I recently attended the “Natural Skincare Technology Summit” in New York, and I wanted to share the important information I learned with you. After all, our skin is an outer expression of our inner health and beauty, and how we care for it from the outside, as well as the inside, is extremely important.
The good news is that, in conjunction with the green movement, we’re seeing many skincare product manufacturers making a concentrated effort to avoid including toxic ingredients and chemicals in their skincare products. I think this is fantastic, because I’m all for reducing your toxic load, and one of the many concerns I have with most commercial, popular brands of skincare products is they feature toxic ingredients and petroleum product derivatives that can both contribute to toxicity (your skin is, after all, an organ through which chemicals are absorbed) and smother your skin. When you think about what we know about health and beauty – that true health and beauty arises when we eliminate toxins from our bodies – it doesn’t make sense that we use toxic ingredients on our skin in pursuit of beauty.
This blog is about skincare- not makeup- but as an aside I am thrilled that there are high performance, non-toxic makeup brandsout there that I absolutely love.
So, while I am happy to see manufacturers designing products with fewer toxic ingredients and I totally support 100 percent natural solutions, there are some synthetic ingredients that aren’t toxic and can help your skin. For example, DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol or dimethylethanolamine) added to skincare is a synthetic ingredient that matches a substance naturally produced in your body. Used in skincare products, it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Another helpful synthetic ingredient often found in skin care products is peptides: molecules formed by two or more amino acids joined together. According to the Cleveland Clinic, peptides promote collagen and elastin production, which can firm and tighten skin to make it appear more youthful. There are other new, helpful ingredients being created and discovered regularly.
Free Radicals
While not all synthetic products are toxic, neither are all natural products necessarily the best thing for your skin. For example, many natural product manufacturers use polyunsaturated vegetable oils (PUVO’s) such as grapeseed, safflower, and sunflower in their skin care products. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with polyunsaturated vegetable oils, they are extremely delicate in nature, and can degrade to rancidity and therefore spew out free radicals, with long-term storage or heat, light, and air exposure. Because of this, if a natural products manufacturer doesn’t use extremely high quality oils (high oleic varieties are considered more stable) which have been extracted carefully and stored in low temperatures (preferably below 60 degrees), there’s a good chance the product will oxidize and become rancid fairly quickly, or already is by the time you buy it. When we eat rancid oils, they also can generate dangerous free radicals in our bodies, which contribute to disease. Since free radicals (both in our bodies and on our skin) are also a source of aging, using degraded cosmetics that generate free radicals won’t make your skin any healthier over the long-term, and if you absorb them via your skin they can also harm your overall health. So with natural products that contain these oils, be sure that you know or ask the manufacturer about the way they choose and work with their PUVO and other oils, and are sure to use them within one month or a few months, at most, from opening the product.
Many skincare products now include antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to fight free radical damage. A 2009 University of Leicester study, for example, showed that topical vitamin C provided significant protection against aging free radicals.
One of the problems with vitamin C, however, is that when this powerful antioxidant is in a solution, its potent effects can be greatly diminished over time. This is one of the reasons I recommend using Sally B’s Antioxidant Boost, a pure powdered vitamin C that you add right to your cream or serum right before putting on your face. This gives you maximum potency vitamin C right where and when you need it. I personally use this product daily.
Collagen Production
One of the best ways to reduce the signs of aging is by generating new collagen production in your skin. Part of the reason skin changes as you age is it loses elasticity, which is a function of collagen. Collagen supports your skin and gives it firmness. As you age your body naturally produces less collagen, resulting in aging, sagging skin. Therefore, products containing ingredients that stimulate collagen production (such as peptides) are a boon for anti-aging, helping your skin to retain its elasticity in the face of aging.
