Just Skin Food
Skin care products for men and women, plus make up, all made from certified organically grown and wildcrafted ingredients. “By selecting botanical ingredients based on their beneficial properties, our products provide the healing effects of each plant. ..We make all the herbal oils, salves, balms, butters, soap, body scrubs, and lotion sticks by hand, by using various infusing methods with a range of organic herbs, unrefined, steam-distilled and cold-pressed ingredients.We also double infuse certain oils for therapeutic reasons in order to provide additional healing properties. It is through these raw materials that the color, texture and scent of the products are determined. Our products are made in small batches in order to pay attention to each step in the process and to keep the integrity and quality of the herbs and the essence without compromising the outcome…For packaging we use only glass, reusable or biodegradable products. Even our inside seals are made from certified unbleached chlorine free paper.” Ingredients page.
Healthy Cricket
[formerly Dakota Free] Gluten-free, allergen specific and hypoallergenic skin care, bath, baby, spa and hair care products. “We have been helping families stay healthy and serving those with celiac disease, allergies, autism, cancer, chemical sensitivities, asthma, eczema and other skin issues since 2000. Every item has been handcrafted in a dedicated gluten-free facility with careful attention to identifying and tracking the allergen status of each product.” This looks to be one of the most ingredient conscious companies I’ve seen. They have a long list of undesirable ingredients that they track and have much information on their website about the ways ingredients you don’t want can get into products. There is an attribute checklist on each product page to help you choose the right item for your specific need.
Titilayo Naturals Adzuki Bean Scrub
Foraged Fields
“Truly natural and organic plant based skin care and makeup….I started building recipes that I found worked well for many complaints that my friends and family had: sensitive skin, eczema, dry skin, acne, sensitivity to artificial scents and essential oils, aging, wrinkles …the list goes on and on…I get as much as I can from my own backyard and from other local small businesses.” These handmade products are made to order just for you from organic and foraged ingredients.
Made Simple Skincare
Organic skin and oral care, created in small batches, bottled in glass. “Nothing but pure, active ingredients…raw, vegan, non-GMO…Made Simple Skin Care was founded with the idea that taking care of yourself is tantamount to taking care of others and the planet we all inhabit. That means starting from the soil to the seed to the plant and to you. What if high quality, natural skin products were not only luxurious in form and formula, but sustainable in principle? “We believe that if you take care of nature it will, take care of you.”
H is for Love
There is a lot to read on this website about the purity of the plant ingredients and the very basic formulas that prove “nature is enough.” As an example I will just tell you about the Root & Berry Lip Glace, which I am going to try. There seem to be descriptions on one page and ordering on another, so if you want to buy and don’t see a shopping cart, go to “shop.” But this lip glace has “been formulated to nourish lips in much the same way the H IS FOR LOVE skincare line does. I chose to leave out pigments that weren’t specifically there to enhance the nourishing qualities of the gloss, and instead included roots, berries, and flowers that would color the oils naturally.” That is so in agreement with my own thinking. And then she went on to say how she was addicted to her department store lipstick. It was the same brand I was addicted to for the same reason. It took me so long to give it up because of the color and the feel. And then she made this glace and gave it up. “No more poison gloss for me!” she said. “H is for love is about sharing nature’s most wonderful gifts. Each ingredient is pure, every product made by hand to optimize quality and efficacy. Cruelty-free and almost entirely organic and wild-sourced, only natural preservation methods are employed. Designed with purpose and care, each element has already withstood the ultimate test: time.”
Heart Grown Wild
Natural, organic, handcrafted, plant-based skin and hair care products. “Our products are created with a strong foundation, knowledge and connection with the plants. It is our intention to bring that connection to the outside world into your daily self-care routines. This connection is important now more than ever in the world we live in.”
Apothecary 90291
Effective chemical-free skin care made from 100% certified organic ingredients.” A set of oils, balms, and masks designed by a woman born and raised in Romania, the daughter of a biochemist mother and a musician father. So she was surrounded by some of the most beautiful women in Europe. Her organic products reflect her European background and the way things are done there, rather than what we expect in the US. Ingredients are chosen to cleanse and nourish. Oh, and by the way, 90291 is the zip code for Venice, California, where the temperature is ten degrees cooler. Ingredients.
