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Natural Health and Beauty Products Buying Guide
There are a lot of benefits to using
organic products
Increasing Trend
Organics have become increasingly popular over the last few years, thanks in large part to consumer concern for the environment, health and safety. In fact, organic products have had such an overwhelmingly positive response that unlike the general toiletries and cosmetics industry, the organic sector alone is expected to grow at a yearly rate of 9% during the next few years (compared to a 1% increase within the non-organic sector).
It's not surprising that many mainstream brands and manufacturers have joined the trend, not only claiming to be eco-friendly, but also creating their own lines of "organics." However, it is important to remember that it is the ingredients that count, not advertising gimmicks. Misleading claims on many health and beauty products include the term "natural" or "organic" when in fact there is nothing organic about them at all.
This guide is offered as a way to enhance your knowledge and awareness of the organic world of health and beauty products by giving you information about some of the best brands and products.
New to Organics?
If you are just catching on to the organic trend, then there are a few things that you might want to know before delving into this mysterious world -- especially when it comes to organic
health and beauty products
. Here in the United States, no standards have been passed for non-food products as far as organics go. Sure you will see the "USDA Organic" stamp on everything from soy milk to quinoa, but you probably won't see it on any makeup or face wash. Unfortunately, even when you do, there is no guarantee that these so-called organics are entirely as safe as they sound. The explanation of which labels mean what is just the basics. For more information regarding product labels, see the official sites: National Organic Program (
NOP)
and
Eco Cert
. You may also benefit from reading about this subject in detail at
Organic Consumers Association
.
- 100% Organic: This means your products are made entirely of organic products. Such products may bear the USDA organic seal of approval.
- Organic: Close to perfection, but not quite. These products have around 95% organic material in them.
- Made with Organic Ingredients: This means very little. It could have 2% or as much as 75% organics of the end product -- such products most certainly will not bear the USDA Organic stamp.
About Organic Ingredients
With all organic products, the most important thing to look at are the ingredients. That means becoming accustomed to reading labels and looking for the good and bad. No marketing scheme, falsely labeled or otherwise misleading claims can tear you away from the truth once you know how to decipher the language of the label. Learn more about ingredients here:
- Before you buy : The difference between "natural" and certified-organic products.
- Cosmetic's Cop : A glossary of ingredients that beauty products may contain.
- Natural Health Magazine : Natural herbal ingredients and what they do to help your skin, plus several product recommendations.
- FDA: Information about labelling and ingredients in cosmetics.
Introduction to Organic Companies
Choosing from the countless number of brands can be difficult, especially if you are new to organics, but there are a few that stand out for their innovative products.
-
Dr. Hauschka
, which are great for vacations or weekending, make excellent gifts and can be used as an introduction to their various skin care lines. Some favorites from Dr. Hauscka's makeup line include the lipsticks
. See the FAQ for more information about the product line and their philosophy.
-
Burt's Bees
-
Ecco Bella
Product Spotlight
Here are some popular organic beauty products around as per recommendations and reviews from users on the Web. In general, you can expect each of the brands mentioned below to offer a wide variety of quality skin and body care products or cosmetics that will treat your body the way nature intended.
Face
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Jason products are well-known in the organic sector. Their new line "Red Elements" is infused with not green, but red tea. Both the cleanser and toner have shown promise. |
Nature's Gate Organics Forget Your Lines Wrinkle Diffuser
Helps relax facial muscles to decrease the appearance of fine lines. |
Best for soothing sensitive or irritated skin. Perfect for anyone with problem or sensitive skin. Ideal for those with rosacea or eczema as well. |
Avalon Organics Renewal & Vitality Facial Cleansing Gel
Fine for normal to dry skin, but it also helps soothe sensitive skin too. The mild formula is fine for daily use. |
Body
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An innovative product by LUSH, made with cocoa butter, jasmine, and cornstarch. It is a perfect body powder for the hot summer months when moisturizer is too much. |
Burt's Bees Head To Toe Starter Kit
Experience a tidbit of everything Burt's Bees has to offer with this kit full of sampler size products. It works well as a gift or as a travel kit for yourself. |
This is one of the most famous products by L'Occitane. Nonetheless, they offer a wide range of quality products for your skin including a new Grape Body Care line. |
Kiss My Face Moisture Shave in Lavender & Shea
Moisturizing for dry skin and great for warding of razor burn or infections from razor cuts. |
Hair
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Kiss my face is not only organic, but also affordable. Lots of types to choose from, all kinds of conditioners and different hair needs addressed. |
Both the shampoo and
Burt's bees conditioners
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Slightly pricier, but all of the Aveda products are organic, and work amazingly well. A huge range of products from shampoo to
Aveda Leave In Conditioners
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Other
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As far as toothpaste goes, this has rated high amongst users across the board. It does not contain flouride (considered toxic), which is part of its widespread appeal. |
Choose from Red Hibiscus Rouge, Lemon Aid, Coconut Cream, and Hawaiian Vanilla. Tasty flavors and moisturizing cocoa butter make these great lip balms. |
Perhaps one of the best lip balms around. Simply ask any beauty addict and most likely she'll have tried it and loved it! |
Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Rose Hip Seed Oil
This oil is a concentrated blemish fighter that helps soothe the skin while keeping it clear and fresh. |
Search for Natural Products By Brand
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Alba
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Arbonne
- Athena's Italian
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Aubrey Organics
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Avalon Organics
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Aveda
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Burt's Bees
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Clearly Natural Soaps
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Dakota Free
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Doux Me
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Dr. Bronner's
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Dr. Hauschka
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Ecco Bella
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Essenceology
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Forever Young
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Gabriel
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Green Ridge Herbs
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Hemp Organics
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Jason Natural
- Lavera
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Living Nature
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Miessence
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Mountain Rose Herbs
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Nature's Gate
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Saffron Rouge
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Shikai
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Tom's of Maine
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Uhma Nagri
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Vermont Soaps
-
Weleda
Related Guides
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Important External Links
- Find an organic store or product in your area with this handy search at the Organic Consumer's Association .
- Skin Deep Report : See this list of "high concern" brands and more.
- Green Choices : A listing of eco-friendly products and some vegetarian options.
-
Humane Society
- Consumer Product Safety Commission : Always a good resource.
- Find more helpful external links at the Health and Beauty Resource Page .
Related Searches
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