SoapWire | Newswire for the Natural Personal Care Products Industry

Lily Organics Receives 3 USDA Certifications

Kat — 2010-08-30T09:51:20-07:00

Brighton, CO -- Lily Organics is setting the bar for organic skin care companies and USDA Organic Certifications. Lily Organics is the first skin care company on planet Earth to obtain these USDA quality assurances. "The process is extremely rigorous." States Lily, who had the inspector out to her farm and lab for over 8 hours in July. Lily Organics is the first skin care company to have the following 3 USDA certifications.

1.) USDA certified organic farm.
2.) USDA certified organic processor and handler for the laboratory
3.) USDA certified organic skin care product.

For consumers these are all reasons to celebrate. Quality, purity and authenticity, can be guaranteed at Lily Organics. Third party certification provides documentation for the consumer that this product is the genuine article. "This is the cutting edge of quality skin care," states Lily. "We are proud and pleased to be the pioneers in the organic skin care field."

Lily Organics has long been setting the standards for quality organic skin care. Since 1986, nearly 25 years ago, the company has been handcrafting products and selling to Vitamin Cottage and Wild Oats, and for the last ten years Whole Foods. No more confusion for the consumer on what products are organic and what products are not.

"Quality comes from long lasting results on your skin, certified organic ingredients, from the love and care of real people
handcrafting each batch, freshness, the expertise in formulations, and the authenticity of the and company that make it. We have met and surpassed every criteria to solidly establish Lily Organics as the best skin care products in the world."

Women want skin care without synthetic chemicals, they want USDA certified organic ingredients--verified by the most stringent organic regulations in the world. We want products made by our country's people here in the USA, we want fresh products, we want skin care that does not leave a carbon foot print. We want more products like Lily Organics, because it is grown and made and used all here in the USA without wasteful packaging.

Lily Morgan is the author of Beauty, Health, and Happiness-A way of life. She is the founder and formulator of Lily Organics, Fresh, Chemical-free skin care line of facial care products. You can reach her at her website www.lilyorganics.com, elilypads@yahoo.com or 303-668-1128

Beauty Companies Slow to Embrace Sustainable Packaging

Kat — 2010-08-23T20:44:00-07:00

London – Although packaging has the highest environmental footprint of cosmetic products, Organic Monitor research finds that it is generally overlooked when beauty companies look at sustainability.

Organic Monitor (www.organicmonitor.com) finds that cosmetic firms are focusing on green formulations, resource efficiency and life-cycle assessments of their products when developing sustainability plans. Although companies are aware of the environmental impact of packaging, they have been slow to embrace sustainable packaging solutions.

Even organic cosmetic companies – many of which have sustainability built into their corporate ethos - are lagging in adopting sustainable packaging. Such companies have been pioneers in adopting natural & organic cosmetic standards, implementing fair trade and ethical sourcing programmes, and broader CSR initiatives but few are focusing on reducing their packaging footprints.

With consumer interest in ecological products continuing to strengthen and sustainability high on the global agenda, the beauty industry appears to be behind in adopting sustainability packaging initiatives. For instance, the food industry is increasingly using ecological packaging whilst food retailers are reducing the use of plastic carrier bags. Organic Monitor finds that organic fruit & vegetables sold in most European supermarkets now have some type of bioplastic packaging. Consumers buying ‘chemical-free’ products are demanding ecological packaging. Whilst organic foods are meeting consumer expectations, natural & organic beauty products are not.

Although there is growing research in bioplastics packaging, there remain few cosmetic applications. High heat sensitivity and water permeability prevent such packaging to be used for products such as creams, lotions and shampoos. Biopolymers are mainly used in colour cosmetic cases. However, companies like Mirel aim to overcome existing limitations by improving performance of its biopolymer packaging. The company is developing bioplastic materials to replace petroleum polymers such as Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC).

Most beauty companies are looking at recycled packaging materials. Some natural cosmetic firms, such as Neal’s Yard Remedies are using Post Consumer Regrind (PCR) Poly Ethylene Terephthalate bottles. Others, like Burt’s Bees are going further and making commitments to use only recycled materials. The US company has also pioneered the use of Terra Skin Wraps, a paper alternative packaging for bar soaps.

Organic Monitor finds Aveda to be the frontrunner in adopting sustainable packaging. It is one of the few cosmetic companies to give priority to packaging on its sustainability agenda. Aveda is the largest user of PCR plastic in the beauty industry, saving over 1 million pounds of virgin plastic each year. It has also recycled 37 million polypropylene caps through its ‘Recycle Caps with Aveda’ campaign. Its products now contain 80% or more recycled materials. Aveda has also reduced carbon emissions by using wind energy to power its Minnesota manufacturing plant.

Eco-packaging design is another method of reducing the packaging footprint. Some beauty brands such as Nude Skincare have developed sleek packaging that is both stylish and environmentally-friendly. Reducing packaging in design has enabled the Greek brand Korres to save 11 tons of plastic materials a year.

A few pioneers are taking a holistic approach to sustainable packaging. Apart from Aveda, Method Products has adopted the Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) design approach, which ensures packaging is environmentally responsible and packaging materials are recovered after the product is used.

