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

You Could Win Our Almond Star Anise Sugar Scrub!!!!

.. and the winner IS!!!!

BrandonRWilson37@gmail.com

Congratulations BrandonRWilson37@gmail.com!! Please contact us within 48 hours to be eligible to recieve your $50 in FREE product from Fullearths, etc.

A second runner up was selected (see details below).  In the event that the winner does not contact Fulllearths, etc., the second runner up will be notified.  All winners chosen via random.org, see drawing details below.

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT DRAWING!

Have your dessert and eat it too!  :)

A new product that will be added to the Fullearths, etc. line VERY soon is our new Whipped Cream Body Butter! Who knew oils and butters could behave (or misbehave) like this!? Doesn’t this look almost edible? Your skin will love this super moisturizing cream.

This skin-nourishing combination of wholesome oils and butters is whipped to soft peak perfection, for a light, but extremely rich moisturizer.

This power packed combination, which includes Shea butter, sweet almond, avocado & coconut oils, whips up perfectly smooth skin! ("O'Malley's Peppermint" shown above)rich, moisturizer.

Excellent for dry winter skin, and SO much fun!

First run will be available in Almond Souffle, O’Malley’s Peppermint Mousse, Pink Grapefruit Parfait, Rosewood, Vanilla Whipped Cream & “Not-So-Baby” Powder! :)

You Could Win Our Almond Star Anise Sugar Scrub!!!!

Fullearths, etc. is back.. and BETTER!  We took a little hiatus, and updated our site to the awesome-ness you see here!!  Do you LOVE it!?  I do! We are VERY excited!  You can now expect to see more exciting and super-informative blog posts, and fun product experiments, announcements and launches!   We want to thank Dana, for the massive and well needed overhaul! (hope we were your best client EVER! ;)

So to Celebrate our new look, we are having a MASSIVE GIVEAWAY!

$50 worth of FREE product to the winner of this random drawing! Your $50 FREE will include 1 individual Scrub of your choice ($25 value!), and $25 dollars worth of WHATEVER other product you desire!  :)  Take your choice,  maybe your a Signature Shea La La type..   or you (or your man) love the rustic clean of Grandpas Woodshop…  Are you in search of an extra moisturizing  lip balm that contains no harmful chemicals? Throw in some Vanilla Cream, or Almond Butter!  or maybe some Just Soap for the baby? The choice is yours of anything available at the Fullearths Shop.

Enter to Win $50 worth of FREE Fullearths, Etc. Products!

Here’s how to enter. Simply Comment to this post, and THAT’S Entry #1!  easy! (comment box is the “Speak Your Mind” box below..)

How to Get More Entries – *** DON’T FORGET TO COMMENT! ***  :)

1. Blog about this giveaway and link back to this page on your blog. Comment below with the link. (1 extra entry)

2. Sign up for our email updates Leave a comment below telling me that you signed up. You will also get an entry if you already subscribe — but make sure to leave a comment! (1 extra entry)

3. Sign up for our Newsletter Leave a comment below telling me that you signed up. (1 extra entry)

4. Follow us on Twitter AND tweet about the giveaway. Be sure to include the URL to this page in your tweet. Click the ReTweet button at the top of the post, or you can use the following tweet: “Enter to win $50 FREE Fullearths Handcrafted Bath and Body! (AND INCLUDE THE URL)” Leave a comment telling me that you followed & tweeted. (1 extra entry)

5. Friend me on Facebook and post about the giveaway on your Facebook status. Be sure to include the URL to his page. Leave a comment below telling me that you friended me and updated your status. (1 extra entry)

6. Email 5 friends about the giveaway, with a link to the page. Leave a comment below telling me that you did. (1 extra entry)

7. Stumble this post and leave me a comment telling me that you did. (1 extra entry)

That’s 8 possible entries!!!!! :)

Don’t Delay!

Enter NOW! This giveaway is only open through Monday, February 1st @ 12 midnight EST. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, February 3rd here, on the blog. The winner will be chosen via random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me with his or her full name, address, and phone number.

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.

above: Fullearth's Signature Shea La La bar, has been touched with Rose petals and a pink ribbon, for a beautiful, and meaningful, gift!

The Boston Globe reports, major retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, JC Penney, and even mega marts, like Wally world will be slashing inventory this holiday season, willing to place their bets on low inventory, versus millions in un-sold excess as experienced last year.  See the full article here.

This means not very much selection will be available this year, as each retailer tries it’s best to stock the most popular items of the season, ignoring unique and rare gift items that may lack mainstream appeal.  Don’t be one of the herd, differentiate yourself this year!  Shop online for unique, and sometimes one-of-a-kind, items at fun places like Etsy. There, you can find all of Fullearth’s handcrafted, 100% natural, synthetic-free bath and body items for men, women and children (and even that furry friend!).   Happy Holidays!

Firstly, I know we’re all busy.  The Gal to Gal foundation has made it easy for ANYONE to “Walk for Wishes” this month, in support of  Breast Cancer Awareness. The Fullearths team over at the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk would love to see you become a part of the team!  Just click on “join now”, donate, enter “fullearths” as you team, and walk!  ” The Gal to Gal Foundation “Walking for Wishes” is dedicated to Dorit Shapiro, … past Gal to Gal President who lost her brave battle to stage IV breast cancer last October.”  Dorit’s wish was for the Gal to Gal Foundation to reach a goal of $250, 000 this year.

Here’s a little bit about the foundation:

Secondly, being a woman owned business, Fullearths, etc. has decided to donate 25% of all the proceeds from a very special edition “Shea La La for the Cause” bar, to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

This Bar was created just for this cause and will become an annual special edition item.

This Limited Edition soap bar holds the traditional nourishing ingredients and natural essential oils that have made Shea La La our best seller — but with a twist!  Luxurious rose petals — what lady doesn’t love rose petals?

If there is a special lady in your life, this bar would be a beautiful way to say “I love you!,” “I care what you’re going through,” or “I’m in you’re corner.”   Each order of Shea La La for the Cause will come wrapped in pink ribbon to symbolize the fight against breast cancer.  Every little bit counts!

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..