When I started this company one year ago, it was because I wanted more natural products that I could trust. I wanted to know what was going into the products I use instead of getting confused by labels with ingredients I couldn't pronounce.
I started off slow, and as this year has gone by I've learned an awful lot about different ingredients used by many companies. The most important thing to me is that my customers understand what is in the products they buy from me, information is key.
With the introduction of my Whipped Soaps, and considering I'm using naturally derived ingredients instead of all-natural in them, I felt it necessary to share a few things with you all.
Here's a few things I've learned so far:
1. If you can't pronounce or understand the ingredients on your skincare label, it's likely because the company you're buying from is simply following the legal labeling guidelines for cosmetics. This does not instantly mean they are toxic chemicals.
2. All-natural is not necessarily all-good! Coconut Oil, for example, is said to be ultra moisturizing for your skin. Coconut Oil ranks high on the comedogenic scale, so while it might be good for your skin - it will clog your pores when used on your face, causing acne breakouts. There are many natural ingredients that are toxic in their natural state.
3. There are plenty of cosmetic ingredients that are naturally derived and more beneficial to use, and chemicals have their place in cosmetics too-as long as they're not harmful or toxic.
4. The terms "All-Natural", "Natural", "Clean", "Pure" are not regulated. That means pretty much anybody can say something is "all-natural" or "natural" and not get into trouble for it.
Here's information about some of the ingredients I've started to use in some of my products:
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)- sulfate alternative, gentle surfactant derived from coconuts. Acts as a foaming agent and cleansing ingredient. This ingredient leaves your skin feeling soft and silky.
Stearic Acid: Used to harden/thicken a product (lotion, creams). This is derived from a vegetable source and could be considered natural.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine- A mild surfactant that is derived from Coconut Oil, used as a secondary foaming agent.
Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid (Optiphen +): A highly effective antimicrobial preservative, paraben and formaldehyde free. This is NECESSARY to use in a product that might have water introduced to it (whipped soap, sugar scrubs, etc) to avoid a growth of bacteria or mold in the product.
Vegetable Glycerin: a humectant used to absorb moisture from the air and soften dry skin. This also gives off bubbles. Derived from palm, soy and coconut oils.
Polsorbate 80- although a controversial ingredient based on a study done, this ingredient is used in very small amounts compared to the large amounts used in the study. This ingredient is necessary to ensure that oils are dispersed through water (essential oils in bath bombs, for example) so that they don't stick to the top-or worse, your skin.
I find it most important to be an honest business with customers informed on ingredients.
I will continue to do my very best to bring you products you will enjoy that are as close to all-natural as possible.
For questions about products or to check out our online store, visit www.essentialwellnessbodycare.com
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