Personal Products

Recently, more people have become aware that many of the traditional personal hygiene products (including toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, [Page 336]aftershave, facial cleanser, and feminine care products) can include a number of ingredients that are both harmful to humans and hazardous to the environment. As a consequence, there is a growing consumer market for “green” (sometimes referred to as “natural” or “organic”) personal hygiene products that avoid substances known to cause harmful health effects and that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Because of this increased awareness and demand, many companies are trying to market green products. However, there is currently no universal standard for certification for these products, and consumers can easily become confused or misled about what they are purchasing.

Components of green personal hygiene products can include those that

• minimize use of harmful ingredients such as mercury; toluene; petroleum distillates; parabens; sodium lauryl sulfate; diethanolamine; 1,4-dioxane; phthalates; and triclosan;
• minimize harm to the environment when acquiring the essential ingredients or during the manufacturing process;
• are not composed of animal by-products or ingredients tested on animals, and whose final products are not tested on animals;
• use packaging that is made from recycled material and/or is biodegradable or recyclable; and
• are composed of ingredients derived from sources that practice Fair Trade and provide good working conditions.

Many green personal hygiene products are made with naturally occurring minerals from plants or other organic and natural sources instead of with synthetic chemicals. For example, in place of artificial dyes such as Blue #1 or Yellow #5, vegetable juices from red cabbage, purple carrot, or annatto can be used. Fragrances from ingredients such as green tea, rosemary, and grapefruit can be used instead of synthetic chemicals, and the petroleum-based emulsifiers and surfactants in toothpastes and mouthwash can be replaced with plant-based minerals from olives and coconuts.

In response to the increased demand for green products, many personal hygiene product companies are extolling corporate values and promoting their merchandise in ways they feel will appeal to this particular market segment. There are a number of companies that strongly claim to be making products that are natural, safe for consumers, and good for the environment. For example, Terressentials, based in Maryland, is a small company in which all products are packaged by hand. Terressentials has been certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and prints the USDA Organic seal on each of its products. USDA Organic certification is defined as being reserved for products containing 95 percent to 100 percent USDA organic ingredients verified by a third-party certifier. Burt's Bees and Tom's of Maine sell many of their products in natural and organic groceries around the United States. Burt's Bees offers products using natural ingredients including beeswax, botanical and essential oils, herbs, flowers, and minerals. Each natural product carries a nature seal that is regulated by the Natural Products Association Natural Standard for Personal Care Products. These products must be at least 95 percent natural, safe, and sustainable. Tom's of Maine has created its own set of natural, sustainable, and responsible standards that it claims ensure their products are produced in a socially and environmentally conscious manner. This company is certified by the American Dental Association, and it has produced the first natural toothpaste that bears the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. Their products have also been given the Kosher certification, Halal certification, and the Cruelty-Free certification through People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The Body Shop, a large British retail chain that can be found in shopping malls across America, offers over 700 natural personal care products ranging from body care to [Page 337]cosmetics. Its stated corporate values include no animal testing, protecting the planet, and defending human rights; however, its products are not certified as natural or organic. Seventh Generation makes chlorine-free feminine care products, including organic cotton tampons. It donates 10 percent of its profits to nonprofit community, environmental, health, and responsible business organizations working for positive change.

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