How Organic Is Your Beauty Product?

Want to go more organic with your skin care? Take a look at your products' packaging, and then compare them to these USDA organic labeling standards.

100% organic: The product must contain only organically-produced ingredients (excluding water and salt).

Organic: The product must contain at least 95% organically-produced ingredients (excluding water and salt).

Made with organic ingredients: The product must contain at least 70% organic ingredients (excluding water and salt).

Less than 70% organic ingredients: The product cannot use the term "organic" anywhere on the front label. However, it may identify the specific ingredients that are organically produced on the ingredients statement.

Products made in other countries may have different but similar standards. Look for those governments' organic seals, or that of a private certifying agency.

Natural Skin Care

By Palti Shipard, a long time grower of herbs, from Eat More Herbs.

Cosmetics and skin care products can be hazardous to your health. That is why I exclusively consume natural skin care products and cosmetics. No one can be certain how the unnatural additives found in products have an effect on us over time. Natural skin care and cosmetics never include damaging toxins.

Natural skin care products are often far superior to the beauty products you can buy in the high end department stores. Natural skincare is a new concept for many, but as more and more people are becoming disillusioned with the big name products, they are switching to natural cosmetics to see if they are better.

Natural skin care products do not contain any man made chemicals, thus reducing the risk of any allergic reaction or irritation when applied to your skin. Natural beauty products, particularly those that are organic, are much friendlier to the environment. The production and the use of synthetic skin care products harm the earth.

There isn’t any reason to have artificial preservatives in your makeup so that it will be capable of remaining on the shelf more time. It’s quite easy to find healthy skin care products which are 100% natural.

Ingredients such as olive oil, shea butter and macadamia nut oil are all known to be excellent natural moisturizers. However they are rarely used in mainstream anti aging skin care products because they are more expensive than the chemical alternatives.

I’m constantly searching for new, pure products. I’m frequently seeking organic cleanses, masks, lotions, night creams, scrubs, bath oils, anti wrinkle creams as well as body creams.

Cosmetics have made a lot of improvements in the past years because of the usage of very carefully picked natural beauty products. Presently there are all kinds of new natural beauty products introduced using 100% environmentally friendly substances, that are good for your skin. Herbal skin care has become enormous business. Consumers will pay for skin lotions which are pure, if they are better quality.

Organically grown wildcrafted herbs, organically harvested, cold- pressed oils, as well as unrefined, butters in addition to waxes are all of components you must consider when searching for pure skin care.

Most cosmetics and skin care products contain chemical ingredients. You need to read labels more today than ever before. If you’re not reading every label on every package you buy, harmful ingredients in your toiletries can destroy your health.

Beautiful Skin Naturally

Natural beauty starts with beautiful skin. The following article provides some insight into why good skin care is important and suggests a simple skin care regime anyone can follow to help your skin perform at its best.

Our skin’s functions are too many to go through here in detail, however it protects our ‘insides’ from the external environment, acting both as a barrier and a filter between ‘outside’ and ‘inside’ our bodies. The skin helps in regulating our body’s temperature, like when we have a fever or we’re physically working hard, we tend to sweat, which is the body’s way to attempt to lower the temperature. The skin also protects us from harmful substances entering our body, and it eliminates many toxins. This takes workload off our Liver and Kidneys to filter out by-products from our body’s metabolism. The skin also breathes! These are just some of the important functions of our skin and as you can see, looking after your skin is vital, not just for your outer beauty, but for maintaining your inner health.

Now there is skin care and there is skin care… well, we all (hopefully) wash our body (skin) every day and we may even rub some body cream on and that is pretty much that. Women (most) go one step further when they make-up their face. Often using a cleanser and then a moisturizer before applying make-up. But is that really skin care?

I think not. I would consider it an attack on the skin rather than caring for it. You see, most of the products marketed to women are full of artificial colors, stabilizers, emulsifiers and other chemical, which are supposed to help in achieving a ‘beautiful complexion’.

Some products are advertising hormones, which are supposed to make your skin re-gain that youthful (no wrinkles) look – but more often than not these ‘hormones’ are artificial or synthetic and may well cause problems with the hormonal balance of the body. This is NOT Skin care – this is plain old manipulation and marketing.

