Family Health Beauty Info

Organic toothpaste; milk and antioxidants

More from my discussion with ONEgroup, about certified organic products.

Lucie: Clients have asked which ingredients prevent dental caries, in Miessence toothpaste and mouthwash. Dentists say fluoride is the key ingredient.

ONEgroup: Our toothpastes mainly consist of sodium bicarbonate, which has been used as a dentifrice for hundreds of years, and a known tooth brightener with a very low abrasive action. In solution it will kill micro-organisms associated with dental infections. It will also kill other disease-related bacteria. And it will help neutralise and detoxify the bacterial acids and toxins that form in plaques (bacterial biofilms).

Sea salt is also an excellent cleaning agent. It increases saliva, which helps dilute and wash away harmful bacteria. It is an effective antiseptic, which makes it perfect for our mouthwash.

Lucie: Can people use milk and hot water for the Berry Radical Antioxidant, and drink it as a tea? I’ve read that milk stops the absorption of antioxidants. Is the answer to use coconut milk, reis milk or soya milk?

ONEgroup: Hot water is OK. It’s oxygen exposure that is the enemy of antioxidants. A study of milk and antioxidant polyphenols in tea showed that the milk blocked the absorption of the antioxidants in the tea. We are erring on the side of caution until I can have it confirmed further.

See organic products

See related blog ‘The rules for certified organics’

See related blog  ‘The difference between natural and organic ‘   or watch the video

See related topic ‘Understanding product labels’

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

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Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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When are products truly organic?

Here’s a Q and A between me and ONEgroup, who produce Miessence, a certified organic product range.

Lucie: When products labelled ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ have no chemicals or preservatives listed, are they truly organic products?’

ONEgroup: The only real signs of truly organic products are the certification logos. This proves that the products have passed the strict organic standards and comply completely to these guidelines.

Lucie: Is there a law that every product label must show all the ingredients?

ONEgroup: Yes, there are some guidelines about listing ingredients. To comply with the European Union Cosmetic Product Regulations, we are now required to list the components found in essential oils.

We only purchase from suppliers that have authentic organic certification. This is a requirement of processing certified organic products.  If there’s no organic certificate, it ain’t certified!

Lucie: Why are so many companies that make organic products not certified?

ONEgroup: You’d have to ask the company, but the most likely reason is that they don’t actually comply with the standards!

See organic products

See related blog ‘The rules for certified organics’

See related blog  ‘The difference between natural and organic ‘   or watch the video

See related topic ‘Understanding product labels’

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Are the chemicals in personal care/beauty products harmful?

A scientist’s view

I asked this question of one of my clients, a scientist working in cancer research.

He said that the chemicals in beauty products are not harmful. Of course, if a child ate a lot of toothpaste (which has fluoride added) they could be harmed, but it’s also dangerous to eat massive amounts of organic carrots.

He pointed out that in nature, we only take the amount that we need. For example, to function properly our bodies actually need a little arsenic, yet this is poisonous in larger doses. So, he believed that chemicals in products are only harmful when used in large amounts.

ONEgroup responds

It’s quite incorrect to say that chemicals in products are harmful only when you use them in bigger amounts. Exposure to a small amount of mercury can kill or cause damage for example, so that already disputes that theory. Yes, we produce a natural amount of arsenic ourselves but that it is released as needed and in doses that our bodies can handle. The danger is in accumulation of additional toxins. The point of using organic skincare is to reduce the amount of chemicals that we absorb and that we pour down the sink and into our environment. – http://www.ewg.org/ 

See organic products

See related blog ‘Why are there toxins in everyday products?’

See related blog ‘Deodorants and breast cancer’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Safety fears over nanocosmetics

One of my client asked me if we use nanotechnology in our Miessence range (we don’t). She was concerned about her family’s health.

Nanotechnology is the science of using atoms and molecules on the nanoscale – 80,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

The beauty industry uses nanotechnology to make products like sun creams and anti-aging products with tiny particles that penetrate deeper into the skin surface, to provide better results.

Some experts are concerned about their possible long-term effects on the body.

We know that everything we put on our skin penetrates into the blood stream. We as consumers must get informed about which products use nanomaterials, so we can make a choice.

Read a BBC report: Safety fears over nanocosmetics.

See safe products with no nanomaterials

See more ‘Health topics’

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Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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The rules for certified organics

Certified organic products have a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. These ingredients are:

• minimally processed
• naturally extracted without:
• artificial ingredients
• synthetic processes
• synthetic preservatives
• animal testing
• irradiation.

