What Is In Your "Baby" Products?

Ingredients to avoid and why:

Most US companies have not tested their products for safety and are using ingredients considered unsafe for children. Many also include ingredients not disclosed on the label, which is why they have been banned in many European countries. Don’t be fooled by words like "natural" or "gentle" on labels, some of these are the worst on the lists.

The following were reported to be the top ingredients to avoid on one website, but were given relatively low scores on the EWG website. On further investigation I found that this was because the FDA has not assessed them for safety in the US (even though they are considered toxic).

1. Propylene Glycol

*Not assessed for safety in the US - EWG

- One of the main active ingredients in Anti-freeze, and known toxin. Used to de-ice airplanes.

- One of the main ingredients in Johnson’s Baby lotion and baby shampoo.

- This is so highly toxic that industrial workers are warned of severe health risks if contact occurs (brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities). Stick deodorants contain a higher concentration than most industrial applications.

- Health Concerns: Alters the skin structure to allow other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream.

- Other Concerns: Skin sensitizer, suspected respiratory, skin, immunotoxicant and neurotoxicant.

2. Isopropyl Alcohol

*Not assessed for safety in the US - EWG

- Solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substance’s natural qualities).

- Used in antifreeze and shellac.

- Health Concerns: Eye, skin, & lung irritant, classified toxin.

3. Mineral Oil (modified crude oil)

*Not assessed for safety in the US – NO SAFETY DATA AVAILABLE - EWG

- coats the skin like plastic wrap, inhibiting it’s ability to breathe and release toxins.

4. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

*Classified toxin; Not assessed for safety in the US - EWG

- Used in cleansers to dissolve oil & grease.

- Health Concerns: Strips the natural moisture, leaves the immune system vulnerable and is potentially carcinogenic. Skin or sense organ toxicity hazards suspected.

5. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS or SLES)

*Insufficient Safety Data - EWG

- Often derived from coconut oil, then chemically altered.

- Originally designed for car washes, garage floor cleaners, and engine degreasers.

- Found in 95% of shampoos & body cleansers, even the natural ones.

- Known skin & eye irritant; enhances allergic response to other toxins/allergens.

- Causes irritation/ infection in the genitals of young children, yet it is the main ingredient in baby shampoos and bubble baths.

- Health Concerns: Skin Irritation/corrosion, hormone imbalance, eye irritation & eye deformities in children, protein denaturing, and carcinogen.

- Health implications found in a 1983 report from the American College of Toxicology.

6. DEA, MEA, TEA (Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc.)

*Classified toxin and carcinogen - EWG

- Readily absorbed in the skin. Has hormone disrupting chemicals known to form cancer-causing nitrates.

- Health Concerns: Skin/lung sensitizer, liver/intestinal toxicity, neurotoxicant, respiratory toxicity, skin toxicity.

* Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancers."

** John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especially important since "the risk equation changes significantly for children".

7. FD&C Color Pigments

*Not assessed for safety in the US - EWG

- Health Concerns: Suspected carcinogen, not properly assessed.

- Made from Coal Tar. Absorption of certain colors can cause oxygen depletion, even death.

- Highly controversial additive, animal studies show almost all of them to be carcinogenic. – American College of Toxicology.

8. "Fragrance"

*Not assessed for safety in the US - EWG

- Health Concerns: immune sensitization, neurotoxicant

- "Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing, vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors has shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes," - Home Safe Home.

9. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA , and DMDM HYDANTOIN

*Classified toxins, insufficient safety data - EWG

- Preservatives that release **formaldehyde.

- Health Concerns: skin sensitizer, possible carcinogens, and gastrointestinal/liver toxicants

** Formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. – Mayo Clinic.

- Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde releasing ingredients.

10. Talc

*Cancer Hazard, classified toxin, Not assessed for safety in the US - EWG

- Health Concerns: Respiratory toxicant, linked to uterine cancer and respiratory problems in infants.

- Literally suffocates the skin!!

11. Boric Acid

*Classified toxin, unsafe for use in cosmetics or infant products, reproductive/developmental toxicant, - EWG

- Health Concerns: neurotoxicant, liver, kidney, respiratory and skin toxicant, bioaccumulative (builds up quickly in babies).

