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What's In Your Body Care Products?

ACrobat Reader logoThe article written by Michele Geracoulis
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Education

OUR MISSION
Rare Natural Care, Inc. supports and spreads holistic mindfulness by offering products that are vegan, natural and organic. We strive to provide information and resources that support environmental responsibility, sustainable living, socially responsible capitalism, and a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy life style.

BETTER INGREDIENTS, BETTER SKIN CARE
The human body is better suited to vegetal extracts than synthetic versions because the body accepts the organic product as part of its own natural chemistry. As our skin is our largest organ, taking good care of your skin means understanding that what you put on your skin will make its way into your body.

RARE2B skincare products are 100% vegan, pure, natural and cruelty free.

So why do we subject our body and skin to products riddled with synthetics and chemical preservatives? We shouldn’t. We need to avoid all synthetic chemicals. By seeking out truly natural and organic products we are making a positive difference in our own health as well as supporting ecologically sound business ideals.

Today’s consumers are particularly aware of, and concerned with, the safety and quality of natural ingredients. With the rising demand for natural and organic products, cosmetic companies have realized that they must get on board by introducing new skin care lines, labeled as “natural” or “organic”. Unfortunately, too many companies believe that small quantities of natural ingredients qualify theirs as a “natural product”.

We hope that the information we provide here serves to inform you about the substantial quality of natural products, and that it becomes a small stepping stone in your journey towards a better, more natural life.

NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICALS
How do I determine what is really “NATURAL" AND "ORGANIC"?
Read the labels! You need to know what you’re looking for.
On any label, ingredients are listed in descending order of the quantity used in the product. One should look at the first third of the label for the emulsion and its natural and organic ingredients. As the body of the product, the emulsion sets the tone for other additives including the herbal extracts. In most other skin care products, this is also where its chemicals are listed. Some of the chemicals usually found in skin care products are stearyl and cetyl alcohol, dimethicone and TEA. These may be followed by a series of herb and plant extracts to make the product sound and look natural.

Regardless of a skin care product being synthetic or natural, the following four categories are the fundamental base of the product:

  1. Emollients
    Natural emollients are biodegradable and nourishing to the skin, helping to make it soft and supple. Synthetic emollients are non-biodegradable and remain as a film on the skin, preventing it to respire and therefore cause irritation. Studies have shown the accumulation of some synthetic emollients in liver and lymph nodes.

    Synthetic Emollients: PEG compounds (e.g. PEG. 45 Almond Glyceride) may contain the toxic by-product dioxane; synthetic alcohols (anything that contains the phrase benzyl -, butyl-, cetearyl., cetyl -, glyceryl-, isopropyl-, myristyl propyl-, propylene-, or stearyl-) e.g. Isopropyl Palmitate, Diglyceryl Caprylate) have been shown to cause allergies and dermatitis; Hydrocarbons (e.g. mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin) contain carcinogenic and mutagenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and can cause chemically induced acne; Silicone Oils (e.g. dimethicone, cyclomethicone, copolyol) can clog the skin like plastic wrap and cause tumors when painted on lab animals (according to the Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by the manufacturer).

    Natural Emollients: Plant Oils (e.g. Jojoba, Avocado, Rosehip, Olive oil/wax) Shea, Cocoa and Jojoba Butters
  2. Humectants
    Humectants help to protect the skin against water loss and external intrusions by preventing dryness. According to studies conducted, the natural alternative of topically applied plant phospholipids restore the barrier function of the skin, protecting it from substances such as bacteria and harmful chemicals. Many more commonly used humectants form a layer on the skin thus preventing its natural breathing and perspiration. Some, such as collagen, elastin and keratin, are quite compatible with the skin but are often derived from animals. Although skin care companies try to convince consumers that the animal protein has rejuvenating efficacy on the skin, the broken down molecules are too large to enter the skin and any penetration of this foreign substance will be rejected by the body’s immune system.

    Synthetic Humectants: Propylene Glycol - causes irritation and contact dermatitis; Ethylene/Diethylene Glycol - causes irritation and contact dermatitis; PEG compounds (e.g. Polyethylene Glycol) ¬may contain the toxic by-product dioxane; Ethoxylated surfactants (e.g. "Iaureth-") - may contain the toxic by-product - dioxane Synthetic alcohols (eg Glyceryl Coconate, Hydroxystearate, Myristate, Oleate) have been shown to cause allergies and dermatitis.

    Natural Humectants; Lecithin; Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5); Glycerin
  3. Emulsifiers
    Emulsifiers are the ingredients used to form the base of the product. Having a natural emulsion is simply healthier for your skin. Natural emulsifiers are extracted from various nuts, berries and leaves. Most synthetic emulsifiers are petroleum/hydrocarbon derivatives and can cause allergies.

    Synthetic Emulsifiers:
    Alkoxykated Amides (e.g. TEA, DEA. MEA, MIPA compounds) can undergo nitrosation to form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. PEG compounds - may contain the toxic by¬product dioxane. Sorbitan Stearate. Laurate. Palmitate. Oleate etc. Ozokerite, Ceresin, Silicone and Montan Waxes Isopropyl Stearate, Laurate, Palmitate, Oleate etc.

