When it comes to skincare, most of us already know that you can go to any drugstore or big-box retailer and pick up any number of products lining the multitude of shelves in each beauty aisle. Sometimes, we opt for the cheapest products—because, well, saving money is important. And who wouldn’t love to look like Jennifer Aniston? Those products MUST work….right? Eh, maybe.

But why are these products so inexpensive? How are they able to lower the prices and still stay in business?

Typically, it’s because they buy their ingredients in bulk quantities to cut costs and not deal with any issues of putrefaction. Putrefaction is defined by Merriam-Webster.com as “the decomposition of organic matter; especially the typically anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi with the formation of foul-smelling, incompletely oxidized products.”

Sounds good, right? I mean, WHO wants to deal with putrid products? Yuck! Well, here’s the bigger question: What are they putting in these products to give them a longer shelf-life? The answer- Chemicals.

Go look for yourself! Grab a bottle/jar/whatever and turn it around. Read those ingredients. Now tell me: what are those exactly?

I’m not about to pull up every ingredient I can find because, well, that would take forever. But let me go through the ones that I see in a lot of MY old beauty products and tell you exactly what they are:

Cocamidopropyl Betaine – a chemical used to create foam. Causes: allergic reactions (skin and rashes), other skin conditions (burning, itching, and blistering skin), eye irritation. (Um, skin “care”? I don't think so.)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfates – According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, it is possibly “carcinogenic to humans and may also cause negative effects in the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system.” This ingredient is commonly found in most body washes, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, and laundry detergent (?!?!?!!!).

Monoethanolamide (MEA) - A chemical compound that is both a primary amine and a primary alcohol. Monoethanolamine acts as a weak base/alkali. Ethanolamine is a flammable, corrosive, colorless, odorless liquid with a mild odor of ammonia. MEA is obtained from the reaction between ammonia and ethylene oxide.  Studies have found a link between exposure to high doses of these chemicals and liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid. (Avoid DEA and TEA, too! Those are both also considered ethanolamines that are harmful to the skin!)

Fragrance (specifically diethyl phthalate (DEP) – Known to cause conditions such as thyroid problems, infertility, early menopause, early puberty, obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer (including prostate, testicular, and breast cancer).

Phthalates – According to CDC.gov, phthalates are “a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They are often called plasticizers.” They can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.

And those are just a few that I found. Some of these ingredient lists have well over 30 ingredients, most of which I can’t even pronounce. Start paying attention to that—Google some. You’ll be shocked at all of the things you will find!

Here’s why natural and/or organic products are better for your skin:

Usually made in small batches, each product has to be handcrafted to ensure freshness and the highest quality. There are not many industrial machines that would allow these products to be made in large quantities because, in order to keep costs low, that would require additional chemicals, labor, and potentially less-than-stellar quality. 

Using products with natural preservatives (like the radish root found in Hawaiian Healing Skin Care’s Revitalizing Face and Body Cream) keeps them all-natural for the duration of their shelf-life. And yes, it may have a shorter shelf life than the cheaper brands; however, that’s how you know you’re getting the best products! Organic fruit isn't covered in the same preserving wax as non-organic fruit for a reason, right? 

Look, your skin is the largest organ of your body. And it’s the thinnest, which means that whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed by your skin. Natural, organic skincare products are not filled with toxins or compounds that harm your body; they work in conjunction with your natural body chemistry to help regenerate and rejuvenate your cells in the healthiest ways possible.

 

Hawaiian Healing Skin Care Products are FILLED with the finest natural and organic ingredients. Our glass and bamboo packaging help to support sustainability and are eco-friendly. By having some of the most luxurious ingredients sourced directly from the islands of Hawai’i, and all over the globe, Hawaiian Healing Skin Care is able to provide your skin with the best all-natural and organic skincare products available.