There is no standard for labeling 'organic' and 'natural' skin care products, in fact, any company can label their product 'natural' or 'organic' even if the product only contains 1 ingredient that is so. Many companies that label there products 'natural' and/or 'organic' actually contain harmful carcinogens; A chemical "Ethylene Oxide" was found in many of these misleading-labeled products. Ethylene Oxide generates 1, 4-Dioxane as a by-product, which is known to contaminate groundwater, and is also known to effect the kidneys, respiratory systems, and neuro-systems. Avoid words like, "myreth", "oleth", "laureth", "ceteareth", any other "eth", "PEG", "polyethylene", "polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", or "oxynol", that may be listed in your skincare ingredients.
Does your skin exfoliant make your skin feel good? It may be making the ocean sick. The exfoliating beads found in MANY of the more popular brands are actually made out of plastic. They are small beads of polyethylene that do not ever biodegrade. After washing down your shower drain, the beads eventually make their way to our oceans where sea animals can swallow them, choke on them, or even get caught in a mass of them and drown. You probably take the time to cut the plastic rings that hold a six-pack of soda together...take the time to change your exfoliator! Natural body exfoliators that work as well, or better than the drug-store brands can be made at home using sea-salts, sugar, and/or herbs, as well as super hydrating olive, safflower, and almond oils. Take the time to look up recipes for natural, do-it-yourself skin care products, just remember to turn off the computer when you're done surfing the web!