Certified organic processors must:

• Keep detailed written purchasing, production and sales records (audit trail)
• Develop stringent quality systems to maintain organic integrity of ingredients
• Ensure traceability of organic ingredients (from seed to consumer)
• Maintain strict physical separation of ingredients to prevent contamination
• Undergo periodic on-site inspections (audits).

Greenwashing

Greenwashing is a practice where companies falsely promote their products as environmentally friendly.

It’s important to read labels and become an informed consumer for three good reasons:

• to avoid toxins disguised as ‘natural’ ingredients
• to never be fooled again by slick marketing hype
• to effectively create change through informed purchasing power

Misleading ingredients lists

Companies mislead consumers by listing botanical extracts, or ‘aqueous infusions’ (which are just weak teas) at the top of the ingredient list.

The synthetic surfactant ingredients that make up the core of the product are hidden further down the list.

The substantial water component of a herbal mixture is incorrectly counted as ‘organic’, which is prohibited under International Organic Standards.

This practice artificially inflates the organic content in order to make a deceptive 70% organic claim.

Manufacturers often list the source of a chemical to lull consumers into a false sense of security about the ‘naturalness’, ‘purity’ and ’safety’ of their ingredients.

Reference: ‘Product training with Narelle Chenery’

Watch the video ‘Narelle Chenery of ONEgroup talks about greenwashing’

Purchase certified organic products

See related blog  ‘The difference between natural and organic ‘ or watch the video

See related topic ‘Understanding product labels’

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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The difference between natural and organic

An important step in looking after your health is to consider natural or organic products.

But you need to understand the difference between ‘natural’, ‘organic’ and ‘certified organic’.

The dictionary says that ‘natural’ means ‘existing in, or formed by nature, not artificial.’

But the cosmetic industry definition of ‘natural’ is:

‘A cosmetic ingredient that is derived from a natural source, e.g. cocamide DEA (coconut).’ This broad definition covers natural ingredients that have been treated chemically.

Naturally derived/synthetic ingredients

The term ‘naturally derived’ actually means ‘synthetic’. A chemical process is involved, regardless of the source of the ingredient.

‘Many of the processing aids and impurities of cosmetic chemicals are linked to asthma, learning disabilities, infertility, birth defects and cancer.’ – Narelle Chenery, Director, ONEGroup

Reference: ONEgroup toxic ingredients

So what is ‘organic’?

Organic agriculture is an ecological farm management system that:

• promotes biodiversity
• enhances soil fertility
• prevents topsoil erosion
• protects groundwater
• conserves energy
• protects our next generation.

Organic agriculture prohibits:

• genetic engineering
• pesticides
• synthetic fertilisers
• antibiotics
• growth hormones.

 Organic – certified or not?

Many companies now claim to have ‘organic’ products.

What does this mean? Is there an authority that governs the use of the term ‘organic’ on labels?

How can we tell if a product is truly organic?

What is ‘certified organic’?

Certified organic is your guarantee of authenticity and integrity for every ingredient. It means: 

• the products are regulated by government and independent certification bodies
• an independent third party has guaranteed the ‘organic’ claim
• these products can bear the organic seal of approval.

Without the logo an ‘organic’ claim means nothing.

Watch the video ‘Narelle Chenery of ONEgroup explains certified organics.’

Purchase certified organic products.

Reference: ‘Product training with Narelle Chenery’

See related topic ‘Understanding product labels’

See related topic ‘Organic certification logos’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Harmful baby products

Do you know that baby products are made with an ingredient called formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that causes skin reactions, headaches and chronic fatigue. The vapour is extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat.

The tobacco industry informs people that smoking may cause cancer. Should the cosmetics and health products industries do the same?

The words we see when checking baby products are: ‘save’ , ‘purity’, ‘soothing’, ‘healing’.

But these do not relate to what we know about formaldehyde. Those little babies are dependent on us to look after them. Adults also use baby products to soothe skin problems.

We all have to be educated about ingredients not about brands. The ingredient list is the key! Once we know and understand what those ingredients are and the effects they have, we can look for brands with safe ingredients.

So why do most baby products contain synthetic ingredients?

Reasons could include:

• to make a profit – often synthetics are cheaper
• the chemists creating them have not learned organic chemistry
• manufacturers are not aware of the possible long-term harm.

Here are web links to information about synthetic ingredients and their effects.

Cosmetic database

Toxic ingredients

Safe baby products

Fortunately we have a solution. Mother of three Narelle Chenery is the director of research and development ONEgroup, and creator of the Miessence organic range.

Narelle has created the certified organic Mother and Baby range. They are completely free of synthetic, chemicals and toxins. View samples of the range and scroll down to Mother and baby care.

This is the ingredient list we want for our babies!

