If you’re like me, you have probably spent a lot of time researching what not to put on your skin. But what about the things you can look for that go into a skincare line that fits your healthy lifestyle? 

 In this article, I will go into what you absolutely need to look for when seeking out a skincare product that works for you. Whether it’s a Charlís product or another brand, paying attention to these 8 elements will help you find that just-right product that will stand the test of time. 

1 | ToxicFree® Only! 

According to a recent study sponsored by GroupOn, the average American woman spends a little over $300 per month on beauty products. Within her shopping bag could be dozens of products representing everything from makeup to hairspray to facial moisturizer. And if that woman is not consciously shopping with safety in mind, those creams, lotions, and sprays may come with some pretty hazardous side effects for her health.

But that is not the scariest part. What’s more concerning is that once that woman becomes aware of the dangers of toxins and begins to investigate healthier options for herself, there is a good chance she is going to get bamboozled into purchasing products that, while they may look more “natural” on the outside, are just as much of a toxic soup as the stuff she bought before. 

How can this be? For an in-depth report on how companies can get away with false claims when it comes to toxins, be sure to check out this article. The long and short of it, however, is that most products that contain labels such as “all natural,” “non-toxic,” or “dermatologist approved” may still contain a large number of xenoestrogenic chemicals, carcinogens, or synthetically derived fragrances.

The only way to absolutely know for sure that you are getting a skincare product that is 100% free from any and all harmful chemical agents is to look for the ToxinFree® label, such as the one that is on all Charlís skincare products. 

ToxicFree® means that it has been independently lab tested to be toxin free, through and through!

2 | Organic Ingredients 

The next litmus test for safe, clean skin care is to look for a USDA Certified Organic label or other demarcation on the product and/or product ingredients that indicates organic ingredients. This is especially important for the first two or three main ingredients since these are the substances that the product may contain the most of. And as a side note, if your product does not have a list of ingredients at all, you may want to reconsider using that product! 

The USDA Organic demarcation means that that product or ingredient has been certified to be at least 95% organic by the United States Department of Agriculture. 

3 | Wild Harvested

Another important characteristic of high quality, natural skin care products is that they are created using wild harvested ingredients. What exactly does this mean? 

Specifically, it means that the plant or herb being used has been collected from a region that is untouched by humans (think of the diversity of a mountain forest versus rows and rows of the same type of plant). Wild harvested plants and herbs are typically gathered in much the same way that our ancestors did, one at a time by hand or via rudimentary picking tools. 

Wild harvested ingredients are also not sprayed with chemicals or genetically modified. They are also heartier than their farm-grown cousins since they must rely on the biodiversity of their local environment for their survival. This includes nearby plants, animals, and microorganisms as well as temperature changes.

Wild harvested ingredients have become increasingly popular in skincare. This is because the stress and strain that these plants have to go through in their natural environment often make them much more potent as well. 

4 | For Sensitive Skin- No Irritants

If you have a skin-related condition such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, acne, actinic keratosis, or allergy, or if you simply have sensitive skin for another reason, the very best thing you can do is to first and foremost, choose skincare products that are as chemically clean as possible (see the first section on ToxicFree®). 

That being said, symptoms such as rash, itchiness, burning, dryness, or even blistering can sometimes still occur in individuals using the most natural of products, especially after long term use. The reason why is that your body is reacting to something within the product that most people would not react to.

Although the specific irritant may be different for each person, some typical second-level irritants may include:

• dairy substances (such as whey, goat milk, butter, etc.) 
• gluten substances 
• natural fragrances, such as some essential oils 
• some high-potency antioxidants, such as certain forms of vitamin C

Ultimately, if you are highly sensitive, you may have to discover for yourself via trial and error which products you can benefit most from without causing you side effects. That being said, choosing products that are 100% vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and even fragrance free is a great start!

Many experts also recommend choosing only products that say “hypo-allergenic” on the label as well. This is good advice, as long as you completely trust that label and that brand. As we discovered in the first section, a manufacturer may claim that their product is “hypoallergenic” when in reality it is not. 

5 | Clean Manufacturing 

The next thing to consider is how a product is manufactured. After all, a company may claim to use “all natural” ingredients, but how they go about putting those ingredients together and taking them to market can be a whole other matter altogether. Skincare products that use clean manufacturing processes put their product together in a sanitary, dedicated manufacturing facility. They live up to what they say on their label and strive to use the safest processing practices. Most importantly, they do not add additional harmful chemicals or toxins to their products during manufacturing. 

The very best quality skincare companies go a step further and take just as much care into what they put their products in as what goes into their products. I’m proud to say that I have not seen a skincare company that compares to Charlís when it comes to safe manufacturing and product storage practices. If you have already experienced any of the products in the Charlís line, then you know that our products come in elegant glass containers. What you may not know is that these are Italian glass bottles specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the ingredients inside of them. Whereas creams, lotions, and sprays stored in plastic tend to degrade with time (and can even become contaminated by the chemicals such as BPA inside the plastic), our products stand the test of time and will be just as fresh and chemical-free six months from now as they are today.

6 | Keep It “Made in the USA”

And speaking of manufacturing, when at all possible, choose products that are made right here in the USA. Not only is this a safer choice (less distance to ship means less chance of irradiation, spoilage, and leakage), but also choosing “American Made” whenever possible keeps Americans employed and American communities thriving. It also ensures that the skincare product you have just purchased was not manufactured using child labor.

If you already look for “Made in the USA” products, you are not alone. A recent Consumer Reports survey found that 78 percent of Americans would rather buy a product made in the USA than one made outside of the country. All of Charlís products are manufactured right here in the good old US of A! 

7 | Ethically Sound 

Finally, make sure that the brand you choose is created using the most ethical choices and practices possible, including following sustainability guidelines for the region of harvesting and/or manufacturing and that the product does not test on animals. 

Remember that sometimes you may have to do your own research when it comes to the ethical (or lack thereof) practices of the brands you choose. This information should be easy to find, either via reviews online (Consumer Reports or the Environmental Working Group’s SkinDeep Database are both great resources) or by going directly to the product’s website. If you are finding it difficult to find information on a skincare company regarding their ethical practices (or any other category of information for that matter), my advice is to, again, consider whether or not  using that product is the best choice for you, your health, and the health of the planet. 

8 | Elegance and Beauty 

Finally, we have gotten to my favorite part! After all, creating a skincare line that offers women like you safe, clean, super effective products that are also beautiful to the eye was my primary objective in starting Charlís. 

I have always felt that elegance and luxury were important traits for any beauty product. That was why I was so disappointed when I first went on my own journey to find more healthy choices. Yes, these products were safe and some of them were very effective. Truth be told, however, the look and feel of them just didn’t get me too excited to use them day after day.  

In creating the one-of-a-kind products that make up the Charlís skincare line, I wanted you to feel just as beautiful holding that Italian glass bottle in your hand as you do when you eventually open that bottle and use its contents on your face and skin. 