Although beauty companies are undertaking numerous initiatives to lower the environmental impact of their products, relatively low progress has been made in packaging. The upcoming Sustainable Cosmetics Summit, taking place in Paris on Oct 18-20th, will explore the gamut of sustainable packaging options available to beauty companies. The summit will look at recycling, reducing and reusing packaging materials, as well as bioplastics, eco-design and the C2C design approach. An interactive workshop will give a practical guide to companies looking to adopt sustainable packaging solutions. Case studies will be given of companies at the forefront of sustainable packaging initiatives, including Aveda and Burt’s Bees.

Sustainable Cosmetics Summit

Organized by Organic Monitor, the aim of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit is to encourage sustainability in the beauty industry by bringing together key stake-holders and debate major sustainability issues in a high-level forum. The next edition of the executive summit will take place in Paris on 18-20th October. More information is available from www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com

About Organic Monitor

Organic Monitor is a specialist research & consulting company that focuses on the global organic & related product industries. Since our formation in 2001, we have been providing a range of business services to operators in high-growth ethical & sustainable industries. Our services include market research publications, business & technical consulting, summits, seminars & workshops. Visit us at www.organicmonitor.com

Organic Monitor Hosts First Masterclass in North America

Kat — 2010-08-10T06:00:00-07:00

London – Organic Monitor is hosting its first-ever Natural Cosmetics Masterclass in North America next month. Taking place in New York on 29-30th September, the Masterclass aims to de-mystify natural & organic cosmetic standards for personal care and ingredient firms.

The timing of the Natural Cosmetics Masterclass follows the recent news that Whole Foods Market, the world’s leading natural product retailer, will only be marketing certified organic personal care products next year.

Whole Foods Market is the latest in a number of organic & natural product retailers making a commitment to third party verification schemes. PCC Natural Markets, a leading food cooperative retailer in Seattle, has been ensuring all its personal care and beauty products meet NPA standards since January. Organic Monitor (www.organicmonitor.com) research finds certification has already become a prerequisite for many European organic food retailers when considering new personal care products. The same trend is also catching on in Asia where leading natural food retail chains such as Country Farm are increasingly seeking certified personal care products.

Retailers are demanding certified products in response to consumer confusion about natural & organic beauty products. A large number of products are marketed on natural and organic claims, however Organic Monitor finds few such products would meet the requirements of natural & organic standards. Some brand owners are using organic ingredients to promote their products as ‘organic’, although the formulations remain conventional. Just last week, the Advertising Standards Agency in the UK upheld a complaint that a professional hair care brand was making misleading organic claims.

With growing consumer confusion about natural and organic, and retailers increasingly demanding third party verification schemes, Organic Monitor’s new Masterclass helps companies take the certified route. It is designed for personal care manufacturers, formulators and ingredient companies looking at the practical implications of natural & organic cosmetic standards.

Judi Beerling, Head of Technical Research at Organic Monitor, will critically review the various natural & organic cosmetic standards in North America and other regions. Her workshop will give precise details of the adoption criteria in terms of permissible / prohibited ingredients, processes and formulations. Guidance will be given on ‘cleaning up’ product formulations, especially replacing synthetic chemicals such as parabens, SLS / SLES, etc. The workshop will also scrutinize the ingredient composition of leading organic / natural / semi-natural brands to see if they stand up to their marketing claims.

The second workshop in the Natural Cosmetics Masterclass will focus on the ‘Business Openings in the Global Market for Natural & Organic Cosmetics’. Latest research by Organic Monitor finds growth is continuing at a healthy rate, however the competitive landscape is changing. An influx of new entrants as well as M&A activity are raising the competitive stakes. The workshop will give a global analysis, highlighting the major market trends & developments, and outline the business opportunities to existing participants and new entrants.

Natural Cosmetics Masterclass

Organized by Organic Monitor, this new Masterclass will be hosted alongside HBA Global Expo 2010. It will take place on 29-30th September at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Registration is limited to 50 delegates per workshop. Since 2008, Organic Monitor has been hosting Natural Cosmetic Masterclasses at various international locations that include London, Paris, Nuremberg and Bologna. More details on the Natural Cosmetics Masterclass are on http://www.organicmonitor.com/masterclass7.htm

About Organic Monitor

Organic Monitor is a specialist research & consulting company that focuses on the global organic & related product industries. Since our formation in 2001, we have been providing a range of business services to operators in high-growth ethical & sustainable industries. Our services include market research publications, business & technical consulting, summits, seminars & workshops. Visit us at www.organicmonitor.com

Barista Bath and Body Brews Up First-Ever Full Line of Natural Hair and Skin Care Products Leveraging Benefits of Coffee as Key Ingredient

Kat — 2010-08-09T11:04:24-07:00

Barista Bath and Body chosen as Discover Beauty participant at Cosmoprof North America July 18-20

PORTLAND, Ore.,–Barista Bath and Body, a luxurious new natural hair and skin care line, launches today at http://www.baristabathandbody.com. Focused on offering natural and highly effective products, Barista Bath and Body is the first full beauty line to leverage the revitalizing benefits of coffee by making organic coffee a primary ingredient in its flagship products. Coffee’s unique contributions to beauty products include aiding in removing impurities from hair and offering a natural pH to soothe and protect the skin. All Barista Bath and Body products are paraben-free, sulfate-free and phthalate-free.

