Earth Day has rolled around again, making us think about ways in which we can protect ourselves and our Earth. I’m currently working on my 4th book, which is entitled, The New Gorgeous. Things in the eco-beauty scene have changed so dramatically since I wrote my first book, Gorgeously Green (2008). Many of us are now aware that there could be harmful chemicals lurking in the products we use to make us look more beautiful. “Natural” skincare has become the norm, whereas only 5 or 6 years ago, these kind of products were relegated to the shelves of a health food store.
Exciting as it’s been to observe the changing landscape, it’s also been a little frustrating: There’s been an awful lot of “green-washing” and because the skin care industry has been virtually unregulated, it’s been very hard for consumers to figure out whether or not they are buying something that’s really natural. The word “Natural” means nothing and anyone can use it on any skin care product, however, I define a “natural” product as one that is free from synthetics and any toxic chemicals. I understand that my definition is very broad, and once you get into splitting hairs about what’s synthetic and what’s not – it gets really complicated, however, a product that is choc full of chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances and mineral oil, is not in any way “Natural”.
As consumers, there are handful of certifications out there. Most of them are European: Eco-cert and the Soil Association are a couple that come to mind. Up until now, we haven’t had a seal that we can really trust in America for organic skin care. For food, we can trust the USDA organic green & white seal, but skincare hasn’t been federally regulated. The good news is that we now have a brand new skin care certification we can trust: The new NSF/ANSI 305 standard will assure you that a product that touts itself as being “Organic”, actually is organic. One of the leading brands in the organic space is Avalon Organics, who have spent the last three years reformulating all of their products to meet the new, strict NSF/ANSI regulations.
Because the word “organic” is not federally regulated for skin care, you cannot be sure how much of an “organic” product, really is organic – 1% or 2%? It could be a tiny amount and the rest of the product could be made up of ingredients that I don’t think belong on your skin. The NSF/ANSI seal changes this. When you see this seal, you’ll know that the product contains a minimum of 70% organic content and is made without any harmful chemicals or preservatives. In addition to this, products carrying this seal must only use approved ingredients that have gone through a rigorous evaluation led by the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard committee, which is made up of university professors, industry experts and consumer Advocates. So, if you see this logo – no green-washing involved!
Avalon Organics are a favorite brand of mine and have been since I wrote my first book. I love that they are accessible and affordable for most people – that is the key because many of us want to do the right thing, but it needs to be budget-friendly too. Even their new skin care lines, are affordable, with nothing over $30 and the average price being around ten bucks. I also love that all of their packaging is curbside-recyclable and most of their bottles are made from post-consumer resin.
To celebrate Earth Day and to celebrate the healthy changes that are being made in the beauty industry, we are giving away a full-size bottle of Avalon Organic Lavender Body Lotion to the first 50 readers who leave a comment below and who “like” this article on our FB Fan Page. Hope it’s you!
This is intriguing. After reading the “Gorgeously Green” book, I wasn’t suprised to hear how much more stringent the EU was with what they allow into cosmetics. Because of your book, I now make most of my own, or use Madara, which is an Eco-Cert brand. I’d love to see similar labeling here. Who created this NSF/ANSI idea and who exactly is “running” it?
I really like the Avalon Organics Rosemary conditioner. I’ve never tried one of their body lotions.
Great Read!
I love Avalon Organics and love how budget friendly they are! As a non-profit worker, I don’t make much but am glad that I can still afford to purchase quality products.
I love Avalon Organics! Just had a sample of this lavender lotion and it is delightful, thank you!
I would love to try Avalon Organics. I have been making gradual changes to organic beauty products and this would be awesome. Thanks for the oppurtunity!
I’m a fan of Avalon and their natural product lines.
I have read all Gorgeously green books and they were such a great help for me to change my house into a green home.
I would very much like to try this skin care product, since I do have sensitive skin
That NSF seal is a god-send, because I can’t tell you how many “natural/organic” products I’ve used over the last five years that probably weren’t all that “organic!” I had no way of knowing – until now. It’s amazing how the industry has changed over the years, and yes – it is nice not having to shop for organic beauty items at the health food store! Your lotion looks wonderful = )
I read “Gorgeously Green” back when my grandma first was told she had cancer (turned out, it was worse and took almost two more year to be correctly diagnosed). I became much more vigilant regarding what we put on our skin after it turned out, her condition stemmed from chemicals leeching through her skin from a product she used daily.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! for your books and this site… it has made such a difference in her health and mine.
