Organic Personal Care and Cosmetics
Have you recently read what is in your toothpaste and ends in your stomach while you brush your teeth?
Have you recently read what is in your shampoo and conditioner, which are absorbed through your scalp?
Did you know that all lotions including sun screen end in mothers milk while breast feeding!
As with all products we recommend all to read what is in the products they use.
Our organic products
Our organic personal care products and cosmetics do not contain toxic chemicals, synthetic fragrances, deodorants, preservatives, colourants or petroleum ingredients. Instead we sell organic formulations which rely on certified organic plants, pure essential oils and natural emulsifiers to restore and encourage healthy, balanced skin and hair. In addition all our products are “cruelty free” meaning they are not tested on animals and are free of harmful aerosols which contribute to green house gases.
Feeding your skin
Skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body. It is a two way membrane in which toxins are eliminated through the skin via perspiration and absorbed into the body’s bloodstream through hail follicles and sebaceous glands. There are 65 hair follicles and 100 sebaceous glands per square inch absorbing, like little mouths, everything we put onto our skin. All the chemicals, deodorants, synthetic fragrances, preservatives and petroleum products go directly into our circulatory system as if we ate them actually more efficiently as our digestive system has more powerful safeguards and mechanisms in eliminating toxins.
Conventional Beauty
Conventional body care products and cosmetics are made from a cocktail of non-regulated chemicals. Many of these chemicals are known carcinogenic as well as irritants to lungs and skin. In particular, the ingredients in underarm deodorants have been linked to an increase in breast cancer. The personal care industry, which is worth approximately 30 billion dollars in the U.S. alone, has recently noticed that consumers want a more natural, holistic approach to skin and hair care. In response they have been using the word “natural” to describe some of their ingredients as a marketing ploy. For example they legally call petroleum products “natural”. The only way to ensure your family is safe from toxins in your personal products is to buy gentle, pure certified organic products.
Deodorants
Living in a hot country this is of special importance to us. Most deodorants use chemicals to block up pores i.e. prevent perspiration. This unfortunately prevents the toxins from coming out of the body and is a contributing factor to breast cancer, tumors and lymphatic system over toxicity.
A common chemical used for this which should at all times be avoided is aluminium chlorhydrate.
Some common Toxic Chemicals found in body care products
. Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea: Used as preservatives, it releases formaldehyde and is highly toxic in larger amounts
. Methyl/Propyl/Butyl/Ethyl Paraban: Used as inhibitors of microbial growth. Causes allergic reactions and skin rashes. It also highly toxic.
. Aluminium Chlorhydrate: Commonly used in deodorants to block pores and known to cause cancer.
. Paraben: Parabens are widely used as anti-microbial preservatives in cosmetics, personal care products. Traces of parabens have indeed been found in human breast tumours. They are very toxic and a leading cause of contact dermatitis.
. Petrolatum: A mineral oil jelly advertised to combat chafing and moisture loss, but actually exacerbates the problem.
. PVP/VA Copolymer: A petroleum derived chemical used in aerosols. Contributes to lung problems in sensitive users.
. Sodium Laurel Sulphate: A synthetic detergent and foam builder. Associated with eye irritation, skin rashes, hair loss, dandruff and allergic reactions.
. Stearalkonium Chloride: A fabric softener that is used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes allergic reactions.
. Synthetic Colours: Chemical colourants that are believed to be cancer causing.
. Synthetic Fragrances: A combination of hundreds of different chemicals. Problems associated are headaches, dizziness, rash, vomiting, coughing and skin irritation.
. Triethanolamine: Used to adjust ph level in cleansers. Causes eye problems, dryness of skin and hair and could be toxic after long exposure.
Natural Alternatives to Chemicals
Emollients: prevents dryness, acts as a protective barrier and healing agent.
. Plant oils (jojoba, avocado, rosehip)
. Shea, cocoa and jojoba butter
Humectants: deposits a layer of moisture to keep skin moist.
. Lecithin
. Panthenol (provitamin B5)
. Glycerine
Emulsifiers: holds two ingredients that usually don’t’s mix.
. “Shake well before use”
. Plant waxes (candelilla, carnuba, jojoba, rice bran)
. Xanthum gum
. Quince seed
Surfactants: a cleanser which dissolves oils and holds dirt in suspension.
. Castile soap
. Yucca extract
. Soapwort
. Quillay, a bark extract
Preservatives: extends shelf life and slows deterioration.
. Refrigeration
. Tea tree oil
. Thyme oil
. Grapefruit seed extract
Natural Remedies for the Skin
Powerful plants, healing herbs and natural minerals have been used for centuries to cleanse and care for skin and hair. Traditional therapies are gentle, pure and free of toxic chemicals. Some traditional choices are:
. Witch Hazel: a natural anti-microbial and deodizer
. Tea Tree Oil: a natural antibiotic oil to treat minor cuts and scrapes
. Rosemary: treats inflammation and redness
. Lemon or Citrus Oil: a natural astringent which is very stimulating
. Almond Oil: an easily absorbed super moisturizer
. Eucalyptus: invigorate skin and opens up pores
. Sea Salt: a natural anti-inflammatory agent full of essential minerals
Castile Soap
Castile Soap is an all vegetable based soap which was originally made of olive oil in the Castile region of Spain. In modern times “castile” has come to mean any vegetable or plant based soap, versus animal (tallow) fat based soap. This is a simple, pure soap which is devoid of synthetic chemicals of any kind.
A first step
Like most things, we get used to what we use. Using organic body care products is a big step even when used so called “natural” body care products since they feel different. One thing is for sure though, after using our products for a while you will find it hard to go back to regular products. Your sense of smell will resist the chemicals and fragrances.
Our brands
Urtekram
A 100% chemical free body care range using simple alternative ingredients to produce innovative products that once you are used to you will find hard to live without.
As in all our products they are not tested on animals and use only essential oils for fragrances.
Life in the woods
Laura Morrish, a Canadian born fruitarian, makes the world wide only 100% certified body care range we could find. Every ingredient is not only organic but also from sustainable agriculture. The products are of exceptional quality.
As in all our products they are not tested on animals and use only essential oils for fragrances.
Look forward to this range by the beginning of May.
Common sense farms
A family run business making body care products in their converted barn. The products are all chemical free, with something for everyone in the family. The baby range and shea butter are especially great. Also available in 50ml bottles they are great for when on the move. As in all our products they are not tested on animals and use only essential oils for fragrances.
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