With the recent trend towards more ‘green’ and ‘natural’, certain ingredients in commercial body products have been under scrutiny. But when it comes to what we put on our skin, can we ever be too careful?
Natural vs chemical
Although there is an on-going debate between those suspicious of the commercial assurance of health and safety and those who shrug off such ideas as mere ‘esoteric superstition’, it remains up to the individual to decide what body products they will buy. Everyone knows businesses will go to great lengths to market their products in whatever way they can to make you buy them, so it is up to us to discern the good from the bad.
The truth of the matter is no Average Joe really knows what goes into their body cream or shampoo – even though they may use it every day – and it goes without saying that anything we apply directly to our skin will seep into our bodily system and have some kind of effect. Which begs the question; are YOU willing to gamble with your health?
There is a long list of commercially used ingredients that are rumoured to potentially harm the body – these are either spread word-of-mouth or can be found online via countless websites, including the well-known ‘EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetic database‘ – yet official evidence about the realistic degree of damage that could be caused remains a question mark in many people’s mind. It is possible that with the many platforms of communication available to everybody these days, it could simply be a case of conspiracies gone rampant. But for those who don’t want to take a chance, there are always natural body products.
Changing our standards
A challenge natural body product developers have to face now is that consumers have become used to a standard of product – one that lasts, smells a certain way, spreads evenly and smoothly or simply does the job ascribed as if by magic. Unfortunately certain ‘natural’ ingredients have a shelf-life and also may not bind in the same way that commercial products do. ‘Natural’ also limits the variety and range of fragrances that can be used.
Could it be that we need to re-evaluate our perception of what body products should do for us, settling instead for slightly unusual textures and smells? This could be a small sacrifice to make for a less toxic body – and even help decrease climate change.
Better for the earth too
Everything that washes down our drain eventually ends up back in the natural environment – where toxic chemicals can do irreparable damage. Those body products we buy may make us smell nice and feel good, but what are they doing to our planet? Often those phosphate-high concoctions can unbalance certain water systems (for example the infamous toxic lake at Imhoff’s Gift), something which is not easily remedied and could actually be prevented if we took more care when we went shopping.
Some of the lovely natural body product ranges available locally:
There are many different wonderful businesses working as we speak on creating the best quality natural products for our pleasure. Below is a list of some of the best natural body products on the Cape Town market at the moment:
Meadowsweet
Having won various Fairlady Best of Beauty Consumer Awards for their products, the Meadowsweet website boasts an ethos centred on Truth, Beauty and Goodness. Their therapeutic range uses the healing qualities of herbs and oils and is not tested on animals. Try their invigorating Ylang Ylang Bath Salts.
www.meadowsweet.co.za
JuMe
JuMe products not only conform to Eco Certified organic formulation standards, are vegan and animal cruelty free, but have pretty packaging too! Try their delicious Sweet Orange Luxurious Body Wash and their yummy range of Soy Wax candles.
www.jume.co.za
Wild Olive African Artisans
A project created to help uplift those Transkei residents who have relocated to Cape Town, these handcrafted products are created from natural and organic botanicals. Efforts are made to ethically outsource ingredients and only recyclable packaging is used. Try their gorgeous Florae Scrub, which can be used for face and body.
www.wildolive.eu
The Victorian Garden
A company that dates back to the Victorian Era, they focus on creating products that are as organic and natural as possible. Approved by Beauty Without Cruelty, The Victorian Garden range is made from fragrances of those naturally derived plant extracts and never use GM ingredients. Try the sensuous Shampoo and Conditioner from their African Indigenous Collection.
www.thevictoriangarden.co.za
Esse
With 10 years of organic skincare science behind them, Esse products are made from the active compounds found in African plants. What is interesting is that the percentage of organic and natural ingredients contained in each product is stated on its packaging. Try their delicious Cocoa Exfoliator.
www.esse.co.za
Mioja
Mioja products are created from a combination of plant extracts, minerals, essential oils and essences from flowers and crystals. They use certified organic ingredients where available and some of their ingredients come from methods of sustainable wild harvesting. Mioja also like to support community initiatives. Try their Wild Ginger Stimulating Mask.
www.mioja.co.za
Rooibos (Inheritance Skincare)
Rich in anti-oxidants, the healing properties of rooibos is an endless list. These products are also paraben free and are not tested on animals. Try their Moisturising Day Cream which also provides sun protection.
www.inheritanceskincare.net