    Natural Emulsifiers:
    Plant Waxes (e.g. CandeliIla, Carnauba, Jojoba, fuce Bran); Xanthan Gum; Quince Seed
  4. Surfactants
    These are substances that, when added to a liquid, reduces its surface tension, thereby increasing its spreading and wetting properties.

    Synthetic surfactants are industrially produced (ethoxylated) and during this chemical reaction they may be contaminated with dioxane which is a potent carcinogen. The names you may recognize on the labels end with- eth, i.e. laureth, or have the ID. PEG (PolyEthylene Glycol), or PPG (PolyPropylene Glycol). Amides are another dangerous class. On labels they are shown as TEA - TriEthanolAmine, DEA - DiEthanolAmine and MEA, MonoEthanolAmine. Any compound containing TEA. DEA and MEA can undergo nitrosation with other chemicals to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. According to one study over 40% of products containing triethanolamine (TEA) were contaminated with these potent carcinogens.

    Synthetic Surfactants: Sodium or Ammonium Lauryl or Laureth Sulphate; Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate; Sodium Lauroyl; Cocomidopropyl Betaine; TEA (Triethanolamine) compounds; DEA (Diethanolamine) compounds; MEA (Monethanolamine) compounds; PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) compounds Quaternium -7, 15,31,60 etc; Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine; Disodium Oleamide or Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate etc.

    Natural Surfactants: Castile Soap; Yucca Extract; Soapwort; Quillaja Bark Extract
  5. Preservatives
    A preservative is an additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage. It should not be expected of a skincare product to stay fresh for an unreasonably long period. To ensure the shelf life of organic products with natural preservatives, storage in a cool dry place is recommended.

    In most skin care products, chemical preservatives are mostly used because they are cheaper and assure longer shelf time than natural ones. However, only the preservation efficacy of commonly used synthetic preservatives has been proven via animal testing; safety has not been proven.

    Synthetic Preservatives: Imidiazolidinyl Urea (Germall115) and Diazolidinyl Urea (Germall II) Causes contact dermatitis. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde over 10°C; DMDM Hydantoin Highly toxic, causes contact dermatitis, contains formaldehyde (used in shampoos and deodorants); Methyl. Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben Toxic (cause allergic reactions and skin rashes and used in almost everything!); 2-Bromo-2-Nitro-Propane-1, 3-diol. (Bronopol) Toxic (causes allergic contact dermatitis and used in face creams, shampoos, mascaras and bath oils); Benzalkonium Chloride (highly toxic, primary skin irritant and used in shampoos, conditioner and deodorants); Quarternium-15 (toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic reactions); Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinone (causes contact dermatitis); Methylisothiazolinone and Methy lchloroisothiazolinone (cause allergies); Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Butylated hudroxyanisole (BHA) (both cause allergic contact dermatitis, BHT is carcinogenic).

    Natural Preservatives: Tea Tree Essential Oil Thyme Essential Oil Grapefruit Seed Extract Bitter Orange Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract.

F. A. Q.'S
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions and concerns:

Is "NATURAL" really better?
We believe so. Although there are many in the cosmetic industry who believe that synthetic chemicals are truly “safe” one only has to look at the recent pattern of the introduction of new drugs and chemicals and their subsequent withdrawal from the market after causing severe health and environmental damages.

Are RARE2B products suitable for all ages and skin types?
Yes. The RARE2B skincare system has been designed to be flexible. Our products were tested by an independent testing service and on a scale of 0-10, with 10 representing the worst reaction, 99% of subjects ranked zero (0) showing no reaction at all. The test subjects were individuals ranging in age from 18 to 65, of various different skin types and ethnicities.

Does the RARE2B Hydrating Day Cream include SPF?
The Rare2B Hydrating Day Cream includes natural ingredients such as marine elements (algae and seaweed) which form the protection needed against environmental pollutants without clogging the pores. The SPF that exists in regular cosmetics is chemical-based and forms as a film on the skin. The most frequently used chemicals are Octinoxate and Oxbenzonate. Since we do not use any chemicals in our RARE2B Hydrating Day Cream, we rely instead on the marine elements noted above which serve the same purpose without any adverse effects.

How are RARE2B products stabilized without chemical preservatives?
RARE2B uses natural stabilizers that are plant-based extracts, such as Japanese Honeysuckle, to preserve our products. We also use an all vegetable-derived anhydrous gel (from castor seed oil and carnauba wax) rich in natural essential fatty acids that is a natural alternative for viscosity and consistency to the chemical “petroleum” which is a petroleum-derived product used in most cosmetics. The decaying process is natural and happens with or without preservatives. Skincare products do not, and should not, last forever; but storing natural products in a cool place will help extend their life. Because natural products may separate or change color with time, simply shake or stir before using to integrate and energize the natural ingredients.

