Health Guide

WE DO NOT AND WILL NOT USE ANY INGREDIENTS ON THIS LIST.

Although not a complete list, this is a good first step for comparing to ingredient lists of products you own. Dimethicone, cylcomethicone, talc, FD&C colors, fragrance, mineral oil and parabens are some examples that we have found widely used in "natural", "organic", and "mineral" cosmetics today.

1,4-dioxane, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol), Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Anionic Surfactants (includes Sodium Lauryl Sulftate (SLS)), Benzalkonium Chloride, Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hyroxytoluene (BHT), Cationic surfactants, Cetalkonium chloride, Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Isothiazolinoe, Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Cocoyl Sarcosine, Cyclomethicone, DEA (diethonolamine), Diazolidinyl urea, Dimethicone, Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate, DMDM Hydantoin, Ethoxylated surfactants, FD&C Colour Pigments, Formaldehyde, Fragrance, Hydrolysed Animal Protein, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Isopropryl Palmitate, Lanolin, Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen, Lauyl or Cocoyl Sarcosine, Liquidum Paraffinum, MEA compounds, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Mineral Oil, Nitrosating Agents, Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl), Paraffin Wax/Oil, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds, Propylene/Butylene Glycol, PVP/VA Copolymer, Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60 etc, Rancid Natural Emmollients, Sodium Cocyl Surcosinate, Silicone derived emmolients, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, SLES, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Stearalkonium Chloride, Talc, TEA (triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate, Toluene. Perfluoro-chemicals*, Nano/Micronized particles**. *, ** more data to come.

The following link is an excellent resource for further information about this list of toxic chemicals: http://www.health-report.co.uk/ingredients-directory.htm

We do not use any minerals, mineral pigments (colorants), (both commonly called particles) near the region of nano-sized particles, or one-billionth of a meter. This size is commonly agreed in the scientific field as 100nm or under. They may also be hidden under the name of micronized particles, which are not definitely 100nm or under, but have been physically manipulated to achieve a smaller size of the bulk particle. All of our particles are above 250 nm; most are much larger and in the 1000 nm + range. These small sized particles are still fairly new in scientific studies and the long term affects in cosmetics is not known. Current independent studies show substantial reason for health concerns (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Why this small size? When these nano-particles/ingredients commonly used in cosmetics, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are manipulated to this small size, new physical and chemical properties are achieved. For example, nano-titanium dioxide offers better sun protection (4) and can be more easily incorporated into personal care products than larger sized particles. As so little is known of the long term affects of these ingredients, the studies that do exist show possible problems as serious as DNA damage (1, 5, 6). Studies are conflicting about nano-sized particles entering through healthy skin. Although, inhalation through powders and sprays are a direct route and concern (4). Also, damaged skin (scrapes, burns, etc) have not been established in these studies. As a consumer, you cannot tell by reading an ingredient list if there are nano-sized particles in the product as the INCI name is identical. Until further conclusive research is conducted, we will not use nano-sized particles, and will continue to be an advocate on such health concerns to consumers.

1. http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=13695.php
2. http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/alert-sounded-over-nanoparticles-nz-cosmetics/5/52518
3. http://www.rodale.com/nanoparticles-and-cosmetics
4. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=726566
5. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/nanotech.php
6. http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20091018230147data_trunc_sys.shtml

*INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) nomenclature is what the FDA requires as the listing name on cosmetic packaging. *Cold pressed is an extraction method where heat is minimized through this mechanical extraction process to keep botanicals in their most undisturbed molecular state. Although the method of choice for providing the most nutritious essence of the plant, it is not practical for all botanical ingredients. *Unrefined botanicals entail the process of mechanical extraction and screen filtering where no additional refining process has taken place. *GMO refers to genetically modified organisms. We take pride in providing GMO free ingredients. For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.They are not intended to affect the structure, or any function of the body.

