Healthy Skin Swaps: Cream
Welcome to the first edition of Healthy Skin Swaps!
Making the switch from your favorite conventional products to natural can be a little daunting. Will the natural product perform as well? Are there really benefits to using natural ingredients?
We think so! Zoe Organics was founded on a mission to celebrate life by eliminating toxins from our bodies and the environment and we fully believe that natural (and organic) is the way to go. We are taking some common personal care products and sharing a healthier swap along with a little research and some facts to back up our selections. We do not intend to bash other brands, the purpose is to educate and call attention to safer, healthier options.
Everyone loves a good moisturizer, but did you know that most conventional moisturizers contain up to 90% water with a small percentage of synthetics, artificial fragrance and a preservative system? There is nothing wrong with water, but contrast that with a product that contains no water, but only concentrated, nutrient-rich botanicals.
Look at it another way, what is better for you, junk food or veggies? How about for your skin?
Take a look at the ingredients from a very popular conventional moisturizer: (ingredients list taken from manufacturer's website and may not be complete)
The active ingredient, dimethicone is a synthetic silicon-derived polymer which contributes to the soothe, spreadability of a formula. Similar to petroleum products, it creates a barrier that sits on top of the skin - but do you really want a synthetic barrier smothering a large majority of the surface area of your skin? According to EWG, dimethicone is a suspected environmental toxin.
Other ingredients listed are also synthetic, except for oat kernal flour, and include petroleum-derived petrolatum, and others that are potential skin irritants.
Now, compare this ingredients list to Zoe Organics Cream:
Our Cream is carefully crafted from certified organic plants, meaning they have been grown without toxic pesticides. Our ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that effectively nourish and protect skin. No toxic, synthetic or unnecessary ingredients required. The little jar is literally filled to the brim with only the good stuff! The primary ingredient in our Cream is organic shea butter, a super rich conditioning "butter" extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. It contains high amounts of vitamins A and E. It is solid at room temperature, but melts against contact with skin. Other oils in our cream include cold-pressed and unrefined coconut, rosehip, and avocado; all rich in vitamin A, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Calendula has antiseptic properties making it ideal for eczema, acne and compromised skin. Marshmallow root is particularly useful in soothing inflammation.
Even if you are in full agreement that the ingredients lists don't even compare, what about performance? Conventional lotions go on easy and feel less greasy. Balms and butters are thick and take some getting used to! We totally get it and here are our tried and true tips for applying a natural butter or balm product. It doesn't have to feel heavy or greasy - it is all about application.
1. Start with a very small amount. You only need a fraction of the amount of product compared to a conventional cream or lotion. Remember, it is concentrated and doesn't contain water. You can always add as you go. Warm product between hands BEFORE applying to your face or body. Start by patting it onto skin before rubbing it in.
2. Apply to already damp skin, or put a small amount of product in your hand and add a few drops of water or your favorite hydrosol or body spritz. Blend well and apply! You have essentially made your own water and oil emulsion and didn't require synthetics or preservatives!
Have additional thoughts or questions? We'd love to hear from you! Curious about our Cream or want to give it a try? You can order a full size or try a sample first here.
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