The 2014 ballot question on GMO labeling generated a lot of discussion about our right to know what is in our food, but we should also be aware of what is in the products we put on our skin, since we literally ingest 70% of it transdermally. We have several very clean lines of skin, hair and body care products from companies that take pride in the purity and safety of their ingredients. Three in particular stand out: MyChelle, DeVita and Eugene-based Keys because all were started by people looking for safe, natural, effective products for their own use and created great products that other people wanted, too. All of these companies make award-winning skin care products and sun screens that get results using only non-toxic, natural ingredients. All are gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.

MYCHELLE DERMACEUTICALS

Myra Michelle Eby founded MyChelle Dermaceuticals in Colorado in 2000. MYCHELLE uses natural peptides, plant stem cells, antioxidant nutrients and botanical preservatives. They offer something for everyone from dry to oily skin, youth/blemish control to age spot/age defense, sensitive or combination skin types. Their Remarkable Retinal Serum can noticeably reduce age spots and has the strongest non-prescription Vitamin A available. Perfect C Serum (17%) diminishes signs of aging by enhancing collagen. MyChelle products are PETA-certified cruelty-free. For more information, including an extensive ingredient glossary, visit mychelle.com.

DEVITA SKIN CARE

In 1998 Cherylanne DeVita started her company because of chronic cystic acne and the effects of the Arizona sun on her skin. DEVITA’s Sun Damage Repair Serum with copper peptides enhances the skin’s ability to repair damage and age spots while protecting against free radicals. Hyaluronic SeruGel contains 65% hyaluronic acid to minimize wrinkles and promote collagen for more supple skin. DeVita products are made with organic aloe vera as a base and delivery system plus all are GMO-free and certified cruelty-free by PETA and Leaping Bunny. Learn more at devitaskincare.com.

KEYS

KEYS was started by Bob Root and his wife, Wendy Steele, after Wendy was diagnosed with melanoma. Their search for non-toxic skin care led them to create their own products which are manufactured in Eugene. Tortuga Super Emollient Lotion with avocado and carrot oils is perfect for very dry skin while MetaCare with neem and karanja oils is great for burns, rashes and other skin irritations. Keys also makes products for dogs, KODA. Check them out at keys-soap.com.

MORE INFORMATION

The Environmental Working Group has an excellent website for those who want to know what they put on their skin. Check out Skin Deep.

From Evergreen’s Archives: October 2014

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