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

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: October!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there is good news in the fight against breast cancer.  Survival rates are up.  They are longer in term.  Quality of life measurements are way up.  All the research and attention this cruel disease gets is helping.  A lot.

There is also bad news.  A quarter million women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.  More than 40,000 will die.  Think of 8 women in your life.  Mothers, daughters, sisters, teachers, friends, wives, co-workers … one of them will get breast cancer in her lifetime.   That hits home too many times and more research is needed to reduce that rate and to increase the number of survivors of this disease which now number 2.6 million in the U.S.

That requires funding and that’s where Absolutely Natural is stepping up to help.  We are adding to our widely popular Spa Series with a Cherry Blossom lotion with special pink decoration.  Oriental and sensual, our new lotion captures the delicate essence of Japanese Cherry Blossoms with warm base notes of vanilla and oriental woods; this essence is both warm and exotic.

The lotion itself is awesome with Organic aloe, Shea butter and Mango butter to help heal skin while leaving it smooth and silky. Super anti-oxidants such as Irish Moss (Red Algae Extract-Carrageen), Vitamin D Complex and Organic Green Tea keep skin healthy and are 500 times more potent than Vitamin D alone.  

Other nutrient rich raw materials such as Olive Leaf Extract, African Red Bush and Ginkgo Biloba are carefully selected to make this Restorative Body Lotion incredibly effective for daily use.

Our company will also donate 5% of proceeds to an organization dedicated to Breast Cancer prevention and treatment and one that distributes a majority of their revenues to research for finding a cure for the cause. 

And, we’re not just going to do it for October.  This will be an ongoing project and with the help of our 10’s of thousands of customers, we hope to contribute a significant amount of money to this worthy cause.

Best regards

Charley

Our ENVY Organics/FHTM Family Reunion

I just came back from a huge family reunion.

Great company; lively conversation; bright, enthusiastic family members; and more love than you can fit into a million square feet of convention space. Oh, and while I was not technically related to anybody at the event how else can I describe last week’s FHTM Convention in Orlando, Florida?

All of my staff feels the same way and we love coming to any FHTM event. The Orlando Convention was especially rewarding as I got to talk to hundreds of people one-on-one and was privileged to introduce the latest additions to the Envy Organics product line.

It is particularly gratifying to hear the numerous stories of success people have had with the Envy product line. One gentleman had burned his arm badly and got relief from our Pure Aloe Gel and healing from the aloe and the cream. Another man proudly showed me his new hair growth resulting from using our sulfate free shampoos!

I had glowing reports from several members who have had great improvement with their eczema and psoriasis from daily use of our incredible lotions. And, countless who swore their hair looked better than it ever had using our personal care regiment.

But overwhelmingly I heard stories about improved skin after using our Organic Crème and Organic Oil and diminished wrinkles with use of the Day Serum, Night Serum and Eye Serum. I was really impressed with the results people are getting from the facial line. Of course, not only did I “hear” the stories, I witnessed the results.

My “family” is doing well and I’ll take as much credit as you want to give me for younger looking, more healthy, vibrant skin and hair!! We put our heart and soul into the Envy products and love hearing about and seeing the results.

Now the family was really excited about our new products. My favorite product (among the 300 or so we make) is the whipped coco-lime butter. It is magnificent for really dry skin and will be especially effective in the dry, cold winters. We also had a lot of excitement about the new Menvy line and I look forward to hearing from some of our gentlemen after they use the shower gel, shave cream and after-shave splash.

I have already heard positive feedback on our new shampoos and conditioners as we now offer a color treated product and a super hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Along with the Papaya Pineapple, there is now a wider selection for different hair types. All are Sulfate and Paraben-free, of course, while the color treated benefits additionally from sun-protection.

It was a blast introducing the other new products and your excitement was contagious. Our new insect repellant will be a great addition for you as will our coco-lime refreshing aloe mist. I keep one in my car as every year it seems I can drive less and less until I get “highway paralysis”. A nice blast of the mist brings me right back around.

On a personal note, I enjoyed the breakout sessions; you really know how to make someone feel welcome and I was energized after each of the presentations. And, I want to thank all of the FHTM corporate for making us part of the family and for building such a positive company.

This was a great family reunion; the only thing missing was my crazy Uncle Skeeter! We are looking forward to the next one.

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

Get ready for Spring

Congratulations! You have survived one of the craziest, coldest, snowiest, wettest and l o n g e s t winters in recent memory. It is relatively safe to start thinking of this spring and wishing for this summer.

As you get your houses, cars and wardrobes ready for the more hospitable weather, add a couple of things to the list: your skin and your psyche!

Of course, that means turning to Absolutely Natural and our incredible array of skin products and wonderful aroma therapy oils for help.

