8/29/2010
Not So Sexy
1/12/2010
Toxic Tub Product Test Results
1/11/2010
Are Your Baby Products Really Safe?
12/31/2009
Soap Nuts Cost Comparison
12/2/2009
Keeping Black Beautiful
11/12/2009
Help For Specific Skin Conditions
9/6/2009
What's In & Not In Skin Care Products Makes a Difference
7/13/2009
Why we choose not to use bismuth oxychloride in our mineral powders.
6/26/2009
Safe, Chemical Free Shampoo
5/28/2009
Help Save Honey Bees!
4/20/2009
Great News About Extreme 18X
3/28/2009
Soap Nuts not getting extra dirty clothes clean?
2/25/2009
Monave Mineral Makeup Awards/Media
Whiter Whites Without Bleach
|
Date: 8/29/2010
Title: Not So Sexy
A rose may be a rose. But that rose-like fragrance in your perfume may be something else entirely, concocted from any number of the fragrance industry’s 3,100 stock chemical ingredients, the blend of which is almost always kept hidden from the consumer.
Makers of popular perfumes, colognes and body sprays market their scents with terms like “floral,” “exotic,” or “musky,” but they don’t disclose that many scents are actually a complex cocktail of natural essences and synthetic chemicals – often petrochemicals. Laboratory tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by Environmental Working Group revealed 38 secret chemicals in 17 name brand fragrance products, topped by American Eagle Seventy Seven with 24, Chanel Coco with 18, and Britney Spears Curious and Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio with 17.
The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Among them are chemicals associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety in personal care products.
Also in the ranks of undisclosed ingredients are chemicals with troubling hazardous properties or with a propensity to accumulate in human tissues. These include diethyl phthalate, a chemical found in 97 percent of Americans (Silva 2004) and linked to sperm damage in human epidemiological studies (Swan 2008), and musk ketone, a synthetic fragrance ingredient that concentrates in human fat tissue and breast milk (Hutter 2009; Reiner 2007).
Popular fragrances contain 14 secret chemicals on average
Chemicals found in lab tests but not listed on product labels
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue 24
Clinique Happy Perfume Spray 18
AXE Body Spray For Men - Shock 17
Jennifer Lopez J. Lo Glow 17
Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce (for men) 16
Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Wish 16
Hannah Montana Secret Celebrity 15
Halle by Halle Berry 14
Calvin Klein Eternity (for women) 14
Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom 13
Calvin Klein Eternity for Men 13
Quicksilver (for men) 13
Old Spice After Hours Body Spray (for men) 11
Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio (for men) 11
Britney Spears Curious 10
Chanel Coco 9
American Eagle Seventy Seven 7
Source: Environmental Working Group analysis of product labels and tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
Health risks from secret chemicals depend on the mixture in each product, the chemicals’ hazards, that amounts that absorb into
the body, and individual vulnerability to health problems.
This complex mix of clandestine compounds in popular
colognes and perfumes makes it impossible for consumers to
make informed decisions about the products they consider
buying.
The federal government is equally uninformed. A review
of government records shows that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration has not assessed the vast majority of these secret
fragrance chemicals for safety when used in spray-on personal
care products such as fragrances. Nor have most been evaluated
by the safety review panel of the International Fragrance
Association or any other publicly accountable institution.
Fragrance secrecy is legal due to a giant loophole in the
Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973, which requires
companies to list cosmetics ingredients on the product
labels but explicitly exempts fragrance. By taking advantage
of this loophole, the cosmetics industry has kept the public in
the dark about the ingredients in fragrance, even those that
present potential health risks or build up in people’s bodies.
Ingredients not in a product’s hidden fragrance mixture must
be listed on the label. As a result, manufacturers disclose
some chemical constituents on ingredient lists but lump others
together in the generic category of “fragrance.” In fact,
“fragrances” are typically mixtures of many different secret
chemicals, like those uncovered in this study. On average, the 17 name-brand fragrances tested in this
study contained nearly equal numbers of secret
and labeled ingredients, with 14 chemicals
kept secret but found through testing, and 15
disclosed on labels.
Widespread exposure and a long-standing
culture of secrecy within the fragrance industry
continue to put countless people at risk of
contact sensitization to fragrances with poorlytested
and intentionally unlabeled ingredients
(Schnuch 2007).
According to EWG analysis, the fragrance
industry has published safety assessments for
only 34% of the unlabeled ingredients (for
details of the analysis, see Methods section).
The unassessed chemicals range from food additives
whose safety in perfumes has not been
assessed to chemicals with limited public safety
data such as synthetic musk fragrances, which
accumulate in the human body and may be
linked to hormone disruption.
Some chemicals that are disclosed on the labels of the products
in this report also raise safety concerns. They include
sunscreen and ultraviolet-protector chemicals associated
with hormone disruption (Schlumpf 2004) and 24 chemical
sensitizers that can trigger allergic reactions (European
Commission Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and
Non-Food Products (EC) 1999).
To make matters worse, FDA lacks the authority to require
manufacturers to test cosmetics for safety, including fragranced
products, before they are sold to consumers. As a
result, people using perfume, cologne, body spray and other
scented cosmetics like lotion and aftershave are unknowingly
exposed to chemicals that may increase their risk for certain
health problems.
Product tests initiated by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
and subsequent analyses, detailed in this report, reveal that
widely recognized brand-name perfumes and colognes contain
secret chemicals, sensitizers, potential hormone disruptors and
chemicals not assessed for safety:
• Secret chemicals: Laboratory tests revealed 38 secret
chemicals in 17 name-brand products, with an average
of 14 secret chemicals per product. American Eagle
Seventy Seven contained 24 secret chemicals, nearly
twice the average found in other products tested.
Most secret chemicals revealed in fragrance testing
have not been assessed for safety
Multiple sensitizers: The products tested contained an
average of 10 chemicals that are known to be sensitizers
and can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma, wheezing,
headaches and contact dermatitis. All of these were
listed on product labels. Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio
contained 19 different sensitizing chemicals that can trigger
allergic reactions, more than any other product tested.
• Multiple hormone disruptors: A total of 12 different
hormone-disrupting chemicals were found in the tested
products, with an average of four in each product. Three
products each contained seven different chemicals
with the potential to disrupt the hormone system:
Halle by Halle Berry, Quicksilver and Jennifer Lopez
J. Lo Glow. In each product, six of these chemicals
mimic the hormone estrogen, and the seventh is associated
with thyroid effects. Some of these potential hormone
disruptors were listed on labels; others were undisclosed
and were uncovered in product testing.