From the feedback I have received so far from hundreds of women all over the world, I think the team here at Charlie has indeed accomplished that mission. I invite you to feel the Charlís difference as well today. It really is luxury skincare for real women…because YOU are so worth it!

You have probably noticed by now that CHARLÍS is pretty unique amongst all of the luxury skincare lines “out there.” 

It’s true that the safety and effectiveness of our independent lab-tested products are second to none. But there is also something more. You see, when I first created CHARLÍS, I knew that what would make us truly unique is not just what we put on the inside. Creating a one-of-a-kind skincare product would also depend on all the care and attention we gave to what happens on the outside as well. This includes the packaging, the way we present information on our website, and even the bottles in which we put our ToxinFree® cleansers, lotions, and toners. 

Luxury, elegance, fun, and health- this is the winning combination that makes CHARLÍS a shining star for health and beauty on all levels. 

Why Elegance?

Refined grace, restrained beauty, tasteful richness…these are some of the words used to describe the illusive state known as elegance.

We know it when we see it because, for most of us, we can feel it too. Walking into an elegant room or seeing a woman in an elegant evening gown, we automatically exhale, and our shoulders relax just a little. Just the sight of elegance can sometimes cause time to stand still for just a moment or two. 

According to author Tonette Fornillos, “elegance is the soft voice of confident simplicity.”

What’s more, elegance is timeless. Don’t believe me? According to the researchers over at Psychology Today, “elegance as a descriptor for attractiveness is more resistant to effects of aging than beauty or gorgeousness.”

For example, was there ever a time when Audrey Hepburn was not the epitome of elegance? Even into her 80s, she walked with simple grace whether she was on a movie set or in the middle of a dusty street in Africa. 

When you choose CHARLÍS, you choose elegance. With each pump of the handle or pop of the top, with each box opened to reveal our beautifully packaged CHARLÍS Collection inside, we strive to exude that “confidence simplicity”.  And I hope our products help you to exude the elegant woman you are because—guess what? —you are elegant no matter what your age or situation in life!

Why Luxury? 

When you think of luxury, what comes to mind? Opulent wealth? Riches available only to a few? Yachts, mansions, and jewels? Yes, all of these things have become associated with that word over the years, but true luxury is about so much more. 

According to Merriam-Webster, luxury is actually defined as “a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort.”

Boy, I so love that definition.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in that state every day? 

Some of you may have heard the story about what ultimately propelled me to start a “luxury” skincare line in the first place. I have always made looking my best a priority. When I was younger, I admittedly didn’t give much thought to safety or toxic load in the beauty products I purchased. As I got older (and wiser) I started to do my own research. Eventually, I threw away all of my Revlon, Maybelline, and Clinique products (which are all loaded with chemicals, for the most part) as I prioritized safety over the sense of luxury those products provided. 

You know what I’m talking about ladies– that sense of ease, abundance, and even giddy excitement you get every time you open that shiny package of makeup or hold that expensive, stream-lined bottle of face cream in your hands. Those more natural products I now held in my hands, with their chunky packaging and bland labels, made me feel more like I was getting ready to do the dishes than getting ready for a night out. Simply put, at the time I thought I had to give up all that luxury for the sake of my health.  

As hard as I searched all these years, I never did find a brand that married ToxicFree® and a commitment to health with simple elegance, luxury, and that sense of “opulence from within.”  Fast forward to just a couple of years ago, and I had finally had enough! I decided that I deserved to have the best of both worlds and I had a sneaking suspicion that a lot of women felt the same way too. Hence, CHARLÍS was born!

And guess what? I wasn’t wrong. So far, the response to our ToxinFree© luxury skincare line has been out of this world. In fact, if we weren’t such elegant ladies, we would be shouting from the rooftops about how this product has changed the beauty routines and the lives of so many! (Instead of shouting, you can read all the testimonies HERE). 

Luxury matters. So does your health.  With CHARLÍS, now you don’t have to choose. 

Why Fun? 

Elegance and luxury, we got that covered. But who says you can’t have a little fun too? In fact, according to studies, immune health actually improves when a person is doing something they enjoy! Stress lowers, hormones balance as healing hormones like serotonin and dopamine are produced, inflammation levels go down, and even gut health can improve.  A large scale 2014 longitudinal cohort study on older adults found that “positive affective well-being” (that is, overall feelings of happiness and enjoyment) are associated with longer survival rates after a serious illness, as well as reduced occurrence of illness in general.

The researchers also found that doing things you enjoy, like pampering yourself with a little luxury from CHARLÍS, can keep you healthy and functioning better on all levels no matter what your age. 

And Healthy Too… CHARLÍS Has It All

CHARLÍS truly is unique.  Every one of our products carry the ToxinFree® stamp of approval, our ingredients are wild harvested and organic, and our products are never tested on animals. What’s more, they are 100% vegan, non-GMO, and made right here in the USA! 

From the contents on the inside of the bottle to the authentic Italian glass, rose gold caps, and purposeful packaging on the outside, CHARLÍS stands out in the luxury skincare space. From the beginning I knew that I wanted our products to reflect that Breath of Life—pure, clean, elegant, beautiful, and fun from start to finish. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results, and we are just getting started. Come grow with us and experience the CHARLÍS difference today!

There are no accidents in nature. Plants, herbs, and minerals have all been placed on this earth by God for very specific reasons. The amazing thing about all of this is that not only do all living things on this planet have a purpose, but they are also designed to work together for harmony and balance.

At CHARLÍS, we are in line with the harmony and balance witnessed in nature, and not just on the outside.  We choose each ingredient for a reason, not just for their amazing individual attributes but also for how each one flows together to give you the very best for cleansing, toning, rejuvenating, and moisturizing your precious skin. 

Keep reading to learn more about how synergy works and how CHARLÍS products are harnessing the power of synergy to create products that are above and beyond anything you have ever seen! 

What Is Synergy? 

The synergy found in nature is pretty exciting. But before we go there, let’s back up a little and look at what synergy is in general. 

The basic definition of synergy is “an interaction or cooperation giving rise to a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts.” The word stems from the Greek synergos, meaning “working together.”

As you can imagine, synergy can happen in all kinds of arenas, not just in nature. For example, synergy can happen in business, in finance, and in technology (especially as it pertains to AI). It can also happen amongst individuals working in an organization or on an individual project. In the sciences, synergy is often studied in terms of all the bad things that can happen. For example, biological scientists study the synergy between viruses or other microorganisms and body to cause illness. In pharmacology, scientists study what could potentially happen when two or more drugs interact with each other.

Synergy for Healing in the Body

However, there is a flip side to synergy that is very positive. Synergy for healing and balance in the body, including for the skin, can also happen when two or more natural substances, such as plants, herbs, and minerals or even nutrients, protein groups, or individual phytonutrients work together to create a synergistic effect for more diverse and powerful healing.

