The Benefits of Using Chemical Free Natural Cosmetics.

It has been estimated that the average woman absorbs a whopping two kilograms of cosmetics every year, and on an everyday basis, a woman could be smearing 175 chemicals on her skin. Of the estimated 82, 000 ingredients used in personal care products, it is said that one in eight are chemicals that are potentially hazardous to our health. Many of these hazardous chemicals in cosmetics are known carcinogens, pesticides, industrial chemicals, reproductive toxins and hormone disrupters. When we look closer at many of these chemicals in cosmetics, we can find chemical plasticizers, degreasers, and surfactants that would ordinarily be used to keep concrete soft, clean our cars and reduce surface tension in paints … and then we put it on our skin!

While many cosmetic products may seem harmless, especially since it is really only small amounts that are applied to the skin, it is the cumulative effect over several years of use that is difficult to gauge the effect of and would be considered in terms of a ‘slow poisoning’.

Obviously, by choosing to use chemical free natural cosmetics you are reducing the ingestion of a plethora of hazardous or carcinogenic substances, many of which would be banned substances if there were more stringent controls in the cosmetics industry. For those with sensitive skin or a tendency to skin breakouts, natural cosmetics offer a sensible solution without compromising on quality.

Many natural cosmetics also contain botanical extracts such as calendula and aloe vera that can help to improve the condition of the skin and allow the skin to breathe and function normally. Many women do find that after switching to natural cosmetics they do not need to apply as much product to conceal imperfections due to improved skin condition and texture.

Due to the reduced reliance on chemically made ingredients, natural cosmetics offer a great eco-conscious option for the environmentally aware woman and you can be assured that all natural cosmetics available at Down To Earth Organics are made ethically and are cruelty free.

Natural mineral cosmetics offer a great range of options for those who like to be a little more creative with their face paint, Claytime Australia and Zuii Certified Organic have a fabulous natural eyeshadows made from plant and mineral derived ingredients. Our range of Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics offers great quality products that will fast become your favourite essential makeup items. Check out Ere Perez Natural Almond Oil Mascara that WON Best Beauty Product in Green Lifestyle Magazine’s Green Lifestyle Awards earlier this year!

Click here to see our full range of natural and organic cosmetics at Down To Earth Organics.

Not tested on animals, no petrochemicals, no parabens, no talc, no GM ingredients.

Down To Earth Organics – YOUR ONE STOP NATURAL AND ORGANIC SHOP

Bisphenol A (BPA) Exposure Linked With Thyroid Problems in Pregnancy

According to a new study by researchers in Berkeley, California, bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like compound has been linked to changes in thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women and newborn boys.

In this study, the researchers analysed the bisphenol A levels in the urine samples of 335 women during the second half of their pregnancy, the thyroid hormone blood samples taken from the mothers during pregnancy and from the newborns within a few days of birth.

The researchers found that with increased exposure to BPA during pregnancy, total thyroxine (T4) blood levels would decrease proportionately, suggesting a hypothyroid effect. In newborn boys, increased exposure to BPA was linked to a significant decrease in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), suggesting a hyperthyroid effect.

Several studies in recent years have linked lower thyroid hormone levels to delays in cognitive and motor development in children. It is also suggested that even small changes in thyroid levels, even within the normal range may still have an effect on thinking skills, behaviour and growth.

It was interesting to note that the studies did not show any link with BPA and newborn girls, suggesting the presence of higher levels of a BPA metabolising enzyme as found in previous studies with animals.
Due to the increased sensitivity of pregnant women to chemicals and toxins in the environment, and the vulnerability of fetuses to this exposure, avoidance of bisphenol A during pregnancy of paramount importance both for pregnant women and those wishing to conceive.

While complete avoidance of bisphenol A is a challenge in today’s ‘throw-away’ society, conscious reduction of exposure can be achieved through the use of BPA free food storage containers and drink containers in the home.

Here at Down To Earth Organics we have a great range of BPA free baby bottles, water bottles and food storage containers designed to keep your body free from chemicals such as bisphenol A, PCBs, leads & phthalates.

To see our range of BPA Free Baby Bottles, Sippy Cups, and Cutlery & Storage Options click here.

To see our range of Eco Lifestyle Water Bottles, Stainless Steel Storage options and Re-useable Coffee Cups click here.

DOWN TO EARTH ORGANICS - YOUR ONE STOP NATURAL AND ORGANIC SHOP

My Affair with Antipodes Scientific Organic Beauty Skincare Range

It all started rather innocently about a year ago after I had run out of my regular eye moisturiser. We had just introduced a few organic skincare products from New Zealand brand Antipodes Scientific Organic Beauty at Down To Earth Organics and I thought it would be good to try one of these new products myself. I decided to try the Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream and was immediately taken by the texture and luxury of this product, not only was it smooth and hydrating, but it didn’t irritate my temperamental skin and seemed to keep on working all throughout the day.

It wasn’t long after trying the Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream that I sought out my next product in the Antipodes range. I had run out of my regular natural moisturiser with SPF and so too had our shelves at Down To Earth Organics. I had a kayaking adventure to plan for in the next few weeks and I was without a moisturiser with sunscreen,  so I found a perfect excuse to invest in the Antipodes Immortal Performance Plus Moisturiser with SPF15. Over the years I had tried several similar natural moisturisers with SPF, and while finding them effective, I rarely found a natural product that I really enjoyed using. The Antipodes Moisturiser with SPF15 definitely ‘ticked all of the boxes’: it was light enough to wear under make up, effective enough to keep me from getting scorched on my kayaking adventure and gentle enough not to flare up any skin issues. It was around this time that I realised my relationship with Antipodes Organic skincare products was really starting to go ‘somewhere’.