Of course, peptides are a synthetic ingredient. Is there anything in natural skincare products that has the same effects? Some skincare manufacturers are turning to marine ingredients such as algae and seaweed to promote collagen and elastin production. One study showed that the algae chlorella vulgaris applied topically prevented breakdown of elastin and collagen. If you are seeking totally natural skincare products, marine ingredients may be effective and preventing collagen breakdown; however, synthetic, non-toxic ingredients such as peptides, as well as others, are considered very powerful by many experts when it comes to stimulating new collagen production.
Reducing Signs of Photoaging
Two other collagen-producing ingredients you often find in anti-aging skincare products are retinol and retinyl palmitate. These are often used as alternatives to Retin A (retinoic acid or tretinonin), which is available only by prescription. Retinoic acid works very well at stimulating collagen production and reducing signs of photoaging; however, it can cause irritation and side effects, and is even recommended by some to not use during pregnancy. Retinol A products can also be fairly expensive.
Enter retinyl palmitate and retinol. These two vitamin A derivatives can convert to retinoic acid when added to skin cells, provided there is enough of the ingredient to react with the skin. In order to notice the effects of these two ingredients, then, there must be quite a large amount in the skincare products. Still, although these ingredients are less effective than retinoic acid, they are still more effective than many other of vitamin A because convert the most easily to retinoic acid, which is actually the superstar and stimulating collagen production. Retinyl palmitate has a larger molecule size than retinoic acid, however, and therefore does not penetrate the skin well. Retinol degrades quickly and loses its beneficial properties when exposed to air.
Another form of vitamin A, retinyl propionate, has a molecule size that penetrates the surface of the skin well; however, there is some doubt as to its effectiveness in fighting wrinkles. In fact, one study showed no advantages over a placebo.
Another form, retinaldehyde (or retinal) has shown promise in studies, reducing wrinkles, stimulating elastin and collagen, and minimizing skin irritation.
Other forms of vitamin A have a larger molecule size, and thus are less effective at penetrating the top layer of skin. Likewise, other forms convert less effectively to retinoic acid, and are therefore less effective in skincare products.
All-Natural Products
All natural products often use combinations of multiple ingredients and plant extracts in an attempt to get the products to have the same effects as synthetic skincare that relies on one or two ingredients. In some cases, this works very well.
I’ve always believed that good facial skincare arises from a combination of natural skincare with scientific, active technology utilizing non-toxic ingredients. However, if you want a really good 100% natural products, try the Tata Harper product line, which is one of my favorite completely natural lines. I’ve tested the Rejuvenating Serum and combined it with the Antioxidant Boost, which is a bit expensive at about $150 for a month’s supply, but has a great feel, is hydrating and will help smooth out your skin beautifully. I also really like the mild, fresh-smelling Regenerating Cleanser that cleans the skin without toxic chemicals. My favorite product in the line though, is the Resurfacing Mask, which is a great pick me up for the skin, and I do notice my skin looks brighter after using it. I use it weekly.
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Thanks Kim for this very informative post about natural skincare. Thanks for the advice!
Hi All,
Kim, I really appreciate everything you do to promote a healthy lifestyle. I have a question for you, what do you know about the benefits of Argan Oil. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it for use in hair and I just found this company while researching Argan Oil, Have you heard of them before? Do you know anything about they’re products? I am interested in their Body Cream but was hoping to get some info from you before I bought it. Thank Kim!
Whats Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads.
I hope to contribute & aid other customers like its aided me.
Good job.
Hi Kim,
Love this blog – thank you for the information. Is there a non-toxic skincare line that you would recommend that contains peptides? Also one that contains DMAE?
Thank you for all of your excellent information!
Samantha
I’ve heard of another natural line called Arbonne. Have you had any experience with this line , and if so do you like it?
I must convey my appreciation for your kindness giving support to those who must have help on that field.
Considering our today’s life style; natural and organic products and food is the only solution to face skin and health problems. It is the reason that most of leading brands and now focusing on using natural ingredients. Go for natural.