INGREDIENT: BENEFITS/DEFINITIONS/WHY WE CHOOSE TO USE

MINERALS
Boron Nitride: Offers superior increased slip (how easily the product goes on the skin), adhesion, silkiness, spreadability, and extended wear. Plus, provides a soft focus effect (diffuses the look of fine lines and imperfections) and is lubricious (having a smooth quality). Considered by many in the industry to be of the highest standard for these benefits and used in all of our loose mineral products.   
Mica: Also known as sericite, is matte, provides a soft focus effect, increased slip, adhesion and improves skin feel.  Mica is much more affordable than Boron Nitride and you will find it as the main ingredient (with no or very little Boron Nitride) in many brands.
Mica Pigments: Mica capped with a variety of other mineral pigments such as Iron Oxides and Titanium Dioxide. Gives various colors with qualities ranging from sheen to sparkle.
Kaolin: Refines pores, helps clear breakouts, plus gentle absorptive and soothing properties.
Titanium Dioxide: Provides color and coverage, water resistant, anti-inflammatory, protects from UVA and UVB rays.
Zinc Oxide: Provides color and coverage, soothing, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, protects from UVA and UVB rays.
Silica: Spherical shape provides soft focus effect and extremely velvety and soft feel.  
Magnesium Stearate: Mineral salt of magnesium and vegetable oil derived stearic acid. Improves adhesion.
Calcium Carbonate: Mineral salt of Calcium and carbonic acid; main component of Limestone. Aids in increased water resistance.
Iron Oxides, Manganese Violet: Provides rich colors approved for use on eyes, face, and lips in the U.S.
Ultramarines, Chromium Oxide Green, Ferric Ferrocyanide: Provides rich colors approved for use on the eyes and face but not on the lips in the U.S. (Top of the World, Glass Beach Green, and Wild Iris Eye Dusters)

BOTANICALS
Organic Jojoba Oil/Wax: Provides a non-greasy feel with great absorption properties, excellent moisture regulator/moisturizer without an oil film (does not clog pores), smoothes and softens skin which helps with the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Protects from UV rays (SPF ~4). For acne and oily/combination skin, due to similarity to the structure of human sebum, is known to be effective in curbing over production of sebum. Anti-bacterial properties are known to inhibit growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Organic Soy Lecithin: Antioxidant and excellent emollient/moisturizer.                        
Grapefruit Seed Extract: Natural extract from the seeds and pulp of grapefruit has been shown to assist in preventing the growth of molds, yeast, and bacteria. Antioxidant with toning properties.
Organic Hemp Seed Oil: Does not clog pores (non-greasy), anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants plus emollient and moisture balancing properties. Highest of all plant oils in essential fatty acids, enhanced by the similarity to our own skin lipids, is known for excellent skin absorption, and keeping the skin's barrier healthy.
Organic Rosemary Extract: Powerful antioxidant known to strengthen dermal capillaries, and reduce the damage that stress, free radicals, and other toxins can do to skin cells.
Caprylic/Capric triglyceride: Derived from coconut, palm kernel oils and glycerin, is an emollient with a non greasy feel and vehicle for active ingredients
Organic Olive Fruit Oil: Extra Virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and known for its great moisturizing properties.         
Cornstarch: Provides velvety feel, with gentle absorbent properties.
Candelilla Wax: Natural plant wax with protecting and emollient properties.                                    
Jojoba Gel: Gel of jojoba seed oil and copolymers (ethylene/propylene/butylene and butylene/ethylene/styrene copolymers). Gel is over 88% natural jojoba seed oil/wax.  
Glycerin: Derived from palm/coconut oils, effective humectant, and moisturizer.                          
Stearyl Palmitate: Pure vegetable ester, thickener and emollient.
Organic Peppermint Essential Oil: Spicy-cool oil known to stimulate and awaken the senses.