Source: EWG analysis of 91 chemicals in 17 products – including 51 chemicals listed on product labels, and 38 unlabeled chemicals found in tests commissioned by the Campaign for
Safe Cosmetics – combined with analysis of chemical hazard and toxicity data from government and industry assessments and the published scientific literature.
Fragrance, perfume & cologne –
what’s the difference?
Perfumes, colognes and body sprays are often called
“fragrances.” But under U.S. law, the term fragrance
is defined as a combination of chemicals that gives
each perfume or cologne its distinct scent. Fragrance
ingredients may be produced by chemical synthesis
or derived from petroleum or natural raw materials.
Companies that manufacture perfume or cologne
purchase fragrance mixtures from fragrance houses
(companies that specialize in developing fragrances)
to develop their own proprietary blends. In addition to
“scent” chemicals that we actually smell, perfumes
and colognes also contain solvents, stabilizers, UVabsorbers,
preservatives and dyes. These additives are
frequently, but not always, listed on product labels. In
contrast, the chemical components in fragrance itself
are protected as trade secrets and described on the
label only as “fragrance.”
Products were tested by Analytical Sciences, an independent
laboratory in Petaluma, California. The lab found, in all, 40
chemicals in the tested fragrance products. Thirty-eight of
these were secret, or unlabeled, for at least one of the products
containing them, while the other two were listed on all relevant
product labels. Ingredient labels disclosed the presence of
another 51 chemical ingredients, giving a total of 91 chemical
ingredients altogether in the tested products, including hidden
and disclosed ingredients combined. Of the 17 products
tested, 13 were purchased in the U.S. and four in Canada.
When sprayed or applied on the skin, many chemicals from
perfumes, cosmetics and personal care products are inhaled.
Others are absorbed through the skin. Either way, many of
these chemicals can accumulate in the body. As a result, the
bodies of most Americans are polluted with multiple cosmetics
ingredients. This pollution begins in the womb and
continues through life.
A recent EWG study found Galaxolide and Tonalide, two
synthetic musks, in the cord blood of newborn babies (EWG
2009). Both musks contaminate people and the environment
worldwide, have been associated with toxicity to the
endocrine system (van der Burg 2008) and were identified
in the majority of products tested for this study. Similarly, a
pregnant woman’s use of some fragrances and other cosmetics
frequently may expose her growing fetus to diethyl phthalate
(DEP), a common perfume solvent linked to abnormal
development of reproductive organs in baby boys and sperm
damage in adult men (Washington Toxics Coalition 2009).
New research also links prenatal exposure of DEP to clinically
diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder in children (Engel
2010). This analysis found DEP in 12 of 17 products tested,
at levels ranging from 30 parts per million (ppm) to 32,000
ppm in Eternity for Women.
Everyone is impacted by fragrance.
The Campaign commissioned a laboratory analysis of
men’s and women’s fragrances as well as scented products
marketed to teens of both genders; all products
tested contained a range of ingredients associated with
health concerns, such as allergic sensitization, and
potential effects on the endocrine system or reproductive
toxicity.
Numerous other products used daily, such as shampoos,
lotions, bath products, cleaning sprays, air fresheners and
laundry and dishwashing detergents, also contain strongly
scented, volatile ingredients that are hidden behind the word
“fragrance.” Some of these ingredients react with ozone in
the indoor air, generating many potentially harmful secondary
air pollutants such as formaldehyde and ultrafine particles
(Nazaroff 2004).
People have the right to know which chemicals they are being
exposed to. They have the right to expect the government to
protect people, especially vulnerable populations, from hazardous
chemicals. In addition to required safety assessments of
ingredients in cosmetics, the laws must be changed to require
the chemicals in fragrance to be fully disclosed and publicly
accessible on ingredient labels.
As our test results show, short of sending your favorite perfume
to a lab for testing, shoppers have no way of knowing exactly
which of the 3,100 fragrance ingredients may be hiding in their
beauty products or even in their child’s baby shampoo. This
study focused on several categories of chemicals – specifically
volatile compounds, semi-volatile compounds and synthetic
musks. The laboratory analyses, while thorough, were not
exhaustive, which means that additional chemicals of concern
may also be present in the tested products.
Read more here: http://www.ewg.org/notsosexy Click on Download Full Report
By EWG and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Date: 1/12/2010
Title: Toxic Tub Product Test Results
Below are the results for all the products tested for formaldehyde and/or 1,4-dioxane for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report, "No More Toxic Tub." The company that distributes the product is shown in parentheses next to the product name. ND means that the impurity was not detected (though see "Why 'No Detect' Doesn't Mean No Problem" below the chart). A blank space means that the product was not tested for the relevant contaminant.