Barista Bath and Body has already been recognized for its truly innovative shampoo, conditioner, gel, body scrub, body crème, soap, mist and lip balm by Cosmoprof North America, which will feature the Barista Bath and Body line in the Discover Beauty Pavilion at the B2B event July 18-20 in Las Vegas.

Super-charged for your skin and hair and a java jolt for the bath and shower, the products offer the perfect indulgence for beauty addicts and coffee fanatics alike, and will appeal equally to both women and men.

Barista Bath and Body individual products range in price from $4.50 to $28.00 and $22.50 to $150.00 for gift sets. Explore the collection here.

“Having been in the beauty, fashion and personal care business for over 30 years, wearing many hats from brand owner and buyer to retailer and manufacturer, it is always exciting when you stumble into a product or company that is unique, attention-getting and shows a true understanding of market needs. Barista is certainly one of those companies,” said Pamela Jo Busiek, president of CBI Laboratories and president of the Independent Cosmetics Manufacturers & Distributors trade association. “Barista Bath and Body will attract consumers with the marriage of luxury, healthy and high performance all designed around coffee…not just any coffee, but coffee specifically brewed to enhance the performance of the products all benefiting the end consumer.”

Why Coffee? —The Topical Benefits of Your Morning Pick-Me-Up

Coffee has a stimulating richness recognized for centuries as a natural curative. Published studies have documented the benefits of the topical application of coffee and its major constituent, caffeine. Barista Bath and Body products are formulated with organic coffee, coffee extract and essential oils to maximize the revitalizing benefits of coffee.

Coffee, along with caffeine – its major ingredient - has the following advantages. It:

Features a pH balance similar to the human body, meaning that it cleans better than ordinary soap or shampoo
acts as a gentle exfoliant
performs as an effective astringent
promotes the appearance of smoother-looking skin, especially in cellulite-prone areas

“We are delighted to bring Barista Bath and Body to market and honored to have the opportunity to show the line at Cosmoprof North America this year,” said Christine Willett, CEO of Barista Bath and Body. “We truly believe that these products are one of a kind. Barista Bath and Body is the perfect pairing of our experience and expertise in the coffee industry and our passion for exceptional natural beauty products.”

About Barista Bath and Body

Barista Bath and Body is the first full line of natural hair and skin care products to leverage the benefits of coffee appealing equally to men, women, and coffee aficionados everywhere.

Barista Bath and Body was envisioned and launched by three successful businesswomen inspired by coffee and determined to bring performance-driven natural beauty products to the marketplace. The mission of Barista Bath and Body is “…to offer bath and body products that are natural, safe and effective and promote the body’s inherent ability to heal and rejuvenate…”

Barista Bath and Body is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with offices in Orange County, California.

New Hub for Southern California Soapmaking Community

Kat — 2010-08-07T06:43:00-07:00

SAN DIEGO, CA - The Soapmaking Studio in Lemon Grove has become a hub for the southern California soapmaking community. With home soap crafting on the rise, the Soapmaking Studio has answered the call to unite soap crafters at an interactive and local level.

In addition to providing soapmakers with valuable classes on soapmaking, the Soapmaking Studio has served as a meeting place for soapmakers who share common specialized interests. On July 25, the first meeting of the Soapmaking Historical Society was held at the Soapmaking Studio. It is the mission of the Soapmaking Historical Society to research soapmaking in early communities throughout the US and make the information publicly available. (More info on the Soapmaking Historical Society is available from http://www.soapmakingstudio.com/ )

Also in July, the Soapmaking Studio served as a local meeting point for soapmakers who met and carpooled to free field trip destinations pertinent to making soap, such as a field trip to an essential oil distillery, a lavender farm, botanical gardens, and a water conservation garden. The informative hands-on field trips allowed soapmakers to see first hand the plants grown for producing olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, litsea cubeba, frankincense, and dozens of other plants used in soapmaking. (More info on the free field trips for soapmakers is available from http://www.soapmakingstudio.com/schedule.html )

Along with Certified Lye, the Natural Soap Directory, and Pallas Athene Soap, the Soapmaking Studio has been co-hosting free luncheons for soapmakers four times per year at the Marie Callender’s restaurant in San Diego. Each luncheon has featured a guest speaker of value to soapmakers, from motivational speakers, to base oil distributors, to marketing specialists. At the most recent Soap Makers’ Luncheon on July 18, an essential oil distillation demonstration was presented to the attending soapmakers. With water boiling on a tabletop burner and steam rushing through freshly picked lavender, the entire restaurant was heavily perfumed with newly distilled lavender essential oil and the attendees were delighted. (More info on the free Soap Makers’ Luncheons is available from http://www.pallasathenesoap.com/luncheon.html )

Whether soapmakers want to learn new soapmaking techniques from experienced soapmakers, meet for free field trips, meet to conceive new groups and activities for soapmakers, or teach classes to eager soapmaking students, it all happens at the Soapmaking Studio in Lemon Grove.