Real skin care is much more than that and is more than just skin deep. Your skin is a living, breathing organ of your body. As such, just like every other organ in our body, it needs to be fed from the inside – it requires nutrients. There are 4 basic ingredients to feeding the inside: Good nutrition: keep it simple, fresh and unprocessed. That is the best nutritional advice I can give. The simpler the food, the less processing and the fresher your food is, the better it is for you. Fresh fruit and vegetables contain so many of the nutrients we need to maintain our health. Sure have the odd processed, high in fat meal when you’re enjoying a meal out or have to attend a Luncheon or what ever. But make sure you have more natural foods than not.  Sufficient water intake: that’s a biggie. Most people (irrespective of were they live) will utilize around 3 liters of water per day – hey, don’t believe me, all the medical texts say so. Our body simply needs water to function. If you do not drink at least this amount, your body will either not function well (on some level) or it will take it from where ever it can. That is called dehydration. You know, dry lips, dry flaky skin, parched mouth, cracks on you tongue, premature wrinkles… the list goes on. So, drink up (water, mind you) or shrivel up – it’s up to you.

So what does all this have to do with skin care and achieving beautiful skin naturally? Well, that is the point of putting expensive, beauty products on your skin, when you do not give it the stuff of life from the inside? The cells that make up your skin need the right nutrients for proper development, growth and all that… You can help your skin by using good quality, natural skin care products, but you have to support this from the inside as well. Only in that way can you expect to get good results from proper skin care.

So what’s proper skin care? The primary key is to use a natural skin care system that addresses the following 3-steps: Cleanse and Condition Hydrate and Tone Moisturize and Revive.

OK. Cleansing the skin seems obvious and I know, you do know how to use soap – wrong, this is one sure way to make your skin dry-out quicker. Most soaps remove the natural oils of the skin, change the natural pH levels and do nothing to remove the dead layers of skin, which can block your pores and lead to blackheads. And, oh no, not pimples! The skin produces oils and acids to help it function, to protect it from loss of excessive moisture, to form a barrier… etc. So please do not use soap or detergents unless it is necessary. Using a loofah or a gentle ‘scrub’ will remove the dead skin cells and this in turn will promote better blood circulation and help your skin to breath.

The next step is to hydrate and tone the skin. Say what? Well, you’ve just removed the dead skin layers, rubbing the skin with a loofah and or a specially formulated cleanser, now it’s time to remove the residue, sooth the skin and prepare the skin for getting a good feed of nutrients from the moisturizer.

Preparation of the skin prior to putting on the moisturizer is not dissimilar to preparing a surface about to receive a new coat of paint. You wouldn’t just paint over a wall that hasn’t been cleaned and prepared for the new paint, would you? It would be a waist of time and money… well, good skin care is the same. You first get rid of the old layer of paint, than you give it a primer and finally the top-coat.

Ah, I already use a moisturizer… Great, at least that’s a step in the right direction. But, have you looked at the ingredients? Are they natural, or are there numbers and words you don’t recognize on the label? If so, then consider that your body absorbs these substances and if they are not useful, (preferably of a natural kind) then the body has to eliminate them – and that’s more work and not necessary.

In some cases, the body actually can’t eliminate these substances and has to store them. This is a potential problem and could cause health issues down the track. Pure essential oils, or herbal extracts are usually good ingredients to have in your skin care products.

So there you have it – the importance of good skin care for beautiful skin naturally. These steps, if you follow them, will help you to achieve the results you want and your body will thank you too.

Natural Beauty

“If it can be done naturally, why go for artificial means” – this is the basic premise on which ‘organic skin care’ works. Natural beauty care is the most natural way of ‘skin care’. In fact, ‘organic skin care’ was probably the first one to be used by man when it first woke-up to the needs of his skin. ‘Organic skin care’ is not only friendlier to skin, but also inexpensive. If exercised in the right way, organic skin care can prevent the occurrence of a lot of skin disorders and can help keep your skin healthy and young-looking for a much longer time.

Organic fruits and vegetables are the most popular things on organic skin care routines e.g. cucumber is very common in organic skin care routines. Turmeric, apple, papaya, ginger are others that find a wide use in organic skin care routines. These organic materials have a very refreshing and vitalizing effect on your skin. Almost every skin care book/guide has section on organic skin care (including the actions of various fruits and vegetables on skin). So choose the ones that are more suitable for your skin type and start experimenting with them until you finally select the ones that are most suitable for inclusion in your organic skin care routine. It’s important that you use fresh organic fruits/vegetables. Don’t try to utilize the rotten ones for your skin, their only place is the garbage bin.

