It's Worth the Extra Expense, Time and Effort

On occasion I’m asked if it really is worth the extra expense, time and effort it takes to make our all-natural products. Especially when we could easily cut corners, save money and pump out product faster if we went the synthetic/chemical route. There is so much value in what we do, value in not only in the careful craftsmanship and hand-selected all-natural ingredients, but even more important, value in our customer’s experience.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Nothing makes my job more rewarding than stories from our fans. They’re a valued reminder that the way we do things is the right way. It warms my heart to read your testimonials and it’s even better when I am able to meet people face-to-face and hear their stories. Our own Todd Anderson suffered from severe Atopic Dermatitis and was on heavy doses of steroids with little improvement before he started using our complete line of products (see Todd’s story in our past blogs). 

Recently, Sherrie shared her experience with us and it is no surprise to me that our products did help her. For more than 15 years we have been providing products to Emerson hospital in Boston who use them on their radiation patients. Our natural alternatives to harsh chemicals work. But Sherrie says it better than I ever could:

Dear Absolutely Natural, 

I have been using your lotions and body oils for several years and have been very pleased with them. Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo radiation therapy. I had to have 33 treatments and they told me that after the first 10-15 treatments I would start experiencing skin damage similar to a very severe sunburn.  

The doctor gave me a couple of different radiation lotions to try and told me to use them and decide which one worked the best for me. After looking at them, I decided to start with the Absolutely Natural Restorative Body lotion, and supplemented it with the Organic Beauty Oil a few times a week. I figured if the symptoms got too bad I could switch to one of the radiation lotions at that point. 

After a couple of weeks in my skin was still looking really good and my doctor asked me which type of lotion I had chosen. I told him about Absolutely Natural and he said that it was working great and to stick with it! By the end of treatment, my skin was fairly red and irritated, I have been finished about a week now and all of the redness has turned to tan! I have believed that Absolutely Natural was a good product for several years, but now I am convinced that it is a great product!!  

Thanks for making such good lotions and oils! 

Sincerely,
Sherrie

Thanks Sherrie for making the effort to reach out and share your story with us. I means so much to my team and I to hear it. 

Best regards,

Charley

Enhanced formulas, available now!

To see a “New and Improved” sticker on our consumer products about every few weeks is annoying to me.   I always figured it was a marketing gimmick to get me to buy more products. 

With Absolutely Natural now 20 years old, you won’t see “New and Approved” on our bottles, but that is exactly what we have accomplished after working with the formulas with this in mind for the last five years.

And, new isn’t exactly the right word since we will never go away from our bases made from natural ingredients, cosmetic quality, nutrient rich and unique formulas.  Enhanced is the right word.

We have made many enhancements including a complete reformulation of our sunscreens complete with modern, efficient packaging for our sunscreens.

The run down:

Rosehip Aloe

Rosehip Aloe lotion remains in the same bottle but with a fresh, new label that better represents our brand across all lines of products.  In addition, we have upgraded the base oil from Walnut to Hi-Oleic Safflower Oil.  Among many other positive traits, Safflower Oil is extremely high in Vitamin E and therefore a super anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger.  Safflower Oil is also high in Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Other ingredient changes include using Organic Rose Hips Oil and adding Green Tea, a powerful anti-oxidant that has been proven to help rejuvenate skin already damaged by UV and other elemental damages.  This is an important enhancement. 

Pure Aloe Recovery Gel 

Pure Aloe with Tea Tree Oil is also in the same bottle with the fresh label.  And, it remains pure as there just wasn’t much to do with this product as it works so well with sunburn, skin rashes, jellyfish stings, shaving irritation and other skin problems.  We have been especially proud of our 15 year history with Emerson Hospital in Boston where they use Absolutely Natural Pure Aloe on their radiation patients.  One enhancement that will be impactful is the addition of Green Tea to the formula mix.  Green Tea is a powerful anti-oxidant and skin repair.

Platinum Tanning Oil & Professional Tanning Oil 

Our tanning oils are in the same bottles with our new look labels and the Pro Oil has no ingredient changes.   It remains a nut free formula, modestly priced for those who want that golden tan.