Can’t wait to slather good stuff all over my skin!!
Thanks for sharing. Excited for the next book! It’s truly sad how little regulation there is for skin care and cosmetics. Unfortunately, someone can brand their product to look natural and everyone assumes it is! Glad you are sharing this good stuff!
I will be happy to see the “green washing” leave the market. Companies should not be allowed to make falsified claims and should have to prove what they are saying. If only we could convince the suppliers and growers to quit damaging the environment with chemicals that will eventually kill us.
Good to hear that Avalon products pass such a stringent set of standards! (I never realized that the NSF seal meant so much!) I’ve been using their shampoos for a few years now, and love the smell it leaves in my hair. Yes, they’re quite a bit more expensive than the shampoos I used to use, but it makes me feel better just knowing that the ingredients aren’t weird, unpronounceable toxins. Thanks for all of your great articles, posts, and recipes!
Thanks for the information about organic skincare products. It’s great that there will be a seal identifying organic.
I started reading the books when my father was dying of cancer, and found a lot of helpful ideas I could use while caring for him.
Thank you for sharing this product! I have tried and use Avalon products often. They are truly wonderful!!!!!
I love Avalon Organics and lavender is my fave scent…very neutral for day and night. Thanks for keeping us green!
As a natural beauty blogger with chemical sensitivities, I love seeing more natural products available but you still need to do your homework since labels don’t mean much. I can’t wait until the day companies can’t label their products as natural unless they really are natural or organic but for now, we all need to be advocates, do our homework and read our ingredient labels! Love Gorgeously Green for educating us about these things.
Love Avalon Organics, especially their Lavender Body Lotion!
Thank you so much for this. The other day I have lengthy conversation with an elected official and many of them don’t realize the many loopholes in (and non existent) regulation of the cosmetic industry. I only “begin” to get their ear because I own a prominent (authentic) green beaut business. So again, thank you.
I can’t wait for you new book! Yay! Your website and books are my #1 go-to places for green!
I also love Avalon Organics. I use their lavender facial cleanser…it smells so good and I love that’s it’s all natural. =)
Gorgeously Green was my first foray into greening my routine – I am very grateful to find the blog and book! I reference both regularly.
You’re right, natural products have now become the norm – and it’s a great thing! Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Happy Earth Day! 🙂
I love Avalon Organics! Great post Sophie 🙂
I am so excited that there is a symbol out there that is easily identified for skin care products as it is for food. I spent countless hours reading and researching what is in a skin care product before I give it the ok for myself and my children. I am already a supporter of Avalon Organics and LOVE their products. This website has been such an inspiration to me and has helped me be more Eco friendly with my body, my mind and my actions. Keep up the great work and I can’t wait for your new book!! I already own the first 3!! : )
Great Blog Post! I Love Gorgeously Green!
Im new at trying to eat and use organic products so its great to find out from experienced people what are great products like this!! Cant wait to try them! =) Thanx for the tip.
I love Avalon Organics. Currently using the Lemon Glycerin Hand Soap in the kitchen.
Happy Earth Day 🙂
i love that Avalon Organics is vegan!
Happy Earth Day! 😀
I Love Avalon Organics!! I get it at my local Sprouts Famers Market.
Love green products, would love to win this.
thank you for giving me a symbol to go by nsf when purchasing skin product, love being green, would love to try avalon organics and happy earth day 🙂
cannot wait for your new book ,i have purchased the other two, you do great work
I love Avalon Organics! All of their products are extremely affordable and excellent quality. I’ve used several of their shampoos and conditioners, but never the lavender lotion. I have to say this is very exciting!!!
It’s great to find out there we can get piece of mind with these products and the added benefit of being reasonably priced!
Really, I am so excited…that you are writing your fourth book. I cannot wait to read it. Oh, and I love Avalon.
I love Avalon Organics, i support this compagny because of their excellent quality products. Since i find this website, i am so much more aware of what i put on my skin…thank u so mucchhhh!!! My skin deserve the best natural products 🙂
Avalon Products…and lavander, my two favorite things!