Watch Narelle Chenery video ‘The difference between natural and organic’

References

ONEgroup toxic ingredients

Wikipedia (look under safety)

See related article ‘Understanding product labels’

See topics  ‘About organic’

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Is it real coconut?

Herbs, minerals, fats, oils, wax – these are all ingredients used in beauty products.

The label says, ’24-hour organic moisturiser’ – it sounds fine.  A quick check of the ingredients shows ‘coconut’, followed by ‘DEA (diethanolamine)’. You love coconut, so that’s great – right?

Wrong. 89% of the 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety.

I’m sorry to say that this ‘coconut’ has nothing to do with the original, natural coconut. It has been synthetically processed.

Look out for the names DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine).

According to the Cosmetics database, these substances are often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dry hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed over a long period.

These chemicals are already restricted in Europe because of known carcinogenic effects. Dr Samuel Epstein (Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that repeated skin applications  of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

What to look for

It’s all about how the ingredients are processed, and where they have come from.

Look for:

• Organic, raw coconut oil
• Coco glucoside – a non-ionic surfactant (foaming agent), synthesised from coconut and glucose
• Certified organic cocos nucifera (coconut) fruit oil
• Certified organic logos, to ensure you have non-chemically processed products.

See related topic Understanding a product labels

See also my blog Organic certification logos  or watch the video

See safe organic products

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Deodorants and breast cancer

Recently I ran an organic facial workshop and presentation for a group of women who have cancer.

They were incredibly vital, inspiring and full of humour. I had an enormous mind-shift in terms of health. Good health is the most important thing in our life – would you agree?

These 18 wonderful ladies were laughing a lot. When they did their own facials (with my assistance of course J) they talked about chemicals and toxins in beauty products and food. About how challenging it is to find chemical-free products, and how nasty commercial deodorants are.

When I asked them which products they used, the response was unanimous: ‘Certified organic’, with no chemicals or toxins! See my site  for those products.

In addition, did you know this? A toxic ingredient has been found in women with breast cancer. This ingredient may occur in deodorants.

Researchers at Columbia University have found that the breast tissue of women with breast cancer was 2.6 times more likely to contain elevated levels of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) than the breast tissue of women without breast cancer (Rundle et al. 2000). Reference:  Cosmetics database

Look for deodorants with natural ingredients, such as: 

• Bicarbonate of soda to eliminate odours
• Aloe vera to soothe
• Bergamot – refreshing, uplifting, antiseptic properties
• Ylang ylang essential oil – normalises sebum production.

Get healthy deodorants here

And check out this helpful website

See related blog  ‘The difference between natural and organic ‘   or watch the video

See related topic ‘Understanding product labels’

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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Organic Certification logos

Currently, body care products are not required to comply with the strict organic food standards set by certification bodies such as the BFA and NASAA in Australia, and the USDA in America. Hence the many ‘organic’ body care products now on the market.

Since water is the main ingredient in many cosmetics, some manufacturers are claiming to use organic hydrosols, or floral water, to make organic label claims. Yet they are using the same synthetic toxic ingredients that would never be allowed in organic food products. 

Certified Organic products are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or GMO’s (genetically modified organism) . It is an innovative method of farming and production. It is recognized as being at the leading edge of food and fibre technology. Organics is not just chemical-free by testing. It is about the way the ingredients have been grown, prepared, processed and packaged.

Standards to achieve certification are internationally recognised and are assured through annual audits of all certified operators by an independent third party auditor.

Here are the Certified Logos:

ACO = Australian Certified Organic

These products contain (excluding water and salt) at least 95% organically produced agricultural ingredients. The remaining ingredients (up to 5%) can be non-agricultural substances or non-organically produced agricultural ingredients, with strict processing criteria (e.g. absolutely no GMOs or synthetic chemicals).

BFA = Biological Farmers of Australia

Made with organic ingredients, products contain (excluding water and salt) at least 70% organically produced agricultural ingredients. Any remaining can be non-agricultural substances (e.g. clay, bicarbonate of soda, minerals) or non-organically produced agricultural ingredients, with strict processing criteria (e.g. absolutely no GMOs or synthetic chemicals).

Mineral-based products contain non-agricultural substances (e.g. clay, bicarbonate of soda, minerals), with strict processing criteria (e.g. absolutely no GMOs or synthetics chemicals).

USDA = United States Department of Agriculture

These products meet the strict ingredients and processing criteria in accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.

Watch the video ‘Organic Certification logos’

See related article ‘Understanding product labels’

See related article ‘The right ingredients for your skin type’ or watch the video

What did you think of this article? I welcome your feedback

Have a lovely day

Lucie

www.familyhealthbeautyinfo.com

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