How about a quick trip to the tropics (mentally at least)?
Step 1: Rid Yourself of Winter Skin
Start with either our sugar or salt body scrub to slough away the winter blues and prep for spring and summer. You’ll reveal touchably soft, glowing skin hydrated and ready to play center stage.

Step 2: Pamper & Indulge
Pamper yourself in a long hot shower with our sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner and body wash following up with our nutrient rich lotion. The fruit essence fragrance will take you right to the beach.

Step 3: Fight Persistent Dry Winter Air
For those stubborn areas of winter skin that persist (probably be cause you STILL have the furnace running despite it nearly being April!) quench it with our shea body butters. Available in a variety of natural aromas, if you wish to go tropical pick our classic Mango Body Butter or our Papaya Pineapple.

Step 4: Prep your Pucker
Give your lips a nourishing kiss of the tropics. Toss aside your waxy lip balm and instead use one of our all-natural lip moist therapies. Tropical flavors include Mango and Papaya Pineapple.

Essential Oils & Aroma Therapy:
One of the most popular features of our Absolutely Natural store on Kauai is our oil bar. In Hawaii, our knowledgeable staff assists customers in creating their own custom blends starting with our base oil of fractionated coconut and adding only the finest essential oils to create a tailor-made, distinct fragrance. The final result is oil great for massage, excellent as a super hydrator and skin conditioner, and makes a fantastic oil to add to any hydrotherapy session.

While, we can’t currently custom blend fragrances on our website, we have come up with seven brilliant blends as follows:

• Serenity: Balsam, Tangerine and Ylang-Ylang

• Sensual: Mandarin and Vanilla

• West Indian: Bay Rum and Allspice

• Herbaceous: Patchouli, Vetiver and Juniper Berry

• Refreshing: Ruby Grapefruit and Tangerine

• Energizing: Rosemary Mint

• Enchantment: Jasmine and Neroil

These oils come in 10ml glass bottles and sell for $18-$22, far below market rate for such pure oils. Put a drop or two in a bath or enjoy them in a diffuser or reed diffuser. The aromatherapy “session” is designed to heighten the senses and relax the mind.

Pair one of the blends with our unfragranced oil and enjoy the experience after your “treatment” while using the oil in your daily regimen. You control the amount of fragrance that is right for you.

So, here’s to spring eternal and a nice, long, sunny summer.

Best regards,

Charley

Winter Brings Harsh Challenge to Your Skin

Brrrrrr! Winter is here in all its fury and as many of you know, that can be bad news for your skin.

With the cold, dry, dry air and wind, (not to mention the harshly dry heat pushed out by your furnace) it can seem impossible to keep skin hydrated and healthy. Before you know it, your skin is itchy, scaly, parched, peeling and sometimes, even cracking. Ouch!

This dry skin can appear everywhere from your hands (which get worse in the winter with our frequent hand washing in flu season), to your elbows, feet, knees and all the way to your face, neck, lips… you name it.

Good news!
However you suffer from dry skin, we have a solution, so long as you are diligent in your regimen. Here’s some guidance…

Shea Butter:
Get deep intensive treatment for cracked hands, elbows and the heels of your feet. Generously apply the Shea a couple of times a day and within a week or so, you will notice a significant improvement. For bad trouble spots such as hands and feet, we recommend a thick application before bed, cover up with socks/gloves to provide the best therapy.

Organic Beauty Oil:
Apply this daily immediately following your shower or bath to lock in moisture. Our organic blend works excellently as a super hydrator plus you get all the benefits of the antioxidants.

Organic Spa Series Bath and Body Oil:
A great trick with these oils is to apply them while you’re still in the shower. Pump into palms and massage into your skin evenly. Rinse briefly to help the oil cover your skin more evenly. Step out, towel off and you’re ready to go! No chilly, post-shower lotion or oil application needed!

Sugar Scrubs:
One of the newest items we rolled out with our Organic Spa Series are our body scrubs. Sugar scrubs are naturally gentle and won’t irritate skin. Gently massage over your trouble spots… you’ll find as the sugar rinses away, the butters and oils in our formulas provide deeply soothing hydration. Massage and rinse… towel dry and you’re ready to go!

Sulfate-free Body Wash and Shampoos:
Commercial formulas are loaded with synthetic fragrances and sulfates, which can dry and irritate your skin. Using our Sulfate-free formulas is far gentler on skin and avoids stripping vital nutrients.

Lip Moists:
Chapped lips are the worst! Soothe your lips with a nutrient-rich lip butter in any of our 4 varieties. Reapply as needed, the little lip moist pot will slip easily into your pocket or purse.

Best regards,
Charley