Platinum Oil has had some significant enhancements especially the base oil going from Walnut to Fractionated Coconut.   This highly refined oil has virtually no propensity to become rancid and helps with shelf life for the tanning product.  In addition, Fractionated Coconut Oil has close affinity to the body’s natural oils and is nutrient rich for healthy skin.  It is one of nature’s best moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated in the sun. 

In addition, we have upgraded to Organic Rose Hips Oil and Organic Sunflower Seed Oil.  We have also added Cherry Kernel Oil, Jojoba Oil, Carrot Seed Oil Extracts of Green & White Tea and Gingko Biloba, all carefully selected for their nutrient and therapeutic values.  We have done all of this and maintained the same retail price point we have had for 20 years. 

Sunscreens

The biggest changes come in our completely reformulated sunscreens.  The FDA has finally adopted their monograph and unlike most sun care competitors, we welcome the regulations.  Of course, we have been in compliance for our entire existence but since we had to change the way our labels read (INCI names are now required and a very strict Drug Fact label is the law), we too this opportunity to change a lot.

Of course, we are still 100% natural but instead of using 100% Titanium Dioxide for our sunscreen, we are using a blend of Titanium and Zinc.  This gives us more water resistance and of course, measurable protection against UVA light as well as UVB.

The base has been enhanced quite a bit and features anti-oxidants, free radical scavengers and nutrient rich oils.

Below is a list of our new ingredients:

Aloe Vera Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Fractionated Coconut Oil,

Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate, (natural emulsifier)

Linoleic Acid (and) Linolenic Acid,(Vitamin F naturally derived from SAFFLOWER OIL)

Organic Rose Hips Oil

Squalane

Green Tea Oil

Shea Butter

Vitamin E Tocopherol, 

Camellia Oil

Chamomile Oil

Calendula Oil

Arnica Extract

Milk Peptides Complex

Gogi Berry Extract

Cranberry Extract

Passion Fruit Oil

Pomegranate Extract

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (natural derived thickener)

Caprylic Acid (and) Lauric Acid (and) Propanediol, Potassium Sorbate (natural preservative System Blend)

Fragrance

The result? A natural, sunscreen, gentle on the skin and friendly to the environment but a powerhouse of moisturizers and healthy benefits to the skin. 

To go along with these significant improvements is a modest price increase and I am proud to say just our second one in 20 years.   Considering the sizes of our higher sunscreens are increasing from 4oz to 6oz and the new packaging is an easy to use squeeze tube, I am sure you will find the new pricing reasonable.  

Best regards,

Charley

We're proud to present our newest oil … pure, wild crafted Kukui Nut

The Kukui Tree was brought to the islands by early Polynesian settlers and has been used for generations in traditional Hawaiian healing. It is rich in Vitamins A and E as well as Oleic Acid (Omega 9), Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) and Alpha Lionlenic Acid (Omega 3). In addition, it is a powerful anti-oxidant.

It has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin while still allowing it to breath. Kukui Nut Oil will not clog the pores of the skin, but is excellent for moisture retention.

The benefits are numerous and it has been traditionally used for sunburn, windburn and dry skin. Hawaiian women have used it for years to enhance their tans and moisturize their skin. It is superb as massage oil and our wild crafted Kukui Nut Oil is superior to cosmetic grade quality.

Centuries ago Hawaiian men and women used the oil in their hair to give it sheen and today it is frequently used as an occasional super hydrating treatment for the hair. Heat the oil slightly and work it through the hair starting at the roots; leave on for at least 10 minutes or longer before washing and rinsing hair. The oil can also be used sparingly as a leave in conditioner.

It is believed that rubbing Kukui Nut Oil vigorously into the scalp can promote hair growth, but one glance at my picture proves I cannot attest to that claim!

Hawaiians have traditionally used Kukui Nut Oil as a treatment for acne and it works well reducing the appearance of acne scars.

Other uses for our wild crafted Kukui Nut Oil:

• Can be used on babies with cradle cap
• Add to a bath for additional hydration and nourishment
  
• Help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
• Also helps lighten stretch marks for those already suffering with them
• Put a few drops into your favorite shampoo or conditioner to treat over-processed, dry hair
  

Our oil is unscented but can be enhanced with one of our exclusive essential oil blends.

