Anonymous Reader Claims Korres is a Greenwasher

Hello and Happy Spring, Kittens!
     Recently, an anonymous reader left a comment alleging Korres is indeed a greenwashing company, despite my claims to the contrary. Despite my hella-heavy workload on other projects, I couldn't in good conscience let it go. I had to examine the data myself, especially because I use Korres daily on my face.
     I've tried many of their products, and I've stuck with both their blush and foundation. Since reviewing the Ginger and Vitamins foundation moons ago, I have re-upped at least three times. From a cosmetic point of view, I am very happy with the SPF 10, as well as the coverage. It seems to be fragrance-free and is perfectly spreadable. 
     Now Anonymous' claim, "Korres IS a greenwashing company" was neither attributed to any source nor elaborated upon, so I can only assume this reader bases his or her opinion on Korres' ingredients. Greenwashing is also about manufacturing procedures and the environmental impact of such practices as shipping and packaging.
     The first place I go for ingredient research is the Skin Deep database, where products are rated 0-10 for health hazards. With 86 Korres products currently listed, Skin Deep rates the company between 0 and 9. Further, the website contends Korres has signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, but is currently considered "non-compliant" because one or more ingredients used in their products is prohibited or restricted by the Compact. These violations seem to include the use of "fragrance," as well as the chemicals Ethanolamine (in two hair colorants) and Polysorbate-60 in Mastiha Oil and Citrus Fruits Anti-Acne Cream-Gel. 
     Many of the high hazard ratings for Korres involve the use of "fragrance," which can be rather nasty given formaldehyde fixatives and other toxic ingredients. Calling a grouping of ingredients "fragrance" for proprietary reasons means the consumer doesn't know the formulation for the perfume. This is a common problem (offense) across the beauty industry. Other toxic ingredients used by Korres include the family of parabens, which I personally hate and avoid because of skin irritation and possible endocrine interruption. In fairness, Korres scored several zeroes and many low ratings, making those products perfectly (or virtually) safe and healthy to use. A heavy sigh of disappointment from your Kitty. One paw down, thus far; not so green and natural.
     Let's look at what Korres does environmentally through manufacturing to further investigate this claim of greenwashing. I began my research at the Korres website, with an analysis of their "Eco-Conscious Policy." Korres states, "In a world facing ever-growing problems including limited natural resources and the increase in pollution levels, Korres Natural Products sees its fundamental responsibility towards nature and the environment as an essential effort that should be done by all of us, for the protection of our planet."
     According to Korres International's website, "Production takes place at our certified plant (environmental and quality management system/ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ECOCERT)which includes a water purification section, a production unit and a packaging zone.In terms of our ‘green’ commitment, we follow over 20 environmental management and sustainability programmes, including waste management, recycling, avoiding non-biodegradable ingredients/materials, emission control and carbon footprint appraisals."
     ISO is by the organization's own definition, "An [international] non-governmental organization that forms a bridge between the public and private sectors. On the one hand, many of its member institutes are part of the governmental structure of their countries, or are mandated by their government. On the other hand, other members have their roots uniquely in the private sector, having been set up by national partnerships of industry associations...therefore, ISO enables a consensus to be reached on solutions that meet both the requirements of business and the broader needs of society." In other words, ISO certification is stringent and "legit."
     Kitty can only conclude that in a world of greenwashing, Korres is doing its very best to be a leader in eco-friendly manufacturing and product formulation. To us, intention is everything. Although many of the products in Korres' lines contain ingredients such as "perfume," or parabens (natural no-nos), by and large the Korres company is indeed towing the line and not greenwashing consumers. We at Organic Orgy would like manufacturers to list the ingredients of so-called perfumes. We understand proprietary formulation, but would like to know whether fragrances include toxic ingredients. We prefer fragrances made from essential oils without formaldehyde fixatives. 
     To learn how to read product labels and avoid the most toxic ingredients, check out this page produced by the Environmental Working Group, publishers of the Skin Deep database.
     

