What Ingredients Go Into Natural Face Moisturisers?

There are four main elements to organically based moisturiser products; the humectant, the emollient, the emulsifier, and the actives.

An humectant is a naturally occuring substance which helps keep skin moist by helping skin cells to draw water in. Common natural humectants include aloe vera, honey, vegetable glycerin, and oat extracts.

An emulsifier is the ingredient that stabilises the moisturiser and gives it its even texture. Common emulsifying ingredients include beeswax, soy lecithin, castor oil, and cetyl alcohol.

An emollient is an ingredient that softens and relaxes the skin, by slowing the evaporation of water. Natural emollients include almond oil , coconut oil, shea butter, argan (Moroccan) oil, beeswax and cocoa butter are all frequently used.

The actives are the ingredients which give the moisturiser its special therapeutic properties. These can include everything from botanical extracts, herbs and essential oils to naturally derived vitamins and minerals. Utilizing the unique qualities of these actives ingredients in natural skincare preparations often gives rise to the product itself is often named after its active ingredient.

When choosing the moisturiser that is best for you, consider your skin type and the level of moisturisation that you require. Down to Earth provides detailed descriptions for each product; browse the ingredients and the product description to check that it is right for you.

Click here to view our range of natural moisturisers at Down To Earth Organics.
 
Down To Earth Organics – YOUR ONE STOP NATURAL AND ORGANIC SHOP

Ere Perez Natural Jojoba Oil Eye Pencil Review

It wasn’t too long ago that I had, for the most part given up on finding a natural eyeliner that was suitable for my sensitive eyes. I had grown tired of eyeliners that scratched, broke, irritated my skin, or simply wouldn’t draw. My eyeliner drought recently ended when I decided to treat myself to another attempt at using a natural eyeliner, I decided to give the Ere Perez Natural Jojoba Oil Eye Pencil a whirl, and this is how it went:

Ere Perez Natural Eye Pencil draws on with first application, does not scratch, scrape or drag, has not irritated my eyes  and actually looks good when I apply it (now that is saying something!). Surprisingly, I found that this eyeliner actually stays on all day, doesn’t smear all over my eye and is simple and easy enough for me to remove with my regular natural cream cleanser.

I did find it challenging to find the little hidden sharpener in the lid of the pencil – the lid has a lid of its own, but once I sorted that out it was all fine.

The only real problem I have with this Ere Perez Natural Jojoba Oil Eye Pencil is that I didn’t discover it earlier!

I found the brown Ere Perez Natural Jojoba Oil Eye Pencil  goes great with Zuii Flora Certified Organic Eyeshadow  in chestnut with a smear of Ere Perez Natural Rosehip Oil Nude Lipbar – perfectly natural, perfectly easy to apply.

Click here to view our range of natural mineral make-up at Down To Earth Organics.

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

Review: Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator

Three weeks into my tube of Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator by fabulous NZ natural skincare brand Antipodes and my skin in is glowing, fresh and more youthful looking. This gentle exfoliant makes use of tiny jojoba beads and soothing, healing oils like calendula and carrot oil to create a rich creamy face scrub that is even suitable for the most sensitive skin. Also, the use of earthy essential oils like sandalwood and cedarwood make using this product an absolute delight for the senses.

With my highly sensitive and reactive skin, I was initially very cautious when I first started using this product. I found that using a large pea-sized dollop and very gently massaging into my skin worked perfectly to achieve a nice clean glow. Even for my tending to dry sensitive skin I found that I am able to use this product 3-4 times per week without any issues. I would suggest that those with more oily skin could use this product more vigorously and even more frequently to help with breakouts as the after effect with this product is slightly drying to the skin.

Overall, I would suggest this is one of (if not the) best natural facial exfoliants I have used, I would recommend this for normal to oily and young skin types, but also find it gentle and soothing enough for more mature skin or dry, sensitive skin types. My tube will definitely last me well into the new year and keep my skin glowing and fresh for the summer months!

On the packaging:

“Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator with 100% pure avocado oil, marigold flower, tonka bean and sandalwood.

Offer your skin a new life with this beautifully effective, extremely gentle Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator. Avocado oil and jojoba beads marry to lift away lifeless skin, leaving a fresh complexion that feels reborn. Healing calendula oil works to nurture and repair, while carrot seed extract helps clear and revitalise skin's surface. Exotic essential oils of sandalwood, sweet orange and tonka bean calm and balance your skin's appearance.

Directions for use: Gently blend Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator into moist skin at sunrise or whenever your skin calls for a new life. Rinse well with warm and pure water.”
 

Click here to see the full ingredient list for Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator

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

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