Product Name---------------------1,4-dioxane (ppm)----Formaldehyde(ppm)
Lotion
American Girl Hopes and Dreams
Shimmer Body Lotion (Bath & BodyWorks)------------ND*----------------310
Baby Magic “Soft Baby Scent” Baby Lotion
(Ascendia Brands, Inc)----------------------------ND*----------------570
Baby Magic “Soft Baby Scent” Baby Lotion
(Ascendia Brands, Inc)---------------------------0.92-----------------610
Baby Magic “Soft Baby Scent” Baby Lotion
(Ascendia Brands, Inc)-----------------------------ND*---------------330
Johnson’s Bedtime Lotion Natural Calm
Essences (Johnson & Johnson Consumer
Companies)------------------ND*-------------------
Mustela Baby Body Lotion
(Laboratories Expanscience)-------------ND*--------------------
Tinker Bell Body Lotion (Goldie LLC)--------------ND*----------------220
Shampoo
CVS Baby Shampoo (CVS/Pharmacy)------------0.92----------------350
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (Johnson &
Johnson Consumer Companies)--------------------ND*---------------200
Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (Johnson &
Johnson Consumer Companies)--------------------1.1----------------210
L’Oreal Kids Extra Gentle 2-in-1
Fast Dry Shampoo – Burst of Cool Melon
(L’Oreal USA)------------------------0.95---------------260
Suave Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo – Wild
Watermelon (Unilever)------------------------0.69---------------ND*
Liquid Shower Soap
American Girl Hopes and Dreams
Glistening Shower and Bath Wash
(Bath & Body Works)---------------------14--------------------------
American Girl Real Beauty Inside and Out
Shower Gel – Apple Blossom
(Bath & Body Works)-------------------------------6.3----------------210
American Girl Real Beauty Inside and
Out Shower Gel – Apple Blossom
(Bath & Body Works)-------------------------------5.7----------------220
American Girl Real Beauty Inside and Out
Shower Gel – Apple Blossom
(Bath & Body Works)-------------------------------18-----------------150
American Girl Real Beauty Inside and Out
Shower Gel – Sunny Orange
(Bath & Body Works)-------------------------------35----------------ND*
Bath Wash
Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy
Wash
(Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies)---------1.4-------------------------
Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash
(Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies)----------1.7------------------------
Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash
(Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies)-----4.6-----------------------------
CVS Kids Body Wash – Blueberry Blast
(CVS/Pharmacy)--------------------.075---------------54
Equate Tearless Baby Wash
(Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.)----------------------------0.63---------------290
Gentle Naturals Eczema Baby Wash
(Del Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)-----------------------6.4-------------------------
Grins & Giggles Milk & Honey Baby Wash
(Gerber Products Company)----------------------2.8----------------400
Huggies Naturally Refreshing Cucumber &
Green Tea Baby Wash (Kimberly-Clark)------------------3.2-----------------410
Johnson’s Moisture Care Baby Wash
(Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies)----3.9--------------------------
Johnson’s Oatmeal Baby Wash – Vanilla
(Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies)----4.2--------------------------
Mustela Baby Shampoo
(Laboratories Expanscience)---------------2.8---------------------------
Mustela Dermo-Cleansing Gel for Hair and
Body Newborn/Baby
(Laboratories Expanscience)--------------3.9---------------------------
Night-time Bath Baby Wash
(Target Corporation)------------------3.6--------------------------
Bubble Bath
Barbie Berry Sweet Bubble Bath
(Water-Jel Technologies)---------------------0.65-----------------440
Dora the Explorer Bubble Bath
(MZB Personal Care)-----------------------------1.5------------------130
Hot Wheels Berry Blast Bubble Bath
(Water-Jel Technologies)------------------------2.8------------------100
Mustela Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath
(Laboratories Expanscience)--------------------1.7------------------ND*
Sesame Street Bubble Bath – Orange
Mango Tango (The Village Company)----------2.8------------------340
Tinker Bell Scented Bubble Bath
(Goldie LLC)-------------------------------11-------------------420
Baby Wipes
Huggies Naturally Refreshing
Cucumber & Green Tea Baby Wipes
(Kimberly-Clark)-----------------ND*---------------------
Huggies Soft Skin – Shea Butter
(Kimberly-Clark Global Sales Inc)--------------ND*---------------100
Kirkland Signature Premium Unscented
Baby Wipes (Costco Wholesale Corporation)--ND*---------------------
Pampers Baby Fresh (Procter & Gamble)------ND*---------------------
Pampers Calming – Lavender
(Procter & Gamble)---------------ND*--------------------
Hair Relaxer
Dark & Lovely Kids Beautiful
Beginnings No-Mistake Nourishing No-Lye
Creme Relaxer, Normal to Course Hair
(SoftSheen-Carson, owned by L’Oreal USA)--------ND*------------------
Dark & Lovely Kids Beautiful Beginnings
No-Mistake Nourishing No-Lye Children’s
Relaxer System, Fine Hair Types
(SoftSheen)-------------ND*----------------ND*
Soft & Beautiful Just for Me! No-Lye
Conditioning Creme Relaxer, Children’s
Super (Alberto-Culver Company)----------------0.27-------------ND*
Hand Soap
Pampers Kandoo Foaming Handsoap –
Magic Melon (Procter & Gamble)-----------------0.49-------------310
Sun Block
Banana Boat Kids UVA & UVB
Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
(Sun Pharmaceuticals Corp.)--------------ND*-------------------
No-Ad Sun Pals SPF 45 UVA/UVB
Sun Protection (Solar Cosmetics Labs Inc.)----------0.46--------------------
Toothpaste
Colgate Kids 2-in-1 Toothpaste and
Mouthwash – Strawberry
(Colgate-Palmolive Company)--------------ND*---------------------
Courtesy of http://safecosmetics.org March 12, 2009
Date: 1/11/2010
Title: Are Your Baby Products Really Safe?
Despite marketing claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to the March 2009 Campaign for Safe Cosmetics report, "No More Toxic Tub."
This study is the first to document the widespread presence of both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children, including baby shampoos, bubble baths and baby lotions. Many products tested contained both chemicals.
What We Found
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics commissioned an independent laboratory to test 48 products for 1,4-dioxane; 28 of those products were also tested for formaldehyde. The lab found that:
* 17 out of 28 products tested – 61 percent – contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.
* 23 out of 28 products – 82 percent – contained formaldehyde at levels ranging from 54 to 610 parts per million (ppm).
* 32 out of 48 products – 67 percent – contained 1,4-dioxane at levels ranging from 0.27 to 35 ppm.
Health Concerns
While a single product might not be cause for concern, the reality is that babies may be exposed to several products at bath time, several times a week, in addition to other chemical exposures in the home and environment. Those small exposures add up and may contribute to later-life disease.
Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known carcinogens; formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children. Unlike many other countries, the U.S. government does not limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, or most other hazardous substances in personal care products.
Where They Come From
The chemicals were not disclosed on product labels because they're contaminants, not ingredients, and therefore are exempt from labeling laws.
Formaldehyde contaminates personal care products when common preservatives release formaldehyde over time in the container. Common ingredients likely to contaminate products with formaldehyde include quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of a chemical processing technique called ethoxylation, in which cosmetic ingredients are processed with ethylene oxide. Manufacturers can easily remove the toxic byproduct, but are not required by law to do so. Common ingredients likely to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane include PEG-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene and ceteareth-20.
What You Can Do
Contrary to industry statements, there are no regulatory standards that limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane or most other toxic chemicals in personal care products sold in the United States. There are signs the U.S. is gearing to catch up, but for now it's up to consumers to consider carefully before they buy. Here's some suggestions for safeguarding your family's health:
* Simplify: Select products with fewer ingredients and no synthetic fragrance or dyes, and use fewer products overall.
