers should consider.

“Our business had grown slowly in first 4 years until we launched the certified organic line. It’s like a learning process, as a new comer and a foreigner in this business, we realized that if a small company wants to survive in this market, we have to stay ahead of it with attractive packaging.   After we launched a certified organic line by Ecocert and re-designed the packaging, our sales doubled in 2007.”

IKOVE is manufactured in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  As the demand of clean, natural personal care increased every year, the founder of Florestas, Fernando Lima suggest Liu use the bounty of the rainforest in his native country for IKOVE products.

At Lima’s advice, Liu uses the powerful Brazilian rain forest ingredients in IKOVE natural personal care.  “That’s how we started the business. Before Acai become famous in USA, we already used it in our shampoo and creams.”

“In Fall 2007, we had a chance to make a presentation to the Global purchase team in Whole Foods - a new, unique, exclusive, organic and fair-trade line is born. We have been working so hard to get this line done and will be introduced in March 2008 in 260 stores of Whole Foods.”

Liu stressed it was good business sense for the mass marketers to follow the continued success of the organic food sales growth in their stores, and expand their shelves for organic and natural skincare lines as well.

“I would tell other mass market retailers by carrying our line they are supporting organic agriculture, fair-trade, sustainable green business. It would help the retailer’s social responsibility image, while consumers would enjoy the truly clean products on their skin and enhance their well-being.”

Liu recommended that non food buyers in mass-markets doing their homework on his line check out the Buriti Lotion, as one of IKOVE’s standout products.
“It formulated with many of unique Amazonian botanicals, which contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins and great healing properties for environment damaged skin (sun burned and wind burned). Our best seller product is our shampoo. I think it is because people use shampoo more frequently than creams.”

Liu’s hope is within a five year period – IKOVE will continue to catch the eye of more mass-market distributors and chain supermarkets looking to add to their organic skincare inventory.

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care is diligent with ingredient selection. Hauschka manufacturer WALA Heilmittel has been studying and working with healing plant and mineral extracts since the 1940’s.

WALA Heilmittel supports sustainable, ecologically sound agricultural practices by obtaining as many of their ingredients as possible from certified Biodynamic and organic sources.

Pangea Organics
Pangea Organics founder and CEO Joshua Onysko spoke with me about his award-winning masstige (mass-market prestige lines) line of soaps and skin care currently on the shelves at Whole Foods.

Onysko’s entrepreneurial drive combined with his personal commitment to organics and holistic skincare was fueled by his extensive world travels.

These qualities sparked the inception of Pangea Organics five years ago in Boulder, Colorado. 

Onysko began as a baker at Whole Foods, and made soap in his garage at night.  Today his company is 31 employees strong.

Pangea Organics is currently the largest cold-processed organic soap manufacturer in the US.  In addition to bar soap, the line also includes liquid hand soap, hand and body lotion, shower gel, massage & body oil, facial cleanser, facial toner, facial cream, a facial mask and facial scrub and lip balms. 

Their products are never made using petrochemicals, parabens, GMOs or other synthetic or harmful ingredients.

Onysko is passionate about his business growth. “If you look from a retailer’s perspective on this section of the skincare market, denying it space on your shelves is like pretending tomorrow doesn’t exist.  The future is organic and natural and retailers need to pay attention to this.  According to the Natural Market Institute research, there is 23% growth in natural skin products annually, just phenomenal growth.”

His best seller is Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask, an item Whole Foods has a hard time keeping on their shelves.

The line has received a host of awards, including the ECO-Epicurean Awards ‘07, Beauty Innovator – Food & Wine Design and Business Catalyst Award ‘07, Top honors alongside of Bank of America’s “Keep the Change”. Natural Beauty Award ‘07 – Face Care: Face Mask Category, Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask - Natural Health. And the Entrepreneur of the Year Regional Finalist ‘07 – Pangea’s Founder & CEO, Joshua Onysko was a Rocky Mountain Regional Finalist in the Category of Socially & Environmentally Responsible - Ernst & Young.

Concerns about additives

Preservatives:
A small amount of preservatives are necessary to keep molds and bacteria from growing. Those are usually found near the bottom of the ingredients list.  Lotions especially because they are primarily water. The preservative has to be strong enough to kill bacteria that will be introduced into the product through repetitive human usage, like dipping a finger into a jar.

