'Natural' Beauty Products

Identifying Benefits Of Natural And Organic Beauty Products

(CBS)  The last few years have spawned a number of new companies that are distributing natural and organic beauty products.

Beauty and wellness contributor Dayle Haddon visited The Early Show to explain the benefits of using non-synthetic beauty products.

Most are familiar with the concept of environmental dangers, such as secondhand cigarette smoke and pesticides on fresh produce for food, on our bodies.

But we should also think about the beauty products we use. Savvy shoppers, says Haddon, should know what ingredients go into products, such as soap and deodorant, because the body will absorb the items' ingredients.

A study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York found an average of 91 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals in the blood and urine of volunteers. Some chemicals were known carcinogens, while others were banned or are untested for their potential health hazards. And some of the chemicals found were traced back to beauty products.

Over 5,000 chemicals are used in personal care products alone, according to Pharmacopia.net.

The skin, the body's largest organ, is the most typical absorption point of everyday toxins. Up to 60 percent of certain ingredients in body products, such as lotion, cream and bubble bath, will absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream. Then the chemicals will accumulate in target organs, or are metabolized through the system, in some instances over a period of years, according to Mount Sinai.

For those thinking of using non-synthetic beauty products, Haddon suggests some simple acts before purchasing "natural" and "organic" beauty products.

Check labels for natural and organic material. Haddon says the marketing term "natural" is defined differently by the beauty industry, as to what the public would perceive the term to be. Because the U.S. government does not regulate "natural" beauty products, any of those products with a hint of natural ingredients can be labeled as "natural" — even products made mostly of synthetic ingredients.

The best way to check whether a product is truly natural is to check the label. Ingredients are listed in descending order with the most predominant listed first.

Unlike the term "natural," products labeled as "organic" are carefully certified and regulated by the USDA. In organic products, synthetic fertilizers and poisonous pesticides are strictly prohibited. In most cases, a small amount of preservative is added to prohibit the growth of bacteria. But, Haddon says, the amount is so small that it's barely noticeable.

Some of the products displayed by Haddon on Tuesday's The Early Show were:

Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo and Conditioner
The key ingredients to the Aveda product include tree sap, to help deliver nutrients, and Iceland moss, to infuse moisture and retain conditioning nutrients. Aveda says by studying how plants thrive in their natural environment, they were able to translate the processes into formulas. Sap is the nutrient transport system. And moss serves to infuse moisture into hair.

Tom's of Maine Toothpaste
In 1975, Tom's of Maine introduced its first natural toothpaste. It contains no triclosan, no saccharin, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial preservatives, no artificial color and no animal ingredients. The environmental friendly product is packaged with an aluminum tube, which can be recycled with soda cans after cap and plastic threading is removed. Also, the carton is made from 100 percent recycled paperboard.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant

Haddon says instead of blocking the sweat glands with antiperspirants, try this naturally effective deodorant to check body odor. This non-aerosol spray uses the juice of pressed lemons, along with aromatic plant essences, to keep you feeling fresh. The makers say the product does not contain artificial colorings agents, synthetic preservatives and are not tested on animals.

Trillium Organic Body Polish
This organic body polish exfoliates, moisturizes and protects skin, according to Trillium Herbal. It uses sea salt to exfoliates dead cells, safflower to moisturize and vitamin E oil to promotes cell generation. The makers of Trillium Organic Body Polish says your skin will be irresistibly smooth after use.

Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil
The coconut oil may be useful for softening dry skin, for massage, or as a deep conditioning treatment for the hair, says Haddon. The maker of this product says for natural body care, liquefy and massage directly into skin or apply to hair for one hour, then rinse. The coconut oil is organically grown and processed in accordance with the California Organic Foods Act of 1990.

Indigo Wild Zum Bar Soap
The soap has a mixture of pure essential oils, herbal extracts, goats milk and are chemical free, plus super fatted. Unlike commercial soap makers, says the maker, they leave in glycerin for its moisturizing properties.

Avalon Vitamin C Refreshing Facial Cleanser, Balancing Facial Toner
This product has Vitamin C, which is a antioxidant proven to boost the skin's natural immune system and defend against the damaging effects of free-radicals that can age skin prematurely.
Avalon says its facial cleanser will gently remove impurities, while revitalizing and protecting your skin's natural moisture balance. Avalon also says its toner will gently remove impurities, tone pores and balance the skin's delicate chemistry.

Avalon Sun Facial Sunscreen
This sunscreen provides a shield against damaging sun exposure and premature aging, according to the product's maker. It is blended with certified organic herbs, natural moisturizers and vitamin antioxidants for skin care. The ingredients are 100 percent vegetarian, and it's not tested on animals

For more information about Body Burden
visit: www.bodyburden.org

For more information about organic products
visit: www.theorganicreport.com

For more information about Pharmacopia
visit: www.pharmacopia.net/