Greenwashing Alert

Oooh! I am not happy with Beauty.com this morning. I clicked over to see what I want and what I need, and found a banner proclaiming, "Natural Makeup." I was pleased to see one of my former favorite brands, Urban Decay tossing their hat into the natural cosmetics ring. On this site, the product Surreal Skin is listed as a natural cosmetic, apparently because it's a mineral makeup. Guess what the first two ingredients are: parabens! Gross! Although some parabens are extracted from natural substances, they aren't good for you. These preservatives are thought to be irritants at least, and endocrine disruptors as well.

If you haven't checked out the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database, you may want to grab your favorite products (and possibly their packaging) and start researching what you are putting into your body via your skin -- the largest organ you have. As for myself, I quit using powdered mineral make up. Despite flawless coverage, I got sick of the mess on my vanity and concerned about inhaling the dust. If it can travel from my bathroom all the way to the other side of the house (I was finding traces of it everywhere), then I'm not sure I want to breathe it in twice a day. It has to be coating my lungs as I swirl and buff away!

Just because a particular product is marketed as "green" or "natural" doesn't mean it is healthy, and we must be diligent in checking the labels of what we eat and slather on our bodies! A good rule of thumb is not to buy a product if the manufacturer or vendor does not list the ingredients -- they, like many companies probably have something to hide!

Beware of Greenwashing When Buying Cosmetics!

Nothing makes your Kitty snarl and growl like greenwashing. Greenwashing is what sheisty, shady companies (and industries, and governments...) do to sway modern consumers. By using slick PR campaigns and words like "natural," "botanical," or "eco-friendly," some manufacturers make caring, health-conscious and environmentally-aware people think that otherwise toxic/polluting products and practices are really "green."

Just because a product is labeled natural does not mean it's organic, good for you, good for the environment, or medicinal in any way. Botanical ingredients may have been grown irresponsibly with no regard for product purity; even certified organic ingredients can exist alongside toxic carcinogens and/or nonbiodegradable parts (yes, some of the stuff you use to exfoliate actually contains plastic bits).  

Take Archipelago Botanicals for instance. A nice brand, a luxey brand. Its attractively packaged bath, body and "aromatherapy"-type products line the shelves of fabulous boutiques and spas everywhere. According to one website purveying the brand, "Sunflower Oil softens and hydrates. Aloe Vera cools and calms. Vitamin E protects skin from damaging free radicals." Nice, right? And yet, there they are right at the bottom of the ingredient list where they often lurk: parabens. Parabens! Perish the thought! Skin-irritating endocrine disruptors are definitely NOT green!

That said, Archipelago doesn't tout itself as an organic, green brand. But some cosmetics emporiums who resell their lines do exactly that by grouping said products with so-called "green and natural" brands. I've seen it with my own eyes in a few boutiques. Many people don't think a few parabens to ensure product purity are a problem. After all, who wants moldy, spoiled products?

       Most people layer parabens (known most commonly as  methylparaben (E number E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben (E216) and butylparaben) on several times a day, since the vast majority of cosmetics brands still use the toxic buggers.  If you have sensitive skin, the proclivity to develop tumors when exposed to estrogen-mimicking compounds, endocrine/metabolism problems, or you just plain give a crap what gets washed down the drain along with your body gels, shampoos, detergents,deodorants, and conditioners well then, parabens are a big, huge problem.

I think the single most helpful and influential website on the web is the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database. I consult it daily to learn what poisons are out there waiting to be consumed by a product whore like myself. Keep using the products in your arsenal until they're used up (unless of course you consult the database and find your lipstick or what-have-you is a level 10 offender!). It's never hip to waste good makeup or money. But when you shop to replace those former staples or get the hottest new thing, do so armed with knowledge.

If you're behind the movement but you don't have the time for research and unlimited resources with which to conduct your own product trials, then you can cull resources (including this blog) to get some good, honest information. Check the Skin Deep website or go to Organic Divas dot com. They only carry the very healthiest products for your and the environment (I have no relationship with them, aside from admiration). Further, they have compiled a list of the "Dirty Dozen" chemicals in cosmetics, which you can download and take along to the store. Genius! Just be sure to print on recycled/reused paper!