Bohemian Beetnik
Handcrafted cosmetics and skin care made with botanical colors like beets and hibiscus. “So natural, you could eat it! All handcrafted and made in my own kitchen. I use my own recipes, not from a pre-made base. Our products do not contain chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, or synthetic chemicals. No mineral colorants here either! Only pure fruits & vegetables, herbs & spices, and oils & butters. Organic ingredients used whenever possible!”
Vintner’s Daughter
A super-potent active botanical skin serum made from “the finest natural, organic and wildcrafted ingredients from conscious growers around the world … While researching her ever more complicated skincare regimen, winery owner, April Gargiulo realized that almost all of her highly touted skincare products contained high levels of ineffective, toxic fillers. As she researched more and discovered the cumulative damage these chemicals have on our systems, April sought out toxin free alternatives…Committed to creating the most active, luxurious serum possible, April began a 2 year-long research and formulation process. Drawing from her experience in fine winemaking, April, alongside natural skincare veterans set out to create a “hero” formulation that would address all of her skincare needs—everything from fine lines and wrinkles to acne to elasticity and general radiance. Much like the fine winemaking process, Vintner’s Daughter begins by sourcing the world’s finest raw ingredients and honors these ingredients through an exacting and time-honored formulation process. The result is Active Botanical Serum, a powerful, multi-correctional serum for face that has earned a cult status the world over.
Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve Company
A large selection of body care products—including soaps, face and lip care, shampoo bars, and bug repellant—made from “certified organic ingredients–herbs and flowers, vegetables and fruits, sustainable oils and butters and pure essential oils to create fresh, wholesome products that will nourish your skin and be kind to our planet.” The company is certified organic as well as the ingredients.
O1L23
I tried this oil for hair, skin and nails and it improved my hair with one drop. It’s made from three ancient oils—buckthorn, macula and baobab—each cold-pressed, wildcrafted, organic, non-GMO. Each bottle is hand blended by an organic hairdresser with over 30 years in the industry. This is very potent!
Wild Hill Botanicals
A skincare line based on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. “Our connection to this landscape and our ongoing study of the amazing botanicals it has to offer has been the inspiration for our formulations. We believe that organic is just plain better. Organic ingredients have been shown to be higher in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Wild plants are known to contain many molecules not present in their domesticated cousins. This core value of bringing together organic and sustainably harvested wild ingredients serves not only your skin, but also the greater environment, which we take very much to heart. We focus on growing organic herbs on our farm in East Sooke, using the freshest organic oils and house made hydrosols to craft products that are amazing, completely natural and inspired by the landscape of this beautiful coast. We take pride at Wild Hill in creating each of our products in small batches by hand to ensure freshness and quality control. We think that skincare and bath rituals should be a gratifying and important part of self-care in everyone’s day. Love yourself, take some downtime from this hectic world, and absorb the power of nature.”
Thirteen Organics
Natural-scent skin care and deodorant products. “Thirteen Organics only uses all natural and organic ingredients sourced locally and globally. We do not use artificial colouring or synthetic fragrances – our products are either naturally scented or coloured with what nature provided. Our products are scented with strictly premium organic essential oils, and we only use key ingredients – no unnecessary fillers. We produce quality hand crafted products in small batches…The need to start taking a totally natural approach to skin care was apparent. It was frustrating trying to find products out there that were 100% natural and effective, so our founder started handcrafting it herself so that she actually knew what was in her products… no looking back since. We have created our own gorgeous line of products to help you take back control of your skin.”
