Enjoy!

“Nichole Gabriel is Founder, and HWIC, at Fullearths, Etc., where she creates high quality, 100% natural, synthetic-free handcrafted Soap, Bath, Body products.  This 7 year-old passion has led her to become an advocate for natural skin-care, as she spreads the word about dangers, that the skin-care industry won’t tell you about, through her blog.  Her natural product line is available online, through the Fullearths, etc. shop.

NOTE: Please understand, that the use of synthetic, or non-synthetic , ingredients is a personal choice.  We are here to provide an option to those who choose to decrease exposure to, or avoid, synthetic fragrances and colorings, the way my family and I have chosen to do.

First, let me start by saying, that not only can synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates and synthetic colorings be dangerous in the long term, they can result in allergic reactions by many.  Thus, the existence of the hypo-allergenic products market, and recommendations by so many dermatologist to avoid fragrances, and scented products – especially on new-borns.

Numerous studies have shown that synthetic fragrances, can lead to health concerns, (you can find a list of studies, research, and articles with THEIR lists of studies, research and articles, at the end of this post) not because of the fragrances themselves, but because of how they are made. Additional studies have shown that the processes involved, and chemicals used to create a synthetic fragrance, can lend dangerous factors to the synthetic blend itself.  Petroleum based products are not good for us, yet:

“According to the National Academy of Sciences, 95 per cent of chemicals now used in fragrance are synthetic compounds, often petroleum based. ( Medical News Today, 19 Jun 2004).”

Many claim that the FDA has found safety in these chemicals.. 50 years ago, the FDA found cigarette smoking to be safe, so much so, that doctors were prescribing cigarettes to pregnant mothers?  Many of these mothers KNEW it was not safe, but did absolutely no research, and went with what their doctors, and the FDA, told them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I realize that there has been no DIRECT, (point A to point B) link from a specific fragrance oil to cancer – however, please realize, there has been no direct link from ANYTHING to cancer. Cancer is caused by a build up of toxins of some sort that cause cancerous cells. Other countries have found synthetic fragrances to contain toxins that build up in the body. I have read opposing views, that taut that the FDA has found NO relation, and has found synthetics to be safe.  This is not true.. the FDA has found synthetics in certain proportions to, NOT SHOW any harmful effects.  Do you see the difference there? Maybe this study can describe it better:

“The fragrance industry defends their use of the chemicals in question, maintaining that ongoing independent research has concluded they are safe.  The Fragrance Materials Association of the United States, for instance, contends that while the use of some phthalates has been questioned, and indeed banned from products in the European Union, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conducted frequent tests on the chemicals, and has concluded that they pose no calculable threat at the level of exposure presented.”

Did you get that? “no CALCULABLE threat..” This means, there WAS a threat found, just one small enough that the FDA has determined that threat to be incalculable. It begs to point out that other countries HAVE found these same chemicals to be un-safe. It is also important to note that the FDA has found the chemical to be safe “..at the level of exposure presented.”  Are we all using synthetic fragrances at the level of exposure presented by the single product chemical testing they have done?  Or are Americans open to several layers of chemical exposure in our soaps, lotions, cosmetics, household cleaners, home scent applications, etc.. ?

Are phalates and parabens used in non-synthetic products safe? High levels of parabens have been found in breast tissue of 18 out of 20 breast cancer patients. Phalataes have been banned over and over again, there is SO much research here, I cannot even list it all:

“Five phthalates—DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIDP, and DnHP—are listed on the Proposition 65 list.  The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of California EPA listed DEHP as a carcinogen in 1988 and as a developmental toxin and male reproductive toxin in 2003.(5)  In December 2005, OEHHA listed three additional phthalates—BBP as a developmental toxin; DBP as a developmental toxin and female and male reproductive toxin; and DnHP as a female and male reproductive toxin.(6) In April 2007, OEHHA listed DIDP as a developmental and reproductive toxin.(7)”

“The European Union and many countries have restricted the use of phthalates in children’s toys.  The European Union has banned DEHP, DBP, and BBP in all toys and child care articles and banned DINP, DIDP, and DNOP in toys and child care articles that can be put in the mouth.  Prior to the EU’s permanent ban, the following countries also had banned phthalates in children’s toys: Argentina, Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, and Sweden.  In many other countries, governments have requested voluntary industry action to remove phthalates, in some cases industry has voluntarily removed phthalates, and governments have issued health advisories related to phthalates.”