Alcohol can be used as a preservative, but must be used at a fairly high percentage and it can be drying.    Essential oils (tea tree) have some anti-microbial effects but generally are not used in high enough percentages to be effective by themselves. 
Parabens are found in many organic/ natural labeled skincare items.

Yet the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their report “Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Agents of Subtle Change?” reported that parabens—methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates)—displayed estrogenic activity in several tests.

This means that these chemicals mimic your body´s own hormones and can have endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into your body or washed down the drain into your drinking water.

The EPA also stated that “continual introduction of these benzoates (parabens) into sewage treatment systems and directly to recreational waters from the skin leads to the question of risk to aquatic organisms.”

Many preservatives break down into formaldehyde and should be avoided: diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, sodium hydroxy methyl glycinate are a few.

Other health concerns in traditional personal care items are over phthalates found in personal care and cosmetic items.

The report, titled “Not Too Pretty: Pthalates, Beauty Products and the FDA,” has its basis in a 1999 FDA study of toxins in the general population of the U.S. From a sample of 1,029 people, every one of them tested positive for phthalates in their blood or urine.

The best – and cheaper – option would be to invest in a good facial cream containing ingredients and antioxidants that claim to help slow down the ageing process.

The Zelens Skin Science skincare range claims to address individual skin needs to fight premature ageing.

“The number of facial creams professing to have this or that antioxidant to fight skin ageing are a dime a dozen in the market,” says Dr Marko Lens, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon currently based in London.

He should know. In the late 1990s, following extensive research into skin cancer and ageing, Dr Lens began developing the Zelens Skin Science skincare range, an anti-ageing regimen that addresses individual skin needs, and tackle premature ageing and environmental hazards.

Zelens Skin Science was introduced in 2005 and is now available in 15 countries world wide including Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan, Switzerland and Britain.

While Dr Lens is quick to dispel the idea of having discovered a “miracle in a jar”, the hypoallergenic line contains not just one or two antioxidants, but is packed with 20 natural ingredients among which are 14 potent antioxidants.

He discovered that the combination of the most potent antioxidants in one cream resulted in a comprehensive formula for optimal skin health that counteracted oxidative injury to the skin caused by environmental factors such as UV light, pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol and stress.

“I wanted to get to the bottom of skin ageing through targeted therapy, a concept derived from my skin cancer findings. I wanted to apply that to cosmetology, starting with the treatment of free radicals.

“Skin cancer is a result of skin ageing. You hardly find skin cancer patients without premature ageing,” he explains.

What triggered the development of Dr Lens’ pilot skincare range was the preoccupation of the women at his office with the search for eternal youth.

“Vitamins C and E are great antioxidants, but not enough. I wanted to see how I could combine all the antioxidants which work well separately, yet have a synergistic effect when put together,” he says.

Thus began an arduous seven-year research and development process.

Ingredients were selected following multiple studies on the efficacy of Kampo medicine (Japanese traditional herbal medicine), and based on scientific evidence from traditional medicine, skin pharmacology and biology.

The fragrance of the creams is derived from Shiso extract, a Japanese mint leaf containing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.

Why traditional Japanese traditional medicine and not say, Indian medicine?

“I was very impressed with how the Japanese handled and extracted active ingredients from herbs and plants. Japanese women really know how to take care of their skin, and even back in the geisha times, their skin was flawless!”

More crucially, there was a need to formulate a cream that actually permeated the epidermis, as the outer layer of the skin is quite resistant to most substances.

“I discovered how to improve the liposome delivery system by fusing active ingredients into the liposome so that it delivers active ingredients directly into the cell,” he explains.

This advanced controlled release delivery system enhanced the absorption of an active ingredient by the skin with a controllable rate of release of the encapsulated substance. It enabled the active ingredient inside the liposome to be transported efficiently and delivered to the cells to target specific molecules.

For example, the ingredients in the Zelens Day Cream specifically target and protect the DNA molecule of the cell, while the Night Cream specifically targets collagen.

The Zelens Skin Science range is limited to only a day cream, night cream, serum and eye cream.

“The skin doesn’t need 20 different products; the concept of skincare is, after all, very simple,” says Dr Lens.

The Zelens skincare range is targeted at men and women of all skin types, above the age of 25.

“Believe it or not, most damage happens in the first 20 years of your life,” Dr Lens reveals, “And although women are usually fans of such products, recent statistics in Britain revealed that 30% of Zelens users are men.”

