Find Out What The Scandle Is About!

A review and giveaway of The Scandle Massage Candle is posted at The Dirty Shirt.

Burning With Love: A Spa Product for Valentine's Day features a review of The Scandle Body Candle.

The Scandle Lotion Candle is featured in The Mom in The City Valentine Day Gift Guide.

When Does A Cosmetic Become a Drug?

The pharmaceutical giant, Allergan, which is also behind the Botox injections, gained FDA approval for its eyelash enhancer last December.

Marketed under the name Latisse, the product relies on the active ingredient bimatoprost, the eyelash enhancing effect of which was discovered when it was being trialled as a glaucoma drug.

However, this is not the first bimatoprost-containing product to hit the market. Californian cosmetic company Jan Marini Skin Research released a similar bimatoprost containing product, which was later removed from the market at the request of the FDA in 2006.

Marketing claims that suggested the product could physiologically alter the eyelashes, combined with the presence of bimatoprost that is approved by the FDA as a medicine, meant that Jan Marini’s eyelash conditioner edged rather too close to a medicine.

Cosmetics, according to the FDA’s definition, are for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance. But if a product is intended to affect the structure or any function of the body then it becomes a drug. Too effective and it becomes a medicine.

This leaves cosmetics companies, like Scandle Body Candle, with a conundrum: make a product too effective and it may well become a drug, at which point the company will have to get involved with clinical trials that can last years and be cripplingly expensive; or, make the product less effective.

Clearly, the definition of the regulatory bodies has not kept up with what the science has made possible.

When the world’s largest pharmaceutical players are cashing in on advancements in the cosmetic field, and cosmetics companies are forced to make products less effective to avoid drug regulation they can’t afford, perhaps the time has come to rethink the legislation. What are your thoughts?

Find Out What The Scandle Is About!

The Scandle Body Candle was recently featured in the following publications:

• Best Body Magazine - http://www.bestbodymagazine.com/article.html?id=209


• The Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-608-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m1d31-A-Valentines-Day-gift-for-moms~y2009m1d31-A-Valentines-Day-gift-for-moms


• Indie Beauty TV - http://www.indieshopping.tv/


• Mom Fuse.com - http://momfuse.com/v-day-gift-guide/gifts-for-couples/


• The Succulent Wife's Favorite Things - http://www.thesucculentwife.com/still-thinking-valentine%e2%80%99s-day-gifts-the-luscious-scandle-body-massage-candle/


• LA Pretty - http://www.lapretty.com/2009/01/pretty-scandalous.html


• Power Women Magazine


• Everything Green Weddings - http://everythinggreenweddings.blogspot.com/2009/01/scandle-body-massage-candles.html


• Feel Good Style - http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/01/07/scandle-an-eco-friendly-candle-that-melts-into-massage-oil/

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.

Win A Scandle

In Touch Magazine is running a giveaway right now for the CMA bags with the Scandle Candles in them, the link is http://winit.intouchweekly.com/itw/enter/drawing/e3dad595bdc41098d5655fa357977478f6719799.

Beauty Goes Green

There is a lot of hype in the beauty industry right now about so called "green" products. There are literally thousands of products on the market claiming to be green, environmentally friendly, natural, safe, organic, flower & plant based, pure, botanical, eco-friendly, etc - all undefined terms in a largely unregulated industry. Here are some helpful tips to navigate your way around these products and feel good about what you are putting on your skin.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

Green products can be broken down into two basic categories
1.) Products that have been manufactured and packaged using the cleanest and greenest energy, manufacturing practices, and packaging possible. Look for:

• Companies using sustainable energy sources such as wind power.


• Packaging made using recycled materials and/or printed with soy ink. Choose containers that can be recycled or re-used and re-filled like The Scandle Body Candle.
  

Products like The Scandle Massage Candle that have been developed and manufactured using ingredients that will not be harmful in any way to the consumer or the environment.

Look for:

• Biodegradable ingredients


• Organic and natural ingredients
  


• Your skin is your body's largest organ, so it stands to reason that what you rub, lather and smooth into your skin should be made using ingredients that don't have any damaging side effects. Absorbing small amounts of toxins into your skin over a long period of time can have a cumulative, damaging effect.

Make sure that you read the ingredient list! While many products have a long list of "organic" and "natural" ingredients - they might still be using potentially harmful ingredients that could irritate your skin. Some products will be free from one or two bad ingredients, but include other potentially harmful ones. It is important to pay attention to what is in the product, as well as what isn't. Keep in mind that some potentially harmful ingredients do have a "natural origin" too.

WHAT TO AVOID
These are some of the potentially toxic agents commonly found in beauty products that you should avoid.

• Parabens: A group of chemical preservatives that is possibly carcinogenic. Linked to breast cancer, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption.


• Sulfates (harmful): Sulfur-based compounds that are found to be irritating and drying to skin and hair.


• DEA: A type of Ethanoloamine which has been connected to Immunotoxicity and believed to cause harm to the brain and nervous system.


• Ethoxylates: Chemical compounds which are irritating to the skin and thought to be carcinogenic.


• Silicone: A synthetic additive which can be harmful and irritating.


• Phthalates: These compounds are commonly found in nail polish and fragrances. They are thought to be harmful to reproductive system, have been linked to developmental disorders in children, Immunotoxicity and Endocrine disruption.


• Petrolatum: Developed from Petroleum, it can be irritating to the skin, clog pores, and may be contaminated with toxic impurities.

Find out what The Scandle is About

The Scandle was recently featured in the following publications:

Chic-Critique - Scandles - Moisturizer on Fire
http://www.chic-critique.com/2008/12/scandlesmoisturizer-on-fire.html

Sterling Mineral Make Up - Great Last Minute Gift Ideas
http://sterlingminerals.blogspot.com/2008/12/great-last-minute-christmas-gift-ideas.html