“Paul Fox, a spokesperson from Proctor and Gamble, assures that his company has rigorous safety protocols, which ensure that all their household items and packaging are safe for both consumers and the environment.  He confirms that all requirements are met for each country in which their goods are marketed and sold.

Stacy Malkan, Communications Director for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, is less confident. She’s been fighting for increased awareness and government regulation surrounding the personal care products industry. She says that no level of exposure is safe, and that the political climate of deregulation has fostered the growth of cheap ingredients, to the extent that we’ve lost control over our own exposure.”

Especially when it comes to our babies, synthetics can creep up into our lives. The use of chemicals in baby shampoos, bath products, lotions, etc. is so convenient, and because there is no immediate symptom of toxicity, we presume there is no danger.

“Children are Most at Risk

Growing children are particularly at risk to chemicals in their environment because they face greater exposure and are physiologically more susceptible to them.(16) Children’s exposures begin at conception, as chemicals, including phthalates, cross the placenta in a pregnant woman’s body(17) and can affect the embryo or fetus during critical periods of development.  Even after birth, children’s bodies remain immature, with underdeveloped detoxification mechanisms to protect them from phthalates.  Their brains and other organ systems are constantly developing, undergoing periods of particular sensitivity to damage or disruption.  Especially because growing children are particularly at risk from phthalate exposure, precautionary measures must be taken to protect children from such exposure from products they use everyday.”

There are VERY many ways to ignore the fact that synthetics are dangerous. The use of synthetics is easy, convenient and fun, I admit.  Much of the research is not 100% conclusive. BUT, why take the chance!?  We know that toxin build up can lead to various cancers… this is why detox programs and anti-oxidants have become so popular. Our bodies are bombarded with un-natural substances everyday – from the air we breathe, to some of the foods we eat.  The use of synthetics simply adds to the un-natural toxins that you’re body must eliminate on a daily basis.

The argument that because something HASN’T been proven to be HARMFUL, makes it ok.. is a foolish one.  It’s an argument used by those who don’t know any better, or don’t want YOU to know any better.  Take research into your own hands.

Bottom line, when is comes to choosing products to use for the health of me and my family, I don’t choose products because they HAVE NOT been proven harmful.. I choose products because they HAVE been proven SAFE!

References:

Baby Care Products: Possible Sources of Infant Phthalate Exposure: PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 No. 2 February 2008, pp. e260-e268 (doi:10.1542/peds.2006-3766)  http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/121/2/e260

Phthalates Overview - http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/environmental-health/stop-toxic-toys/phthalates-overview

What Stinks About Synthetic Fragrances? – http://www.cleannaturalhealthy.com/WHAT_STINKS_ABOUT_SYNTHETIC_FRAGRANCES_s/39.htm

What Dangers Can Perfumes & Other Fragrances Pose to Your Health? – http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/09/28/what-dangers-can-perfumes–amp-other-fragrances-pose-to-your-health.htm

Sniffing Out The Dangers In Fragrance – http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/life/health/article/2136–sniffing-out-the-dangers-in-fragrance

Paraben From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (lots of good references listed here)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben#Breast_cancer

International Fragrance Association – http://www.ifraorg.org/Home/News/Latest-News/page.aspx/66

The Fragranced Products Information Network – http://www.fpinva.org/text/index.html

A new study was released today, that found 232 chemical contaminants in umbilical cord blood samples from 10 newborn American babies. Among the findings: two synthetic musks (a component of fragrance) were found in 7 of the 10 cord blood samples. This means newborn babies are arriving pre-polluted (read the full article here)!

From the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website:

Artificial musks commonly added to fragrances and personal care products can be absorbed through skin or inhaled, and concentrate and persist in our bodies – so our many small exposures can add up fast. Synthetic musks have also been found in human breast milk and fatty tissues, and are ubiquitous in wastewater and rivers.

The cosmetics industry and other industries that use “fragrance” in their products use a whopping 9,000 tonsof synthetic musk annually, despite the fact that little is known about the safety of these chemicals. Unfortunately, preliminary research raises concerns: musks may disrupt hormones and are toxic to aquatic life.

Because of a loophole in labeling law, the ingredients in “fragrance” are considered trade secrets, so companies don’t have to tell us what’s in scents – often dozens or even hundreds of synthetic chemical compounds like synthetic musks and other ingredients linked to harm.

What can you do?