This is a great blog. It is very informational on natural skincare! I’ve tried so many products, and I came across one called Tamanu Oil. It is said that Polynesian women that use tamanu oil have generally been known for their clear, blemish-free skin. So far it has worked wonders for me
I read the ingredients in the Tata Harper Skincare and am unimpressed. There are certain ingredients when you read them in ” Natural Skincare lines,” that though may be softening, smell nice or whatever absolutely are not focused on the quality. It is displeasing to see where skincare lines will take a really good ingredient and then cut the cost with other ingredients. There are tons of Natural lines out there that have good clean chemistry. There is often a dissatisfaction with natural skincare companies because even though the ingredients are good the chemistry line up is wrong and therefore offer no potency.
This is great article about Natural Skin Care Products I always preferred natural skin care products. Your post covered smartly both .
I sell Natural Skin Care with Vitamin Enriched ingredients that keep your skin moist and plyable.
Thanks for the post Kim and the education about DMAE.
Thanks for posting this information. I am the owner and creator of a natural and organic skincare company here in Atlanta. Thanks so much for educating people about DMAE.
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Thanks for sharing this! Lots of great information. If you are looking for an ALL natural line, I really enjoy Airelle. They use the Maine blueberry and their key ingredient and they also use a lot of vitamin A, C, and E. I highly recommend it! http://www.airelleskin.com
I came across your blog while looking for natural skin care products. Thanks for all your information. Up until recently I never thought how important it was to really look into what is in the stuff we are using on our faces. I cringe at the thought of all the chemicals I have slathered over my face. I have searched long and hard for the right product to use. Finally, I too was just introduced to Airelle and am hooked. They are a skincare line that uses all natural products including blueberries and natural antioxidants. Besides feeling good about not using any harmful chemicals, my skin has never felt better. It feels smoother and tighter. I love that I can wear it right under my makeup and never even know that I have put it on. It smells fresh and is never greasy.
I came across NARDO’S NATURAL Organic Skincare during the winter holiday and can’t believe the results. I am glad you mentioned DMAE and explained the benefits. They sell a Glow Serum that contains DMAE and other organic botanical extracts. I wanted to share this with you!
Love your blog, GO ORGANIC:)
Kayla
Thanks a ton Kimberly, well there are a number of skin care products available at home but with our busy schedule we can’t manage to apply all of them. Natural products available in the market are the only solution to solve this problem. These cosmetics are free of chemicals and pesticides giving safe and long term results. Everyone should consider using natural ingredients if they are looking for long lasting results.
Thanks
Stella
Thank you for your support of natural products for the skin. One great find in nature is thyme. Many good articles on its effects on acne.
I had no idea that vitamin A produces retinal! I am constantly searching the posts and blogs for information on how to stop and wind back the hands of time. I can remember being a teenager and using the juice of a lemon to lighten my freckles. Now, I would avoid citrus poured on my skin at all costs I still use thinly sliced cucumbers on my eyes for a refreshing treat. I like using things like oatmeal, banana..for my face there is nothing like a little whipped avocado as a moisturizing mask. I am almost sixty and I am still awaiting the skin rejuvenation miracle. Best of luck on your search. http://skin-care.1j5.us
Thanks Kimberly for your insights into natural skin care.
I really appreciated find your blog about the subject as I was trying to find out more on natural products.
Your comments on “generating new collagen production in your skin” is so true. I have found and been using a product “Glimpse” skin care by XanGo LLC that has done wonders at reducing my wrinkles through collagen stimulation of my skin cells.
The Natural Products Assoc. also has this company as a signatory to its convention on Safe Cosmetics.
Anyhow “bye for now” and keep up the good work.
I’m so happy to see that the market is becoming more responsive and accepting of all natural ingredients. I have been a holistic product fanatic for almost two decades and I’ve been through many different skin care products. My all time favorite organic moisturizer is made by Ezensa Skin Care
They keep it simple and they know their ingredients for exactly what they are.
