More Webinar Questions

The Beauty Goes Green Q&A continues, with new comments still being added to previous posts. Check them out and leave your comments.

Here is a question from a Webinar participant directed to Tina and Beth Ann regarding Jonathan Product: "You say you had an edge at that point in time, and that timing was critical. What do you feel the status of the 'natural' market is today in terms of competitiors?"

And another question for anyone to answer: "It's totally useless to combine "Certified Organic" and non-organic ingredients. Are there "Certified Organic" ingredients available in the marketplace?"

And "Do you have any information on regulations for making therapeutic claims with natural active ingredients? What are the label requirements for natural ingredients/disclosing if an ingredient that is perceived to be natural, but is synthetically processed?"

Wedded Bliss

News came today about the launch of a new toothpaste from Crest called Nature’s Expressions. The company calls it “a unique combination of Crest’s trusted cavity-fighting formula enhanced with naturally sourced essential oils of peppermint, lemon, mint or green tea.” In press materials, the company acknowledges that “entirely natural beauty products aren’t for everyone, but major brands are now offering an alternative that weds natural elements to cutting-edge science.” That’s what I’m talking about – the best of both worlds. Crest-kids-turned-baby-boomers can have their cake and eat it, too. And you can try out the new products at the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel! Welcome to the future.

Hint: To leave a comment, click on the word "comments," not on the envelope.

Naturally Fun

I'm just back from Natural Products Expo West, in Anaheim, and it was a great experience. While I'm still not at all sure what vibrational science is -- and I do want to know -- I did learn more about shea butter and aloe and natural hair color and organic certification. It was interesting to visit this show right after airing our first GCI Magazine Beauty Goes Green Webinar on March 6. The wonderfully broad range of natural and organic personal care and cosmetics products was proof of the passion the brand owners have for using the best ingredients nature has to offer. Tickling my funnybone was Simone Chickenbone Natural Put-ons, including trademarked products Good Gravey Lotion Solid, Kill it Dead (a "natural de-funkifier") and my absolute favorite, Free Range Chicken Poop Lip Junk. The sales manager's business card says "So be healthy. Be happy. Smile proudly and tell your friends you've got Chicken Poop on your lips!" Good advice.

Beauty Goes Green IV - Wheat-y issues

GCI Webinar moderators Tina Hedges and Beth Ann Catalano mentioned that the vegan Jonathan Product line is wheat free. It opened up a line of questions.

The EU also allows more items that they consider "natural" and "organic" as opposed to the US. I am familiar with no animal (includes beeswax, honey) no dairy... But where does the wheat come in as far as being "anti" vegan?

How does dermal testing pass vegan requirements/Or is testing on humans acceptable?

With the growing trend in natural and organic, is there also a growing interest in edible personal care products?

Beuty Goes Green III -- Ingredients

The response has been great to GCI's first Beauty Goes Green Webinar. Here are a few more questions from attendees. Feel free to add your comments.

What should raw material suppliers keep in mind while offering their ingredients? How does one solubilize natural ingredients that are not naturally/easily soluble?

What are the principal raw materials used in green personal care products?

Can you provide an example of a personal care ingredient that is not synthetically derived or synthetically processed?

Beauty Goes Green II

Here are some questions from Webinar attendees concerning preservatives for natural products.

Could you explain how grapefruit seed extract may not be a natural preservative?

How do you address the issue that natural ingredients have very short shelf life, 3 to 6 months? Once the natural ingredients go rancid, they are worse for you than the sulphates, PABA.

Are there natural preservatives that you can use to maintain the integrity of all natural 'green' personal care products? How effective are they compared to synthetics/chemicals?

Beauty Goes Green I

This question came from an attendee at the Beauty Goes Green Webinar and is directed toward the moderators and guests: I understand that the "organic" term is better understood consumer language vs. "natural," but what is your thought on how convincing "organic" is vs. "natural" in actually driving consumer purchase in the beauty industry?

Beauty Goes Green

GCI held its first Webinar today and we will begin posting participant questions at this site shortly. Please come back and continue the conversation.