New All-Natural Skin Care Products Available Online

Kat — 2010-08-06T14:42:18-07:00

Toronto, Canada – Canadian consumers have a new online source for their chemical-free skin care needs. Organic4Nature™, a fresh face in the natural and organic skin care market, recently created a niche with a healthier, natural approach.

Organic4Nature™ offers a spectrum of products ranging from lip balms – made from organic hempseed oil and other fine natural ingredients – to hand-made body soaps – made with organic oils and natural grains and herbs.

Products quickly gaining popularity in this great new line include a fair-trade shea butter lotion and a lavender shampoo made from organic and biodynamic ingredients, both offered in non-PVC eco-packaging.

Founder Jean-André Paré researched and developed the company’s unique product line using top Canadian suppliers from across the country. What he has created is “an essential line of products, free of chemical by-products and other toxins”.

Paré feels it is important to offer products today that are ethically and fairly made and are naturally sustainable, to help both the environment and communities around the world. A prime example of how Organic4Nature “gives back” is its African Black Soap that combines the healing qualities of certified organic hempseed oil, with natural, unrefined shea nut butter. Women of a small village in Ghana who toil to pick and process the seed. The revenues are not supporting a large organization, rather their small communities

Organic4Nature™ essential skin care products are available online, delivered across North America and will be available soon in select stores in Toronto.

For further information or to place an order, visit: www.organic4nature.com

Contact Jean-André Paré at contact@organic4nature.com or call 647-238-3380.

Mocha Tree Organics Announces Launch of their Naturally Inspired Skincare Line

Kat — 2010-08-06T14:32:53-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Mocha Tree Organics is pleased to announce the launch of its naturally inspired skincare line. This Indianapolis-based company takes pride in offering its customers a "green" solution to chemically-formulated body care products. Freshly made in small batches, each creation is prepared, mixed and packaged by hand, setting it apart from big-box retailers whose shelves are lined with machine-manufactured goods.

Kimberly Stepp, founder & innovative director, conceived Mocha Tree Organics out of a need to find a natural alternative for her youngest child's skincare health. "Commercial brand moisturizers seemed to worsen my daughter's condition and prescription remedies resulted in unwanted side effects. I knew that there had to be better way," Stepp explained.

In 2001 Kimberly tapped into her background in chemistry and began experimenting with different combinations of natural ingredients. By 2009 she had replaced each of the original butters and oils with a certified organic counterpart. Focusing on solutions for individuals with sensitive skin and those who are health conscious about the products they apply to their bodies, Kimberly designed a line of scrubs and moisturizers that are as affordable as they are functional.

Priced at just $15 and under, Mocha Tree Organics offers a dynamic duo of skincare essentials that combines certified organic and fair-trade ingredients with natural essential oil blends. Brimming with botanicals, oils and butters from around the world, the company places a high value on formulating products that are free from parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals and sulfates. The result is an exquisite line of vegan-friendly body polishes and crèmes that transform your skin from dull to radiant, giving it the healthy glow it deserves.

As equally important as a healthy well-being, Mocha Tree Organics values innovative ideas that promote environmental sustainability and preserve the planet's natural resources. It utilizes recyclable packaging and has implemented a "Reduce, Reuse, Refill" initiative that aids in the reduction of cosmetic jars and lids that find their homes in recycling facilities and landfills. Additionally, the company demonstrates its underlying commitment to social responsibility by giving back to the world-wide community through philanthropic efforts, like sponsoring tree-planting campaigns or donating funds to organizations that empower the human race.

Having spent hundreds of dollars on ineffective treatments for her daughter's eczema, Kimberly has aligned the Mocha Tree Organics business model in parallel with her personal beliefs. "We have formulated a product line that provides skincare solutions for thousands of people. It would be unethical for us to keep it to ourselves or to slap a price tag on it that puts it out of reach for those who need it the most."

Offering a healthier skincare alternative at an affordable price? Brilliant!

For more information or to view the entire collection, visit the website at www.mochatreeorganics.com

Barista Bath and Body Brews Up First-Ever Full Line of Natural Hair and Skin Care Products Leveraging Benefits of Coffee as Key Ingredient

Kat — 2010-07-13T13:23:26-07:00

Barista Bath and Body chosen as Discover Beauty participant at Cosmoprof North America July 18-20

PORTLAND, Ore., July 13, 2010 –Barista Bath and Body, a luxurious new natural hair and skin care line, launches today at http://www.baristabathandbody.com. Focused on offering natural and highly effective products, Barista Bath and Body is the first full beauty line to leverage the revitalizing benefits of coffee by making organic coffee a primary ingredient in its flagship products. Coffee’s unique contributions to beauty products include aiding in removing impurities from hair and offering a natural pH to soothe and protect the skin. All Barista Bath and Body products are paraben-free, sulfate-free and phthalate-free.

Barista Bath and Body individual products range in price from $4.50 to $28.00 and $22.50 to $150.00 for gift sets. Explore the collection here.