And there is also another vital component at play. The synergetic effects of multiple plants and herbs interacting together also work in tandem with the mechanisms within your own body, especially the immune system. Again, when coupled in the right way, the result can be supercharged healing and rebalancing on all levels. 

One Example: Turmeric & Black Pepper

A great example of natural synergy in action for healing can be found with turmeric and black pepper. Turmeric root is found mostly in Indian cuisine and contains the phytonutrient curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to be a powerful natural anti-inflammatory since it has the ability to inhibit the production of a number of pro-inflammatory molecular substances. Interestingly, many of these inflammatory mechanisms also play a role in cancer tumor growth as well.

There is no doubt that curcumin is a super-powered anti-inflammatory. However, its effect can be exponentially enhanced by the introduction of piperine, a phytonutrient found in black pepper. A study done at St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore, India, found that curcumin’s bioavailability in the body is raised 2000% when taken in conjunction with piperine. Interestingly, studies have also found that eating sources of fat in addition to black pepper can raise curcumin’s effectiveness even more. Is it no wonder that traditional Indian cuisine often contains turmeric, black pepper, and added ghee? 

Of course, this is just one example amongst hundreds. Now let’s take a look at how some of the healing plants, roots, and herbs found in CHARLÍS products work together to create equally powerful benefits for your skin.  

Charlís Skincare Products: Synergy at Work in Every Bottle! 

The skin is an organ system of the body. As such, it can benefit from the synergetic effects of natural substances in basically the same way as other organs and parts can. The “team effort” of healing plants, herbs, and roots as well as extracts, when working together, can help to protect, rejuvenate, refresh, and rebuild your skin.

One thing you have to realize about all CHARLÍS luxury skincare products is that, unlike most natural skincare lines, we don’t just put one active natural ingredient in our products. We put several! This is pretty unheard of even amongst the best all-natural, ToxicFree® skin toners, lotions, and cleansers. 

Why do we do this? The reason, plain and simple, is that we want to answer the call which many of you put out there when I was first starting CHARLÍS. My main goal is to produce skincare products that you can trust and that produce results. Not only are these products 100% ToxicFree®, but we have also used the wisdom of nature combined with the miracles of science to find key active ingredients which can work together beautifully to truly help your skin heal and revive. 

Our products work to rejuvenate, refresh, and replenish your skin whether that skin is oily, dry, stressed out, or just plain tired. Like I mentioned above, in order to do this, we don’t just use one active ingredient. We use five or more key ingredients that have the ability to act together in just the right way so that the synergistic effects will be incredible for you. 

The Synergistic Effects of CHARLÍS Daily Revitalizing Moisturizer

One example of a CHARLÍS product that uses the power of synergy to produce some pretty amazing results is our Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer. First of all, our Moisturizer contains stem cells extracted from bamboo plants (Bambusa Vulgaris). According to CHARLÍS Master Formulator Linda Chae, bamboo has a number of characteristics that can benefit any type of skin:  

“First of all, bamboo is like the skin’s therapist. It soothes, it calms, it…tells the nerves in the skin ‘it’s okay, everything’s okay, just be calm.’ It [also] makes the skin resilient, strong, and tough. There is not a plant stronger than bamboo.” 

The bamboo stem cells found in the CHARLÍS Daily Revitalizing Moisturizer also have the effect of reversing time at the skin’s cellular level:

 “How many times would we just like to go back and do it all over again? [Bamboo stem cells] let your skin go back and do it all over again.” 

Finally, bamboo stem cells help to “mother” your skin by stimulating collagen production. This produces deeper healing, including skin repair and wound healing. 

But bamboo is not the only active ingredient in the Daily Revitalizing Moisturizer. It also contains argan oil (Argania spinosa), a powerful natural anti-inflammatory for the skin that also helps to strengthen through improving skin elasticity. In addition, the Daily Moisturizer contains alpha hydroxy acid in the form of grapefruit peel extract, which is also great for cell renewal. Organic perilla ocymoides seed oil is another key ingredient. Perilla is a member of the mint family that is omega 3 fatty acid rich and an excellent antioxidant source. 

And that is still not all!  There are over a dozen other ingredients in this one round Italian glass bottle, all designed to work together to protect, moisturize, and encourage the mechanisms of your own skin cells to retain moisture themselves for ongoing healing. 

100% ToxicFree ® and Luxury to Boot: There is Nothing Like CHARLÍS! 

Your skin renews itself approximately every 24 to 32 days. This means that when your whole body is stressed, inflamed, or just plain worn out, you are going to see it in your skin first. This is also why the overall signs of aging in general are often seen first on the skin under the neck and on the hands.

However, there is an upside to skin’s quick turnaround time. Once you start using CHARLÍS Daily Moisturizer (or any CHARLÍS product for that matter), you are going to start feeling and seeing the difference right away. I pretty much guarantee it since this is what hundreds of women and men—yes, CHARLÍS is for men too! —say about our products month after month. 

Let nature’s miracles and the synergetic effect found in herbs and plants help your skin look and feel its best. Only CHARLÍS can deliver elegant, luxurious skincare with formulas specifically designed with synergy in mind. 

Try CHARLÍS today. We are 100 % ToxicFree, non-GMO, wild harvested, 100% vegan, and made in the USA. CHARLÍS is luxury skincare for real women — because YOU are so worth it!

The abundance of healing plants and other substances available to us from God’s green earth is amazing! This is definitely true when it comes to how herbs, fruits, and other natural substances can help the skin. But did you know that these substances can also help balance your mood at the biochemical level? 

When a natural substance can help make you look younger on the outside and lift your spirits, then it really is a superstar in my book. 

Healing Plant Essences Are Absorbed Through the Skin

You may be familiar with teas and supplements that contain substances like Lion’s Mane, valerian, or St. John’s Wort, which help the mind relax and focus. But can natural substances really assist “on the inside” while at the same time helping skin be more vibrant than ever before?

The short answer is yes– And here’s how. 

The first way is through absorption by way of the skin. “You are what you eat,” as the saying goes. But your body and mind can also be affected by whatever comes into contact with your skin. According to experts, the skin soaks up about 60% of all substances with which it comes in contact!

Whether it be an organic extract or a harmful toxin, once a substance is absorbed, it can then make its way to the bloodstream to either heal or cause harm. Conventional doctors know this, which is why many medications, such as prescription opioids, are administered this way. 

Many of the plant essences that are in CHARLÍS products are in essential oil form. Because essential oils are concentrated, when you put them on your skin in the form of a high-quality, ToxicFree® skincare product like CHARLÍS, they are going to have more of the “good stuff” in them that can rebuild collagen, protect the skin, and regenerate skin cells. They are also going to have more of the substances that can boost your mood and calm the nervous system.

Aromatherapy

Oils and extracts are another reason why high-quality skincare like CHARLÍS can help to boost your mood. Essential oils are effective not only because they are concentrated, but also because of their scent. Healing the body and mind through the olfactory senses is called aromatherapy, and a key component to its success for you lies in phytonutrients called terpenes. 

