Potion palaver!

Fragrant greetings!

As an eco-skincare potion-maker I am often dismayed at the sheer amount of toxic toiletries there are out there in the world, so it is most exciting for me, a solitary kitchen-witch to come across a fellow natural potion-maker. However, again I am usually dissapointed too for the same reasons. I know why huge big companies will tell lies about there potions to sell them, but I find it incredulous that a small (one person) producer will fall prey to the same kind of poison potion-making and the same lying marketing spiel as the big bad boys.

I couldn't live with myself if I put synthetics in my potions but still called them natural, I couldn't sleep at night if I used petroleum by-products but called it Organic. I would never ever use colourings and fake scents then describe my potions as Aromatherapy. What gives??

I've discovered some basic untruths which cast clouds of doubt when I see these phrases which I'll share here for the discerning potion-user:

"Handmade by an Aromatherapist" Meaningless phrase, aromatherapists are just as likely to use chemicals in their potions as anyone. As a trained aromatherapist myself I know for a fact that the training does not teach potion-making and does not even teach (very well) about the purity of oils. Most aromatherapists use bought in (not natural) bases then simply add essential oils to them.

"Organic certified" There are loads of certifying bodies these days all with their own agenda, some of the ingredients that are allowed in organic products I wouldn't wash my dishes with let alone put on my skin.

"The only UK(or wherever) organic certified brand" Some of us 100% natural organic makers aren't certified for the reasons above and because of cost.

"No SLS" They may contain no SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) but I bet my ass they use another similar detergent thats just as nasty.

"Approved by..(some cancer institute, skin foundation etc)" Yeah, betcha you're on the governing board eh! Go to their website and find out who their corporate sponsors are, that'll be the real reason that their 'approved'.

"Added vitamins and/or minerals" Err, someones a little confused and has mistaked their skin for their stomach!! Sorry, but vitamins have to be assimilated from your food via digestion. I think potion-makers need to study some basic human biology eh!


I'm sure there's loads more but I can't remember them all :-)

Remember, always read the label and if an ingredient doesn't sound edible it probably isn;t going to do much good for your skin.

x Star