begin with the best

Our products begin as organic or wildcrafted herbs growing in healthy soil and warm sunshine. Their essence is artfully distilled into the finest essential oils available, which become key ingredients in our soaps, lotions, and aromatherapy products. With prayer and positive intention, we blend small batches to ensure quality and then package the final products in ways to preserve their healing properties. (Those cobalt bottles aren’t just pretty, they protect our oils from the damaging effects of light.)

We know you’re an obsessive label-reader, so we’ll make this one easy for you: we use no synthetic ingredients. If it’s organic, we’ll say so. And that sodium hydroxide is nothing to worry about -- it’s part of the process, but doesn’t remain in the final product. (Quick soap-making lesson: when sodium hydroxide and oils meet, they leave their former selves behind and become soap, which, when properly made and sufficiently cured, is mild enough for sensitive skin.)

organic: life in balance

Organic means more than just the absence of chemicals. Organic practices protect the entire balance of Earth’s ecosystems and preserve the health of her soil, water, and air; her people, plants and animals. Here are just a few reasons why organic is good for everyone:

• Composting, crop rotations, and cover crops are all practices that help organic farmers build healthy soil which yields healthy plants that are naturally resistant to disease and pests. These organic methods prevent soil erosion and habitat destruction and, in turn, are good for our wildlife populations. They also prevent air and water pollution.
  
• Farm workers are also protected from the cancers and diseases that can be caused by long-term exposure to chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
  
• Organic practices do not include genetically modified organisms which can threaten populations of native plant and animal species.
  
• On the shelf, organic items generally bear a higher price than conventional items. But when you look at the social cost (the total of all costs associated with growing, producing and using a product, including those which our society as a whole must bear in the event of increased health care or environmental cleanup costs), the choice is easy.

When you buy organic, you are making a sustainable choice. Your actions increase the demand for organic products, which can help support a long-term solution to agricultural and economic problems. And there you have it -- one person can make a difference.

the no-no’s

petroleum products
Crude oil and its derivatives have no place in your skin-care routine. Unfortunately, the majority of body care products on the market contain petroleum ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin. Our ingredients come from sustainable plant sources, not fossil fuels.

animal testing
Safe and humane alternatives are available, and as consumers, we must raise our voices against this unethical and unnecessary practice. Our suppliers are proud members of the Coalition for Consumer Information and commit to the ethical treatment of animals. You can help support this cause by buying products that feature the leaping bunny logo. For more information, go to www.leapingbunny.org

paraben or formaldehyde releasing preservatives
Methyl and propyl parabens, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea are the most widely used preservatives. Parabens can mimic estrogen, and although more research is necessary, a study published in the January 2004 Journal of Applied Toxicology found high levels of parabens in all 20 of 20 breast tumor samples. Urea is a product of protein metabolism excreted from human urine and can release formaldehyde (which you know from biology class: if it can preserve a dead frog, it can’t be good for you). Read labels and you will find these preservatives in almost all body care products. While we agree it’s important to keep our body products free from bacteria and fungus, we are constantly searching for a safe, effective, and natural alternative to these chemical preservatives.

hydrogenated oils
The overwhelming majority of soaps are made with hydrogenated soybean or cottonseed oil. Hydrogenated oils, also called trans fats, cause free radical damage and are toxic to the body whether you eat or wear them. So stick to the good (and yummy) fats, like the kind you get from an avocado.

synthetic fragrances
Synthetic fragrances are made up of chemicals that can cause a wide array of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, vomiting and skin irritation. Toxic! Why imitate nature’s complex perfection? Essential oils are a direct reflection of a plant and its journey. They are extracted by steam or hydrodistillation and have the power to alter the mind and body. We will never trade natural aromatherapy for cheap synthetic fragrances.

FDA Disclaimer (fyi: DUPLICATE)
Blooming Lotus products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are for skin care use only. Statements on our website or in our literature are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness, disease, or condition