- Linked to potential for reduced fertility or reduced chance for a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

- Used in MANY diaper rash creams (Vaseline, Gerber, Johnson & Johnson, Aveeno, Desitin, Palmer’s Balmex, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste).

- Commonly used in eye drops (Visine, RhotoV)!

12. Salicylic Acid

*Classified toxin; penetration enhancer - EWG

- Health Concerns: Triggers systemic immune response, photosensitizer, blood toxicant, skin toxicant, bioaccumulative (builds up quickly in babies).

13. Triclosan

*Classified toxin, not assessed for safety in the US – EWG

- Registered pesticide with EPA!

- Can combine with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform gas.

- Health Concerns: Immunotoxicant, skin toxicant/ irritant

14. Titanium Dioxide

*Carcinogen, not assessed for safety in the US - EWG

- Known to cause cancer & birth defects in animal testing.

- Health Concerns: carcinogen, has not been assessed properly.

15. Parabens (METHYL, PROPYL, BUTYL & ETHYL)

*Classified toxins, insufficient safety data - EWG

** Parabens are preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic and disrupt normal hormone functions. Estrogenic substances are chemicals foreign to the body that mimic the function of the naturally occurring hormone, estrogen. Estrogen has been shown to control the growth of breast cells, and exposure to external estrogens has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.

- Cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes yet still widely used in care products.

- Health Concerns: breast cancer risk, endocrine disruptor, skin sensitizer and toxicant.

16. Quaternium-15 (Q-15)

*Classified toxin, insufficient safety data - EWG

- Preservative that releases formaldehyde. Relatively common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

- Health Concerns: Skin sensitizer, immunotoxicant, blood toxicant, skin toxicant

17. Chlorine (environmental safety hazard)

- Found in tap water, pools, laundry detergents, cleaning agents & food processing.

- Contributes to asthma, hay fever, anemia, bronchitis, circulatory collapse, confusion, delirium, dizziness, heart disease, high blood pressure, nausea, etc.

Do You Meditate?

Studies have shown that regular meditation can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, improve the body’s response to stress, and even improve sleep patterns. Yet misinformation and misconceptions abound preventing many people from pursuing the practice in earnest.
To “clear things up” – both intellectually and spiritually, here are 5 myths of meditation, along with practical tips and advice for getting into a regular meditation habit.

Myth #1: The lotus position is the only way to go.
While sitting cross-legged on the floor works for some, it is neither comfortable nor practical for many of us, including myself. I sit in a straight-backed chair, feet flat on the floor, my open hands resting on my thighs, palms up in a gesture of “receiving.” There is also standing, walking, and lying-down meditation.

Myth #2: If I don’t clear my mind of all thoughts, I’m not meditating.
The goal of meditation is not to have a blank mind but rather to focus your mind and slow down the multiple random thoughts that cause stress, confusion and overload. There are different practices you can try to keep your mind focused on the present moment as opposed to thinking ahead or reliving the past. Examples include counting while you inhale and exhale or using a mantra – a repetitive sound, word or phrase.

Myth #3: I don’t have time to meditate.
We always find the time for things that are important in our lives. We already have daily rituals and routines that we follow such as brushing our teeth, walking the dog, reading the newspaper, or going online. Meditation can become part of your daily ritual – morning, evening or anytime. Start with 5-10 minutes and work your way up to 15-20 minutes a day minimum.

Myth #4: Meditation is just another word for relaxation.
While relaxation and stress relief can be a byproduct, meditation itself is something different. It is a focused awareness of the body, of inner silence, of your existence in this moment. It creates a heightened consciousness which can help you to have more clear and deliberate thoughts and actions, and be more “present” in daily life.

Myth #5: Meditation is boring
If your mind is usually racing with all the things you need to do and if you’re used to constant motion, noise and stimulation in your environment, meditation can, on the outside, seem like unproductive time. But when you learn to transition your awareness from the external to the internal, you can experience a state of well being, calm and clarity that is tough to pull yourself away from. For those of us who meditate regularly, we feel something missing in our day when we don’t get to it.

All that being said, many people still find it difficult to get started and to maintain a regular meditation practice. To find some help, do an Internet search for meditation classes and groups in your community. Look for a meditation coach or consider attending a meditation retreat. Use meditation CDs and read instructional books.