* Choose safety: Search EWG's cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep, to learn more about the products you use and find safer alternatives. Also check out EWG's Safety Guide to Children’s Personal Care Products.
* Read labels: Select products for baby and yourself that don't contain the ingredients listed above, which are commonly contaminated with formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane.
* Tell manufacturers that safety is important to you: Use our Web site to write to Johnson & Johnson about their product, Johnson's Baby Shampoo.
* Take action! Can’t memorize these lists? Nobody can. If harmful contaminants and ingredients weren’t allowed in products, you wouldn’t have to. Tell Congress you want safe cosmetics for babies, adults and everyone in between.
* Spread the word: Send an e-card letting friends and family know about this report.
Status Update
Led by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, 44 organizations representing 1.7 million moms, nurses, doctors and other people concerned about our environment and our health signed on to a May letter to J&J, in which we asked the company to make safe products and meet with us. Read the letter and list of signers.
On April 29, 2009, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) introduced the Safe Baby Products Act, which directs the Food and Drug Administration to investigate and regulate hazardous contaminants in personal care products marketed to or used by children. She introduced the bill in response to the "Toxic Tub" report.
Though the U.S. FDA has yet to respond to our test results, retailers and governments in Asia have taken action. Immediately following our report release, a major supermarket in China pulled Johnson & Johnson products from the shelves amid concerns that the products are contaminated with carcinogens. Both the Vietnamese Drug Administration and the Chinese government responded by testing products immediately.
Though China later declared J&J products safe, it tested products made in China, not those for the U.S. market. Manufacturers can use different ingredients for different markets, which may be the case here. Because we don't have the full report from China, we have no way of knowing which products the Chinese government tested or what they found.
Here in the United States, our tests found two carcinogenic contaminants in Johnson's Baby Shampoo. Other companies are making products without 1,4-dioxane or formaldehyde, and we ask that J&J remove these unnecessary toxins, too.
Courtesy of http://safecosmetics.org
Date: 12/31/2009
Title: Soap Nuts Cost Comparison
Soap Nuts to Commercial Detergents Cost Comparison
Let's get right to the number crunching...
32 ounces of high quality, truly natural soap nuts can be purchased for around $30. That should be enough to last an average household six months to a year when it comes down to simply doing laundry. Traditionally, you will use about one-half ounce in a wash bag and will average about 5 loads from it. That yields approximately 320 loads. To be conservative, let’s just go with only four loads.
Now, at only four loads per half ounce that would yield us only 256 loads. $30 divided by 256 equals $0.127 per load. And we are talking standard loads – not high efficiency (HE) loads that will lower the cost per load by about half!
Now let’s run some comparisons with NaturOli soap nuts at various popular sized bags with leading “natural” and other types of detergents in typical sizes in which they are available. Note all comparison items were priced from discount yet reputable and respected sellers. All NaturOli prices per load are based upon standard loads, not HE loads.
- NaturOli’s 64 ounce bag of soap nuts: $57.95 for 512 loads ($0.113 per load)
- NaturOli’s 32 ounce bag of soap nuts: $29.95 for 256 loads ($0.117 per load)
- NaturOli’s 16 ounce bag of soap nuts: $19.95 for 128 loads ($0.155 per load)
- NaturOli’s 8 ounce bag of soap nuts: $12.75 for 64 loads ($0.199 per load)
- Seventh Generation’s Free and Clear Natural Laundry Detergent 2x Ultra: $11.99 for 50 loads. ($0.239 cents per load)
- All’s Small and Mighty 3x Concentrate for HE washers: $8.49 for 32 loads. ($0.265 per load)
- Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Laundry Detergent: $13.49 for 32 loads ($0.421 per load)
- ECOS Laundry Detergent, Ultra Concentrated with Soy Fabric Softener: $9.49 for 26 loads ($0.367 per load)
- Tide’s 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent: $14.99 for 32 loads ($0.468 per load!)
- Seventh Generation’s Free and Clear Powder Laundry Detergent: $10.99 for 42 loads ($0.262 per load) Note: This is based on a package priced 4-pack at $43.99)
- Dreft’s 2x Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent: $31.99 for 110 loads ($0.290 per load!)
- Babyganics 3x Concentrated Laundry Detergent: $13.49 for 33 loads ($0.408 per load)
- Method’s 3x Concentrated Baby Laundry Detergent: $10.99 for 32 loads ($0.343 per load)
Very quickly it becomes apparent that soap nuts (even when using our very conservative estimates) are very inexpensive compared to commercial detergents. The cost per “soap nut” load is dramatically lower! Used properly soap nuts can cut laundry costs by half or more. And this does not even factor in that you have virtually no more need for fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
Now think about the environmental impact. Can you imagine the mega-tons of big plastic jugs and boxes that are completely eliminated from existence forever when using soap nuts? That’s staggering – and that’s only one of the many ways soap nuts are better for our planet.
We are all stretching our dollars as far as possible these days. We are also very concerned about all possible health hazards, and living greener lives. Unfortunately, what usually goes along with even supposedly “greener”, better products are higher price tags. One walk down any aisle in a grocery store, and this becomes immediately apparent.
Soap nuts are not only growing in consumer awareness when green is “in”. It is growing in awareness at a time when we all can use conserving a little more of our own green. No time could be better than now to discover all the wonders of soap nuts.
Information provided by Soap Nuts.Pro
Date: 12/2/2009
Title: Keeping Black Beautiful
Healthier Skin Of Every Color.
For any men or women of color, ALL our skin care products will - by there very nature - lead to healthier, more vivacious, and more radiant skin.
Your lifestyle, diet and skin care routine can either enhance or harm your complexion. We strive to offer customers the opportunity to use healthier, more effective natural skin care products comprised of genuine natural ingredients that are carefully formulated to give our customers of color a greater opportunity to discover healthier and more youthful skin that will last a lifetime.
The reality is that, at first glance, the details of skin care for people of color is not nearly as different from Caucasian skin as first believed.
All of the standard factors apply:
- Healthy diet: more green vegetables, lean meats and fish, less fatty foods and sweets.
- Minimal intake of alcohol and tobacco.
- A sensible, consistent sleep schedule.
- The recognized daily minimum of 8-10 glasses of water per day.
These are all basic to long-term overall health and good skin care. Routine exercise also helps your body and skin expel unhealthy toxins. A good standard multi-vitamin intake, daily moisturizing, and a generally healthy lifestyle will lead to noticeably healthier and more youthful skin.