Thanks a ton Kimberly, this article is really remarkable and very useful for me. The information you have provided here will help me a lot to select the products that i purchase for skin care and beauty. I have a dry skin van you please suggest which moisturizing cream should i use?
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges. It was definitely informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Is there really anything better for your skin and body than what nature provides? This site is a great source for 100% nature-made skin products, all ingredients are listed too.
Really a helpful information… but you can really come across some worth investing natural skin care products with Spa De Soleil… as i got few good ones with them!
Nowadays it’s been noticed that many skincare product manufacturers are making efforts to avoid including toxic ingredient, so that the the products really work.
I agree. I find it interesting that even BB Cream, which is very popular is being “reformulated” to have more natural ingredients but be as effective as ever.
Natural Skin Care products are good. but skin care which contain chemicals are harmful and can cause skin cancer. Aloe Vera gel is natural skin care.
Hi Kim! Thank you for so many wonderful recommendations! Could you tell me what daily cleanser and toner you use?
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This is good to know. I have tried everything from Burts Bees but way to oily. I’ve tried every product too at whole foods almost. I do the at home facial with the Riiviva Microdermabrasion tool for my acne scarring and it’s terrific.
Do you have any recommendations as to what avenue to take for mositurizing with out all the oily residue that happens when I use oils. Thanks
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Very well written article. It will be beneficial to anybody who employess it, including me. Keep doing what you are doing – for sure i will check out more posts.
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hi kim,
i have melasma and sun damage on my face. i use a spf 60 sunscreen daily with 16% zinc, a serum with vit. c and aha product at night (both ole henrickson brand) but i still seem to be getting more sun damage on my nose. are there any organic products to help lessen the spots/patches of both issues.
Hi Kim,
Love your book and can’t wait for the next one. I know RX Retin-A/tretinoin products can be expensive and can cause irritation, but for those of us that do tolerate them well, what do you think? Are they safe? Looking at the ingredient list on my Renova has made me nervous about using it. Your thoughts?
Thank you!!!!
Great Article. Such good information to know. I recently got the low down on all of this industry intel from a friend of mine who actually started her own organic skincare line known as Angelberry Organics. It is AMAZING!!
The products are not tested on animals and 100% free from all synthetic chemicals, paraben preservatives, dyes, and bismuth oxychloride. Their website states their mission as…”Bringing you mineral cosmetics and body care products that leave you feeling completely divine.” Let me tell you – They do NOT disappoint.
For those that may be looking for an alternative feel free to check it out
I am also wondering if there is a good, clean moisturizer for the average consumer. I cannot afford $150 a month for face stuff.
You can try Thanaka. It’s a natural face moisturizer. It’s safe, effective and very affordable. It will only cost you around $10 a month.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.
Excellent article. I’d love to use more natural skin care products, but find that they don’t work as well. I tried Arcona (the products smell divine), but they didn’t really help my oily, breakout, clogged pores skin. So it’s nice to see other more natural products that I can try. And of course, need to eat better .. ( still having a bit of trouble gettin’ off the sugar )
Monica.
Personally Kim, I do not rely on 100% Natural, as its ingredients come from god knows where. I rely on 100% USDA Organic, really certified brands and my favorite brand is SanRe Organic Skinfood!
Kim, I have been using this most amazing serum from the oliander plant that is changing my aging spots and fine lines. I decided to carry it and think you should check it ou. The nest part is that it eliminates many steps. And there are many more before and afters that will blow you away.
Hi, Kimberly.
Thanks for your post about beauty skin care products. I’m really interested in learning more about this and was unaware that free radicals could actually be present in lower end safflower oil. It’s still hard for me to know (by reading the label) what is ok to use and what’s not. For example, below are ingredients from a so-called natural product company but are any of these ingredients potentially toxic or hazardous?