Terpenes give certain plants like citrus, rosemary, and even berries their signature “aroma.” Terpenes are developed naturally in these plants as a defense mechanism to ward off intruders like insects and fungi. As such, they are also naturally anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, which is a huge boon for your skin!

Another major characteristic of most terpenes lies in their molecular structure, which is small enough to move past the blood-brain barrier. According to a 2013 study at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China, the “inhalation of essential oils can communicate signals to the olfactory system and stimulate the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin and dopamine) thereby further regulating mood.” 

A review conducted by researchers from Russia, Malaysia, and Australia takes this concept a step further. They hypothesize that utilizing aromatherapy and topical essential oil formulas is an integral part of maintaining brain health as we age. 

“Cognitive stimulation with medical food and medical herbs could delay development of cognitive decline  and improve the quality of life of Alzheimer’s disease patients,” the researchers wrote in a 2019 report for the journal Neural Regeneration Research. “This effect can be enhanced if combined with aromatherapy, topically or by inhalation, and/or by ingestion.”

In a nutshell, high-quality, wild harvested, organic and ToxicFree® essential oils and extracts like the ones found in all CHARLÍS products have a proven track record when it comes to helping the body as well as balancing the brain, calming the nervous system, and uplifting mood. Now let’s take a look at a few examples!

The Power of Citrus

There are more than a few reasons why I have put some type of citrus essence in every single one of the products in the CHARLÍS facial care line– and it’s not just because I absolutely love the scent (which I do). 

Not only is citrus packed with skin-healing, collagen-building, and sun-protecting vitamin C; it also contains one of the most anti-inflammatory and brain balancing phytonutrients around: limonene.

Limonene is a terpene that is concentrated especially in the rind of any citrus fruit. It is unique in that it both calms the nervous system and uplifts the spirit. In fact, researchers have known about the mood-balancing power of citrus (and limonene) for decades. A clinical trial conducted at the Mie University School of Medicine in Japan was among the first to publicly proclaim that citrus essential oil can both help lift a person out of a depressive state and boost the immune system. 

“The treatment with citrus fragrance normalized neuroendocrine hormone levels and immune function and was rather more effective than antidepressants,” wrote the authors way back in 1995.

Orange

Orange oil in particular can help lower feelings of anxiety, according to research. One randomized controlled trial published in the journal Advanced Biomedical Research found that orange essential oil helped to biochemically lower stress levels in children going through a dental procedure. 

Essential oils of sweet orange (citrus aurantium dulcis) can be found in all of the CHARLÍS Collection facial products except the Breath of Life Oxygen Face Serum. Mandarin Orange (citrus reticulata) is present in the Breath of Life Face Serum, the Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum, and the Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer.

Grapefruit 

Grapefruit oil contains terpenes pinene, citronellol, and myrcene, which can both uplift depressive states and help to balance hunger and satiety hormones. Grapefruit oil is naturally high in antioxidants and phytochemicals that reduce oxidative stress and disease-causing inflammation. Many of grapefruit essential oil’s benefits are due to one of its main constituents called limonene. 

Limonene is known to be a tumor-fighting, cancer-preventative phytochemical that protects DNA and cells from damage. In addition to limonene, grapefruit essential oil contains other powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C, myrcene, terpinene, pinene and citronellol.

Bergamot 

An in vivo study published by Brazilian researchers in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that bergamot oil lowered anxiety more effectively than pharmaceutical drugs and also helped with insomnia (with zero signs of toxicity). Other evidence suggests that bergamot oil can help reduce fatigue.

Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris): A Humble Culinary Herb with a Big Effect on Mood

For evidence that the terpenes found in plant essences really can affect our chemistry, you don’t need to look any further than the humble thyme plant. This strong-smelling culinary herb has been used as far back as ancient Greece and Egypt for its anti-inflammatory properties, its benefits for respiratory health, and its antibacterial properties.

Thyme can also have a noticeable effect on mood because of one of its main phytonutrients called carvacrol (also found in oregano, bergamot, and other pungent plants). Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid that has the ability to elevate production of both dopamine and serotonin. The 2013 in vivo study found that carvacrol significantly affected neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex after just seven days of administration. 

Canadian Willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium)

Canadian Willowherb is most known for its benefits for the skin. It is a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial, making it a superstar for clearing up acne. What is not well-known about this plant (which is sometimes called burnt weed or fire weed) is that it also contains a plethora of brain-nourishing vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is particularly vital for brain functioning and development and is a requirement for the creation of many hormonal substances such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Studies indicate that B6 is also necessary for the production of precursors to these substances, in particular GABA. Adequate B6 can help to balance out feelings of depression and anxiety and can also uplift energy to combat fatigue.

Rhodochrosite: The “Love” Mineral

Last but definitely not least on our list of mood-lifting natural substances is rhodochrosite. You won’t find this substance hanging from a tree or growing roots, however. This is because rhodochrosite is a very special (and beautiful) mineral that is known for its healing properties on all levels. 

While conventional studies are still in their infancy for this pink-colored gem, it currently has been getting a lot of attention for what it can do to lower inflammation and provide antioxidant protection for the skin. What the ancients have also utilized this graceful mineral for throughout the centuries, however, is emotional healing. Rhodochrosite is said to help cultivate feelings of  self-nurturing and self-love, with developing compassion and non-judgement, and for calming anxiety and stress overall. It is known as the “love stone” — and for good reason!

Heal Your Skin and Lift Your Mood with CHARLÍS!

All of the natural substances mentioned above have the ability to restore pH, hydrate, brighten, and bring light and love to the face and the skin overall. What makes them even more amazing is that they can also do this for your mood!

I encourage you to experience these wild-harvested plant extracts and essential oils that are found only in CHARLÍS one-of-a-kind products. Feel the ToxicFree® difference and the high-quality efficacy and soothing luxury that only CHARLÍS can deliver!

Do a quick scroll of the ingredients in the CHARLÍS Collection products and you will discover that they all contain citrus. 

Why? 

The reason is simple– and remarkable! When it comes to achieving beautiful, age-defying skin, nothing compares to the power of citrus. From clearing up wrinkles to lifting mood, citrus fruits seem to have it all!

Citrus 101 

Citrus fruits come in a variety of different types, with one estimation putting the number of different types of oranges alone at over 400. Whatever the variety, all citrus can be characterized by their pulpy centers that are segmented into different distinct segments surrounded by a thick rind. And while the inner fruit contains juice and pulp that is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it is the rind that contains supercharged, fragrant, terpene-heavy oils that are most beneficial to the skin. 

Citrus Fruits and Your Body

Did you know that one regular-sized grapefruit contains about 99% of the US FDA Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin C for a healthy adult? We all know that vitamin C is good for us—our bodies need it for immune health,  cellular health, and collagen production (more on that later).  Fruits like lemon, orange, and grapefruit contain some of the highest vitamin C contents available. 