However, there are some very distinct differences when evaluating the needs of healthy non-Caucasian skin.
Black skin (Native African, Native Australian, African-American, Caribbean and other Pacific Island people) is darker than northern European skin because of the increased amount of melanin (pigment) in the skin. The skin's Melanocytes are the cells that produce pigment (or melanin), which darkens the skin's color. Melanocytes produce granules known as melanosomes and it's these granules that deliver the color to the skin. Different ethnic groups have different sized melanosomes. Melanin is a naturally secreted pigment in all people that protects the skin from sunlight. The darker the skin color, the heavier the melanin content will be.
As a general rule of thumb, melanin keeps darker skin looking younger than lighter skin. The melanin pigment protects skin from sunlight and slows down the aging process. Yet, as Black people age, their skin often becomes irregularly pigmented, showing up as dark patches on the skin. Irregular pigmentation can also be caused by inflammation, insect bites and overexposure to UV rays. These discolorations or blemishes can take months or even years to fade - all the more reason to do everything possible to achieve optimal skin maintenance and health.
Black skin care is easy once you learn what works best to make darker skin radiate with natural beauty. Black skin needs direct nourishment from Vitamins A, E and F. Vitamin A and E are vital for healthy, clear skin. Vitamin F acts a skin protector and rejuvenator. It soothes rough, dry or chapped skin and even helps soften dry or damaged hair.
Below are common characteristics unique to darker skin color:
- More melanin, or brown skin pigment, resulting in a warmer skin shade.
- Greater natural protection from the sun and lower risk of skin cancer.
- Fewer visible signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles, fine lines and sunspots.
- Potential problems with pigmentation, or uneven darkening or lightening of skin color.
- Greater risk of keloid (raised, often large scars) development.
- Problems with hair growth and ingrown hairs.
When it comes to caring for Black skin, moisturizers are a must. Darker skin has a tendency to appear "ashy" when it's not well lubricated. Crèmes and lotions are best applied immediately after showering when skin is slightly damp and better able to hold in moisture. Some women have dry skin, some have oily skin, and others may have a combination of both. Remember, gentle application and natural ingredients should be the order of the day when applying anything to the face. Dry skin tends to do better with less "soapy" soaps since commercial soaps can have a very drying effect. Oily skin typically prefers deeper cleansing, and such cleansing can be achieved naturally without drying the skin. High quality natural soaps, washes and exfoliators are a must. Use clean hands to wash your face. If you prefer washcloths or sponges, these items must be washed or replaced frequently to prevent an overgrowth of germs and bacteria, which can lead to many unwanted skin problems.
Courtesy of NaturOli
Date: 11/12/2009
Title: Help For Specific Skin Conditions
Help For Specific Skin Conditions
Ultra Rich Soap Nuts Shampoo Bar 
Soap nuts have long been known for their benefits for both healthy hair and scalp. This soap nuts shampoo bar offers all the antifungal benefits of soap nuts ensuring the healthiest hair and scalp you’ve ever experienced.
Jojoba oil, one of the most easily absorbed vegetable oils provides superb shine, softness, moisture and protection for your hair.
Aloe Vera Gel is rich in vitamins, and known for restorative properties for hair and skin. Aloe Vera Gel’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe even the most irritated scalp and help seal in moisture making hair softer and easier to style.
Rosemary & Lavender Essential Oil add more antifungal and antibacterial properties to increase scalp health, as well.
Fennel essential oil stimulates blood flow to the scalp to further increase healthy scalp and hair growth.
Clary Essential Oil provides antibacterial and deodorizing properties to this luxurious soap nuts shampoo bar.
Application
Rub onto head and hair to produce rich lather. Allow the nutrients to be absorbed for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Rewash if desired or needed.
Ingredients
Sapindus Mukorossi Soap Nut Tea
Sweet Almond Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Jojoba Oil,
Grape Seed Oil
Palm Kernel Oil
Aloe Vera Extract
Mango Butter
Hemp Oil
Cocoa Butter
Neem Oil
Pure Essential Oils of Sweet Fennel, Lavender, Lemongrass, Rosemary and Clary Sage.
Pure Sapindus Mukorossi Soap Nut Powder
Willow Bark
Tip
Since our shampoo and soap bars are pure and natural without synthetic hardeners it is important to ensure the have drainage and air between uses.
Place on raised or slotted soap holder.
Dead Sea Salt 
The waters of the Dead Sea have been renowned for their therapeutic effects since ancient times. They are unique in that they contain 27% of various salts as compared in 3% in normal sea water. Normal sea water is largely made up of sodium (approx. 95%); dead sea water contains significantly less sodium (12%-18%) and contains 21 minerals including magnesium (important for combating fluid retention and slowing aging); potassium (energizes the body, helps balance skin moisture); calcium chloride (effective at preventing water retention, increasing circulation and strengthening bones and nails); and bromides (ease muscle stiffness and relax muscles) as well as sulfur, iodine and zinc. Dead Sea salt bathes are often recommended by dermatologists for those with psoriasis, eczema and other dry skin conditions, they soothe and soften and offer relief of dry and scaly skin. Dead Sea salt bathes can increase circulation and flow of blood to the skin and reduce the depth of wrinkling. Studies have shown that regular bathing in Dead Sea salt water improves the skin’s barrier function, enhances hydration and reduces skin roughness and inflammation. 16 oz.
Ingredients:
Raw Pure Dead Sea Salt in its Natural Form
Himalayan Salt 
Himalayan Salt is a crystal salt which is utilized differently by the body than rock salt. This Jurassic era salt is the purest salt in the world, virtually untouched by pollutants and toxins. It is a hand mined salt found naturally deep inside the Himalayan Mountains, the largest mountain range in the world. It is a valuable source of income in remote villages and towns. The light pink to red color represents numerous natural nutrients and elements contained in the salt. We can reap the benefits of these elements by soaking in a Himalayan salt bath.
These elements include but are not limited to:
Calcium: Builds bone strength and mass
Magnesium: Used in anesthetic, sports medicine for relief of tired muscles. Promotes healing.
Potassium: Crucial to heart function. During physical activity, the body utilizes then loses a large amount of potassium, replenishing it help to avoid muscle soreness and tightness.
Sodium: Relieves cramps and stiffness and maintains neutral environment in the skin.