VITAMINS
Vitamin C: Potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, skin soothing and whitening properties. Studies have shown it induces collagen production which can improve skin elasticity.
Vitamin E: Derived from non GMO soybeans, antioxidant, softens and smoothes skin, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.

OTHER:
Our Concealer contains less than 1% of a gentle yet effective preservative system of phenoxyethanol, sorbic acid and Caprylyl Glycol. Phenoxyethanol and sorbic acid are common preservatives widely used in healthy products that need preservation. Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant that has a synergistic relationship for preservation and rated 0 (the best) from the Environmental Working Group's rating on toxicity and health.

 

Colorant minerals (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) and moisture-regulating jojoba oil provide natural sun protection. However, we do not label our products as "sunscreen" with SPF values due to the way the values are determined, which has been shown to be misleading with actual application. However, many of our products do contain high amounts of sun protection ingredients (Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide) and we have had good feedback on this subject. See Testimonials for an example. But, we always recommend using a natural and healthy, high SPF sunscreen under our products when in direct sunlight for any substantial period of time. Here is some examples of why we do not put SPF labels on our products: According to Leslie Baunamm, M.D (a Yahoo! Health expert for skin conditions), "When scientists test facial powders to determine SPF (as mandated by the FDA), they typically assume that 2mg of product will be used per cm of skin. The average face is about 600cm (although that varies from person to person, of course), meaning that a person needs to apply about 1.2g of facial powder to get the SPF stated on the product's label. So what's the problem? Studies show that most women only apply about 0.085g of powder at a time. In a nutshell, you'd have to apply 14 times the amount of powder you usually do to be sufficiently protected against the sun! Even if you were willing to cake on your makeup, there's no way to pile on that much powder. Bottom line: While it's never bad to use products with SPF, your facial powder is simply not offering enough protection against UV waves to use it in lieu of sunscreen....And don't ditch that SPF powder entirely -- it might not be enough protection against the sun, but it's a great way to minimize shine. By the way, many powders contain small levels of SPF, but most reputable companies dont put an SPF on the label because they do not want to mislead you that the powder is adequate sun protection." Additional studies, including one from the University of Nantes, in France, show that liquid foundations as well do not provide the SPF on the label. Many do not have photo-stability, meaning that after two hours in the sun, they loose 90% of their effectiveness. Failure to protect against UVA rays was also an issue with many products. Cosmetics do not put on their label the need for reapplication which is shown on sunscreens and needed for adequate protection. Still, a spokesman from the Cosmetics, Toiletry and Perfumery Association has said that cosmetics creams need not be held to the same standards as sunscreens:They are meant to help when you are popping in and out of the sun, not when you are going be to sunbathing.

Our packaging is designed for low impact on the environment and healthy application. The streamlined packaging provides all needed information and delivers health conscious designs. Loose mineral products have sifters to prevent contaminating the product with finger dipping, during wet applications, and the lids can be easily cleaned/disinfected. The sifters also give the added benefit of gently tapping any excess product back into the container safely. Lip gloss containers have small openings with wands to prevent contamination as well. Our shipping is also eco-friendly by packaging with proper sized shipping containers and using recycled bubble wrap.

We use the following type of FDA regulation for ingredients listing: In a branded shade line (ex. Eye Dusters), all ingredients other than color additives common to all products are listed in order of predominance, followed by ingredients less than 1% in any order, followed by color additives common to all products (It is very common in our products for color additives to have higher predominance than non color additives due to the nature of the products* and definitions of color additives**) The May Contain list shall only contain color additives not common to all products in shade line. *products are highly pigmented. **mica, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc are considered color additives

Does this surprise you? A large amount of companies will put May Contain and or [+/-] (which means the same as May Contain), and list all of their color additives after it. This is acknowledged commonly done by many companies by the FDA.1 This can mean that a common base mineral in cosmetic lines may look like it is low in predominance but may be the major component.

1. http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/CosmeticLabelingLabelClaims/CosmeticLabelingManual/ucm126444.htm#clgg