Give it a try. Study the practice, find some support, and make a commitment to living a healthier life.

Do You Know What Ingredients To Avoid In Your Skin Care?

It seems incredible, but many skin care products are loaded with ingredients that actually harm your skin over time, not help it. Here are some of the ingredients to avoid.

Mineral Oil: Mineral oil may also go by the names liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, and petrolatum on the product label. Mineral oil is used so pervasively in skin care products for one reason only; it's cheap! Mineral oil once applied, prevents the skin from “breathing”. As such, it clogs pores, interferes with your skin's natural ability to eliminate toxins, and can lead to acne flare ups. Also, it is irritating to the skin and if used for any length of time, your skin can become dependent on it, causing chapping and dryness. Lastly, it can lead to premature aging of the skin.

Dioxane: (a synthetic derivative of coconut). This substance is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. I know this sounds crazy, but 1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer".

Fragrances: Who doesn't like to smell nice? Your skin care products should not contain fragrances. Many fragrances are produced from ingredients that are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.

Parabens: methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben. Many skin care products (and moisturizing products) will use parabens as a preservative so their products have a long shelf life. The reason is purely economical. However, studies suggest that they may cause cancer and interfere with the body’s endocrine system, as well as causing allergic reactions and skin rashes.

Alcohols: ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. Not all alcohols have the same properties, but these, which are commonly found in skin care products, are very drying and irritating for the skin. Alcohols such as these strip away the skin's natural acid mantle, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses.

Now that we've looked at some of the ingredients to avoid, hopefully you will take the time to research products to see which ones have ingredients that are actually harmful for your skin.

Do You Really Want That Perfect Golden Tan?

Most Americans, including up to 80% of people under age 25, think they look better with a tan.

A tan is the skin’s response to injury caused by UV exposure. Tanning occurs when ultraviolet rays penetrate the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer causing the production of melanin as a response to the injury. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet light, both natural and artificial, results in a change in the skin’s texture, causing wrinkling and age spots of the skin. Thus, tanning to improve appearance is ultimately self-defeating.

Skin cancer is epidemic in the United States, with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed annually. Although the numbers of new cases of many other types of cancer are falling or leveling off, the number of new cases of melanoma is growing. In the past, melanoma mostly affected people in their fifties or older, but today dermatologists see patients in their twenties and even late teens with this type of cancer. Experts believe this is partly due to an increase in the use of tanning beds and sun lamps, which have high levels of UVA rays.

Here are some tips to protecting your skin from sun damage.
1. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don’t plan on spending much time outdoors.
2. In the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30.
3. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, it should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn’t cause a rash or clog your pores and give you acne.
4. Apply sunscreen thickly and frequently. If you’re not sure you’re putting on enough, switch to one with a higher SPF.
5. Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours and after swimming or sweating.
6. Take frequent breaks. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

So I ask you again, Do you really want that perfect golden tan?

BefoRE Sun
Baby Care Sunscreen SPF 30+

Need Some Great Protein Shake Recipes?

Healthy living is a choice.
One that is very much in your control.






Arbonne Shake Recipes
Made with Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix

Chocolate Buttermilk Drink
Chocolate Shake, 1 cup buttermilk, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Chocolate Peanut Shake
Chocolate Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter, 1 scoop low fat ice cream, blend until smooth
Heavenly Chocolate Shake
Chocolate Shake, 2/3 cup water, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Mocha Shake
Chocolate Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1 teaspoon instant coffee, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Banana Peanut Butter Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1 banana, 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter, 1 tablespoon sunflower kernels optional, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Vanilla Strawberry Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 cup strawberries or substitute 1/2 cup strawberry yogurt and cut down to 1/2 cup water, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Peach Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened peaches, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Peaches and Cream Shake
Vanilla Shake, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened peaches, 1 ripe banana, 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Eggnog Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Strawberry Banana Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/2 banana, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Raspberry-Peach Shake
Vanilla Shake, 1/2 cup raspberries, 1/2 cup peaches, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Cappuccino Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee, 2 drop rum extract, dash cinnamon, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Peachy Dream Yogurt Shake
Vanilla Shake, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup peaches, 1/2 banana, 1 cup nonfat yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Double Strawberry Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/2 cup low fat strawberry yogurt, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Pina Colada Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 2 tablespoon rum extract, 2 tablespoon unsweetened pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon cream of coconut, 4-6 ice cubes
Pina Colada Dessert Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water , 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup frozen nonfat vanilla ice cream, 1 teaspoon rum extract, 1 teaspoon coconut extract, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Banana Milkshake
Vanilla or Chocolate Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 banana, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Raspberry Shake
Vanilla Shake, 2/3 cup water, 1/2 cup raspberries, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth
Yogurt Cooler
Vanilla Shake, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt, 1/4 cup white grape juice, 1/2 cup honeydew or cantaloupe, 4-6 ice cubes, blend until smooth

Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix

Father’s Day Is Almost Here... Do You Have A Tough Time Choosing The Perfect Gift?

Perfect for: Dads who want to look their best with anti-aging skin care products.

Special offer: RE9 Advanced™ for Men Set (Exfoliating Wash, Shave Gel, Post-Shave Balm, Facial Moisturizer SPF 20)
#643; $117

Available: May 6-June 19

Free Gift!
Receive an RE9 Advanced for Men Manicure Set with every qualifying purchase, while supplies last.

Shop Now

Is Organic Worth The Cost?

Dr. Oz tackled the popular question of, “Should I be buying organic foods?”



My position on organic foods is quite simple: If I had a Dr. Oz or Oprah food budget, I’d buy everything organic. It’s true that organic foods are not purchased exclusively by the very rich or else it wouldn’t be a billion dollar industry. There are lots of regular people with regular incomes who have made the lifestyle choice of buying organic foods. I have made that choice, whenever possible and affordable, and some items that I’ve been buying organic for a decade now like milk, yogurt, eggs and butter are not cheap by any standard but I feel are worth it for my health. When it comes to produce, if there is a sale on organic products, I’ll jump at the occasion and there are certain conventional products, like berries, I will no longer eat if I cannot buy them organic. If I could only buy organic meats I would, but most are too expensive and hard to find so I do buy grain feed meats because they are affordable and they can easily be purchased at most grocery stores. No matter your goal when buying organic, there are ways to save money.

Libba Letton, spokesperson for Whole Foods Market, suggests the following:

• Buy your items in season. Even organic food is going to be priced cheaper when it's in season, and this advice applies whether you're buying conventionally or organically grown produce.
• Talk to the staff in the produce department of your local grocery store. Ask where the produce comes from, if it's in season and if you can sample it. Make sure you're spending on something worth it.
• Buy things in bulk. At Whole Foods, customers who buy in volume are offered up to a 10 percent discount.
• Buy only as much as you need. Food bought in large portions often goes to waste. If your store offers a bulk bin option, you can take as much or as little as you need which also means less packaging.
• Make your grocery list and stick to it.
• Compare organic-to-organic prices. In stores where there are less organic items, those items tend to be much more expensive.

Here are Dr. Oz’s 3 simple rules for when you should spend your green to go green and when to save your cash with conventional foods.
1. Thin Skins
Go organic: apples, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, pears, nectarines, peppers, celery, potatoes, and carrots
Save your cash: avocados, eggplants, pineapples, bananas, corn, kiwi, mangoes, papaya, sweet peas, oranges, grapefruit, and squash

2. Leafy Greens
Go organic: all lettuces and greens such as kale, collards, mustard, swiss chard, and spinach
Save your cash: broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, cauliflower, eggplant, melons, and sweet potatoes

3. Milk Products
Go organic: milk, yogurt, and cheese

Save your cash: fish and other seafood (USDA has no guidelines for certifying organic seafood)

Isn't It Time To Outgrow Aging?

Arbonne RE9 Advanced will show visible results in just 24 hours

Clinical studies show the following:

83% of participants reported skin firmness in 24 hours
92% of participants reported a reduction of fine lines in one week
96% of participants reported a refinement in skin texture within one week
100% would recommend RE9 Advanced to their friends and family

RE9 Advanced:
100% vegan certified - no animal products
No formaldehyde-donating preservatives
No petroleum based ingredients such as: benzene, mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates or toluene
No PABA
No artificial colors
And Arbonne uses certified organic ingredients whenever possible

RE9 Advanced

SAVE 20%