Harnessing Nature

When one becomes aware of the synthetic chemicals that are present inside of conventional beauty products the first question that arises is, WHY? …

‘Why are these chemicals being included in our everyday products’?

The reasons are as long as the chemicals list (long!) but to overview, synthetic chemicals are commonly added to;

1) increase shelf life (by reducing growth of bacteria)

2) improve efficiency or experience (bubbles, smell, removal of dirt, etc)

3) improve the look (colour, texture)

All is sounding wonderful here … until you look into what these synthetic products are and how they impact on our human systems.

The good news is that ‘once upon a time’ people created natural beauty products without adding anything synthetic.  That’s right, products made from natural ingredients with nothing further added.  These choices are of course still available for us today, by way of Certified Organic.

We thought we’d share today 5 synthetic ingredients commonly included in beauty products, what their role is & what they do to us.  As well as 5 of our natural antibacterial & preservative ‘systems’ … the ‘how’ in harnessing the power of nature.

PARABENS ~ Parabens are a widely used synthetic preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in cosmetic products.  Parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with increased risk of breast cancer.  They can be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers.

FRAGRANCE ~ This ‘beautified’ marketing term was created to protect a companies ‘intellectual property’. Essentially, it is a concoction of synthetic chemicals.  Fragrances have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.  ‘Fragrances’ can be found in many products such as perfume, cologne, conditioner, shampoo, body wash and moisturisers.

PHTHALATES ~ A group of chemicals used to increase the flexibility and softness of plastics.  Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females.  They can be found in deodorants, perfumes/colognes, hair sprays and moisturisers.

TRICLOSAN ~ Tricolson is widely used antimicrobial chemical.  It is a known skin irritant & endocrine disruptor.  Tricolson can be found in toothpastes, antibacterial soaps and deodorants.

SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE ~ This surfactant can be found in more than 90 percent of personal care and cleaning products (mostly foaming products).  SLS’s are known to be skin, lung, and eye irritants. A major concern about SLS is its potential to interact and combine with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, a carcinogen.  They can be found in shampoo, body wash/cleanser & mascara.

Now to return to nature.    These ingredients form the base of The Divine Company collection, are completely natural and Certified Organic when possible.

To create an Antibacterial Environment …

Lemon Myrtle & Lavender ~ Essential oils have antibacterial, anti fungal & antimicrobial qualities. We harness the power of nature when we include these ingredients in our products.

Our preservative systems …

Bitter Orange Extract, Certified Organic Ethanol, Sodium Chloride, Bicarbonate Soda.

The first step to ensure our products are preserved naturally is to ensure the correct combination of ingredients. It is imperative our combinations don’t cultivate or ferment when the ingredients are mixed together. Secondly we harness the natural preservative power of nature with the inclusion of natural Ethanol, Salt & Bicarbonate Soda. When used in small amounts they maintain the natural integrity of the product ensuring purity & preservation.

What are your thoughts on the ingredients in conventional beauty products?  Are you a user of Certified Organic?  We’d love to know what you think.  Write us a note on our Facebook.