Why Coffee? —The Topical Benefits of Your Morning Pick-Me-Up
Coffee has a stimulating richness recognized for centuries as a natural curative. Published studies have documented the benefits of the topical application of coffee and its major constituent, caffeine. Barista Bath and Body products are formulated with organic coffee, coffee extract and essential oils to maximize the revitalizing benefits of coffee.

Coffee, along with caffeine – its major ingredient - has the following advantages. It:

Features a pH balance similar to the human body, meaning that it cleans better than ordinary soap or shampoo
acts as a gentle exfoliant
performs as an effective astringent
promotes the appearance of smoother-looking skin, especially in cellulite-prone areas

About Barista Bath and Body
Barista Bath and Body is the first full line of natural hair and skin care products to leverage the benefits of coffee appealing equally to men, women, and coffee aficionados everywhere.

Barista Bath and Body is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with offices in Orange County, California.

PR Contact:
Lisa Miller:
Lisa@vibrancepr.com
201-532-0312

Best Green Gifts Under $35

Kat — 2010-06-28T12:21:43-07:00

Brighton, CO -- Mother Earth will smile when you give these organic gifts--all under $35 from Lily Organics! Gifts are handcrafted weekly in a lab on Lily's own Certified Organic Farm.

Lily Organics is the first and only skin care company, in the world, to become a U.S.D.A. Certified Organic Grower! From your mother-in-law to your best friend to your child's teacher, Lily Organics has something for everyone!

The Gift of Relaxation: Homespa, $33.59 - Reflect & re-energize with a 2-hour experience including: cleansers, astringent, herbal moisturizer, herbs for a facial steam, hot oil treatment, botanical enzyme exfoliant mask, lotions, creams, incense, bath oil, candle, cotton balls, relaxing tea, meditations and eye toning pads.

The Gift of Smooth, Even Skin: Rejuvenating Enzyme Mask, $28.79 - Removes dead skin cell build up, stimulates cell growth, balances combination skin and regenerates damaged skin.

The Gift of Refreshment: Organic Moisture Mist, $17.79 - Balances, moisturizes and relaxes normal and combination skin. Great for kids, seniors and more!

Gifts by Skin Type: Trial Packs, $25.99 - Contain convenient airport travel sizes! Choose from Dry, Sensitive, or Combination/Normal. Five amazing products included in each pack!

Gifts for Skin In Need! (eczema, mechanics, construction workers, psoriasis): Seven Facial Rejuvenating Oils, $28.99 - Great on the face, can also be used on hands, skin irritations and scars, as a massage oil, on the temples for headaches, after the sun, and more!

Gifts for Bookworms: Beauty, Health, & Happiness~A Way of Life, $24.59 - Learn how to make your own body care products and discover new ways of living and healing.

The Stocking Stuffer: Lip Treatment $4.79 - Particularly formulated for people who live in the harsh regions. Great for dry cuticles and rough elbows.

To order these products, go to website www.lilyorganics.com, elilypads@yahoo.com or call 800-333-LILY.

Lily Morgan is the author of Beauty, Health, and Happiness-A way of life. She is the founder and formulator of Lily Organics, Fresh Chemical-free skin care line of facial care products. You can reach her at her website www.lilyorganics.com, elilypads@yahoo.com or 303-668-1128.

ANB Mall offers their visitors the opportunity to try before they buy all-natural goodies!

Kat — 2010-06-09T23:48:10-07:00

Mohnton, PA - The All Natural Beauty Mall, otherwise known as the ANB Mall (http://www.allnaturalbeauty.com) has come to be recognized as a fun online shopping experience for those looking for ‘safe & sumptuous’ beauty products. Going all-natural has really caught on for most. But some consumers are still not sure whether all-natural beauty care is actually better. For those skeptics, and everyone else, the ANB Mall is offering their latest Sampler Bag. It’s called the Summer Sizzler Sampler, since most of the 15 products in the bag are summer-related.

There are a total of 15 products (many of them are full-sized). The contents include sunscreen, mosquito repellent, summer mineral makeup, moisturizer, lip balm and several other delectable treats. Now is the time to try all-natural beauty care at its finest, for one low price of $29.50 plus $7.95 S & H). Besides being a safer and healthier way to beautify and groom… its fun! The following ANB Mall stores have generously participated in this promotion:

Nature’s Gift – http://www.naturesgift.com/anb.htm
Dropwise Essentials – http://www.dropwise.com
Jenulence – http://www.jenulence.com
Alexandra Avery – http://www.alexandraavery.com
Evan’s Garden – http://www.evansgarden.com
Shear Miracles – http://www.shearmiracles.net
MelanSol Sunscreen – http://www.puresunscreen.com
Ferro Cosmetics – http://www.ferrocosmetics.com
Monave Mineral Cosmetics – http://www.monave.com
Green Gardens Naturals – http://www.greengardensnaturals.com

To see a complete list of the contents of the sampler and to purchase yours, please visit: http://www.sharambrosia.net/buy_summer_sizzler_sampler.html. There is a 2 bag per customer limit. Offer good while supplies last. This offer is for US residents only. For more information please contact info@allnaturalbeauty.com.