Milk is known to posses good cleansing properties; in fact, the name of some skin care products contains the word ‘milk’ in them. A combination of milk with ground oatmeal acts as wonderful cleanser.Ground oatmeal is especially good for oily skins and is a popular ingredient in organic skin care regimen. It is used in various combinations e.g. with egg, honey, milk and fruits, for preparation of organic facial packs.

Wheat germ is another ingredient in organic skin care procedures. It is rich in vitamin E and is known for its exfoliation as well as moisturizing properties. Wheat germ, in various combinations with other organic materials, is used to prepare facial masks for normal and dry skin types. Wheat germ oil is another way in which wheat germ is used for organic skin care.

Yogurt and sour cream are other organic materials that are popular for their exfoliation and moisturizing properties. Use of organic honey is also popular in organic skin care procedures. It helps in retention of moisture and helps impart a glowing look to skin.Rose water takes its place as a toner in organic skin care routines. Lavender water is popular too.

Natural beauty care uses combination of various organic materials that complement each other and enhance each other’s effectiveness. Moreover, these combination's are also helpful in over-riding the harmful effects (if any) of various organic materials that form them. Natural skin care is really an art that, once perfected, can give wonderful results in a very cost effective manner with organic beauty products.

All Natural Beauty Products

All natural beauty products are made using only the purest and gentlest ingredients derived from nature, with no added chemicals of any kind. This is the ideal way to really care for and protect your skin. Did you realize that the products you are putting on your hair could be damaging to your overall health? Or did you ever stop to think that the statement "you are what you eat" could be extrapolated to include "you are what you put on your skin and hair, too"?

It is true that your skin absorbs the products that you put on it. Think of estrogen patches to be applied to the skin or nicotine patches to help you stop smoking. These products are living proof that you absorb chemicals through your skin. You think that your skin is a barrier to toxins, but it is rather a carrier. In fact, toxins which enter your body thru your mouth (on the food you eat) are subjected to the enzymes in your saliva and stomach which can break them down and reduce their harm to your body. They are also passed through the liver and the kidneys and are detoxified a bit more.

But toxins that enter your body through your skin bypass the liver and the stomach enzymes and go directly into the bloodstream and tissues with no other protection to reduce their harm. In fact, the carcinogen called nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA), an ingredient often found in shampoos, was shown to have 100 times higher absorption rate through the skin than through the mouth at a report given to a congressional hearing in 1978.

Be selective in the products you choose to put on your hair because you want to get healthy hair while achieving beautiful hair you feel good about. Shampoos and conditioners are full of petrochemicals, many of which are known to cause skin and eye irritation and allergic reactions. Your skin needs to be nourished and moisturized regularly in order to remain healthy and supple. Instead of using skin care products containing chemicals, opt for natural skin care products that deliver the same results without the risk of developing rashes and allergies.

Manufacturers of organic skin care products offer every kind of skin care product that you could ever need. You can find natural body lotions, facial moisturizers, face and body scrub, bubble bath, body wash, facial mask, bath oils, facial and body soap, deodorant and hand and foot care products.

Whether you are looking for a specific product for facial skin care, body skin care, anti-aging products, toners, moisturizers, cleansers, eye creams, lip care, and sunscreen, nowadays it is possible to find an option that made from organic ingredients. If you have special needs like oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin – it is also possible to find products that are suitable for this. In fact these products are better for people with sensitive skin – as these natural skin remedies are mild and pure so you don’t have to worry about any irritation.

Using all natural beauty products that are eco-friendly has never been more important, when you take into consideration the major global environmental issues that we are facing today. It feels good knowing that you are still able to get the same beauty products that you know and love, only now you know that they are completely organic and that you are doing your part to protect the environment. Read your ingredients label and cross reference with our toxic 100 list, and use the cosmetics database site. Treat yourself to some organic favorites by browsing our beauty product directory or find do-it-yourself recipes.

Jurlique Skin Care Products

At Jurlique, they're privileged to own they're own farm, where they tend many of the plants used in their formulas by hand. Located in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, their Mylor Farm spans more than 153 acres. Jurlique grows over 35 different varieties of plants and flowers – among them lavender, rose, marshmallow, licorice, and calendula – that provide the potent blends within their products.

