Now that I have this inner resolve to Go Green, I figured that I’d get moisturizers, sun-block, shampoo and soap that are friendly to both the planet and me. Our skin isn’t just a barrier against the environment but a living breathing organ that ingests and processes the substances it comes into contact with. It’s tough though. What is the difference between organic, natural and botanical!?! There is yet no standard on regulating what is organic for cosmetics so beauty products use the term loosely. Which manufacturers use 100% certified organic ingredients for their products? Natural products, I heard may “use conventionally-grown ingredients, but they’re made without synthetic additives, such as parabens and petrochemicals.” On the other hand, botanicals, are “primarily made from plant-based ingredients and oils, although most also claim to be free of synthetics.”
Based on my research:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
* SPF (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide)
* “No Animal Testing” certification
* USDA Certified Organic (for non-local products)
* Recyclable containers
WHAT TO AVOID
* Artificial Color
* Fragrance
* Preservatives (parabens and formaldehyde)
* Petroleum-based products, glycerin and glycols
So far, I’ve been using Weleda, Origins Organics (their whipped body are heavenly), Jason (I use their sun block), Alba, and Earth Essentials (for babies). These can be found at either Healthy Options and Rustan’s. I can also swear by Burt’s Bees Cream, the Badger body, lip and foot balm, and the Essens massage oils I get from Dra. Palanca-Chen (all coconut oil with essential oils like Lavender and Eucalyptus.) Weleda is a brand that uses homeopathic ingredients. Their products are free of artificial additives, synthetic preservatives and colorings. Among their products, they have soaps, deodorants, oils, milk baths, lotions, and shampoos. Fortunately, Centro Natura has brought the Weleda brand to the Philippines. You can find their products at Rustans Essenses or at the Isip Center, Palma corner Manalac Streets, Brgy. San Isidro, Makati. You can also try By Nature Handmade Soaps, and I love their Baby Blue and Total Bliss lines. Planet Noah has the Oasis brand that is heavenly. I use their Body Butter. You can contact Judy at http://oneplanetnoah.multiply.com. Ilog Maria has a few great products such as their Propolis Feminine Wash, Honey Glycerin Soap, Propolis Bath Salts and Honey with Oatmeal Mask. http://www.ilogmaria.com/
I have to say though that the lines on what is really organic, natural or best for the Planet seem blurry. The bottom line is find an eco-friendly product that is good to your skin, make sure its free of petrochemicals, sulfates and parabens. I do these, and sometimes, the names or labels don’t really matter. And don’t forget that the best beauty products are free: drinking lots of water, a good night’s sleep and the radiance of love.
The Girl and the Grail 