I look forward to your feedback on this exciting new product.

http://www.absolutely-natural.com/collections/bath-body-oils/products/organic-body-oils

Best regards

Charley

New Year’s Resolutions … Absolutely Natural Style

Year after year it’s always the same thing:
• Lose weight
• Get organized
• Exercise 20 hours a week.

The resolutions usually last less than the time it takes to make them, but I challenge our customers to embark upon an Absolutely Natural Year of Resolutions.

Resolve to do something good for your whole body:
Resolve to use our incredible Organic Oil or Organic Crème daily for a month. You will be amazed at the results. I talked to a man just yesterday who has severe eczema … to the point where he has had no hair on his right arm for years. His wife talked him into using the organic oil everyday and within one month his skin condition improved dramatically and his arm hair had returned! He is absolutely thrilled.

Resolve to reveal more radiant youthful skin:
We recommend your daily “work out” consist of our daily regimen for your face, Facials … the Absolutely Natural five-step facials program. Burn calories morning and night using our cleanser and following with the astringent, toner and then our uplifting daily facial lotion. Two to three times a week you can increase the activity by incorporating our bamboo exfoliator into the mix. Feel the burn? Actually, no you won’t; you’ll only feel the amazing softness, smoothness and enjoy the youthfulness our Facials System promises and delivers.

Resolve this year to eliminate
sulfates, phthalates and parabens from your skin and blood stream:
It’s easy with Absolutely Natural’s new spa products. Choose between our Papaya Pineapple or Cucumber Mint natural fragrances in the personal care products … shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion. The products are moisturizing and a nutrient-rich treat for the skin, hair and scalp.

Resolve to stay hydrated and protected:
This summer keep your skin protected by our natural sunscreens and hydrated by the phenomenal aloe, shea butter, squalane-based lotion in all of our sunscreens and Rosehip Aloe.

Resolve to save the planet’s precious resources:
While enjoying the sun, you can live up to your resolution of helping save the planet as NONE of our products will harm the coral reefs of our precious oceans.

In fact, as the founder and owner of company, I think we should all resolve to improve our skin, our hair, our health and environment by using as many Absolutely Natural products as possible. Of course, this is written with serious tongue-in-cheek intentions. I’m all for exercising, losing weight and all the resolutions so many of us make year in and year out, but the Absolutely Natural 2011 resolutions will be the easiest to stick with.

Happy New Year and thanks for your continued support.

Charley

Nasty Chemicals for $1000 please Alex...

Let’s play a little Absolutely Natural Jeopardy:

I'll take "Nasty Chemicals for" $1000 please, Alex.

The answer is: What are Parabens, Sodium Laurel, Sodium Laureth and Phthalates?

Buzzzzz … What are three common chemicals that Absolutely Natural has totally eliminated in their new spa line?

Correct!


I always wanted to go on Jeopardy but I’d end up being one of the guys that has $220 at end of the game and the scorn of Alex Trebek. Unless, of course, all the categories were about skincare and suncare.

Most of you have heard about the chemicals referred to above, but don’t know the potential dangers. The run down:

Parabens
Parabens (preservatives in shampoos, lotions and most personal care products) can mimic estrogen in the body. Excess estrogen in the body can increase the risk of breast cancer.

In addition, a study done in 2002 by Dr. S. Oishi in Tokyo concluded that newborn male babies exposed to Parabens “adversely affects the secretion of testosterone and the function of the male reproductive system."

A report done by our own EPA, stated that Parabens can mimic your own body’s hormones and can have endocrine-disrupting action when they are rubbed into your body. These disruptors interfere with your endocrine system, your hypothalamus, your ovaries, your thyroid and virtually every system in your body.

Sodium Laurel and Sodium Laureth
These particular sulfates (lathering agents in shampoos and body washes) have been shown to produce eye and/or skin irritation. Research by OSHA and CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) concludes that Parabens are a known carcinogen (low levels of carcinogen 1,4-dioxane) and irritant.

Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in the making of polyvinyl plastics but are common in personal care products including shampoos and lotions. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to:

• Adverse effects on genital development of male fetuses in utero
• Premature breast development in young girls
• Affects on puberty functions
  

Now I’ll be the first to admit that nothing has positively concluded that these chemicals are the primary cause of these adverse reactions but there is enough evidence to warrant caution. When you consider that anything absorbed through the skin may be as high as 10 times more concentrated than an oral dose.

