Hey, First name / friend,

 

It probably comes as no surprise to you that the FDA really sucks at actually protecting us from harmful ingredients in our foods and products.

 

In my own journey over the last 15+ years, through infertility, to becoming a mama, to becoming a Functional Nutritional Therapy and Restorative Wellness Practitioner, I’ve absolutely learned that you have to be your best own advocate.

 

You’ve got to be willing to do your own research and break out of the traditional ways of doing things, not necessarily trusting the systems in place to protect us as consumers.

 

Believe me… I know it can be tiring.

 

So this email is to help educate you on some of the cold hard facts and inconvenient truths about the protections in place (or not) in the US in comparison to the EU when it comes to personal care products, the phenomenon of greenwashing and one of my go to health and beauty products lines I discovered last year that gets everything right in my book!

 

“In cosmetics alone, the EU has banned or restricted more than 1,300 chemicals while the US has outlawed or curbed just 33," shared an article in The Guardian.

 

This article goes on to say “It’s possible to find formaldehyde, a known carcinogen banned in EU-sold cosmetics, in US hair-straightening treatments and nail polish. Parabens, linked to reproductive problems, are ruled out in the EU but not the US, where they lurk in skin and hair products. Coal tar dyes can be found in Americans’ eyeshadow, years after they were banned in the EU and Canada.”

 

Even according to the FDA's website, “With the exception of color additives and a few prohibited ingredients, a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from FDA.” 

This is where greenwashing becomes an issue. 

 

Even US products that say they're organic, sustainable, vegan, or natural are not actually held up to any standardized testing or approval… We’re at the mercy of the companies we trust.

 

Some US companies are doing really great things in the beauty industry, and it’s not my intention to throw shade at them.

 

The trouble is, savvy marketers know that there is a growing segment of consumers looking for clean, organic, and natural beauty products which has led to a phenomenon called “greenwashing.”

 

I imagine you know about greenwashing, but if not, essentially it’s when products say they’re clean, all-natural, organic, etc. on their labels but they’re really not. And because the FDA says they can use basically any ingredients they want, there is nothing to stop them.

 

It’s really hard for even conscious consumers to know what they’re getting because the regulations are so lax. And some beauty companies deceptively use packaging that gives the illusion of a clean product, that in reality, still has chemicals and toxins in it.

 

Using apps like EWG's Healthy Living App or the Think Dirty App can be really helpful. I have them on my phone and you'll find me scanning products in the store! But sometimes I still find it confusing.

 

That's why when I find stores (like Three Stone Hearth and Good Earth Natural Foods) or companies that are doing things right, I become a loyal customer.

 

It's also why when I find a company like Oliveda, I want to share it with everyone I know! Oliveda is a 22 year old company, new to the US in the last two years. Its' a waterless health and beauty company (they replace the 70% water used in conventional skin care with the antioxidant powerhouse, hydroxytyrosol) whose products are made in Germany!

 

 

One of the the main problems with water-based beauty products is that they have to have a preservative in them, and this could include one of the many preservatives banned in the EU that are allowed in the US.

 

This is why European products are so much better for us. 

 

They’re held to more rigorous standards, creating a superior product. 

 

Oliveda, being waterless and replacing that water with hydroxytyrosol, also means they are 100% bioactive. This means a little goes a long way, you get great results and your products last a long time which provides great value.

 

And with a 365 day return policy (for reals), there is no risk in trying them.

If you’re ready to elevate your skin care regimen with products held to a higher standard, try Oliveda!

 

Here's how you can get a FREE F06 Cell Active Face Serum with your order too!

Not sure where to start? Take the Skin Care Quiz. or if you'd like my help figuring out which products are best for your skin, hit reply to this email. I'm happy to help you!