FDA Globalization Act of 2009 Bill

Hi. If you recall, last year I posted several entries about the FDA Globalization Act, a legislative act that can chance the face of the beauty and spa industry. Since then, Scandle and numerous other companies/individuals, have signed a petition against passing of this act. Today, you can check out the formal bill being presented to congress here.

Paraben Free Vs. Organic

Just because a product is paraben-fee doesn't necessarily mean that it's organic, and vice versa. Organic products contain ingredients from natural sources produced in accordance with certain production standards that follow specific regulations. On the other hand, paraben-free product means that the paraben preservatives have been replaced with alternate preservatives. They may or may not contain organic ingredients," he adds. If an organic product is void of the NOP (National Organic Program) or USDA organic seal, it can contain parabens. An just because something is organic doesn't mean that it's necessarily better or safer.

The Scandle Body Candle is a paraben-free product containing no animal by-products and does not test on animals.

The Concern About Parabens

Loading products with parabens allows for them to have an extended shelf life and be nearly resistant to extreme heat and cold. But just because they may be able to live a longer shelf life doesn't necessarily mean they are better for your health. In fact, some studies have shown that parabens may have a link to breast cander, as they disrupt the body's endocrine system by mimicking the hormone estrogen. Studies have also found that estrogen-like behavior is only present when parabens are applied topically as opposed to being ingested.

Parabens are most commonly found in:

• Skin care products


• Shampoo


• Conditioner


• Sunscreen


• Soap


• Makeup


• Shaving creme


• Deodorant


• Toothpaste

The Scandle Body Candle is free of parabens and petroleums. What are some of your favorite, paraben-free products?

Four of The Best Oils for Your Skin

Some types of oils, like mineral and coconut oils, can potentially clog your pores and may even be detrimental to the health of your skin. But others, like the following, provide improtant benefits:

• Jojoba Oil - The skin stregthener. Similar to structure to that of natural sebum, jojoba oil can help reduce the production of oil while strengthening the epidermis. Jojoba oil is one of the main components of The Scandle Body Candle.


• Tea Tree Oil - Antifungal and antibacterial. Tea tree oil has been used for centuries to heal the skin. In addition, it carries oxygen into the hair follicles, reducing and killing the bateria that lead to pimples. Tea tree is one of the essential oils that makes up The Scandle Healing Blend.


• Wheat Germ Oil - The acne fighter. A rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, wheat germ oil is effective in treating acne and blemishes, and provides antioxidant properties.


• Almond Oil - The skin soother. Used for centuries for its ability to nourish, almond oil is ideal for soothing sensitive skin.

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

As you know, Congress recently passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The new law does not apply to cosmetics. Therefore, the cosmetics you purchase from Scandle LLC are not covered by the law.

In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not now nor has it ever regulated cosmetics (with tiny exceptions having mainly to do with packaging, not ingredients). The US Food and Drug Administration regulates cosmetics, and Scandle Body Candle products are in compliance with FDA law.

Passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act does not change existing laws, which state specifically that the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not regulate cosmetics. The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates "consumer products," and cosmetics are specifically exempted from that definition.

Here is what the law says:The term “consumer product” means any article, or component part thereof, produced or distributed(i) for sale to a consumer for use in or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, a school, in recreation, or otherwise, or (ii) for the personal use, consumption or enjoyment of a consumer in or around a permanent or temporary household or residence, a school, in recreation, or otherwise; but such term does not include —...(H) drugs, devices, or cosmetics (as such terms are defined in sections 201(g), (h), and (i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 321 (g), (h), and (i)]), ...

The products we sell are cosmetics. They are therefore not regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and are therefore not included within the purview of the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

If you have any questions about this, you may consult the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at http://www.cpsc.gov. There is a link on the home page about the new law. If you wish to see the cosmetics exemption yourself:

1. Log onto http://www.cpsc.gov2. Choose "Information on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)." It's the green bar at the top of the home page3. Choose "legislation" from the green Learn More box on the left side of the page4. Choose Consumer Product Safety Act, As Amended, the PDF version5. Scroll to page 5. The definition of "consumer product" begins on the 8th line down under subsection (5). The cosmetics exemption is exemption (H).

