Best ACTIVE Natural Skin Care Line?
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free skin care · Thu May 14, 2009 7:15 pm

I'm looking for a skin care line with simple ingredients that leave out all of the extra non-essential ingredients and fillers, chemical preservatives etc. I just want natural and active ingredients (vitamins, minerals, etc.). Even better if the line is animal free.

I know there a lot of natural and organic lines, but they are often either very basic with just cleansers and moisturizers, or too complicated with tons of ingredients and unneeded questionable ingredients like essential oils and other photo sensitizers. Even though I know there are some out there with simple and pure active ingredients, what actually works and what have you found to be the best ones? Thanks.

free skin care · Sun May 17, 2009 10:40 pm

Really, nothing? I keep seeing so many new "natural" and "organic" lines on the market and in Whole Foods and elsewhere. I just wonder which one to go with. There are just so many and I have no idea which ones actually work and do anything at all.

Even some mainstream products fit this description. Like Cellex-C C Serum, but it seems so expensive for what it is, is it really worth more then less expensive ones? It only has - Ascorbic acid*, acetyl tyrosine*, zinc sulphate*, glycine*, resveratrol, grape seed extract, L-ergothioneine, sodium hyaluronate, green tea extract.

free skin care · Mon May 18, 2009 8:04 am

What specifically are you looking for BYRG? A serum? cream? sunscreen?

Have you considered DIY? I like natural products, and I just ordered all the ingredients to make Dr. Kassy's Vit C serum. If you head to the DIY Vit C thread, the last page has the most recent recipe variation... You get to control the ingredients, and it's so much less expensive! I had great results from Vivier, but I can't spend $100 for a bottle. I'm getting ready to make my first brew this week. Smile

I also get some of my skincare basics from Essentialwholesale.com, which is a wholesaler for organic/natural brands--you might want to see what they've got that suits you.

And if you want a ready-made brand, Suki is about as pure and organic as it gets. Maybe give them a try? I hear that they just came out with a new and improved skincare line...

Good luck!

free skin care · Mon May 18, 2009 8:39 am

BYRG wrote:

Really, nothing? I keep seeing so many new "natural" and "organic" lines on the market and in Whole Foods and elsewhere. I just wonder which one to go with. There are just so many and I have no idea which ones actually work and do anything at all.

Even some mainstream products fit this description. Like Cellex-C C Serum, but it seems so expensive for what it is, is it really worth more then less expensive ones? It only has - Ascorbic acid*, acetyl tyrosine*, zinc sulphate*, glycine*, resveratrol, grape seed extract, L-ergothioneine, sodium hyaluronate, green tea extract.

Cellex c is too clincal, drying to the skin and decomposes quickly (although some would say that would not effect the product). The only all natural with actives I can think of is perhaps Raw Essentials by Carol Alt. Shes on ether hsn or qvc.

free skin care · Mon May 18, 2009 2:15 pm

SusieQ wrote:

Cellex c is too clincal, drying to the skin and decomposes quickly (although some would say that would not effect the product). The only all natural with actives I can think of is perhaps Raw Essentials by Carol Alt. Shes on ether hsn or qvc.

They all decompose quickly right? I tend to have combination skin that breaks out easily, so I don't mind it being drying, I think that's why you follow it with a moisturizer and hyluaruanic acid. I just don't know about the price. What is different about it compared to ones half the price?

Thanks for the info on the RAW line. I didn't know she had a line. I don't see anything with vitamin C in it. I like the packaging, but honestly I am surprised at the ingredients. They don't look any better then any of the other semi quasi natural lines in Whole Foods with tons of questionable semi-synthetics etc. And they're not even organic, which I would think with her following an organic raw diet would choose organic ingredients.

The only line that I know of that looks truly raw and pure with actives is Zenbiotic. I do like their stuff and am using their shampoo, glycolic and vitamin C with MSM. I just have my doubts about it though. I have never truly believed their story about their science, and nothing tells you percentages etc. I keep the Vit C/MSM in the fridge like they tell you to, and when I put it on I do feel something so I believe there is something active in it, I just don't know what strength it really is. I'm still searching for a better line.

KBLang wrote:

What specifically are you looking for BYRG? A serum? cream? sunscreen?

Everything! Although they don't all need to be from the same brand, in fact I doubt I could find everything I want in the same line. I am not loyal to anything right now and I haven't actually been using much of anything or taking care of my skin and it's a hot mess right now. I am getting older (32) and I still get breakouts in my t-zone and overall my skin is just dull and rough and blotchy with red areas on my chin, forehead and around my nose. So, I need something strong and I don't even know what. I know vitamin C and other acids are the most proven. For a sunscreen, I'm thinking about just going with Jane Iredale cause that's what I use for makeup. I still need a cleanser and toner, moisturizer and serums etc.