Besides vitamin C, here are some other health benefits of citrus fruits: 

• The aroma of citrus can boost your mood. 

• Citrus can reduce inflammation. 

• Citrus can help your immune system. 

• Citrus fruits can reduce your risk of kidney stones. 

• Consuming citrus fruits can help you prevent cancer. 

Citrus Fruits and Your Skin 

Now let’s get down to the reason why you wanted to read this article in the first place!  How can citrus fruits help the look, feel, and health of your skin? Hold on to your seatbelt because you are going to be amazed!

Like I mentioned above, the age-defying and skin strengthening power of citrus is going to come mainly from the specific citrus oils found in the rind. These oils contain super-potent phytonutrients in the form of terpenes. 

Terpenes are responsible for the aromatic properties of rich-smelling plants. Citrus certainly falls into this category as do other pungent whole foods like basil, frankincense, peppermint, and even some kinds of berries. Terpenes’ purpose within a plant is protection since strong odors often tell grazing and foraging animals as well as microorganisms like pathogenic fungi and bacteria to stay away. 

All terpenes also carry anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-pathogenic properties. The presence of the terpene limonene especially makes them anti-skin cancer agents, according to research. Citrus peel use is associated with reduced risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin

Four Superpower Citrus Oils for Supercharged Skin 

All CHARLÍS flagship products contain the healing properties of citrus oil. Let’s take a look: 

Citrus Aurantium Dulci , aka “Sweet Orange” 

Citrus aurantium dulci is also known as “sweet orange.” This is the same basic fruit that you would typically find at your local grocery store. Why is this kind of orange oil so healthy for skin? 

The research tells the tale. 

First of all, sweet orange oil can be a gentle exfoliator while at the same time moisturizing the skin and protecting it from the sun. Sweet orange rind also contains high levels of compounds called AHAs. AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid. Naturally occurring AHAs have been shown to help with acne, to balance out hyperpigmentation, and to help smooth away scarring. 

Sweet orange oil also has skin-strengthening effects, and this has everything to do with vitamin C. C is a key element for collagen and elastin synthesis as well as a major player in the process of protein regeneration. Finally, the peel of the sweet orange contains carotenoids. It is the carotenoid content in orange oil that is thought to give your skin that healthy “glow.” 

Citrus Reticulata, aka Mandarin Orange 

Mandarin oranges are also known as Citrus reticulata. You may also recognize a common mandarin variety called the clementine (or “Little Cuties” as it says on the package)  at your local grocery store.Besides all the amazing benefits mentioned above, mandarin orange oil has also been shown to possess specific anti-aging properties related to the phytonutrients within the rind. 

An Indian research team discovered that citrus reticulata varieties contain higher levels of various compounds, including Polymethoxyflavones, which are known known for their anti-wrinkling and anti-aging effects. 

Citrus Paradisi, aka Grapefruit

Now let’s move on to grapefruit. If you are part of the dedicated grapefruit-for-breakfast crowd, then you probably already know what the juice and pulp of this bittersweet fruit can do for immune health, blood sugar levels, heart health, the digestive system, the kidneys, and more. But did you know that grapefruit extract oil can also be healthy for your skin?

Again, the vitamin C content in grapefruit makes it a winner for lowering inflammation and protecting against sun damage as well as for skin strengthening. But C isn’t the only reason why grapefruit oil can be beneficial. The rind of the grapefruit also contains high levels of antioxidant-rich terpenes including limonene, citronellol, myrcene, pinene, and terpinene. 

Grapefruit seed also contains specific AHAs like tartaric, malic, and citric acid which have been shown to help with skin elasticity. 

Citrus Aurantium Bargamia, aka Bergamot 

Finally, we come to the amazing bright green fruit known as bergamot or “sour orange.” You may know of bergamot as the main ingredient in earl gray tea, but that is not all this pungent citrus is good for. 

Bergamot has all the good stuff that other citrus has but while most citrus such as lemon and orange have an uplifting effect on the nervous system, bergamot is known for being one of the most calming essential oils for the nervous system.  

A pilot study conducted in 2017 by dōTERRA International and Brigham Young University monitored mood levels of women in the waiting room at a local mental health treatment facility. They found that a mere 15 minutes of exposure to a bergamot essential oil inhalant improved their mood by close to 20% (compared to a control group). Based on their findings, the researchers commented that “bergamot essential oil aromatherapy can be an effective adjunct treatment to improve individuals’ mental health and well‐being.” 

The CHARLÍS Collection: For Luxury, Beauty, and the Health of Your Skin!

CHARLÍS is absolutely committed to providing you with gorgeous, luxurious skin products that are also 100% safe in every way. This is why we go a step further to make sure that each product passes the ToxinFree © test before it goes to you. For more information about the ToxicFree © label that appears on every bottle in the CHARLÍS collection, click HERE. 

The refreshing, exhilarating, and protective effects of orange and grapefruit. The soothing, relaxing benefits of bergamot. And 100% gluten free, wild harvested, all natural, sustainably sourced, and made in the USA. Most importantly, all CHARLÍS products are stamped with the ToxinFree© seal of approval so that you know your luxury beauty formula is more than just a cosmetic. It is a healing tool for your skin and your life!

Who doesn’t love to bask in the sunshine on a sweet spring or summer day? I’ll be the first to admit that I do! And yet, the sad fact is that in the US today, roughly one in five adults will develop some kind of skin cancer by the time they reach age 70.

Hold on a minute though. Before you jump out of that lawn chair or put on your parka at the beach, too much sun isn’t the only reason (or even the main reason) for such high numbers. There are many other factors besides too much sun exposure that can create skin cancer, including a weakened immune system caused by poor diet as well as poor lifestyle choices. 

If you have been diagnosed, the good news is that skin cancer is the most treatable kind of cancer. About 99% of individuals who detect skin cancer early will still be alive at the 5-year mark. And if you don’t have skin cancer and want to prevent it, just a little bit of insight and action now can help you never have to worry about it affecting you.

Three Types of Skin Cancer 

Since the 1990s, there have been more new skin cancer cases than cases of prostate, lung, colon, and breast cancer combined. Skin cancer in general is by far the most prevalent kind of cancer out there. There are actually three different basic types of skin cancer: 

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It occurs when DNA damage happens to skin cells and this damage goes unchecked and unrepaired by the immune system. Eventually, malignant tumors form that can grow and spread fairly rapidly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 10,000 individuals succumb to this form of skin cancer annually.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a type of skin cancer that happens when DNA-damaged, mutated cells begin to grow in the middle and upper layers of the skin. Technically, SCC can develop wherever there are squamous type cells, including in the skin, GI tract, the cornea area of the eye, in the soft tissues, and in the endothelium layers of both organs and soft tissue. Squamous cells lie close together in these areas since their main job is to form a layer of protection against threats from the outside environment. While there are about one million SCC diagnoses each year, the vast majority of them do not end in morbidity when they are detected and treated early. SCC is easily recognized if present on the surface of the skin since the cancer will form “rat-bite” open sores that look like popped blisters or raised points surrounding a central hole. 