Why not use chemical preservatives to extend the life of the product?
Simply because we don’t believe they’re safe. Chemical preservatives are generally used because they are much cheaper than natural alternatives. It’s important to differentiate that synthetic chemical preservatives have only been “proven” effective through animal testing, they have not been proven safe for humans..

Are Rare Natural Care’s RARE2B products organic?
The ingredients in our products are certified organic by Eco-Cert, approved by the Fair Trade Foundation, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council with USDA Organic Certification, and certified Kosher by the Federation of Synagogues.

What is “organic”?
Organic means that the ingredients come from sources that have not been genetically modified. This also means that they were not exposed to synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, nor antibiotics.

What is “vegan”?
According to the Vegan Society, veganism is a lifestyle that abstains from causing any form of exploitation or cruelty to animals. This means, adopting a plant-based diet and lifestyle that is free of animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs and honey. (Honey and all other bee products, by definition, are not vegan.) Rare Natural Care’s RARE2B products are considered vegan because they do not include any ingredients that include animal by-products, this includes beeswax, bee pollen, or royal jelly. In addition, our products are cruelty free; that is they are not tested on animals.

For information on vegetarianism/veganism, visit www.Veggie123.com

What is “cruelty free”?
The term cruelty free implies that no animals were used in the testing of a product.

What is “wild-crafted”?
Some of the ingredients in RARE2B skincare products are wild-crafted. Wild-crafted botanicals are preferred because they are harvested in their natural environment. They are collected by hand in an ecologically sustainable manner. We also use products from sources in the Amazon Rainforest that engage in fair-trade business practices.

How can using products from the Amazon Rainforest help preserve the Rainforest?
We advocate the preservation of rainforests by promoting the use of sustainable and renewable botanical resources. We only obtain ingredients that are clearly identified as fair-trade and verify certification.

What is “fair-trade”?
Fair trade is an alternative way of doing business that promotes equal, sustainable relationships between consumers and products. This includes paying fair wages in local communities, engaging in environmentally sustainable practices, and promoting healthy working conditions. By buying or supporting fair trade we can actually change the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. Workers earn greater incomes for their labor and the returns are often invested in community projects, such as education, childcare, and health/medical centers.

What is “socially responsible capitalism”?
At Rare Natural Care, Inc. we believe that an essential part of a responsible business is the act of giving back. We donate 10% of our proceeds to selected organizations that serve to create positive social and environmental change. Currently, 10% of our proceeds will be directed to the Seva Foundation.

Are the containers and packaging used for RARE2B products from recyclable sources?
Yes. Our packaging and our gift bags are made from recycled paper. We use soy ink in the printing of our literature. Our containers are made from recycled plastics. Our gift bags are from recycled paper. We are constantly looking for ways to find alternatives for our containers and packaging that are eco-friendly and sustainable.

What does “NATURAL" and "ORGANIC" mean on product labels?
As the words “natural” and “organic” have become more fashionable, and labels carrying them more marketable, so has the possibility of abuse and misrepresentation of these terms. Sparing the readers of too many technicalities, here are some of the main factors that one should know in dealing with natural products, and in this case, the natural/organic skin care products.

To keep up with the “natural” trend, many producers in recent years buttress some of their chemical ingredients with terms such as “natural derivatives”. To state that the chemical is of natural root is often misleading. For example, showing Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamine) as “derived from coconut oil” could be very misleading. While it has its coconut root, it has to be chemically synthesized. This fatty acid of coconut oil has been widely used as a thickener and foaming booster. However, the formation of nitrosamines is a major problem in this ingredient as well as MEA (Monoethanolamine). Compounds containing nitrites react with amine, natural chemicals found in foods and in the body. Notrosamines are found in tobacco smoke, cured meats, cosmetics, pesticides, and alcoholic beverages. Some epidemiological studies have also associated increased incidence of human cancer with the presence of nitrosamines. (Cosmetic Ingredients, Ruth Winter, M.S.)

In hearing of or reading about “Organic” one is apt to think that it means organically grown and free of chemicals. There are some companies which have gone too far to define chemicals such as Methyl Paraben (a very functional synthetic preservative) “organic”, simply because crude oil which is the base of this ingredient has been formed from rotted leaves over tens of thousands years.

As more products claiming to be organic surface in the market, one must carefully examine the safety of the ingredients shown on labels. We understand that this can be overwhelming as there is presently no single authority governing this field. However, the following internationally recognized bodies grant Organic Certification in accordance with strict guidelines:

U.S. Department of Agriculture for food products
EcoCert S.A. (Europe)
ACO (Australia)

For sustainable wild harvesting:
Forest Stewardship Council, Germany.

Does the FDA oversee the cosmetic industry?
No. Unfortunately, the FDA has little power when it comes to regulating the ingredients found in beauty products. The only people ensuring the safety of personal care products are the very people who govern the industry: The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA).

Do you sell wholesale?
Yes. Please contact us at sales@rarenatural.com or 310.839.2696.