1 Biodynamic Skin care Although the phrase biodynamic farming was coined over 80 years ago by philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who believed that a detailed, caring approach to farming would reveal nature’s living sources of health and renewal, consumers are now becoming familiar with the benefits of using biodynamic principles in their beauty regimens. According to the Greenopia guide, biodynamic farming is, “the use of basic organic practices but adding special plant, animal, and mineral preparations to the land and using the rhythm of the sun, moon, planets, and stars to create a healthy, self-supporting, farming ecosystem.”
Locally, skin care company Jurlique—which just unveiled a major design renovation of its Fillmore Street location—gathers over 35 different varieties of plants and flowers that provide the biodynamic blends in its products from its own certified organic and biodynamic farms, which span 165 acres in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. Jurlique (SF). 415.346.7881, jurlique.com
2 Eco-friendly Nail Polish Sausalito-based skin care company Soulstice Spa produces 100 percent vegan as well as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene-and formaldehyde-free polish —and a portion of all proceeds are donated to non-profit social and environmental organizations.
According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, “the U.S. National Toxicology Program says formaldehyde is ‘reasonably anticipated’ to be a human carcinogen. Meanwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricts toluene in drinking water because it can cause nervous system disorders and damage the liver and kidneys. DBP is prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union because it is a possible human reproductive or developmental toxin.” 888.988.7685, soulsticespa.com
3 Mother and Daughter Organic Skin Care Mill Valley resident Karine Wittmer recently launched organic skin care line Edelbio, which is marketed for mothers and daughters with specific lines for each. The products contain no synthetic chemicals or artificially processed ingredients like silicones, mineral oils, parabens, chemical colorants or synthetic fragrances, and no animal raw materials, or GMOs.
edelbioskincare.com
Check out these ther local beauty companies offering green products:
EO Products A blend of pure essential oils with other plant-based ingredients, available at Woodlands Market (Kentfield). 415.457.8160, eoproducts.com
Juice Beauty Toners, moisturizers, sun protection and more, available at Whole Foods (Mill Valley). 415.381.1200, juicebeauty.com
Pomega 5 The skin care line is all natural, preservative free and made with biodynamic, cold-pressed Omega 5-rich pomegranate seed oil, available at Elephant Pharmacy (San Rafael). 415.462.6000,
pomega5.com
Stellar Spa Skin, bath and body care products, available at Stellar Spa (Corte Madera). 415.924.7300, stellarspa.com
Trukids Organic hair and skin products for kids with compostable packaging, available at Monkey Business (Mill Valley). 415.383.8697, trukids.com
TweenBeauty A line of natural shampoos and conditioners for tweens, available at TweenBeauty (Fairfax). 415.457.3176, tweenbeauty.com