You can take action:

• If you are concerned, Click HERE and let the cosmetic companies know of your concern.
• Begin using synthetic free, and all-natural products whenever possible.
• Avoid anything that say’s “Fragrance” as one of the ingredients.
• Know that you do not have sacrifice scent, just because you are sacrificing synthetic “fragrances”. Look for products lightly scented with all natural Essential Oils, like our Baby Me! bar, scented with a touch of Bitter Almond Essential Oil .
• For newborn baby baths, just use a little bit of REAL soap. Gentle and mild, a 100% olive oil Castille bar is best. Just please remember to keep soaps away from baby’s eyes. (Real soap does not contain the chemical used to “cover up” the burning of the eyes.)
• If you choose to use something else, PLEASE look at the ingredients, if you don’t know what it is, do NOT use it on your baby’s skin.

Our Sea Salt Bath Soak is as simple as the name suggests. Made with pure sea salt, and roses, a simple pleasure for any budget!

Now everyone can enjoy the benefits of sea salt, wether in the shower, or in that bubble bath you KNOW you deserve. This bath soak is made with the addition of rose petals and whole rose buds, and scented with any of the many essential oils listed on the product page.  The Sea Salt Bath Soak is available now over in my ETSY shop, so head on over there for details.

…and on another creative note!  I’ve been working on something absolutely, almost too scrumptius to even talk about… (no really, it’s quit the yummy-ness!)  I can’t give you all the detail s yet, but I can show you a little bit of a teaser..

Ask Johnson & Johnson to Live Up to Its “Pure” and “Gentle” Claims!

You do have options! Fullearths, Etc. products are 100% natural, and handcrafted with care. Extra special care goes into our baby products to make sure they are the purest and mildest possible. Try our Baby Me! bar, made with shea & cocoa butters, olive oil & honey, with the slightest addition of Almond essential oil.  Treat your baby’s skin as delicately as you would your own… you DO have options.

So, I signed up for the NO GMO challenge, and I thought this would be a great thing to share with my customers.  What an awesome idea!  If you’re trying to work your way to healthy, cutting out GMO’s should definitely be on your to-do list!  Check it out Here! You could win a $100 gift certificate from US Wellness Meats! But don’t worry, if you’re vegetarian, they have a TON of wholesome things for you to choose from too!  Either way, $100 is a great way to start!

In an effort to avoid GMO oils so prevalent in the skin care industry, Fullearths, etc. products are made using only expeller pressed oils and safe butters.  We avoid all soy, corn, canola and other oils that are known to be high GMO’s.

If you’ve been following our “Clean Up!” series, then welcome back for part 3 – The dreaded bath tub scrub!  It has to be done, and although we have come to rely on products that make the job easier for us (like soft scrub foams), it’s difficult to admit that they’re not good for us. Especially since many of them are packaged in aerosol sprays, which are dangerous to us and harmful to the environment.  

Have no fear, we have come up with a homemade scouring powder that, married with a little elbow grease, will rival your mammas Ajax!  Our scouring powder is indoor-air-healthy and gives a well needed (and deserved) boost to your day with lively herbs and essential oils.  

All of these ingredients can be found at the grocery store. The herbs are your basic ground herbs in the grocery spice aisle. I really LOVE this scouring powder, and hubby and dear daughter have also approved! It worked great on our tub and did a mean job of shining up our stainless steel sinks! 

Magical Homemade Scouring Powder

1 Cup – Baking Soda 

1/3 Cup – Borax 

1/2 Cup – Salt 

1 HEAPING TBS – Ground Cinnamon

1 HEAPING TBS – Ground Clove 

1 tsp – Ground Nutmeg 

3 drops – Lime EO 

Combine all ingredients together in an empty oatmeal canister (or other shaker container), cover and shake until well combined. Use a hole puncher to make several holes in the canister top. Pop the top on and you’re ready.  To use: shake into your sinks, toilets or tubs and scrub like you would with any scouring powder. Rinse.  To cover holes, you can remove the lid, place a piece of plastic wrap over it, and replace lid. 

Enjoy!

WHY make your own? 

Simply put, most over the counter cleaners are full of harmful chemicals that, when used to clean your home, are released into the air and negatively impact the indoor air quality for you and your family. In addition to that, when they are done, they continue to effect the environment negatively, by seeping whatever residues are left into landfills. Now, it may not seem that the tiny bit of residue in your finished bottle has any meaning at all, but multiplied by millions of these things all over the earth, and we may be running into a problem.  Don’t forget the fact that most of these bottles are not reusable and thus will be thrown into landfills, where they will stay. So, making your own can help positively effect your indoor air quality and reduce the amount of chemicals and plastics going into the landfills! :-) 

Now, I will be the first to admit that everything in my home is not environmentally friendly, but I am inching my way towards that end,  and I invite you to join me.  I think you can feel OK about the tiny bit you’re doing by making your own products, because I assure you, the old saying “Every little bit helps!” absolutely pertains to THIS situation! Enjoy! 