Earthview Products
A full line of fragrance-free household cleaning and laundry products—plus skin care, hair, care, and shaving products—formulated by a man experienced with MCS. Made from safe plant- and mineral-derived ingredients—without any aromatics, essential oils, or petrochemical ingredients—and designed for exceptional functionality and performance (I’ve been using these products and they really work well). Sample sizes and economical bulk refills available. “Our experience with MCS led us to create a brand of natural products that work great, and that anyone with environmental sensitivities could always trust to be free of harmful fragrances and chemicals. This was the simple inspiration for Earthview® products…which after 10 years of research and development, has created some incredible product formulas. Our hope is that for lives otherwise changed forever, by toxic chemical exposure we can bring a small measure of beauty and enjoyment in great personal care and cleaning products.” While designed for MCS, these are just great products for everyone to use.
Skinsentials
Skin care products that are organic all the way down to the essential oils. They offer a scrub that you can customize to be sea salt or organic sugar, with your choice of oil and essential oils.
Zosimos Botanicals
“Our skilled Artisans handcraft mineral makeup and natural skincare in a 100% wind-powered studio. Healthful cosmetics are mindfully created in small batches using pure mica, certified organic essential oils, waxes, herbs, certified organic fruit extracts and floral waters. Zosimos Botanicals gives you the absolute freshest nontoxic cosmetics possible…we are dedicated to reducing our customers dependence on chemical exposure “ Make-up, hair care, skin care. Trial sizes available.
Northlore
“Northlore specializes in botanical body care products handmade in small batches from wildcrafted, homegrown, and organic ingredients. The botanical ingredients in our products are carefully selected for their cosmetic and medicinal properties and wildcrafted from the prairie wilderness and our homegrown herb gardens. Our products are made with a nod to the lore of this Northern land, using traditional methods and natural, true scents that recall aspen bluffs, coniferous forests, and meadows filled with sagebrush. These are wildcrafted goods for wild, Northern souls.”
Lalun
“modern beauty alchemy” body care products that go way beyond organic.”I use ingredients that I love: wild, raw, edible, seasonal, organic and fair trade. They are as close to their origin as possible and safe, especially during manufacture since I am the skin chef who’s making everything. As with food, seasonal, fresh, quality ingredients make all the difference which is why the botanicals I extract are either wild-grown in my biodynamic garden in West Hollywood or ethically wildcrafted by myself from pristine sources in the Hudson Valley where I spend my summers. The essential oils I source are distilled from wildcrafted plants and enhance the benefits of my freshly extracted botanicals. This is how the body should be nourished, inside and out.” And that’s only the beginning…
Sea Chi Organics
Herbal infusion skin and hair care products made from “premium quality, wildcrafted and organic raw materials that deliver noticeable results….soothe, support and rejuvenate….handcrafted by a group of Amazing women, herbalists and aromatherapists inspired to Consciously infuse Love and Blessings into every product made. ”
Four Elements Herbals
Herbal wellness products “grown, created and packaged from our farm in the pristine Baraboo Bluffs of Wisconsin. We are dedicated to organics, certified since 1990, owing deep respect and gratitude for Nature, the source of our healing ingredients.” Products include bath soaks and salts, deodorants, body butters, natural perfumes, skin care, handmade soaps, herb infused body oils, herbal tinctures, insect repellants, lip balms, and more.
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Listen to my interview with Jane Hawley Stevens , Founder of Four Elements Organic Herbals |
Cocokind
“A certified organic and socially conscious skincare line that is based around virgin coconut oil. Our face and body products are completely chemical-free, preservative-free, and even water-free!” This company is very forthright about their ingredients. “We encourage you to dig deep on our website, understand our ingredients and products, and reach out to us if you have any specific questions.” Every ingredient is listed and explained. 100% organic ingredients, certified organic products.
Ellovi
Only two products: body butter and lip butter. But…”Six ingredient skincare…made with six wildly harvested ingredients so pure you can eat them….One very special thing about our butters is that we never use water. Everything is 100% concentrated. And, we don’t need preservatives…We believe you should feed your skin the most pure and nutritious ingredients on the planet.”
Elaa
elää is a Finnish word meaning “to be alive”…”Just like a hummingbird or butterfly transforms and thrives with vitality and beauty from the drink of plant nectars, so shall you”. elaa products are made from living and highly active, transformational plant oils and extracts. With these precious nectars, you’ll soon fly. Soar to your highest height of aliveness, health, and beauty.” Pure, super active living organic skin, body, dental, and hair care products.
