Eco Friendly Salon Products: Which are the Best and Where Can You Buy Them?

2010-09-08

Page content

Did you know the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database matches over 60,000 products with 50 toxicity and regulatory databases to enable consumers to make smart choices about cosmetics? With that many products from which to choose, how does the consumer or business owner choose the best eco friendly salon products?

To narrow down the choices and provide the best facts, the data presented here is based on information from NYmag.com and Scientific American regarding some highly rated products used by some of the best green salons and spas. This is not an all-inclusive report, but rather an overview of some top ranked products. Let’s take a look at some of their recommendations.

Dr. Alkaitis Holistic Organic Skin Food Line

Dr. Saulius A. Alkaitis is the scientist behind these products. According to the company, “Dr. Alkaitis’ in-depth plant studies exceed levels that few people have achieved as a chemist, a molecular biologist, an ethnopharmacognosist (traditional healing forms using plants) and pharmacognosist (medicinal properties of plants.”1

Alkaitis products contain no chemicals, synthetics, trans fats, or genetically modified organisms (GMO’s.) Prices range from $23 to $60, and the line includes about 15 products available. Ask for these at your favorite salon, beauty school, or spa, or order them direct from alkaitis.com

OPI Nail Products

This family-owned company is well-known in the cosmetic industry as a leader in providing professional nail care products. The company states they have never used formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, in their Nail Lacquers or Nail Treatments, and “since 2006, OPI has reformulated its entire line of Nail Lacquers, Nail Treatments, and Nail Hardeners to eliminate DBT (dibutyl phthalate) and toluene.”2 The Nail Hardeners are available in formaldehyde-free formulas for those wishing to avoid this ingredient.

The product line includes nail care products, the AVOJUICE line of moisturizers, crèmes, manicure/pedicure products, and AXXIUM soak-off gel lacquers. Purchase OPI products at salons or selected retail locations in most areas, at prices ranging from $5 to $100.

Zoya Nail Products

Zoya nail care products are manufactured by Art of Beauty, a provider of top-quality eco-friendly spa/salon products since 1986. In fact, they claim to be the first to remove toxic ingredients like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, and DBT (dibutyl phthalate) from their products. With over 300 nail colors, there are plenty of eco-friendly choices. Zoya products are available at salons, spas, or online, and prices range from $7 to $48.

Naturopathica Botanic Skincare

Naturopathica manufacturers a natural botanical line of skin care products for face and body care, with gluten-free and vegan formulations for those with special needs. The products are created from good-for-you ingredients like seed oils, essential fatty acids, herbal enzymes, vitamins, and peptide. No animal testing is done, and products do not include toxic ingredients like PEG’s, DEA, TEA, parabens, glycols, ureas, or sulfate detergents. Prices range from $10 to $116, with the products being available from spas, beauty salons, or online.

Aveda

For over 32 years, Aveda has provided salon and spa owners with botanically based products. The extensive product line includes items for hair care, hair styling, skin and body care, make-up, fragrance and lifestyle needs. The products are cruelty-free, and Aveda adheres to a green ingredient and environmental sustainability policy. Purchase online, or in Aveda stores, salons, or spas with prices ranging from $14 to $104.

EcoColors Hair Color

EcoColors manufactures permanent non toxic hair color for home or salon use. The home hair color kit is affordably priced at under $20. The products gluten and cruelty-free, and contain no mineral oils, resorcinol, parabens, gluten, sulfites, or glycols. Instead, they are formulated from natural ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, nettles, rosemary, flower essence, and grapefruit seed extracts. Ask for them at your favorite salon or order the home kit.

Innersense Organic Beauty Products

Innersense is a certified green business which manufactures products for skin, hair, and the environment. The products are not tested on animals and contain no sulfates, artificial fragrances, or artificial colors. Certified organic ingredients, and biodynamic oils, essences, and extracts are used to create these beauty products. Purchase them online or at your favorite spa or salon. Prices range from $18 to $38.

Now that you know where to find eco friendly salon products, why not encourage your favorite salon or spa to stock some or all of these green products?