My next investment was Antipodes Natural Hallelujah Lime & Patchouli Cleanser, a decadent and charming cream cleanser that would be suitable for even the fussiest skin. I have since used this cleanser once or twice daily and have found this product treats my sensitive skin with humble respect without compromising on effectiveness.

My new found interest in Antipodes Organic skincare products however, has not gone unnoticed by my partner, he is beginning to see a pattern with my choices of skincare products, and the shiny amber glass bottles with green labels are ever so quietly starting to take over our bathroom. Of course I have plans for my future relationship with Antipodes Organics skincare; it won’t be long before I will need a new night cream and facial exfoliant, so the Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator will be closely followed by the Avocado Nourishing Night Cream in the next few weeks. Although I have had my eye on the Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum, it will be some time before I work through my current fabulous serums, so that part of the affair may have to wait until next year!

To view our range of Antipodes Scientific Organic Beauty Skincare range, go to:
Down To Earth Organics
Your one stop natural and organic shop

Sukin Sunless Bronzing Gel Review

Always the guineapig for self-tanners, I am the first to admit that while others were in the queue to get their tan-able skin, I was busily stocking up on freckles and fair skin. It seemed obvious that when we discovered Sukin was bringing out a sunless bronzing gel, I would have the most suitable pasty legs to trial the new self tanner in house at Down To Earth Organics.

For the last ten days or so I have been sporadically using Sukin’s new Sunless Bronzing Gel. The first thing to notice with the packaging is the relatively short list of ingredients and lack of chemical nasties such as artificial and synthetic fragrances, EDTA, parabens and animal derivatives. Also as an added bonus, Sukin Sunless Bronzing Gel is100% Australian owned and made and 100% carbon neutral!

When using the gel, the first thing that I noticed was the consistency, likely due to the high aloe vera content, it seems a little more runny and glossy than other self tanners that I have tried. While this does take a little to get used to, it actually makes even application a little easier. Sukin has also added a couple of essential oils to the formula giving it a nice pleasant citrus-y smell.

Although I am no expert, I have found that building a tan slowly with several applications works best for me so I don’t end up splotchy or streaky. I found with this product that two light applications within a few hours worked best for my skin to achieve a light tan, a third application can get quite a rich darker colour, which would really be up to personal preference.

The aloe vera in this formula also makes the application quite soothing without being sticky, and I can imagine in the warmer weather this will be quite therapeutic on a hot summer day. After a week of using this Sukin self tanner I found the colour would fade without streaks or blotches and once daily application seems to keep the colour looking natural without going overboard.

The overall colour of this self tanner also seems a bit darker than some other products that I have used, perhaps due to the caramel ingredient in the formula, I didn’t find this to be too much of an issue with light applications, and actually had the advantage of making the product go that much further.

For cost and value, at well under $20 this is a bargain, 200mL should last me through a greater part of the summer, and the soothing moisturising properties of the gel makes it so much more enjoyable to re-apply after showering. Definitely a great buy for those wanting an Aussie tan without the sunburn.

To find out more details about our Sukin Sunless Bronzing Gel, visit
Down To Earth Organics – your one stop natural and organic shop.

Spirulina - An Introduction

Some may call me a veteran on spirulina, others may just say I'm a bit 'green', either way I have been using this glorious green stuff in some form for nearly 20 years! Often referred to as a blue-green algae, spirulina is technically a cyanobacteria or a blue coloured bacteria, but, unlike other forms of bacteria, spirulina contains chlorophyll and uses the sun as an energy source in a similar way to plants and algae.

Historically, spirulina is believed to have been consumed as a food source by the Aztecs until the 16th century and also grown in Central Africa. Today spirulina is grown and harvested in many locations throughout the world in alkaline lakes, given the correct conditions it is fast growing and relatively easy to harvest.

Spirulina is considered to be one of the most nutritious and concentrated food sources on the planet, a majority of the interest in spirulina is around it's natural protein content. Often containing around 60% bioavailable, easily absorbable plant based protein, spirulina is considered to be a  much better source of protein than most animal forms of protein, including red meat.

However, it is not just the amino acid profile (proteins) that make this whole food remarkable, spirulina is also abundantly rich in minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids. It is this unique combination of nutrients that categorizes spirulina as a 'superfood' in our western society, a nutritional saviour in third world countries, and a nutrition-packed food for astronauts and earth dwelling humans alike.

The health benefits of this wholefood spirulina are many, in brief, spirulina is a great food source for vegetarians, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly. Spirulina is great for balancing blood sugar levels, beneficial in Type II diabetes and associated cardiovascular issues. It is supportive for brain function, liver, eyes and immune system. Spirulina is also of benefit for those with cholesterol issues, excess weight or low energy.

Ultimately, a daily dose of spirulina is a great equivalent to synthetically manufactured nutritional supplements, for those travelling or with less than optimal diets.

See our full range of spirulina here at
Down To Earth Organics - your one stop natural and organic shop.