The Zelens Cellular DNA Protection Day Cream, Cellular DNA Protection Night Cream and Intensive Triple-action Eye Cream is available at Escentials at Tangs, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Skin care is a problem while traveling and when you arrive at your destination. Here are a few ways you can use shielding lotion to help you with skin care no matter what the situation.

Getting There

- Planes: There’s almost nothing worse for the skin than being on a plane. The moisture-starved air dries the skin in minutes, and you’re exposed to fumes from hydraulic fluid spills, residue from pesticides and cleaning products, germs – you name it, you’ve got it on a plane. Many people use moisturizers and moisturizing skin care products while they’re flying, and often have to apply them repeatedly even on a relatively short flight.

Unfortunately, most traditional moisturizers contain chemicals that dry the skin even more. Instead, try a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer that locks in moisture and keeps out chemicals. And it will last for the entire flight – even if you take a couple of trips to the restroom to splash your face and wash your hands.

- Cars: If it’s hot, you’ll have the windows closed and the air conditioning on. Those cold, dry blasts will rob the air of moisture. On the other hand, if you have the windows open you’ll be blasted with dust, dirt and wind. Again, what you need is a shielding lotion. Same with motorcycles – although if you’re taking a really long trip there might be other parts of your body that need more attention.

Being There

- Camping: Weenie roasts and marshmallows, swimming in the lake, campfires, hiking and exploring in the woods. Nothing like it. There’s also nothing like the bugs, dirt and not having a real bathroom. It’s a skin care nightmare. Can a shielding lotion help? You bet. Dirt will wash off more easily and grunge won’t penetrate or stain.

- Locations with a different climate: If you’re used to Florida and vacation in Southern California, or vise versa, you’ll notice a big difference in your skin. Florida’s outrageous humidity tends to make the skin less dry, while California’s desert air does the opposite. However, both environments have something in common – they’re hot and sunny. And both can be dehydrating. Again, the right skin care product for either climate is a good shielding lotion.

- The Beach: While I doubt you’ll forget the sunscreen, you may not be aware that using too much sunscreen can actually cause burns rather than prevent them. Also, most sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that cause dry skin and other problems as they get absorbed. However, if you apply a shielding lotion under the sunscreen, it will block the harmful chemicals and lock in natural moisture. Shielding lotion also protects the skin in salt water, and it doesn’t wash off.

If you don’t want to worry about skin care treatment while on vacation, give shielding lotion a try. It’s so versatile, you’ll be able to leave a lot of your other skin care products at home. You may even toss them out for good once you’ve tried shielding lotion.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― The color of beauty is turning green. Skin care companies are offering products with claims like natural or organic. But what are you really getting? CBS 3 Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl looks behind the labels.

Cleansers, moisturizers, concealers, and blush — skin care products are endless. Some can contain ingredients that have been linked to cancer or reproductive problems, as we’ve reported.

Shopper Nikole Sarno said, “It’s a little scary when you find out what you’re actually putting on your body every day.”

That fear is leading a growing number of women to explore so-called green alternatives.

These skin care products are chock-full of claims like “made with certified organic ingredients,” “essential oils and fruit extracts,” “plant and mineral derived,” “bioactive,” “natural” — wooing women interested in avoiding chemicals.

“They’re more health conscious in terms of what they’re putting on their bodies, and it just makes sense for us to have organic and natural products,” said Sephora skin care expert Jamelia Everly.

But the world of organic and natural skin care isn’t always easy to understand, says University of Pennsylvania dermatologist Cherie Ditre.

“I guess most of the time when patients are asking about organic, they’re thinking chemical-free. And I have to tell them it’s not always true that they’re chemical-free,” said Dr. Ditre.

The confusion is the definition of “organic.”

The USDA regulates the word organic in food and agriculture. But the USDA doesn’t regulate cosmetics, the FDA does. And there is no FDA definition of the term organic.

The FDA also doesn’t define terms like “natural,” so you might have to dig deep to find out what each claim means.

“Get used to looking at what companies are making them, and really research it,” said Dr. Ditre.

A few companies like Juice Beauty have gone so far as to have some skin care products certified under food regulations and get a USDA organic seal.

But are organic products necessarily better for your skin? Not always.

“You can think of an organic product like poison ivy,” said Dr. Ditre. “It comes from a plant, but applied to the skin, it can really irritate the skin. So organic doesn’t necessarily mean good for the skin.”

Here are Web sites that offer explanations ingredients for beauty products:

http://www.skinproductsonline.com

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