The skin absorbs a lot of what we apply to it and it is said that over 60 years an average woman will absorb 14kg of skincare ingredients through her skin into her body.
If you have a choice between absorbing synthetic chemicals and petroleum derived ingredients or nutrient rich botanical actives, what would you choose?
There is a choice and we believe that there is no place in our daily routine for chemical nasties.

These synthetic and petroleum derived ingredients can poison us, disrupt our hormone balance and some normal beneficial enzyme activity in the body, and cause ill health and stress to our skin and organs.
Parabens, which are synthetic preservatives used in many skincare products, have been shown in laboratory tests to cause DNA damage which may lead to the formation of cancerous cells.
Paraben residue, introduced through the use of skincare products, has been found in cancerous tumours.
The production of these nasty chemicals is big business and is harmful for the environment.
Say NO to nasties and say YES to natural, YES to the herb farm range of natural products which are natural, effective and trusted.



We have produced a '10 Nasties to Avoid' Wallet Card which you can keep in your purse and wallet and use as a quick reference guide when buying products.
Please let us know if you would like one and we can pop one in the post for you! 

10 Nasties to Avoid

1. Parabens 
Methyl, butyl, propyl and ethyl parabens are the most commonly used preservatives. Sometimes the "full house" of parabens is listed as "mixed parabens". Now found whole in tumours particular breast tumours.

2. Isopropyl Alcohol 
This ingredient is prepared from propylene, which is obtained in the cracking of petroleum. Used in anti-freeze and as a solvent. It is a denaturant which is a poisonous or unpleasant substance added to alcoholic cosmetics to make them undrinkable. Changes another substances natural qualities or characteristics. Can cause nausea, confusion and neurological damage to cells. Found in hair colours, body products, hand creams, after shave lotions.

3. Mineral Oil 
Mix of refined liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. Baby oil coats skin like plastic wrap impeding ability for skin to breathe.

4. DEA Cocomide DEA/MEA Lauramide DEA 
Hormone disrupting (readily absorbed through skin from detergents) linked to major increase in liver and kidney cancers.

5. PEG (polyethylene glycol) 
Dissolves oil and grease and thickens products. Used in oven cleaners.

6. Propylene Glycol 
Surfactant (found in anti-freeze). No difference in PG found in antifreeze and used in personal care products. Breaks down protein and cellular structure. Implicated in brain, liver, kidney abnormalities. Can cause dry skin, rashes and damage to skin surface.

7. F.D & C Colour Pigments 
Causes skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen in body.

8. Fragrance
Carcinogenic and toxic. Synthetic fragrance can indicate presence of up to 3000 separate ingredients.

9. Imidazilidinyl Urea & DMDM Hydratoin 
Preservatives that release formaldehyde. Readily absorbed through the skin. Exposure to these can cause joint pain, headaches, depression, and trigger asthma. Side effects - weak immune system and can trigger contact dermatitis.

10. Sodium Laurel Sulphate SLS & Sodium Laureth Sulphate 
Widely used to make products foam. Protein denaturing. SLS stays in body for up to 5 days. Can penetrate skin and enter organs. Found in shampoo, toothpaste, bath and shower products and used in labs to break down the blood cells.

Check out these websites for more information on parabens and other 'nasties' and why to avoid them!
http://www.ewg.org/issues/siteindex/issues.php?issueid=5005
http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/
http://www.naturalingredient.org