CSR & Sustainability: How the Beauty Industry is Cleaning up

Kat — 2010-05-20T18:12:39-07:00

London – The beauty industry is cleaning up its image by investing in a raft of CSR & sustainability initiatives. Cosmetic companies have long received criticism for unethical and non-environmentally friendly business practices. Organic Monitor (www.organicmonitor.com) research finds that the industry is cleaning up, with some beauty companies and ingredient firms falling over themselves to communicate their green and ethical credentials.

In its new Strategic Insights report, Organic Monitor assesses CSR & Sustainability Initiatives in the Beauty Industry. The research finds that most investment is going into reducing the environmental footprint of cosmetic products by using greener formulations and sustainable packaging.

Packaging is receiving high interest because of its high ecological impact; companies are looking at biodegradable plastics, recycled materials and innovative ways to reduce packaging. The report gives case studies of companies undertaking novel techniques such as upcycling and lightweighting, as well as those using new packaging materials such as biopolymers and bamboo.

A major finding is that natural & organic cosmetic companies – many of which have sustainability built into their corporate DNA – are leading the way in terms of CSR & sustainability initiatives. The report highlights the achievements of the Brazilian company Natura, which has been championing environmental causes since its formation in 1969. It was the first major cosmetics company to become carbon neutral, offsetting its carbon emissions by reforestation of native tree species. Beraca, another Brazilian company, is also commended for its social & biodiversity investment projects in the Amazon. The report finds that although natural & organic product companies are typically pioneers, larger conventional firms are stealing the limelight by more aggressive communication of their CSR & sustainability activities.

By the use of case studies, Organic Monitor highlights the various methods of reducing the environmental and social impacts of cosmetics products and ingredients. The importance of ethical sourcing is making fair trade prominent, with a growing number of natural cosmetic and ingredient firms investing in grower projects in developing countries. Certification is a major barrier however, with many companies preferring to take the non-certified route because of bureaucracy and the limitations of fair trade standards. Corporate philanthropy is another area becoming important for some beauty companies wishing to ‘invest back’ into society.

Details are given of the various standards, certifications, labels and indexes for CSR and sustainability in the beauty industry. Natural & organic cosmetic standards have received most attention, however new schemes are emerging that look at the various dimensions of sustainability. Cradle to Cradle certification is becoming popular for companies such as Aveda and Kiehl’s as it gives a life-cycle analysis of cosmetic products.

CSR and sustainability initiatives in the beauty industry will be extensively featured in the upcoming Sustainable Cosmetics Summit (www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com), taking place in Paris, 18-20 October 2010. The summit looks at how beauty companies can lower their environmental and social impacts by investing in green formulations, sustainable packaging, certification programmes, biodiversity & ethical supply chains. The series of summits features leading organisations involved in such initiatives such as Natura, Beraca, Burt’s Bees, Estee Lauder, MH Plastics, Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International, NaTrue, Ecocert, Givaudan and Cognis.

Research Publication
#7091-60 Strategic Insights: CSR & Sustainability in the Beauty Industry
Publication Date: May 2010
More information on http://www.organicmonitor.com/709160.htm and http://www.organicmonitor.com/r1805.htm

Sustainable Cosmetics Summit
Organised by Organic Monitor, the aim of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit is to encourage sustainability in the beauty industry by bringing together key stake-holders and debate major sustainability issues in a high-level forum. The European edition of the summit will take place in Paris on 18-20th October. More information is available from www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com

About Organic Monitor
Organic Monitor is a specialist research & consulting company that focuses on the global organic & related product industries. Since our formation in 2001, we have been providing a range of business services to operators in high-growth ethical & sustainable industries. Our services include market research publications, business & technical consulting, summits, seminars & workshops. Visit us at www.organicmonitor.com

derma e® Introduces NEW Products Featuring Tamanu Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and More!

Kat — 2010-05-11T11:00:00-07:00

Simi Valley, CA – derma e® Natural Bodycare, a pioneer in formulating cutting-edge effective natural skincare products, is excited to announce the addition of 11 NEW products! With over 25 successful years of formulating natural skincare products, derma e®’s NEW innovative formulas continue to deliver powerful antioxidants, nourishing vitamins and minerals, and beneficial botanicals that provide results.

Inspired by the skin-beautifying elements of Tamanu Oil, derma e® NEW Tropical Solutions™ skincare line helps protect skin, prevent age damage and restore your natural, youthful radiance. These seven pineapple-papaya scented formulas blend the natural healing and renewal properties of tropical Tamanu Oil (Tamanu Oil was featured March 24, 2010 on the Dr. Oz Show with Chris Kilham, Medicine Hunter), with Green Tea, Pomegranate, Avocado, Aloe, Papaya and vitamins A, C and E, to nourish, protect and rejuvenate skin, and help prevent the early signs of aging.

Building on derma e®’s successful Hyaluronic Acid (HA) line of products, the NEW Hyaluronic Hydrating Mist and Lip Repair Crème instantly refresh, rehydrate and nourish dry, thirsty, aging skin. With HA, also known as Nature’s Moisture Magnet, beneficial botanicals and powerful antioxidants, these new additions deliver maximum moisture and nutrients for healthy, radiant and younger-looking skin.