Herbalix Restoratives
Therapeutic body care products made with “only the finest…pure, potent ingredients…extracted in the most natural ways possible.” I’ve used these products and they really are potent!”There are no synthetic chemicals, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, aluminum or fillers used in any of our product formulations. We also go to great lengths to avoid refined, bleached and deodorized oils.” The products are made in the Pacific Northwest, on a property used for growing organic vegetables, flowers and herbs. The land is home to bald eagles, ospreys, swallows, and abundant wildlife. “Our manufacturing equipment consists of stainless steel tanks, stainless steel paddles, and stainless steel piping. All plastic, silicone, or other harmful components have been removed and each piece has been retrofitted to insure totally clean processing. In other words, none of our raw materials pass through plastic at all! All plastic packaging used is also known to be leach-free with no estrogenic activity so that your products remain free of phthalates and other second-hand synthetic chemicals.” Products contain a preservative that is 99% effective in killing all the major microorganisms required, and at the same time preserves the good bacteria. Deodorants, soaps, moisturizers, salves and haircare. Plus detox products that purge aluminum from your body, through your skin, while you sleep. Enter code Debra10 at checkout to get 10% off your purchase.
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Listen to my interview with Elizabeth and Michael Fessler, Founding Partners of Herbalix Restoratives |
Primal Life Organics
Paleo, gluten-free, vegan skincare options for those looking to detoxify their skincare and get back to the basics. Products are all natural, organic and made fresh when ordered. Made from ingredients our primal ancestors could have used for their own skincare. Choose from makeup made from plants and clay, skin care, hair care, tooth powder, pregnancy products and baby care. Watch how they make their products on this video.
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Listen to Debra’s 2014 interview with Primal Life Organics CEO Trina Felber, RN, BSN, MSN, CRNA. |
Divina Natural
A 100% natural and organic luxurious skin care line with focus on natural treatments for anti-aging, skin lightening, serious skin conditions and long lasting hydration. You can “rejuvenate, restore and revitalize your skin organically and holistically with the finest and most effective ingredients at the most affordable prices.” Products come unscented and scented with essential oils; you can also have products custom-scented or developed especially to address your individual skin condition.
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Listen to my interview with Divina Natural Managing Partner and Formulator Sheila Jacaman. |
Terressentials
For nearly a quarter of a century, the organic artisan crafting team at Terressentials has been handcrafting a diverse array of distinctive gourmet and USDA certified organic personal care products, including organic skin care, organic hair care, organic bath products, organic baby products, and more. As a certified organic business with a deep commitment to an authentic organic lifestyle, Terressentials limits its palette of body care ingredients to those materials permitted in the production of certified organic foods under the USDA National Organic Program regulations. For discriminating and organically-aware individuals around the world, Terressentials offers many elegant, effective, aromatic and nourishing body and hair care products that are 100% organic and also crafts a lovely range of organic fragrance-free products (without added essential oils) for those who prefer the traditional fresh simplicity of pure organic herbals. The Terressentials website is full of information about cosmetic ingredients, the organic regulations, and organic skin and hair care. All product ingredients are listed on the Terressentials site and trial sizes are available for personal experimentation.
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Listen to my interviews with Terressentials co-founders Diana Kaye and James Hahn. |
Tilth Beauty
A natural-based, high-performance, anti-aging luxury skincare line that is also gluten-free. Based on three decades of experience, research, and development, each product has been painstakingly crafted with a unique and potent blend of botanical and industry -proven ingredients without ANY potentially harmful elements commonly found in most skincare products: no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petroleum-based products, silicones, synthetic fragrances or GMOs, animal/dairy-derived products, or artificial colors. “Tilth is the name given to indicate the health of soil. Healthy soil (soil with good tilth) is seen to be oxidized with the ability to maintain good levels of moisture and vital nutrients. Tilth Beauty has taken this concept and adapted it using the latest skin care technology to produce the best anti-aging skin care products. “Here at Tilth Beauty, we’ve combined the readily available tools given to us by Mother Nature with cutting edge technology to forge luxurious, safe and highly effective skin care products without using any questionable ingredients.” Products have a slight fragrance from the botanical ingredients.