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), or BCC, is the most common form of skin cancer. It is also the most common form of any kind of cancer. It settles on the topmost layer of skin, i.e. the epidermis. This form of cancer specifically targets the “basal” skin cells. The job of basal skin cells is to produce fresh skin cells as older ones die off. Sometimes BCCs can look like nondescript bumps on the skin. In other cases, they appear as open sores or red patches. The good news is that, for most people, BCCs do not spread past the original area where the tumor first began to grow. However, a lot of other factors can play a part in metastasis, including overall immune health. If not dealt with, basal cancer cells can burrow deep into tissue and bone where they can go on to affect other parts of the body. There are about three million cases of BCC annually, according to a report put out by Yale University.

5 Things You Can Do to Prevent Skin Cancer Now 

You can begin now to lessen your chances of getting skin cancer, no matter what your age or situation. Here are 5 simple steps to help you get started: 

1 | Know your risk factors. 

According to major studies conducted at MD Anderson School of Medicine and elsewhere, cancer in general is a preventable disease that is largely caused by poor lifestyle habits, stress and unresolved trauma, poor diet, and other factors such as smoking or prolonged sedentariness. That being said, the ways in which specific kinds of skin cancers develop within a body is a unique process that will be different for each person. Here are a few lifestyle-related and other factors that could put you at increased risk for skin cancer: 

• You have had repeated sun burns. 
• You spend a lot of time in the sun without protection (no matter what your skin color) 
• You have had radiation exposure, including radiation treatment for cancer. 
• You have a weakened immune system. 
• You have been exposed to arsenic. 
• You have long-time exposure to high EMF radiation such as SMART meters, cellphones towers, or Wi-Fi routers.
• You use a tanning bed regularly. 
• You have the precancerous condition actinic keratosi
• You have a history of HPV
• You have had certain kinds of vaccines
• You have low collagen levels (especially Type VII)
• You are over 70 years of age
• You have a vitamin C deficiency or insufficiency
• You have fair-skin, light colored eyes or blond or red hair
• You take are taking certain kinds of medications, especially those for the thyroid and immunosuppressants  
• You live in a sunny or high-altitude area 
• You have a lot of freckles or moles 
• You have a family history of skin cancer
• Your occupation exposes you to sun or radiation (or puts you at risk of any of the above)

I know the above list represents situations that can affect a lot of people. That is why taking action towards prevention should be everyone’s concern. 

2 | Protect Yourself Safely When You Are in the Sun 

Did you know that having 5 or more sunburns could double your risk for melanoma?

I will be the first to tell you that there are so many good things that come from getting out into the sunshine, not the least of which is vitamin D synthesis (link to the other article?)! On the other hand, a lot of bad can come from too much exposure, especially when you are not protected. 

Don’t worry, I’ll go into all you will ever need to know about sunscreens in the next section. What I will say, however, is that there are a lot of safe ways to protect yourself that don’t involve slathering yourself with nasty chemicals. Some ways include: 

• wearing a sun hat 
• wearing sunglasses
• wearing a light cotton overshirt and/or pants
• moving yourself into the shade after about 20 minutes of exposure if you cannot get to any of the above 
• wearing safe, non-toxic sunscreen (like I said, more on that later!)

3 | Boost Your Immune System

Remember that huge list of risk factors for skin cancer I went through in #1? One of them was a weak immune system. The good news is that taking concrete action to boost immunity can significantly lower your risk of skin cancer (and any other type of cancer as well). 

So just how can you do that? There are so many ways– too many to go into in this article. In a nutshell, however, your immunity can significantly improve when you start with these three basic first steps:

1 | Improve your diet, especially by cutting the sugary and processed foods and increasing healthy fruits and green leafy as well as cruciferous vegetables.  

2 | Learn how to manage stress. The main reason for this is pretty straightforward. Higher stress levels raise cortisol in the body, which can in turn lead to systemic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and lower immune function.

3 | Get enough vitamin D. Start by getting your levels checked and making sure they are at least 30 n/ml. Even if you do spend a lot of time in the sun, you may still be suffering from the symptoms of vitamin D insufficiency. According to research, individuals who have D levels lower than 50 ng/ml have a higher risk of certain kinds of cancers. If you discover that you are low, consider supplementing with a quality D3/K2 product.

4 | Up Your Vitamin C! 

There are two very powerful ways that vitamin C can help you prevent skin cancer. Firstly, when you take vitamin C internally through food or supplementation, you are protecting yourself from any and all kinds of cancer. This is because this essential nutrient is designed to work inside the immune system to hunt out and destroy cancer cells. Vitamin C is also key for collagen synthesis in the skin and soft tissues. Getting enough vitamin C through food or internal supplementation can help boost collagen levels to increase skin health and strength. 

The other way C can be beneficial is externally. Topical vitamin C is increasingly being looked at as a way to not only block the harmful rays of the sun but also as a powerful restorer of balance and health for the epidermis, the dermis, and other layers of skin tissue. Research has shown that C can prevent sun damage, lower inflammation on the skin that can lead to acne, and improve the overall appearance and heath of the skin. A Japanese clinical trial found that when participants applied a topical containing vitamin C and magnesium to their dark spots, the majority experienced dramatic improvements. Other such studies on vitamin C alone or vitamin C in combination with vitamin E and/or ferulic acid were able to produce similar results. 

5 | Check Your Skin Regularly

Some kind of cancers can be easily detected by performing regular “self-checks.” Experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation state that 99% of melanoma patients who make it to the 5-year survival rate do so because they detected it early. For those whose cancer has reached the lymph nodes, the statistical survival rate is 68%. And for those whose cancer has reached the organs, it is only 22%. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation has also put together an easy-to-remember rubric for how you can do your own self check from head to toe. While checking your skin, look for concentrated rashes, blemishes, moles, areas of discoloration, or lesions. When you find something that you want to examine further, use the “ABC” method:

“A” stands for Asymmetry. Using your imagination, draw a line down the middle of the area or blemish you are examining. If both halves are not completely identical (i.e., symmetrical), take note. This may be a sign of malignancy. 

“B” stands for Border. Take a look at the borders of the area in question. Normally, non-malignant moles, tags, and other blemishes will have smooth borders while malignant areas are often uneven or jagged in appearance. 

“C” stands for Color. The color of a blemish can be a telltale sign for malignancy. According to experts, skin cancers can be a variety of colors and are usually multicolored. Benign (non-cancerous) growths such as moles, tags, warts, and the like are usually one uniform color. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are other steps as well. “D” can stand for Diameter, i.e. larger moles and the like have a greater chance of being potential skin cancer. “E” can stand for Evolving. This is a reminder to keep an eye on those questionable markings. If they change shape, begin to itch, blister, or bleed or begin to cause pain, but sure to contact your doctor right away.

