How Natural and Green is my Spa Skin Care?

In Last Week’s “Know Your In the Know” Focus on spa skin care lines, we provided you with some information on the different skincare lines and their Skin-Deep Rating.  If you are confused by what is, and what is not, an organic or natural skin care product, you are not alone.  As the “green”, consumer-driven market continues to gain enormous momentum, many companies are sprinting to be sure they do not miss out on the financial benefits of this ethical consumption movement.

We have all read or seen skin care companies make indicate that they are “going green”.  They may say that they are committed to sustainability in their international farming and ingredient procurement practices as well as their product development initiatives. Other companies use words like “organic”, “natural”, and “chemical free” in their company names and marketing collateral.  There are also some companies displaying organic trade or consumer membership logos and agricultural certifications in an attempt to earn the trust and confidence of the discerning consumer.

So how do we know what is true?  It is important to you to better understand which skin care products are ethically produced and chemically clean, you may want to consider asking your natural skin care brand the following questions:

• What third party certified organic/natural body do you use to certify your products?

• Does the third party certifying body specialize in agricultural or cosmetic organic/natural standards?

• Is your entire product certified organic/natural or only selected ingredients?

• If only selected ingredients are certified, what % of the entire product is certified organic/natural including emulsifiers, preservatives, and water?

• How long has your product been certified organic/natural?

• How long has your company been committed to sustainable organic/natural practices?  Please describe these practices.

• Do you know where all of your certified organic/natural ingredients are grown?

• Are your certified ingredients grown and prepared using fair trade practices?

• Do you use chemical and or natural preservatives? If so, what are they?

These few questions will help you determine the depth, transparency, and authenticity of any brand you may be considering for your skin and body care.  The company you select should also be able to assist you with the features and benefits of the brands you choose, so you are not mislead into buying a product or service that may not meet your needs and or expectations.