Iron: Found in every cell in your body. Boosts the immune system and helps fight infection.
Himalayan Salt is used for purifying detox baths. The salt is used to pull toxins from the body while re-mineralizing it with minerals and trace elements which can improve texture, tone and appearance and soften and soothe your skin. Himalayan salt also aids in combating water retention and helps to prevent cramping and soreness. Himalayan salt bathing reduces acidity in the body and balances pH in our skin.
Replenishing Body Creme 
Specifically designed for those who need more potency and softening agents than our daily lotion provides, yet still absorbs deeply and rapidly with long lasting effects. Highly recommended for eczema sufferers. The perfect cream for those who need extra protection from the harsh environmental elements or have overly dry or scaly skin. It is abundant in natural, healthy essential oils and extracts, and will leave your skin feeling wonderfully supple, nourished and replenished.
MMS Solution Protocol
While The Earth’s Bounty is not an affiliate of jimhumble.biz or any entity selling MMS products, we feel it is vital to share the extraordinary information with all who are interested in finding safer alternatives, less costly treatments for many ailments.
MMS is mixed with Citric Acid and then water is added and can be used several ways to treat many conditions caused by germs, pathogens and viruses. To read more about MMS protocols Click Here
Date: 9/6/2009
Title: What's In & Not In Skin Care Products Makes a Difference
You know it really means something when someone you know says to you "What makeup are you using? Your complexion really looks great." AND your not even wearing makeup!!! Well, my dear Mother said those words to me and I really felt great about it and then later on I was thinking about it and the changes I had made in my skin care regimen. To me it was a testament to the latest skin care products I have been using and the ones I no longer use.
I started using my NaturOli Facial Wash and moisturizers on a daily basis a few months ago and having very sensitive skin and roseacea, it has been hard, just about impossible to find something that would work. Some helped a little, some not at all, and all after a short time of using them, dried and irritated my skin.
  
Some of the products I tried were supposed to be natural and while they did have some excellent natural ingredients, the formulas, I later learned were compromised because they contained harsh ingredients such as sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate (SLS), Triethanolamine (TEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), parabens and more. Hence, I was left still searching.
I HAVE finally, ended my search with NaturOli products. My skin IS so much better, smoother, silkier, no redness or rashes. If they didn't work I would not be selling, recommending or sharing them, period.
We encourage you to read labels on every thing, not just skin care/cosmetics. Read about the company. Do they give you full disclosure of their ingredients?
When you read our ingredients, of which we have FULL disclosure, you will not find these or other harsh chemical ingredients. See our LIST for commonly used ingredients in most skin care/cosmetics, even ones that claim to be natural. Also, just because it has a designers name (and a big price tag) does not mean it is the right choice for your needs, or is free of harmful agents. The beauty/cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar business. They employ skilled industry marketing teams to call the shots and tell the stories. Creatively using legal methods to tell us what we want to hear (whether it's true or not) to sell their products. There are laws that are in effect that tie the hands of the FDA and benefit the beauty industry and because of their enormous power, efforts to change those laws have been defeated.
Did you know if an ingredient listed has another ingredient within it, that ingredient does not have to be listed?
In the mean time, most consumers are left pretty much in the dark. Our options at this time are: Education and Choice. The more we learn the better choices we will make.
Change is difficult, costly for and unwelcomed by big business in any industry. Our choice, (our demand for the truth) is far more powerful than the deepest of pockets. When sales drop they want to know why and when they learn more and more people are making educated choices about what they buy they start to listen. Slow process I know, but it makes the point.
Dont' be fooled by HYPE....get the FACTS.
NaturOli sets a new and higher standard in the beauty industry for: ethics, honesty, integrity, quality, long-term effectiveness, good health and the TRUTH.
We appreciate your feedback, positive or negative so we learn more about our formulations, how to improve them, what you are looking for in a product. We will always share what we learn with you.
Date: 7/13/2009
Title: Why we choose not to use bismuth oxychloride in our mineral powders.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the ingredient, "bismuth oxychloride" (a byproduct of lead and copper refining. The properties are very similar to arsenic and the color is white with an iridescent hue, it is also lead free.) It’s in many brands of mineral makeup, including Bare Escentuals, Youngblood, and Jane Iredale. Monave , has opted not to use it in formulas, the primary reason being that it is commonly known to be an irritant, especially for women with sensitive skin.
Basing this information on the unending reports from women using mineral makeup containing bismuth oxychloride, of itching, redness, bumps, and irritation. They state that the condition is more pronounced when the weather becomes hot. For anyone wanting to delve into the scientific arguments surrounding bismuth oxychloride, simple google a question, such as, ‘is bismuth oxychloride irritating to the skin?”. I guarantee that any line that uses bismuth oxychloride, and any supplier that sells it, will defend its use, stating that it’s approved by the FDA, and not a known irritant.
I read one blog that had a comment written by a supplier stating that it is indeed, cheap animal hair brushes that cause the irritation, not bismuth oxychloride. That would imply that all mineral makeup users use cheap animal hair brushes, which clearly is not the case, especially with high quality synthetic brushes now available. From the Green Beauty Guide comes this statement as to the allergenic nature of bismuth oxychloride:
"While bismuth oxychloride has proven antibacterial properties, it can irritate sensitive skin like mad. Bismuth oxychloride can aggravate acne, resulting in flare-ups upon use, and even cause the appearance of acne cysts,” says Manhattan-based dermatologist Judith Hellman, MD. “In addition, it may be the source of rashes in patients sensitive to it, especially those with delicate and easily irritated skin, such as rosacea and eczema patients.” No wonder many mineral makeup manufacturers are now eliminating bismuth oxychloride from their formulations.
So, to put it simply, our customer base at Monave tends to be women with sensitive and problem skin. I’m one of them. We, as a consumer group, like to see simple ingredients lists.
There are a few other ingredients that we could include in our mineral makeup, but choose not to, not because they’re going to kill us slowly, or because they are horrible ingredients, simply because they cause irritation, and are unnecessary!
The other really obvious issue that is brought up by many customers who have worn mineral foundation with bismuth oxychloride in it, is that it’s shiny! Now, in my estimation, after having applied mineral make upon thousands of women over the years, there are very few who want ” shine ” on their face! A little dewy glow maybe, but the phrases that I’ve seen used by women who use foundation with bismuth oxychloride in it run along the lines of, ” It makes my face glow like a light bulb “. So, in terms of foundation alone, bismuth oxychloride does not appear to be a good choice for inclusion in a formula, with or without the other concerns mentioned above.