I hope this clarifies the situation with respect to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.If you have any questions, please us know.

Sincerely,
Scandle LLC

Top 10 Natural Cosmetic Ingredients for 2009

At the dawn of a new year, everyone, it seems, is publishing a top 10 list of one type or another. Pierce Mattie, the PR group for a lot of beauty companies, has its own list of top 10 cosmetic ingredients for 2009.According to the company, In 2009 the focus will no longer just being about green or all natural, but about specific ingredients and their benefits. Here's a look at the ingredients that made the list:

• Argan Oil: This incredible skin care miracle, known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be dually used on skin and in hair for its high level of antioxidants and ability to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.
• Acai: Sometimes referred to as “The Fountain of Youth,” this Brazilian berry(Acai Berry) contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acai can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.
• Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no inherent benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their perfumes.
• Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.
• Acerola: Ingredients high in vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.
• Blueberry: Chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.
• Probiotics: Last year Pierce Mattie PR termed probiotics a “buzzword” among beauty brands, but now those brands are delivering more than just buzz with this sister category to cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals. Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain palmitoyl tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.
• Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in the U.S., this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance so popular in incense also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.
• Turmeric: A highly regarded ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes. It will also be found in hair removal products as well as in the formulation of sunscreen in more natural products as well.

Scandle Announces Lotion Candle Refills

Scandle Body Candle announced our massage candle refills today, which will help customers save money (important in this economic climate) and save the environment. Read more about it!
http://abodycandle.com/ndetails.php?id=13

Find Out What The Scandle Is About

The Scandle was recently featured in the following publications:
Tokyo FM - http://shop.tfm.co.jp/shop/contents1/Scandle.aspx
Feel Good Style - http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/07/scandle-an-eco-friendly-candle-that-melts-into-massage-oil/
SheFinds.com - http://www.shefinds.com/blog/index.php/weblog/comments/january_love_shefinds/
Fit Yoga Magazine - "Pamper Your Body" http://www.fityoga.com/html/
Velvet-La Repubblica (Italy) Janaury 2009
Organic Spa Magazine - http://www.organicspamagazine.com/
Spa Business - http://www.spabusiness.com/
Florist Review Magazine - http://www.floristsreview.com/main/

Sustainable Beauty & Spa Product Packaging

In 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that the United States produced more than 236 million tons of municipal solid waste — 35.2 percent of it was paper material, 11.3 percent was plastic, 8 percent was metal and 5.3 percent was glass. Although nearly 30 percent of the total was recycled or composted, the overwhelming majority of waste was sent to landfills. For many packages today, the cycle remains cradle to grave. The package is manufactured with virgin materials, fulfills its purpose and ends up in a landfill. But according to a growing number of constituents in industry today, that does not have to be.

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition, a project undertaken by not-for-profit organization GreenBlue, Charlottesville, VA, offers this vision statement: “The Sustainable Packaging Coalition envisions a world where all packaging is sourced responsibly, designed to be effective and safe throughout its life cycle, meets market criteria and cost, is made entirely using renewable energy and once used, is recycled efficiently to provide a valuable resource for subsequent generations. In summary: a true cradle to cradle system for all packaging.”

Is this a lofty goal? Is it decades away? Not necessarily. A number of beauty brands & spa brands, like Scandle Body Candles, whether voluntarily or on account of regulations, are adopting packaging policies promoting good environmental stewardship.

The Scandle Massage Candle, for instance, features reusable ceramic canisters that can be used for other purposes or refilled with our Scandle Lotion Candle refills. Additonally, Scandle offers travel size body candles packaged in recycled materials.