Quote:

Have you considered DIY? I like natural products, and I just ordered all the ingredients to make Dr. Kassy's Vit C serum.

I have, but it just seems like so much work. Don't you have to make it fresh again every day or every week? I can barely get myself to stick to actually doing the skin care ritual everyday, or even taking my vitamins everyday, I just don't know if I have the discipline to do DIY right now and stick to it. I did buy some oil soluble vitamin C in the past to just add to base oils, but it's probably no good anymore. I never really knew what the strength was or if I put enough in to do anything.

Quote:

I also get some of my skincare basics from Essentialwholesale.com, which is a wholesaler for organic/natural brands--you might want to see what they've got that suits you.

Thanks for the source. Wow, you have to order a lot. I'll look into it. Looks good.

Quote:

And if you want a ready-made brand, Suki is about as pure and organic as it gets. Maybe give them a try? I hear that they just came out with a new and improved skincare line...

Yeah, I was looking into them and am excited about their hair care line. I think I will try to travel kit to try it out. Has anyone tried it and really liked it?

free skin care · Mon May 18, 2009 6:00 pm

Have you looked here?

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/natural-organic-skin-care-product.htm

free skin care · Mon May 18, 2009 6:32 pm

BYRG wrote:

So, I need something strong and I don't even know what. I know vitamin C and other acids are the most proven. For a sunscreen, I'm thinking about just going with Jane Iredale cause that's what I use for makeup. I still need a cleanser and toner, moisturizer and serums etc.

I agree that Vit C is the way to go--it's made the most marked difference for my skin. As for sunscreen, I prefer physical blocks--you might want to look into Devita and Keys, which are paraben-free, etc.

BYRG wrote:

I have, but it just seems like so much work. Don't you have to make it fresh again every day or every week?

At the end of this, I'm pasting from the DIY Vit C Serum thread two of Kassy's recipes (from http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=30503&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=400)

These formulas will each last you a couple months (give or take), so it's not an everyday thing...

BYRG wrote:

Thanks for the source. Wow, you have to order a lot. I'll look into it. Looks good.

Check out the samples page on essentialwholesale.com -- you can try things in 1 oz. sizes, which is much more reasonable. As for Suki, I really like the lemongrass exfoliating cleanser and the willowbark toner, but I haven't tried any of the other more "active" treatments.

From the Vit C thread:

Here's my favotite C Serum (latest + greatest!)

15% C, E + Ferulic Acid Serum, 1oz

1 tsp L-Ascorbic Acid
1/4 tsp Ferulic Acid
1/3 cc/ml (.3) of Vitamin E Oil
1/3 cc/ml (.3) of Hyaluronic Acid
1 tsp SKB
1 tsp vodka
3 1/2 tsp H2O

To prepare use 2 shot glasses. In glass #1 put the H2O, Vodka, LAA + Ferulic Acid.. Stir frequently. It can take up to 30 minutes to *fully* dissolve. Mix the remaining ingredients in glass #2. When the contents of glass #1 have fully dissolved, combine both, stir well and put in your 1oz bottle.. Give it a good shake, and store in fridge or in a cool, dark place.. Shake a bit before use.

------------------------------------------------

I also love nourishing serums, and made this lately. I usually use something for a month before sharing the recipe in case something goes flooey, but this is still working out at the 10 day mark.. So it's debut time now.. Laughing

Simple Semi-DIY Nourishing Serum

1/2 bottle (1oz) of Juice Beauty Oil Free Moisturizer (linked below)
1 TBS Distilled Water
.5 ml/cc Green Tea Extract
.5 ml/cc Wheat Protien Oil
.5 ml/cc Grape seed Oil
.5 ml/cc Avocado, Palm or Rosehip Oil (any of these will do)
.5 ml/cc Algae Extract
.5 ml/cc Lactic Acid (or Beta Hydroxy is fine)
2 squirts of AOB (Anti-Oxidant Booster from skinactives.com
2 squirts of ELS (Every Lipid Serum from skinactives.com

Decant 1oz of the Juice Beauty Serum into a mixing cup, add the water to that 1st and stir, then add and mix in each active stirring well. Store in a 2oz dropper bottle. No need to refrigerate.

It's just a nice nourishing serum! It would be especially good for the "Roller Girls" amongst us, or anybody who has compromised their skin barrier in one way or another..All skin types can really benefit from this serum. For those with very dry skin, you could add a tsp of glycerin to the recipe! For those with very oily skin, just leave out the ELS and add 1/2 tsp of vodka or witch hazel. (Just remember that even oily goils need oils.. Laughing !!)