The Skinny on Sunscreen

We have all heard of the saying “you are what you eat.” The truth is—we are what we ingest in any way, including through our skin! 

When it comes to sunscreen, the most important thing to remember is to keep it clean, clean, clean. While it is absolutely important to protect skin from too much sun, many commercial sunscreens contain toxins that have been directly linked to reproductive cancers and more. 

Xenoestrogens are man-made chemicals which mimic aggressive forms of estrogen (namely estradiol). They can be found in dozens of manufactured products, from plastic water bottles to carpet. And, yes, they are also found in most commercial, over the counter sunscreen products. 

A few of the most prevalent xenoestrogens found in sunscreens are Oxybenzone (Bp-3), Benzophenon, Methoxycinnate (OMC), 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC), and Padimate O (octyl-dimethyl-PABA or OD-PABA). To date, there have been several studies which have linked Oxybenzone in particular to reproductive system issues. A 2016 meta-analysis of NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) data from 2011-2012 found a direct connection between Oxybenzone and low testosterone levels in boys as well as endometriosis in girls. According to a recent report put out by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, roughly 97% of all Americans 6 years old and up have some amount of Oxybenzone in their system.

New findings such as the ones above over the last decade has caused both consumers and forward-thinking lawmakers to take notice. As a result, the Sunscreen Protection Act of 2014 was passed in 2019.  Then the pandemic happened. Along with Covid came the CARES Act which, besides providing stimulus relief, also had interesting sunscreen-related wording attached to it. Long story short, while there has been some headway made in streamlining testing for new sun protection products through the passage of the corresponding Sunscreen Innovation Act of 2019, the actual list of ingredients that the FDA deems “safe” for consumers—those nasty xenoestrogens I just mentioned— did not change at the federal level.

Of the thousands of potentially harmful chemicals to be found in skin care products in general, a mere 13% have actually made it to the testing floor to be analyzed for safety. And some of the most harmful ingredients out there are still within commercial sunscreen products. 

My advice? Stay away from these products completely! Instead, choose all natural products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Most all-natural sunscreens will contain these two ingredients as well as possibly vitamin C, aloe, vitamin D, ferulic acid, and other organic ingredients that will be able to  protect and heal your skin. 

I Was Just Diagnosed. What Should I Do? 

More than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with various kinds of skin cancer every day.

If this is you, there is some really good news. As I mentioned before, skin cancer in general has a very high survival rate if detected and dealt with early on. If you do not catch or address it, however, it can spread quickly and be fatal. 

Just like with any cancer, if you are diagnosed, the best course of action is to take it seriously and be proactive. Connect with an integrated oncologist or NMD right away who can help you through the process of healing in a way that feels right for you. 

The main thing is to do your research and remember that, besides God, you are the one who is ultimately in control of your own healing. As with any cancer diagnosis, I encourage you to “go within and go to God” for guidance. Step into prayer, meditation, and reflection to get both clarity and peace about your situation and the best course of action for you. Then, consider all the advice you have been given (expert advice and from others) and take the action that feels right for you for your own good health!  

If you do decide to work with your body to heal skin cancer naturally, there are a lot of natural substances, creams, lotions, tinctures, and phytonutrients that have proven to help. Above all, be sure to keep these three modalities in your skin cancer toolbox: 

1 | Frankincense and Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh can work hand in hand to destroy skin cancer cells. Both oils have been used since biblical times and were considered as valuable (if not more valuable) than gold because of their healing properties. Current research has found that when both oils were used against basal cancer cells, they work in tandem to induce apoptosis.

Frankincense in particular has been shown to lower inflammatory levels when taken internally as well. For internal use, be sure to use organic supplement grade. For topical use, combine both frankincense and myrrh essential oils with a carrier such as coconut or jojoba oil. 

2 | Eggplant Extract 

Odd as it may sound, several studies have found that extract taken from eggplant, or aubergine, can significantly help reverse tumor growth on the skin. The reason has to do with a phytonutrient called solasodine glycoside found in this nightshade vegetable. 

Research indicates that solasodine glycoside can be effective for early-stage skin cancer, including basal cell, squamous cell, and keratosis (a precancerous condition). Some studies have also proven the effectiveness of certain topical creams that contain the eggplant-derived glycoside. In fact, the efficacy of eggplant phytonutrients to help with  malignant and premalignant skin lesions has been known by researchers since the early 1990’s.

3 | Black Raspberry Seed Oil 

Last on our short list of must-have natural products for skin cancer is black raspberry seed oil. Besides eggplant, black raspberry has the most evidence-based research to back it up as a true cancer killer. According to an in vivo study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University, a topical black raspberry seed cream was able to significantly reduce cancer growth in squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, a 2016 meta-analysis of past black raspberry seed clinical trials found that not only was black raspberry effective in catalyzing cell apoptosis for skin cancer, it was also beneficial for oral, esophageal, colon, and breast cancer.

Skin Cancer: The Most Prominent Type of Cancer (and the Easiest to Heal and Prevent)

There are so many things that can raise the risk of skin cancer these days that it is safe to assume that pretty much everyone is at risk. That being said, recent research as well as thousands of success stories all over the world has also proven without a shadow of a doubt that even the most dangerous form (melanoma) has a phenomenally high success rate for survival and complete recovery. The key, however, is to discover the cancer early and then take action. 

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, know that there are dozens of natural phytonutrients, in both internal and topical form, that can help you. If you persist and practice healthy anti-cancer living as well, there is an over-the-top chance that you are going to come out of the experience not only cancer free, but with a greater level of health than ever before!

If your focus is on prevention, make sure that you check your skin regularly, keep up with your immune health, protect yourself safely from too much sun, and put into place practices to keep stress low. 

As the cool weather turns to spring and summer with all its outdoor fun, don’t be afraid to take advantage of the rays of the sun and the outdoor goodness for your good health! Just be smart and proactive with prevention so that skin cancer never has to be a part of your reality now and into the future. 

Beauty is more than skin deep. We want you to love your skin, and the CHARLÍS line of luxury skin care products will help you feel confident in your healthy, beautiful, radiant skin. For information on how to order the best skin

care products on the market, please visit https://charlis.beauty/.

It may come as no surprise to you that most skin care products today are created using toxic ingredients. What may shock you, however, is how many of these products are labeled as “non-toxic.” 

How can this be? 

Read on to learn how you can be armed with awareness and know the difference between so-called “non-toxic” and truly ToxicFree© skin care products! 

Skin Care Chemicals 101: Isn’t There a Law Against That? 

Imagine you are a “modern” woman living in the year 1900. You don’t want to use your mother’s skincare routine, which typically consisted of lotions and tinctures made from home-grown ingredients whipped together in the kitchen sink. Instead, you want what all your friends also want: prepared and packaged skincare creams, lotion, and sprays available en masse for the first time ever. 