Did you know that every 100mL bottle of Jurlique’s signature Rosewater Balancing Mist contains 8,000-9,000 rose petals?

It began with a passion to produce the purest, most effective skincare on earth. Learn more about the Jurlique Difference: At the heart of every product is a potent blend of herbs and flowers brought to life in their formulas and delivered to your skin!

England's Bamford Bath & Body

Bamford products for bath, body and baby re-fuel the skin naturally and luxuriously. By maintaining very high standards, they have achieved a comprehensive range that really does work, and use ingredients of real integrity. All of their ingredients are GM-Free and contain no nasty chemicals.

Only the finest organic ingredients, harvested responsibly, are selected for Bamford’s Organic Collection which is made in England and certified by the Soil Association. They're version of ‘organic’ is the gold standard , with 95% of the ingredients being fully organic.

Essential oils and the highest quality plant extracts define Bamford’s Botanic Collection. They believe that nature provides us with the purest ingredients our bodies understand. Harvested responsibly and crafted with the most advanced skin care methods available, the result is a range of products that simply work. All products are GM-free and contain no parabens, mineral oils or sodium lauryl sulphates, synthetic fragrances and artificial colouring.

They're recycled and recyclable packaging is the focus of continued research and evaluation. Bamford's endeavour to constantly improve the eco-friendliness of our packaging, ensuring that they are using the most environmentally responsible and suitable materials.

To purchase these products in the US the line is at select Neiman Marcus locations, Barneys, http://www.neimanmarcus.com/ and http://www.barneys.com/

Hawaii's Malie Organics

From the lush, tropical rainforests and rich volcanic soil of the ancient Garden Island of Kauai, weve created Malie (mah-lee-ay), luxurious natural and organic products for home, body and spirit. The gentle, soothing essences of our wild-crafted and organic ingredients flow through pure Hawaiian hydrosols, the therapeutic floral waters that infuse each product. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Hawaiian aromatherapy our gift from the Garden Isle of Eternal Rainbows. Aloha.

Everything in Malie Organics' products is safe and nontoxic, with absolutely no petroleum, mineral spirits, sulfates or parabens. Because of our commitment to your health, well-being and the environment, we only use all natural, organic and wild-crafted ingredients. All ingredients are approved for use in cosmetics by the Natural Products Association. Malie does not test on animals or use animal products.

Malie Organics’ ingredients range from cultivated organic harvests to the rare wild-crafted plants of our rainforests. All of our ingredients are sustainably grown, ensuring constant renewal. We draw on the talent and time-honored traditions of local artisans to create our products. Malie Organics is dedicated to strengthening our Hawaiian way of life so we can continue to share the gifts of paradise with you.

ThermaSkin, ThermaScalp, and ThermaFeet

All three are each designed to increase blood flow and circulation by creating a thermal action, triggering nerve receptors to release chemicals that promote topical healing. The caffeine and capsaicin in each formula also promote topical absorption of the other ingredients including herbal extracts, antioxidants and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

“Skin pores and hair follicles get clogged and irritated because of environmental factors such as allergens and pollution. Daily use of soaps and shampoos can also cause harm over time due to added chemicals and preservatives. This leads to itching, dryness, inflammation, scaling and other adverse skin conditions. Increasing surface blood flow and absorption is the key to triggering new skin cell growth while promoting healthy skin pores and hair follicles. Increased circulation promotes healing and that’s what our new caffeinated capsaicin body sprays were designed to do,” says Niles Porter, Director of Sales for GSC Products, LLC.

Aside from caffeine and capsaicin, Greensations body sprays also contain other proven herbal extracts along with Vitamin C and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Although the capsaicin is derived from hot peppers, these formulas don’t burn, but they do provide a soothing tingling feeling that is guaranteed to stop any itch fast. According to the manufacturer, these all natural body sprays trigger noticeable healing upon the very first application.

ThermaSkin features Yuzu Oil, Green Tea, Witch Hazel and Kola Nut to provide fast and long lasting relief for a variety of symptoms related to Dermatitis, dry skin, rashes, acne and even bug bites. This caffeinated capsaicin skin spray works for all skin types, and it balances topical PH to promote healthy skin.