I specifically chose the 'oil free' Juice Beauty Serum below, because it allows me to add my oils of choice, without it being too much..

I love, love, love all 3 Juice Beauty Serums sold here at EDS, and often use them as a base for DIY creams/lotions/serums.

free skin care · Mon May 18, 2009 6:38 pm

For all the natural stuff out there, I think so far that I feel pretty comfortable with John Masters Organics and Pure Skin Formulation. Not all of PSF stuff I feel okay about the ingredients but for sure most of them seem to be okay. I also have been looking into Living Nature which looks to be really good but rather pricey.

The Suki stuff seems to have a lot of citrus to preserve it which is why I though JM and PSF was better for my skin in terms of not getting irritated.

free skin care · Wed May 20, 2009 9:19 am

How about products of House of Deming, Garden of Wisom & Candessence ?

free skin care · Wed May 20, 2009 2:35 pm

BYRG, I think you would really like Arcona products. I've used a few and have loved them all. Their moisturizers are very basic and natural while still having active, effective ingredients. Their anti-aging and anti-wrinkle serums get raves online, and I personally love their hydrating serum and chamomile balm. HTH!

Wed May 20, 2009 3:16 pm

I personally Like Delizioso Skincare, because it works for my sensitive skin, and they have a great anti-aging cream. They are 100% natural and vegan (they don't use animal ingredients, but they do use essential oils, which i think are very helpful and healthy for the skin and add a very yummy smell Smile

) so thats why i use lots of their products. I do also love 100% pure but they don't really have active ingredients! Hope i helped! Christie

free skin care · Fri Jun 05, 2009 4:48 pm

KBLang wrote:

From the Vit C thread:

Here's my favotite C Serum (latest + greatest!)

15% C, E + Ferulic Acid Serum, 1oz

1 tsp L-Ascorbic Acid
1/4 tsp Ferulic Acid
1/3 cc/ml (.3) of Vitamin E Oil
1/3 cc/ml (.3) of Hyaluronic Acid
1 tsp SKB
1 tsp vodka
3 1/2 tsp H2O

To prepare use 2 shot glasses. In glass #1 put the H2O, Vodka, LAA + Ferulic Acid.. Stir frequently. It can take up to 30 minutes to *fully* dissolve. Mix the remaining ingredients in glass #2. When the contents of glass #1 have fully dissolved, combine both, stir well and put in your 1oz bottle.. Give it a good shake, and store in fridge or in a cool, dark place.. Shake a bit before use.

------------------------------------------------

I also love nourishing serums, and made this lately. I usually use something for a month before sharing the recipe in case something goes flooey, but this is still working out at the 10 day mark.. So it's debut time now.. Laughing

Simple Semi-DIY Nourishing Serum

1/2 bottle (1oz) of Juice Beauty Oil Free Moisturizer (linked below)
1 TBS Distilled Water
.5 ml/cc Green Tea Extract
.5 ml/cc Wheat Protien Oil
.5 ml/cc Grape seed Oil
.5 ml/cc Avocado, Palm or Rosehip Oil (any of these will do)
.5 ml/cc Algae Extract
.5 ml/cc Lactic Acid (or Beta Hydroxy is fine)
2 squirts of AOB (Anti-Oxidant Booster from skinactives.com
2 squirts of ELS (Every Lipid Serum from skinactives.com

Decant 1oz of the Juice Beauty Serum into a mixing cup, add the water to that 1st and stir, then add and mix in each active stirring well. Store in a 2oz dropper bottle. No need to refrigerate.

It's just a nice nourishing serum! It would be especially good for the "Roller Girls" amongst us, or anybody who has compromised their skin barrier in one way or another..All skin types can really benefit from this serum. For those with very dry skin, you could add a tsp of glycerin to the recipe! For those with very oily skin, just leave out the ELS and add 1/2 tsp of vodka or witch hazel. (Just remember that even oily goils need oils.. Laughing !!)

I specifically chose the 'oil free' Juice Beauty Serum below, because it allows me to add my oils of choice, without it being too much..

I love, love, love all 3 Juice Beauty Serums sold here at EDS, and often use them as a base for DIY creams/lotions/serums.

Hi KBLang,

Thank you so much for these recipes.

free skin care · Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:03 am

I saw a VERY interesting line on Shopnbc.com it is call Intelligent Nutrients. They thrive on the organic aspect and I am tempted to try this line myself.

free skin care · Mon Jun 08, 2009 11:21 am

What aboout Arbonne - Nutrimin C line . I am a big fan of the products - they are suppose to be natural Smile

free skin care · Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:59 pm

What about John Masters Organics? I think their product is very good~

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