So, why is it used then? Bismuth oxychloride has a smooth, silky, creamy texture. Using raw minerals, such as iron oxides and titanium dioxide to create skin tone colors for mineral foundation is a challenge when it comes to providing a good texture. They are very thick and not at all easy to spread. (Think cold butter on soft white bread). So to temper this unwieldy texture, a formulator looks for a silky mineral that will add silkiness. Bismuth oxychloride provides silkiness and also adds creaminess, so the powder doesn’t feel as dry to the touch. It also breaks up clumpy pigments so that the finished mineral powders will have an even consistency. There are other silky, soft minerals that can achieve the same effects as bismuth oxychloride without the irritation. It just comes down to the formulator’s choice in terms of what their customers needs are.
In conclusion, if someone doesn’t find bismuth oxychloride irritating, then she has many options to choose from in mineral makeup brands. But for women who want the simplest ingredient list possible, and who are faced with sensitive, blemish-prone skin, mineral makeup brands without bismuth oxychloride are a better choice. That’s who we cater to. That’s who we are at Monave!
Information courtesy of Deb's Corner at Monave.
The Earth's Bounty also recommends cleaning brushes with a soap nut solution, working it into the bristles and rinsing until water comes out clear. Remember: soap nuts is anti bacterial, is an antifungal, 100% natural, and will keep brushes soft..the natural, healthy way to clean.
Date: 6/26/2009
Title: Safe, Chemical Free Shampoo
Making Your Own Soap Nuts Shampoo
For most, it will take some getting used to using a soap nut shampoo simply because most of our lives we have gauged cleaning ability with the amount of suds (lather). That luxurious feeling lather is created from chemical foaming agents like sodium laureth sulfate (aka SLS) which has potentially very irritating effects but no cleansing ability. Your water quality and hair texture will come into play also to get the recipe right for you.
Start by making a soap nuts liquid. 
Traditional Way:
Place 12 to 15 soap nuts in about 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for approximately an hour. All the "soap" will be fully extracted from the soap nuts when they turn very light tan or gray and are mushy. Allow to cool and strain. Store the soap nuts liquid concentrate in an airtight glass jar. Like all botanicals, the soap nut liquid is best stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Because this 100% pure soap nut liquid solution has absolutely no preservatives of any kind it has a limited shelf life of a few days. Refrigeration will extend its shelf life.
Greener way: Soap Nut Sun Tea
Use the equivalent of 20 whole soap nuts( this is a good way to use up those pieces and the smaller pieces speed up the process) and drop them into an empty clear plastic or glass container (a 2 liter soda bottle works well) and add about 50 ounces of liquid. Fill the bottle to just below the neck and place it outside in the sun for approximately 8 hours. Shake the bottle every couple of hours so that as the soap nuts soften from being in the water and the saponin will release in greater concentration.
Once your soap nuts liquid/tea is ready, pour about 1 cup into a spray bottle or foaming or what ever way you would like to dispense the shampoo. If your hair is dry or coarse add add about 3 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin and a few drops of essential oil if you want it scented.
If using a foaming pump bottle dilute the soap nuts liquid approximately 3 to 1 with water and strain the liquid very well before you put it in the pump because they clog easily.
If using a spray bottle dilute 2 to 1 with water.
Application is the same for all.
Shake well before applying to hair then start with a very small amount of the liquid in your hand. Remember a very small amount goes a very long way because it is highly concentrated. There will be NO suds but don't add more because you will end up with your hair plastered to your head unless you rinse for a LONG time. Just add a bit more water to work it around and massage the liquid into your scalp since that’s where healthy hair starts and work it through the rest of your hair. Wet your hair a bit more and work through your hair again and then leave it for about 3 minutes.
Rinse WELL with cool water until no bubbles show in your hair or the water that is running off your head. If your hair still feels a bit sticky you need to keep rinsing.
Your can also follow with a vinegar rinse or add a small amount of vegetable glycerin in your palm and work it through damp hair and and then comb.
Now you have safely cleaned your hair with all the beneficial properties of soap nuts.
Try cleaning your combs, hair brushes and even cosmetic brushes with about 1/2 tsp. of soap nuts liquid mixed in some warm water in the sink. Just work it through and rinse well.
Photos from FotoSearch http://fotosearch.com
Date: 5/28/2009
Title: Help Save Honey Bees!
The Honey Bee population is diminishing!!! We can all help bring them back by planting flowers/flower seeds. Honey bees get their food (nectar) from flowers and also pick up pollen as they go from flower to flower, helping in pollinating more plants.
You can go as big or as small as your space will allow.
1) Plant flowers that produce pollen and nectar.
Asters, Cosmos, Crocuses, Daisies, Foxglove, Geraniums, Hollyhocks, Catmint, Marigolds, Iris, Hyacinths, and Zinnias and many more.
2)Plant flowers that bloom successively to provide bee food through all seasons.
3)Blue, orange, yellow and purple flowers are most attractive to honey bees.
4) Don't Use Pesticides!
Thanks for planting a honey bee garden!
Visit helpthehoneybees.com for more useful and interesting information about honey bees presented by Haaen-Dazs
Date: 4/20/2009
Title: Great News About Extreme 18X
The Green Dot Award jury wrote: "NaturOli green detergents and cleansers. Use of saponin, which is derived naturally from soap nuts, is possibly the most significant green innovation in history for everyday household cleaning needs."
Big News!
Paramount Pictures is celebrating their 14th Annual ViaCommunity Day! The employee volunteerism and community outreach effort, inaugurated by Viacom in 1995, will benefit Los Angeles charities and schools. Paramount is a unit of Viacom Inc.
EXTREME 18X Soap Nut Liquid Laundry Soap and Cleaner has been selected to be included within the care packages that will be distributed to LA communities in need. We (the NaturOli family) feel it is significant to note that although we offered to donate product for the event, Paramount insisted upon compensating us for our contribution. We feel this speaks volumes to the true heart, integrity, and charitable character residing within Paramount and Viacom. Again, it is a true honor for us to be recognized as a valuable asset in this noble undertaking.
With respect to Paramount and their media plans, we are not making any public press releases of this until after the event. This news is purely for our friends, customers and associates.