Ingredients: aqua (water, eau), glycerin, decyl cocoate, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, cera alba (beeswax, cire d’abeille), butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, polyglyceryl-3 stearate, glyceryl stearate citrate, cetyl alcohol, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, butyris lac (buttermilk powder, babeurre en poudre), chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, calendula officinalis flower extract, centaurea cyanus flower extract, tilia cordata flower extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, anthemis nobilis flower extract, hypericum perforatum extract, tocopherol, sucrose stearate, xanthan gum, glycine soja (soybean) oil, canola oil (huile de colza), lactic acid, citric acid, glucose, sodium chloride, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sodium benzoate, magnesium aluminum silicate, phenoxyethanol, glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase.
Hello Kimberly
Thank you for all sharing your knowledge and experience.
Can you please tell me where to get the algae chlorella vulgaris ? In what form should it be : topical or eatable ?
I am always suspicious of products online or even if so called health stores which sell products for way too much $ and most of the time these expensive items contain such a tiny amount of the active ingredient.
Again thank you !
Best regards
LilY Rose
Which night cream do you recommend?
KIM, CAN I BLEND UP CHLORELLA TABLETS IN THE GGS? ITS THE ONLY WAY I CAN STAND THEM. THANK YOU.
Hey kim what do you think about the body deli? They have alot of all natural products that feel great!
Michele
Hi Kim. Thanks for the great article. I am wondering, have you heard of and what do you think of the line called Vapour Organic Beauty products? After reading your article I believe that they do use sOme sunflower oil in their products. Is this bad? I was excited because I just started using their items (which are a bit pricey) but if they arent the best out there and the ingredients are not good for my skin, I would rather not use it! Please let me know what you think. Thanks, Elizabeth
My all time favorite product line, which has the best ingredients of ALL the natural skin care brands out there is Annmarie Gianni. Pure potent ingredients (no water added to dilute their effectiveness) amazing herbs, fruit & veggie oils (which are not heated). Hers, in my opinion, after over a decade of trying so many other natural brands out there, is THE BEST period
You will see amazing results, as soon as you use them. And they are a total spa experience with the way they feel and smell! They smell AMAZING with no synthetic perfumes or chemicals. Truly, 100% pure & natural:)
Hello Kimberly, I have just purchased an ‘all natural’ skin care range from the UK called “Kimia” – was wondering if you have heard of it? I can’t get my hands on the full list of ingredients, as I no longer have the outer packaging. I thought I was doing something great in finding an ‘all natural’ skin care range. This article makes me feel a little concerned now. I do know the product contains grapeseed oil, but not the other PUVO’s you mention above. I trust your opinion so much, so I thought I’d just ask if you knew of this brand. Are there any other face creams you like that contain some of the ‘good’ synthetic ingredients you mention and which help combat fine lines & wrinkles? I was also wondering if you use grapeseed oil in cooking still? I use it to cook your veggie recipies, but have noticed you only mentioning coconut oil of late. I don’t particularly like the flavor it gives the food – Is there a great brand you recommend, and does it always leave a coconut flavor? Thanks so much. Gigi x
Hi Kim,
Great post, so very informative. What’s your take on using RetinA Micro as a source of Retin A?
Hi Kim,
Thanks for the great advice, and thanks a BUNCH for adding in the links for the resources
Keep up the good work!
Another great product line is Acure Organics. They use Argan oil and cholrella in their facial products and my skin has never looked better! Their hair products are also so wonderful, especially the lemon grass. As a bonus part of the proceeds are donated to breast cancer. really best stuff ever!
Are there any products that are good for acne scars
Best all completely natural products I have found is from the company Just Natural. Love Love Love their products, and absolutely no added chemicals…. it is exactly as the name states
Hey Kimberly!
I love reading your emails…thank you for all your expertise and hard work in research that you do for women all around like me.
I recently attended a like convention in Utah and was curious if you had ever heard of the line Sei Bella by the Manufacturing company melaleuca?! They are a non advertising company that specializes in high quality all natural products at lower prices. In fact their scientifically proven, anti-aging revitalizing serum is the highest quality on the market for under 30 dollars. I’d love to share more with you about the Sei Bella line if you’re interested!