Now skip ahead roughly 40 years. It’s the 1930’s and a lot has changed. The Elizabeth Ardens and Helena Rubinsteins of skincare’s “pioneering days” have blossomed into dozens of products lining local pharmacy shelves. Along with variety comes more man-made ingredients. Consumer safety becomes a hot topic which eventually turns into legislation. 

The Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FDCA) was passed by Congress in 1938 and prohibited the sale of personal care products and cosmetics created with any “poisonous or deleterious substance” or any “filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance.”

Sounds like a great early start for consumer health and protection in the U.S., right? Well, not quite.

Fast-forward to 2023. The typical American woman uses roughly a dozen different personal care products per day. Inside each of those products are dozens of ingredients, many of which are toxic. 

What’s more, of the thousands of man-made, hazardous substances for use in personal care products and cosmetics, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has restricted a mere 11 over the course of the last 85 years. To this day, the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938 remains the only federal regulation by which the American personal care and cosmetic industry is required to abide.

The “Non-Toxic” Label: A Lesson in Vagueness 

It is within this bleak historic backdrop that the term “non-toxic” began to pop up on labels for everything from laundry detergent to skin lotion.

What exactly is “non-toxic” and who created it?

The term came into being by industry marketers in response to increasing consumer demand for safer, cleaner products. In general, it usually indicates an arbitrary set of harmful chemicals a company decides to leave out of the product. It does not, however, indicate what they may decide to leave in. In addition, there are no specific laws, regulations, or regulatory bodies that come along with a “non-toxic” label. It is left to each individual company to follow their own moral compass when it comes to defining what “non-toxic” means for them.

Proprietary laws also protect manufacturers from divulging specific ingredients to their consumers. Because of this loophole, most simply clump potentially harmful ingredients into other terms, especially the illusive word “fragrance” (or even “natural fragrance).” 

There are over 3,000 different chemical compounds available for commercial skin care manufacturers to choose from when making their name-brand “fragrances.” A report put out by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, in conjunction with the Environmental Working Group, found an average of 14 unlabeled chemicals in the ingredient called “fragrance” in the majority of name-brand skin care and cosmetic products.

What companies consider “toxic” (and thus may leave out of a product)  can be suspect as well. Most manufacturers use guidelines put forth by an organization called the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to determine which potentially “toxic” ingredients should be left out. According to the CPSC, a substance is considered toxic if it causes death within 14 days in more than 50% of the animals used to test it.

Let’s examine this a little further. 

Does this mean that if a substance causes death within 14 days for 48% of the population, or if a substance doesn’t cause death, but creates suffering and illness (that will eventually lead to early morbidity), it is considered safe by the CPSC? It would seem so. 

I don’t know about you, but in my book, any substance that creates a harmful effect (either short term or long term) in any life form should not be used in skin care products, period! 

“All Natural” and Other Labels

What about all the other labels we have become accustomed to seeing on skin care product labels, such as “natural, “100% natural,” “all natural,” or “organic?”  These designations are also made-up creations by industry marketing firms for the most part. According to the Environmental Working Group (E.W.G.), many products that have these labels have ingredients connected with neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and even cancer.

Here is a list of potentially meaningless, hype-driven terms to watch out for the next time you go shopping: 

• Natural /All natural / 100% natural 
• Organic  / 100% organic
• Certified Organic WITHOUT the official USDA/FDA seal
• Hypoallergenic 
• Botanical
• Firming
• Clean
• Patented Technology
• Instant Results
• Moisture Locking
• Anti-Aging/Age-Defying 
• Maximum or “Clinical” Strength 
• “For All Skin Types” 
• FDA Approved (FDA only approves drugs that change the structure of the skin)
• Hospital-Grade (or packaging that leads you to believe it is, such as having a American Red Cross-like looking symbol on the packaging) 

FTC Settlements Tell the Tale 

If you are still holding on to hope that your commercial “non-toxic” products are all that they claim to be, consider these US Federal Trade Commission cases that made headlines within the last 10 years. 

The first had to do with Trans-India Products, makers of the ShiKai brand and its “All-Natural Hand and Body Lotion” products. These products can be found in pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. In 2016, the FTC filed suit regarding false claims on ShiKai’s “All-Natural Hand and Body Lotion” because the product contained dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, and ethyhexyl glycerin. The preservative substance phenoxyethanol has been linked to reproductive issues when absorbed through the skin.

Another FTC case has to do with Rocky Mountain Sunscreen (owned by Erickson Marketing Group) which claimed all-natural ingredients on its “Natural Face Stick.” It was recently cited by the FTC because in reality the stick contained many potentially harmful man-made ingredients including polyethylene, a form of plastic linked to neurotoxicity. Rocky Mountain’s “Natural Face Stick” was sold at Walgreens and other chain stores until recently.

Of course, these two cases are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the misuse of labels and the harmful ingredients hiding behind them. Suspicions have also been raised by independent organizations regarding Target’s Up ‘n Up brand (and in-store “Clean” labeling system) and Gwyneth Paltrow’s “Goop” products.

In addition, in 2021, the “Method” brand (a subsidiary of SC Johnson that puts out both home cleaning and personal care products) paid $2.25 million to consumers and was required to discontinue “non-toxic” and “natural” labeling. Harmful dyes, fragrances, synthetic preservatives like isothiazolinone and long term hormone disruptors such as Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) were found in some of their cleaning products.

CHARLÍS Luxury Skincare: The ToxicFree© Difference 

Industry-created labels such as the ones mentioned above are about marketing, and not much else. In contrast, there is one designation that we here at CHARLÍS stand behind 100%. It is the ToxinFree© label created by our partner and formula designer, visionary skincare developer and health advocate Linda Chae.

“The term non-toxic was admitted into the cosmetic industry to try to overcome any shadow about there being chemicals in the products. [It] literally means ‘tested on animals and has only caused less than 50% of them to die’,” says Chae. “That’s as toxic as it gets! Don’t confuse that with CHARLÍS labels. The seal on CHARLÍS products means an independent organization, the ToxicFree© Foundation, has examined the products for ingredients [as well as the] manufacturing processes and found there is not one thing toxic that could in any way impact health to a human being, an animal, our children, the fetus in the womb, the water, or the trees.” 

You can learn more about Linda Chae and the ToxicFree© label in this interview. 

You will see the ToxicFree© label on all CHARLÍS products. CHARLÍS ingredients are also created with wild-harvested living ingredients that are non-GMO. These are ingredients designed to help your skin, not hurt it. All CHARLÍS products are also sustainably sourced, 100% vegan, and American made. CHARLÍS products are never tested on animals. 

Armed with knowledge and awareness, you can choose products that help, not your hurt, your skin. Here at CHARLÍS, we are on a mission to create a better, healthier world. We create skin care products based on natural, living ingredients that help your beauty shine!

Beauty is more than skin deep. We want you to love your skin, and the CHARLÍS line of luxury skin care products will help you feel confident in your healthy, beautiful, radiant skin. For information on how to order the best skin care products on the market, please visit https://charlis.beauty/.