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Listen to my interview with Tilth Beauty Founder and Owner Anthony Vargas. |
JES Organics
A complete line of natural/organic skin care, anti-aging, hair & body products and natural mineral cosmetics. Founded by a registered nurse who could not find products pure enough for her own use. All her products are listed as safe by Environmental Working Group. “We strongly believe that all products should be free of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, and other harmful effects. ALL JES Organics products are PARABEN, SULFATE, FRAGRANCE FREE, and NON-TOXIC.
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Listen to my interview with Touchstone JES Organics Founder Janis Uquillas. |
Nardo’s Naturals
An organic, “effective and healthy skin care line for women, men and teens…suitable for all skin types…each product is loaded with skin-loving nutrients…derived from nature.” This company was founded by four brothers who were cooking with all-natural food and organic oils. “One day we said to ourselves, if skin care absorbs into your body, why not just rub the organic oils (that we were cooking with) into our skin? It has to be much healthier than some conventional products on the market today. So, we whipped up a coconut concoction in our kitchen!” And now they have a thriving business because their customers love their products.
Vermont Soap
“Our products are so natural, they’re certified to USDA organic food standards by Vermont Organic Farmers.” They have been a certified organic processorsince 2003. For over twenty years Vermont Soap has been manufacturing 100% natural and toxic-free personal care and cleaning products. They make handmade bar soaps for sensitive skin, anti-aging products and moisturizers, 100% natural shower gels (soap based), castile liquid soaps, nontoxic cleaners, products for pets, camping and gardening. All products are free from artificial scents (many are unscented altogether) and other toxic ingredients, such as antimicrobials and detergents.
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Listen to Debra’s interviews with Vermont Soap founder Larry Plesent |
Tropical Traditions
Skin care products made from Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil and Virgin Palm Oil. "Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil is traditionally made from fresh organic coconuts, and independent laboratory tests show that it has a higher level of antioxidants than other coconut oils…all other ingredients used are 100% natural. Our hand-made creams, lotions and lip moisturizers contain no alcohols, no artificial fragrances, and no petroleum products…each product has an unscented version."
Lakon Herbals
Since 1985, Lakon Herbals has produced a line of nourishing skin care oils, fine aroma-therapeutic massage oils, and quality medicinal salves, renowned for their extraordinary healing properties. The formulas were inspired by the wild medicinal plants native to Vermont and New England. "Our farming practices are completely organic and also integrate many of the bio-dynamic principals outlined in Rudolph Steiners journals. We plant, grow, harvest, and formulate in rhythm with the herbs natural affinities to solar, lunar and planetary cycles."
Grateful Body
Chemical-free skin care products and topical medicinals handcrafted in small batches from organic, biodynamically grown, and ethically wildcrafted plants and cold-pressed plant oils. These treatments deeply nourish the skin, supporting and strengthening your skin’s capacity to take care of itself. Products are safe and beneficial for women, men, children and babies, and for all skin types.” Note their products are free from synthetic fragrances, but do have natural fragrances inherent in their beneficial ingredients. “We simply base our formulations on the vast intelligence and life force of nature, instead of the narrow intellect of the laboratory.”
Dr. Hauschka
One of the first companies to produce a complete line of holistic facial and body care products for men and women. These therapeutic preparations restore balance and health to the skin by stimulating the skin’s ability to take care of itself. Plant ingredients are grown using biodynamic forming, then hand harvested at sunrise to capture plant vitality. Freshly harvested plants are then immediately brought to the laboratory where they undergo rhythmical processing that ensures the plants’ healing quality is captured and carried to your skin in the finished product. These products have the natural fragrances of their plant ingredients and pure essential oils. Check their website for a directory of local and online stores, and where you can have a professional therapeutic treatment. I’ve had one and they are wonderful. My skin truly glowed!
