Last August I set out to find skincare products that were pure and clean from toxins. I had taken measure to be healthier when it came to the foods I was eating but what about my skin? Because our skin has so much to do with our outer appearance we tend to forget that it’s not just about looks – it’s our body’s largest organ so it absolutely is also about our health.
I wanted to find products that were clean, meaning they were free of toxins and natural – if possible certified organic. A lot of companies greenwash – meaning they will say that their products are natural, environmentally friendly or free of toxins when they aren’t. So, it was through my search for wellness and skin care products that had 3rd party certifications that I found Neal’s Yard Remedies.
Also, a HUGE plus, these products are made to European standards. Headquartered in London, Neal’s Yard Remedies is the leading organic brand in the UK. According to PersonalCareTruth.com there are 1328 chemicals banned in Europe and only 30 in the US. So, in reality, US brands that say they don’t have this toxic chemical or that one may still have a few hundred others! Yikes. The fact that NYR Organic is both certified organic and European helps me to know that these products are healthy and clean without having to be a chemist.
This company takes great care in what ingredients they use their products. They go a step further than what’s required and assure that their products do not have:
- Parabens (synthetic preservatives that have been linked to certain cancers)
- Synthetic fragrances as the skincare line offers the benefits of real essential oils. Unfortunately, so many companies hide toxic ingredients under the name “fragrance” on the label.
- Phthalates – Used as a plasticizer to create flexibility in hair sprays and nail varnishes or as a solvent to stabilize the fragrance of a product, some phthalates are very toxic and have been banned from EU products. They decided to ‘ban’ them all, just in case. Look out for Dimethyl Phthalate and Diethyl Phthalate to avoid phthalates.
- MEA/DEA Derivatives – A type of surfactant used to produce a foaming effect, these derivatives are associated with known carcinogens. Look out for Cocamide DEA, Lauramide MEA, Linolemide DEA and Oleamide DEA when buying hand wash, shampoo and shower gel.
- EDTA – A powerful metal ion chelator that strips impurities from products and balances the formulation to help prevent it from spoiling. As they don’t biodegrade readily, we use biodegradable alternatives with a similar effect. Look out for EDTA on ingredient lists.
- Genetically Modified Ingredients – Not enough is known about the long-term implications. Many GM ingredients are designed to withstand high levels of pesticides, but we prefer to support organic farming, avoiding agrochemical traces and protecting wildlife.
- Silicones – Synthetically produced emollients often used in haircare and skincare products to create a smooth texture. To mimic the effect we use vegetable oils, butters and waxes instead. Look out for words ending in ‘-thicone’ and ‘-oxane’, to avoid silicones.
- Mineral Oils – Often found in baby oils and balms, mineral oil is derived from petroleum – a non-renewable resource from a polluting industry. Our baby products contain a nourishing sunflower oil base instead. Look out for Paraffinum Liquidum and Petrolatum to avoid mineral oil.
- BHT – This petroleum derived ingredient is used to prevent products from oxidizing. There are scientific debates with uncertain conclusions around its safety and possible link as a potential carcinogen. It’s also toxic to the aquatic environment. Instead, we use vitamin-rich ingredients to create a similar antioxidant effect.
There’s no private labeling of products that are actually made by some other manufacturer. They handcraft their skincare products themselves in Dorset, England.
If that wasn’t enough, NYR Organic is also:
- Fair Trade Certified
- Environmentally Friendly
- Cruelty Free – No Animal Testing
They have won too many beauty awards to list them all in this post so yes, these products aren’t just organic & pure, they are effective too. Neal’s Yard Remedies won’t be the only skin care products I will review on this site and yes, I am a consultant with NYR Organic but I truly do love these products. My skin is more glowing than before I switched from products full of toxins and it’s feeling healthier than ever. If you would like to check out the products visit my consultant website here or ask me for recommendations, I’m happy to help.
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