To preserve or not to preserve... THAT is the question.

Today, there are many concerns about preservatives and other additives and their effects on our sensitivities, allergies and/or if they are carcinogenic. And as the season changes from summer into fall, the cooler weather contributes to the skin's dryness. So I will be ramping up production of my lotions and balms. So I thought I would give my perspective on the use of preservatives.

Since I have eczema I prefer to use products that only have ingredients that are derived from nature. But for the public, I reluctantly use a paraben-free preservative in my lotions to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. I feel that it is the proper thing to do for the safety of my customers. Since I haven't found proven data on how effective natural preservatives are, I choose not to use them.

In my research, I have concluded that I only need to use them in products that contain water. So the only product that contains a preservative is my lotion. I make my lotion under sterile conditions and I also a paraben-free preservative to prevent harmful bacteria growth and to extend the shelf life. I only use the recommended amount (0.1-0.5% by weight) and I list all of the ingredients on the label.

I believe that honesty is the best policy when running a business and wanted to be transparent about this issue so that my consumers can make informed decision about my products. As I said early, lotions are the only product at this time that contains a preservative. So my soaps, butters, lipbalms, bath fizzies, etc. are free of preservatives!

Where do you stand on the issue of preservatives in cosmetics?

My rant about the term Pure African Shea Butter

My mom told a woman that I offer shea butter and she subsequently asked me, "Where do you get YOUR shea butter from?" I responded confidently, "l order it online." She replied, smugly, "Oh! My friend gets THEIRS from AFRICA." Like that makes it more special. She proceeded to describe to me this seemingly huge amount (probably around 2lbs.) that she gets for $10! Hard for me to believe, but ok.

I tried to get over it but the more I think about it the more I become concerned that people are saying their shea butter is from Africa just as a selling point. It's all from Africa!

I believe that it is redundant to say 'african shea butter' since the karite tree that it comes from is indigenous to Africa. And to my knowledge there is no where else to get it. Furthermore, they say it's from Africa as if they know the person that got off the plane with it. Or their family lives there, harvests and ships it to them directly. If that's true I'd like to meet them so that I can order from them too!

Maybe I'm disturbed because these people can sell theirs and I can't sell mine because I am truthful about my products.

I apologize for this rant. I think I feel better now. Thanks.