More Big News!
A significant commercial detergent supplier with whom we are partnering with (sorry, but we can't disclose who at this time) is planning a very creative, philanthropic event to also help people "go green", and further rid our world of hazardous chemical detergents and cleaners. The media will be all over this!
This event will involve the public exchange of chemical detergents and cleaners with NaturOli's earth-friendly soap nuts/saponin-based EXTREME that we are specially formulating for this event. Wow! The public will be invited to exchange their old commercial chemical detergents freely for our safer, healthier, eco-friendly detergent. All chemical detergents and cleaners will be disposed of in the most environmentally friendly manner possible.
An estimated one-half million ounces will be exchanged!
Changes for a better earth one person at a time.
Date: 3/28/2009
Title: Soap Nuts not getting extra dirty clothes clean?
I have seen comments that soap nuts are not getting those extra dirty clothes clean. Well, stop and think a moment.....what did you use with your old laundry detergent on those harder to clean items? Ah, yes....you used a stain remover, laundry booster or even a bleach. What do you use with the soap nuts then and still be safe? Try just spraying a liquid soap nut solution on those grimy areas and work it into the fabric before washing. This works great for my husbands work clothes, which can get a plethora of stains on them at times. Along with the spray try about 1/8 to 1/4 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle if you have hard water. Many(including myself) have also used sea salt or coarse salt to help with stain removal. See "Whiter Whites Without Bleach" blog.
Oxygenated bleach also is great for stain removal without the hazards of regular bleach.
Remember, you have to take into account your washing machine, water quality ect., just as you did when using those chemically loaded detergents and make adjustments.
Now, more than ever after being used for centuries in their natural state down to today, there's a new form of soap nuts on the scene, making it even more easy to use.
It's Extreme 18X Concentrate Liquid Laundry Soap and Green Household Cleaner by NaturOli.
This super-concentrated, all natural liquid laundry soap packs a BANG when it comes to cleaning. You only have to use 1 teaspoon per load in a standard washer to 1/2 teaspoon in HE washers. Use even less for medium to small loads or if you have soft water.
One 8 ounce bottle will wash 96 HE loads and 48 standard plus you still have the extra bonus of not having to use fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
You can try Extreme 18X Concentrate at a special introductory price by clicking the link below.
Extreme 18X Here
Date: 2/25/2009
Title: Monave Mineral Makeup Awards/Media
Monave Mineral Makeup Wins 2008 National "Beauty with a Conscience" Award
 
Monave Mineral Makeup, a leader in the mineral makeup revolution is receiving high acclaim for the purity and intent of their cosmetics line. Monave Mineral Makeup is micro-formulated using the highest quality minerals and botanicals sourced the world over.
We loved the rich range of colors that perked up our lids with a feminine shimmer without being too glittery.
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) September 23, 2008 -- Monave Mineral Makeup was awarded first place in The Natural Solutions magazine 2008 Beauty with a Conscience awards. This prestigious national award was generated by Editor's picks that looked at the purity and intent behind beauty products. Natural Solutions has this to say about Monave Versatile Powders; "We loved the rich range of colors that perked up our lids with a feminine shimmer without being too glittery." Monave also won runner up for Matte Blushes and Honey-Clay Cleanser.
Deborah Bilezikian, President
In other media notes, Maryland Public Television featured Monave Mineral Cosmetics on September 11th. The segment focused on the company's mission to provide an alternative to commercial cosmetics, focusing on performance and purity of ingredients, as well as a palette for all skin tones. Locally, Monave also won Baltimore City Paper's "Best of" for Cosmetics.
About Monave Mineral Makeup:
Monave Mineral Makeup handcrafts high-quality mineral makeup with carefully chosen ingredients that are non-allergenic. With an extensive range of products, including eyeliners, brushes, lip glosses, lipsticks, cleansers and moisturizers, mineral foundation, blushes and eye-shadows, Monave is able to supply the consumer with the same variety of products found in larger commercial brands using natural ingredients. The company supports and nurtures women-owned businesses, and is at the forefront of the mineral makeup revolution.
About Natural Solution Magazine:
Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living (formerly Alternative Medicine) magazine has been the trusted voice in the natural health field for more than 14 years.
Date: 2/25/2009
Title: Whiter Whites Without Bleach
Soap nuts users often ask if their white clothes will be white enough without adding bleach.
I’ve been perfectly happy with how white my white clothes are using only soap nuts with no whitening additive. We live in Central Florida which means that we have lots of white clothing and under garments. In addition if you’ve read any of my other posts you also know that my mate uses white cotton handkerchiefs. He has no complaints about our white clothes either.
However, after doing some research on chemical free stain removers I read that if one soaks the stained garment in salt water overnight that stains, even tough ones, come out more easily. Through a bit of inductive reasoning I started to think that maybe adding salt to my laundry along with the soap nuts might be a bit of a help for both tough stains and whites without bleach in the laundry.
Many people who live in areas with hard water have water softeners installed which use either rock salt or salt pellets. These water softeners are very common in Central Florida.
Yesterday I decided to give it a go and tried adding sea salt to my laundry to see if it made any difference in either stain release or whitening of my whites. In truth the only issues I really had were some synthetic handkerchiefs that had a bit of a dingy appearance.
Well I am happy to report that ALL of my whites were even whiter by simply adding course ground sea salt to the water. I used between 1 tablespoon and 1/4 of a cup depending on load size. All of my clothes came out as soft as with soap nuts alone, but those dingy handkerchiefs and some grubby socks were white as could be with the addition of some salt. No need for bleach to whiten anything. I waited for the washer to fill and then sprinkled the salt around the wash tub to allow the salt to dissolve rather than clump up on the clothes. This technique should work well no matter whether you use soap nuts in the wash bag, soap nuts liquid, or soap nuts powder as your green laundry detergent.
I should also add that I did the laundry in cold water, and since it was pretty darn cold here the water was VERY cold. So don’t think you’ll need to use warm water to make this work. I didn’t.
Also for those of you who have hard water and don’t have a home water softener try the salt trick to soften the water and enhance the natural cleaning of soap nuts for all of your laundry.
If you are like me and refuse to use packaged stain removers or bleach (even eco-friendly bleach) then try adding some salt to the laundry.
From: http://www.soap-nuts.info/2009/01/19/soap-nuts-whiter-whites-without-bleach/
|