ThermaScalp features Saw Palmetto, Pygeum and Nettle extracts to invigorate hair follicles for thicker growth and a healthy scalp. Dryness and itching are eliminated almost instantly with just a few sprays, and the relief lasts for up to 8 hours. This formula is designed for all hair types including bald heads.

ThermaFeet uses a higher concentration of capsaicin than its sister brands, along with Black Walnut and Goldenseal, to reduce foot pain and increase circulation to the feet and toes. This formula also relieves numbness, dryness and itching. It’s especially good for diabetics who are concerned about the circulatory health of their feet.

“All three body sprays use the power of hot peppers and caffeine to increase topical blood flow, circulation and absorption, but each product also has added herbals that specifically target the skin, scalp and feet. These are three very diverse and very effective natural products,” adds Porter.

These products will surely have you embracing your natural side. With genuinely good for you ingredients, Revolution has taken the world of organic beauty by storm with their exceptional line of products designed to make you look and feel beautiful, naturally. I have not had the luxury to try them yet my self, but I have noticed alot of great reviews on these products and theres lots of buzz going around about the founders Melissa Shabinsky and Alexandra Zanella. Here's what the two lady's had to say about their mission:

"As beauty industry veterans and consumers ourselves, we were concerned and confused by product labels making natural & organic claims. After much research it became obvious that the certified organic USDA seal best represented the authenticity of organics and our Brand. Our vision translated into a collection of healthy, pure, certified organic products that filled our beauty void … we hope it fills yours."  -- You can read that and much more by visiting their brand site.

Well said ladies, I can't wait to try these out!

Revolution Organics are free of dyes, fillers, and other harmful ingredients, the Revolution skincare line is a small collection of items that are multitasking, multipurpose, and altogether something special.

Check out just few of these short discriptions of the many awesome products they have to offer us vegan loves

Revolution Organics Lip Balm is a vitamin packed, all natural, super hydrating lip balm. It is the truly the cure for dry, battered lips.

Revolution Organics Body Balm is a multipurpose, moisturizing stick. It smells of lemony goodness, and holds the cure to most of your skincare woes.

Revolution Organics All Over Skin Creme is a thick, super rich body creme designed to quench dry skin with an infusion of moisture. With over 15 organic ingredients which include aloe vera, shea butter, olive oil, and organic green tea, the all over creme instantly smooths and repairs dry damaged skin with all natural ingredients. The creme is relatively thick, and extremely hydrating without being greasy.

• organic aloe vera leaf juice skin conditioning agent. natural barrier & shields skin from toxins, destroys bacteria, aids in the healing of skin trauma and dryness. relieves inflammation, irritation & redness. sooths itching nourishes tissue with nutrients e & c. humectant & emollient, promotes skin healing for radiant skin.
• organic shea butter superb moisturizer. extremely high in vitamin a which may improve many skin conditions: wrinkles, eczema, dermatitis, insect bites, sunburns etc. high in vitamin e benefiting anti-aging, increasing micro-circulation.
• organic rice bran extract outstanding source of b-vitamins, antioxidants and anti-aging botanicals
• organic olive oil softens, stimulates & moisturizes skin. scars are reduced, inflammation is calmed. has regenerating power on skin tissue and is able to regulate natural moisturizing system of skin. anti aging properties, vitamin a & e, powerful antioxidant.
• organic sweet almond oil high nutritional value for all skin types. protects and conditions skin. rich in vitamins and proteins. absorbs deeply into skin for radiance and health.
• organic apricot oil high in vitamin e c & a. skin softening, penetrates without an oily finish. rich in fatty acids to retain moisture and elasticity in skin.
• organic thyme essential oil bactericide, powerful antiseptic properties, enhances immune system, calms the nervous system while stimulating the mind.
• organic green, white & coolong tea Protects against free radicals, may absorb UV rays and act as partial natural sunscreen. Reduces redness & inflammation. Protects collagen & elastin from being broken down, reduces signs of aging, stimulates cell rejuvenation.

Wow, I can't believe all these good moisturizers are crammed into one bottle, for that, I have listed this one in our directory, I want to hear about your experience with this one lady loves! Give us some feed back. Click here to submit/read reviews on the Revolution Organics All Over Skin Creme!

Whether you are looking to go the organic route, or just looking to experience purer beauty, Revolution Organics is an excellent way to go.