Thanks so much again for all you do!
Meagan
serum is under 30 dollars and the best out their on the market. I’d be happy to share more about Sei Bella with you
Hi Kim. Thank you for this post….I really need to get into more natural beauty products, which is the hardest thing to do, in my opinion, on the beauty detox diet. There isn’t a lot out there, and what is, is terribly expensive. I’m not sure if I am willing to spend 150 dollars on a monthly serum. I have been using sally Bs dream cream and antioxidant boost (also pretty darn pricey), but the dream cream has the oils that you mentioned can go rancid and age me instead! What is your take on Sally B’s dream cream?
I really appreciate you, Kimberly, and am so grateful for everything you do to spread this knowledge, but can you please think of some more affordable options…even if we have to make the stuff ourselves from natural ingredients. I believe the “average middle class” in this economy are mostly not capable or are very hesitant, like me, to dish out for the products you suggest.
I am concerned that since you mostly deal with celebrities with deep pockets, you may be getting out of touch with what the “commoner” is able to do and afford. I mean that in a very sincere and non-threatening way. I hope it is okay to post.
Kimberly ,
What do you think of 100% Pure products? I have been using them and am really satisfied but am curious to hear your opinion!
Ann
I was also wondering what Kim’s thoughts were on this brand!
(fyi i tried to email and your staff asked me to post this question on your blog or twitter)
Hi Kimberly, I just love you and what you do for all of us, thank you. Your last email/blog really hit home
. Im concerned about what goes on my skin as well…. I came across a product, that was a accidentally discovery by MD Anderson, while trying to help cancer patients with the oleander plant. If your open to it, I’d love to send you a video about the Oleander biotech fields and the ST&T clinical trails on this medical grade night cream. may I share it with you? You will not believe the anti ageing results.
much love, Jennifer
First of all, I want to say Thank You Kimberly!!! Your book saved my life!!! I have been very sickly the last few years and since all the doctors I saw seemed ill equiped to help me, I had to educate myself. That is when I found your book and it changed the way I viewed nutrition. During my research, I discovered a Swiss-formulated skincare and nutritional supplement line called Arbonne. I would love to know your thoughts about the Arbonne products.
Thank you,
Shawn
Hi Kimberly!
Great post! This is a topic of huge interest to me, so I appreciate the information.
I’ve been reading a lot lately about glycation, the process by which sugar consumption ages your skin. I have completely changed my diet and follow your book, but I spent about 35 years as a heavy sugar consumer. Any tips on how to minimize this (besides the obvious, reducing sugar intake), and any tips on things to eat that could help reverse it? Is that possible? Thank you!
Is Retin-A cream non toxic?
Looooved the post Kim! I’m a facialist and huge advocate for clean skin care. The biggest problem with “natural” is that it often doesn’t work. I’m working with a line called Dr. Baumann, and their philosophy is to be 100% compatible with the skin, avoiding the use of parabens and harmful chemicals. Here’s their website if you are curious!
hi Kimberly thanks for this great article. Tata Harper looks like a great line but I approached them recently to ask if their products were Gluten Free as I have Celiac Disease. They unfortunately advised the following (two of the products you mentioned above are in the list):
“Thank you for contacting us, our Refreshing Cleanser, Regenerating Cleanser, Rejuvenating Serum, and Restorative Eye Creme contain a small percentage of ingredients derived from grapeseed and wheat.”
I am so happy that you are creating your own products if you could make them Gluten Free that would be a bonus!!!!
Thanks for all the great info you provide!
Hi Kim
Is there a retin A, retinyl palmitate or retinol product you would recommend? Also is there a peptide product that does not contain other toxic ingredients that you would recommend as well?
Thanks for all the help you give!!!
Awesome kim!
I’ve been waiting for another skincare blog