Addressing a reader's feedback (some science debate)

This is in response to a critique recently posted on Facebook about one of our articles. We decided to post this as an open response. While the author had some valid insights, by focusing solely on allergic reactions, we think he missed the most important point: that many of the chemical ingredients discussed have been linked to serious pathologies, and therefore put everyone at risk, not just those with specific allergic reactions. Continue reading

Personal Care Product Preservatives, And The Truth (Part II)

Fancy Names to Fool You "According to our survey of 2300 people, on average, respondents use nine products daily. These contain 126 unique ingredients. One man in 100 and fully 25 percent of women surveyed apply 15 or more products each day. Your grooming ritual probably includes shampoo, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, hair conditioner, lip balm, sunscreen, body lotion, shaving products if you’re Continue reading

Personal Care Product Preservatives, And The Truth (Part I)

What Are Some Of These Ingredients? I would love to find preservatives for my products that are non-toxic, and do the job effectively. So far, that has been a challenge, and given that I myself find my skin reacts to most of the so called “natural preservatives,” I don't dare suggest for someone else to wear them. I'm involved in many lotion crafter and soap making online groups, and I generally stay away from topics of preservatives, and whether or not they are harmful. I have found that it only devolves into arguments over who is “right”. Continue reading

438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea by Jonathan Franklin

438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea by Jonathan Franklin. Wow is really the only word that came to mind when I finished the book. Indeed a truly extraordinary story of survival. Alvarenga, who survived at sea alone for 438 days, inspired me to never have another bad day again. If I'm tired and feel overworked, I just remind myself what this man experienced out at sea, all alone, for over a year. Continue reading

Putting Things into Perspective

So I have several articles/blogs ready for publishing, but have been procrastinating a bit on publishing them. Why? Well, because I know that I’m going to get attacked by believers of myths they have heard on television, read on the Internet, or were even taught by their parents. This isn’t to say that what your parents teach you, what you hear on television, or even read on the Internet is not true, but neither does it mean it is true. I had the most amazing teacher for one of my first biology courses. She is one of those teachers that I will never forget, because Continue reading

Reckless Traveler by Walter Rhein

Reckless Traveler by Walter Rhein. I decided to read this book because I’ve been doing a lot of research for my future trip to Central and South America. I order many of my raw ingredients from all over the world, and many are claimed as fair trade and organic, and well… I just want to verify for myself. Plus I want to see the beautiful trees that some of these oils come from, and unfortunately many just do not grow here in the US. Continue reading