Additionally, derma e® has launched two NEW treatment solutions. derma e®’s Very Clear® Problem Skin Body Wash joins the Very Clear® line for a more advanced blemish fighting system, helping to remove dirt, oil and impurities, and clear breakouts that may be found on the shoulders, back or chest. The NEW Flash Relief, Cooling and Calming Crème utilizes Black Cohosh, Wild Yam, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Menthol, Lavender and Vitamins C and E to help ease symptoms associated with hormonal changes during menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood imbalance.

About derma e®
For over 25 years, derma e® Natural Bodycare has pioneered the development of high-performance antioxidant skincare solutions. The comprehensive line of natural products is paraben-free, cruelty-free, 100% vegetarian and includes over 90 SKUs. derma e® can be found in 5000+ retail outlets across the U.S., with additional distribution internationally and on www.dermae.com. derma e® is family owned and operated and dedicated to serving the natural products retailer.

Petrochemical Exposure: Petroleum-based Sunscreens are Public Enemy #1

Kat — 2010-05-03T13:42:42-07:00

Summary:

Limiting exposure to petrochemicals is increasingly on the minds of consumers everywhere. People are eating organic, drinking purified water and seeking clean air, but often neglect the major source of petrochemical exposure; personal care products. Petroleum-based sunscreens containing benzene-based hydrocarbons such as avobenzone, mexoryl, oxybenzone, etc. are public enemy #1 in terms of exposure levels given that consumers put massive amounts of these products on their bodies daily.

Body:

Concerned about your health? Lately, healthcare is on everyone’s mind. More and more people like you are paying attention to avoiding petrochemical residues in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe, yet many common products routinely ruin all the effort and money we spend pursuing a healthy, clean lifestyle. Personal care products often escape the same scrutiny applied to things we ingest, but need equal attention because many of the chemicals that go on our skin also end up in our bodies.

Petroleum-based sunscreens are public enemy #1 on the exposure list given that no other personal care product promotes higher levels of benzene-based petrochemical absorption during a single application. Consider the following example:

You go to the beach for an afternoon, applying the recommended amount of 1 ounce of sunscreen to protect the skin that’s not already covered by your swimsuit.

1 ounce is the equivalent of 30 grams of sunscreen product.

If you’re using an SPF 30 formula that does not use mineral actives, it will typically contain about 30% petroleum-based active ingredients – that’s 9 grams of petrochemicals you’re putting on your skin per application.

Think it just stays on your skin? Wrong! Depending on the medical study, 60-80% of these chemicals get absorbed internally – into your blood, organs, nervous system and tissue. That’s conservatively more than 5 grams getting into your body, or worse, your children’s developing bodies; and these chemicals are regulated as drugs by FDA precisely because they are deemed toxic and have significant side effects.

Surprised about complete-body exposure with a product you only put on your skin? That’s understandable until you consider that exposure to these chemicals is a relatively new event from an evolutionary perspective; our skin has evolved over millennia to be an excellent barrier for keeping dust and pathogens out and life-giving water in, but skin exposure to petrochemicals is very new. The past 100 years simply hasn’t been enough time for this critical organ to develop good barrier properties. Petrochemicals easily pass through into your blood, organs, nervous system and tissue.

This is bad. During the past several years, scientists worldwide have reported many problems petrochemical sunscreens cause: they fail to biodegrade in the environment and can be measured in our water supply; they feminize fish in ecosystems and disrupt natural reproductive cycles; they kill reef corals and have been outlawed in most tropical aquatic parks including those in Mexico; they increase free radical damage to our DNA; they’re associated with several forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Last year the United States Center for Disease Control published a study that measured significant quantities of oxybenzone that get constantly excreted in the urine of 98.6% of 2,517 people tested which means these petrochemicals bioaccumulate; and they mimic estrogen in our own bodies.

The estrogen issue is particularly disturbing. Petroleum sunscreens do not have the same estrogenic activity as estrogen unit for unit, however since the dose is so much higher it has the potential to cause similar effects. A reasonable example is as follows: if sunscreen agents have 0.01% (1/10,000th) the activity of estrogen, a 5 gram dose of sunscreen is the equivalent of 0.5 milligrams of estrogen, which is the same daily dose prescribed as a pill for hormonal therapy in menopausal women! If you apply a modicum of common sense it’s easy to deduce that petrochemical sunscreens are not products you should be using on your children since they are naturally developmentally sensitive to hormones. They’re not good for adults either.

The sunscreen market is a minefield for consumers concerned with petrochemical exposure, so here is a list of petro-sunscreens to avoid;

Avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789)
Dioxybenzone
Ecamsule (also known as Mexoryl or Anthelios – owned by L’Oreal)
Homosalate
Methyl Anthranilate
Octyl methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate)
Octocylene
Octyl Salicylate
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, or BP-3)
Padimate O
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
PABA-ester
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid
Sulisobenzone
Trolamine salicylate

Look for products that contain mineral sunscreen, preferably Zinc Oxide, as it offers a broader spectrum of UVA and UVB protection compared to Titanium Dioxide, and Zinc Oxide is made from the critical mineral nutrient, Zinc, instead of a toxic heavy metal, Titanium. Zinc Oxide is also the only sunscreen active that’s FDA approved for use on children and babies, despite what many other brands market.