Homemade Multi-Purpose / Disinfectant Cleaner

3/4 Cup – White Vinegar 

3/4 Cup – Lemon Juice 

2 1/4 Cups – Distilled Water 

30 drops – Lime EO 

40 drops – Tea Tree Oil 

1/4 Cup – Borax 

Dissolve Borax in distilled water, until completely dissolved. Add other ingredients and poor all into a “good” spray bottle and shake well. Shake before each use. 

Homemade Glass Cleaner

1 Cup – White Vinegar

1 Cup – Distilled Water 

2-3 drops – lime EO (or whatever other oil you enjoy the scent of) 

Combine all in a spray bottle. Works like a charm, simple!

* They are better for the environment. 

* They are better for our health.

You may be concerned about the affects your cleaning agents are having on the environment – like the chemical residues that seep into landfills when these products are discarded, or the dangers of the plastics they come in.  Others concerns are based on issues that hit even closer to home – like their children’s health and wellness, the fact that these chemicals can cause serious reactions in children that are sensitive to them, and have a negative effect on asthma sufferers. 

One simple way to do your part, is to make your own products at home, that will effectively clean and disinfect, without the dangers associated with over the counter “chemical warfare in a bottle” products.  I’ve done a bit of experimenting and was able to come up with everything I need to clean and disinfect my home.  Over the next few days, I’ll share these recipes and some tips to help readers eliminate these toxins from their family’s daily lives. 

Today, we’ll start with a list of what you will need!  If you get your hands on the items on this list, you’ll have everything you need to create a line of cleaning products for your home.  So, you will need: 

* Baking Soda – any grocery store.

* Borax – a natural mineral that can be used for cleaning, laundry brightening, etc. Can usually be found in the laundry section, under the name “Mule Team Borax” 

* White Vinegar - any grocery store. 

* Lemon Juice – any grocery store. 

* Sea Salt – any grocery store. Get a BIG container.

* Essential Oils – Tea tree, Lime & Peppermint oils are pretty much required for their disinfectant effects in my cleaner recipes, but you may also add any others that you like the scent of.  Consider lavendar, geranium, patchouli or eucalyptus, the options are endless. You can find these at your local health food stores or by doing a search for “Essential oils” at online retailers, like Amazon.  See! –> Tea Tree Oil

* Herbs – Sage, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, peppermint leaves, calendula petals, rose petals; some of which, you probably already have around the house.  ALL herbs are totally OPTIONAL. 

* 2-3 Spray Bottles & 2 Shaker Containers – Find a few large spray bottles that you like the look of.   I actually found a few of mine at the dollar store with some disgusting cleaner in it.  I took them home and washed them out (and they only cost me a dollar!). For my thinkier cleaning liquids, I recommend a “GOOD” spray bottle, you can find better ones at target. The spray function is better, and won’t get clogged by more substantial cleaning liquids.  For shaker containers, I simply used a hole punch to pop holes in old oatmeal canisters. 

Ok, so go find your goods, and meet me back here tomorrow to make out first cleaner!!  Woo hoo!!

 
* First – READ LABELS!  you read labels on the food you are putting INSIDE of your body, don’t you?  Why not for the products you are putting ON your body?  I’m sure you’ve heard that the skin is your body’s largest organ. And what you put ON your skin is absorbed INTO your skin.  Don’t believe me?  Take a clove of garlic and rub it onto the soles of your feet.  Within about 20 minutes, you will taste the garlic in your mouth.  why? Absorption directly into the blood stream. Now, lets try that with parabens, huh?  Not so nice.

 
* Second, find reputable companies that offer 100% natural products. This may be a tall order, since there are no regulation for organic bath and body products in most countries. Ask around and you will be able to isolate ethical companies using safe ingredients. All of Fullearths, etc. handcrafted soaps, bath, body and even our custom handknit gifts, are made from natural ingredients and fibers (in the case of handknit gifts).

 
* Third, make your own!!  There are simple recipes for everything from skin toners to body creams all over the net, and some marvelous books on the topic on Amazon. When you make your own, you are pretty sure of exactly what you are putting on your skin, and into your body.

 
Questions?  Ask away!  I am more then happy to help anyone in their journey toward a more natural skin care regimen. Have a great weekend!