In the words of one of my favorite customers, “Why take the chance?”

Especially when there are great alternatives provided you by Absolutely Natural.

Best regards,

Charley

SPF’s Impact on the Environment

It is estimated that every year 8000 tons of chemicals are deposited on our precious ocean coral reef to disastrous results. These chemicals are choking the life out of our reefs and no one dares to predict what will happen if they die out.

The culprits are not only chemical factories spewing run off into our oceans, greenhouse gases and cruise ships dumping waste. The damaging chemicals come from millions of people innocently playing in the oceans while wearing chemical sunscreens.

The main offenders from these perfectly legal and highly marketed sunscreens are the chemicals used for the sunscreen factor, emulsifiers and preservatives. Some of these ingredients can take months to biodegrade all the while causing damage.

High SPFs Are They For Real?
Let’s take SPF 100 as an example. Technically that would mean that a sunscreen at that level would give you 100 times more protection than wearing no sunscreen. So, if it takes you 20 minutes in the sun before you start to redden, this means, in theory you could enjoy the sun without consequence for 2000 minutes! Ridiculous! The serious issue is that people are exposing themselves to potentially toxic levels of chemicals when they fall for the marketing hype that leads them to believe you need such high SPF numbers.

Most reasonable researchers agree that an SPF 15 is a maximum sunscreen and that anything over an SPF 30 is unnecessary. Because our natural sunscreens reflect UV instead of absorbing it the way chemical sunscreens do, our all-natural higher SPF’s are more than sufficient for all levels of UV exposure.

Absolutely Natural’s SPF and the Environment
Recently, we funded a study done by Dr. Joel Olson from the prestigious Florida Institute of Technology. We are still evaluating Dr. Olson’s findings but one of the outstanding discoveries that came from this study is that Absolutely Natural sunscreens are 80% biodegraded within two weeks. Of course, there are no chemicals in the formulas and there is no adverse effect to our waters or our coral reefs.

Since 1992, we have been on the cutting edge of working with naturals and organics … better for your skin, your health and the future for our children.

Best regards,

Charley

Truth in Advertising: mis-leading use of the term "Natural" in branding is being widely abused

Unfortunately, marketing perception does not usually match ingredient reality for skincare products. Sprinkling a few natural ingredients into a "chemical stew" does not make the stew "natural." In response to join the "green revolution" many of the large companies now put the word "Natural" and other attractive buzzwords on the front of their labels, referring in truth to single ingredients, however, not to the entire product formula as they want you to perceive. It is good to have independent, 3rd party reviews of product formulations & we applaud the efforts of organizations such as the Environmental Working Group to uncover the hypocrisies and inclusion of potentially toxic ingredients in formulas by manufacturers in my previous post.

Our customers purchase from us based upon quality, integrity, proven benefits and the fact that our products' value rises as you read our ingredients, opposite to industry norm. Of course, the real "proof" comes from using such superior formulations and experiencing firsthand the benefits they provide. Since 1992, our company has grown by word-of-mouth from such experiences as we do not advertise.

Most consumers buy based on familiarity(exposure to marketing machines), price and front label claims. As an example, I've shared the ingredient list below for an SPF product from a so called "naturals" line by one of the largest consumer product manufacturers in the world. They spend millions of dollars on television and magazine ads attempting to create a natural, wholesome image for this brand's line of products....you be the judge.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (2.4%), Oxybenzone (5%)
Inactive Ingredients: BHT, C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Cholecalciferol, Diethylhexyl 2,6 Naphthalate, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine Soja Seed Extract (soybean), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Methylparaben, PEG 100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Propylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Silica, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Squalane, Synthetic Beeswax, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Water, Xanthan Gum

This is just one example, but typical of most mass marketed lines. It is dishonest & shameful, in my opinion, to aggressively imply through marketing & front package labeling that a product with ingredients listed above be actively promoted as "natural." We're grateful for the educated "label readers" who comprise our customer base and promise to continue to deliver the finest formulations of natural ingredients we can for the benefit of your skin & health!