Enjoy your healthy summer!

Live clean. Green Screen®.

Green Screen® Organic SPF 20 Original and SPF 22 Tinted Sunscreens are available worldwide online at www(dot)kabanaskincare.com, North Pacific and Rocky Mountain Whole Foods and select natural product retailers nationwide. We are actively seeking to expand distribution; please direct all inquiries, including media, to wholesale(at)kabanaskincare.com.

Love your skin. Kabana does.™

Green Screen is a Registered ® Trademark of Kabana Skin Care LLC; other product names are also trademarked.

ZOLD Eco-Sales Agency Beyond Beauty

Kat — 2010-04-23T20:24:15-07:00

Americans are going green and although this ‘green shift’ is positive in its concepts, it raises many questions -

What's the difference between this organic brand and that one?
When something is "100% natural" what does that actually mean?
How did this product get here, what ingredients are in the bottle, and who made it?
Is what is being sold really safe for me and my family?

Companies are more than willing to oblige this shift in consumer mentality. But claims and advertising for green products has made it difficult for retailers and consumers to obtain the full story on what they're buying. Who do consumers trust and who do retailers trust to identify the right brands for their business needs?

ZOLD Eco-Sales Agency is a sales agency that provides beauty businesses with product solutions, in-depth staff product training, and sales support. ZOLD gets beyond the green washing and works with manufacturers that actually care for the environment and the intrinsic value of their eco-beauty product lines. The aim of this full service sales agency is simple – to not only sell quality organic products but to equip partners with the knowledge and know how to enable their business to thrive.

ZOLD believe education is key to success
While many marketing agencies and corporations create ‘new and unique’ definitions for the term ‘organic’ or ‘natural’, ZOLD believes in education. Educating retailers and consumers about the health and environmental benefits of organic personal care is paramount to establishing safer mainstream products and making them a part of everyday life choices.

One way ZOLD support their sales efforts is through a team of highly skilled Eco-Beauty Educators who each receive in depth training directly from the beauty brands that ZOLD represents. This diverse team of estheticians, cosmetologists, and stylists train staff, conduct product demonstrations for spa clientele and make the transition to a more natural and organic product offering not only easy, but profitable as well.

By adding this additional layer of service and support, ZOLD help green businesses grow - whether they be a salon, spa, massage therapist, pharmacy, organic market, or gift store - and raise the level of service in the establishment.

About ZOLD Eco-Sales Agency
Based in Alberta, Canada, ZOLD recently expanded their operations to the United States and now represent more than 20 leading organic and natural beauty brands such as Living Nature, Pure & Basic.

ZOLD has a team of representatives across North America. At the heart of the company is dedicated President, Rob Siegmund, a new breed of entrepreneur - the type who cares about personally connecting to all of his clients and partners.

"Until all participants in the supply chain share the responsibilities of great products, great service and great price, we will not successfully integrate the ideology of environmental practices into the mainstream," Rob Siegmund says. "Consumers cannot afford to simply purchase an item because it is natural or organic. People want to purchase a product that solves their needs at a price they can afford."

CONTACT:
Rob Siegmund
Phone: 877-648-1734
Email: rsiegmund@zoldusa.com
Website: www.zoldusa.com

Lillian Skincare announces the launch of their new Wine Therapy line of products

Kat — 2010-04-23T19:57:00-07:00

Nashville, TN – Excitement mounts as Lillian Skincare announces the launch of their innovative new Wine Therapy line of skin care products. Well known for their natural, Vegan & eco-friendly approach to skin care and for their use of Fair Trade and organic ingredients, Lillian has popped the cork and added wine to the mix.
“In recent years, research has shown that wine is beneficial to the skin when applied topically” explains Angela Bowman Wales, founder and President of Lillian Skincare. “Wine, grape seed oil & grape skin extract are rich in Resveratrol and other polyphenols (antioxidants) which have been shown to fight free radical damage – slowing the oxidation process that causes premature aging and sagging of the skin”.

In addition to wine, grape seed oil & grape skin extract, the products contain hemp oil, kpangnan butter, coconut oil and other fruit & plant oils that contain vitamins A, C, D & E. With products ranging from moisturizing Handmade Artisan Soap, to Hemp & Crushed Rice Body Lotion, to Exfoliating Body Conditioner, the Wine Therapy line is everything one would need in order to obtain beautiful, radiant skin.

Lillian Skincare is committed to the responsible sourcing of their ingredients and to giving back to the native communities from where they are obtained. They do not support animal testing nor do they use any animal byproducts. All products are 100% Vegan and all packaging is recycled and/or recyclable.

The Wine Therapy line of products is available through the Lillian Skincare website as well as select wineries, spas & retailers across the US. For more information, please visit www.LillianSkincare.com, email sales@lillianskincare.com or call 800-506-9723.