Gorgeously Green has completely altered my views of cosmetics, food and how our consumption impacts the planet. Proud to say I now make my own cleaning products, face wash, face lotion and have switched to organic shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Thank you Sophie!
Thanks to Avalon for being at the forefront of Change!!
Hi Sophie- So excited to hear you have a new book coming out! I love Avalon Organics hand soap lemon…haven’t tried the body lotion. I am glad to hear there will be more regulations with beauty care.
Thanks for the this article! I love Avalon Organics and am so pleased to know they are following the strict guidelines of the NSF. HAPPY EARTH DAY!
How exciting! Happy Earth Day y’all!!
I love the smell of lavender. It is great for headaches!
informative article!
Great to hear there is a symbol we can finally trust. Can’t wait for the new book. Thanks for all your hard work. You are an inspiration!
I would love to try Avalon! 🙂
Love their shampoo! Prices are great and the products are wonderfull!!!
Lavender is one of my favorite scents!!!
Having just recently decided to do the big switch to all natural I’m going to have to look these books up! Can’t wait to start this adventure! CONGRATS on the books!
I love Avalon Organics! I use the Lavender shampoo and conditioner daily. Its like a mini spa session every morning.
I love Avalon products. one of the first products i used when i made the switch to natural skin care for my fam a few years ago. Love lavender
Avalon Organics sounds like a great product line, I can’t wait to try it!
I like Avalon organics. Just bought your book about making your own, in the next few weeks I am planning to try out some recipes from your book for the skin care. Very excited to get started.
I am looking forward to a 4th book! “Do It Gorgeously” has become a bible. Thank you!
I have all 3 books and love them! I pass them along to all!
I LOVE Avalon products – I use their lavendar shampoo – delicious! 🙂
I love lavender…mine is blooming right now. I’d love to try their lotion.
I have had the hardest time with this part of going green. Finding beauty products that are safe but that work. I’m glad that there is a new certification to help me with that!
This NSF seal is exciting!! It’s about time we have labels like this on products that get absorbed into our bodies just as food does.
I was so grateful to learn of EWG through your first book, and have continued to use and support it ever since! This new designation is SO exciting…like many such certifications, it will hopefully raise the bar for EVERYONE so we can all be gorgeously green! Happy Earth Day!
Inspiring! Leta claim our right to leave an happy chemical.toxic.free life! Thanks for doing and promoting natural ways!
Can’t wait for the new book, and maybe one new lotion! Hehe. Love your work, you are amazing!
I was just eyeing some Avalon products today at my local natural food store, but I have yet to try the brand yet. I had no idea that the “organic” label for skin products was not as stringently monitored as the food labels!
Ohhh, i love the smell of lavendar!! 🙂
This is great news about the new regulations! It’s about time! Great idea for a lotion give away as, in my opinion, other than shampoo and conditioner, good body lotion has been difficult to find. I have yet to try Avalon. Thanks for all of your priceless info on keeping healthy!
This is great news especially for a natural and I mean natural! product junkie!
When my daughter was 9 months old, we had a health scare with her. (It was a false alarm and she is fine.) However, it was because of that incident that I have become so much more aware of not only what my family puts in our bodies, but on our bodies as well. Blogs and websites such as yours make it so much easier for me to find products that I am comfortable using on myself and my family. Thank you!
Lavender is amazing! I appreciate this info and I can’t wait for your new book. I’m a big fan of your other books–even sharing what I’ve learned with my 8th grade students. (I have some of them making their own cleaning solutions now!) 🙂
Thank you for all the wonderful information you bring to us.
Great news! Now I will be looking for that seal. And I love Avalon Organics for being budget- friendly.
I’m new to Avalon but anxious to learn more. Happy Earth Day!
I love Avalon Organics. The Lavendar scent is really great!
I love Avalon Organics, lavender and this blog 🙂
Fun contest! Happy Earth Day!
Definitely like Avalon Organics!!
I love this blog and I love lavender!
Can’t wait for the new book….have all 3 and love Avalon organics….been using their products for years….thank you so much for the info on NSF….
I am so glad this new label finally came out!! I love Avalon products ! Lavender is my favorite essential oil! I just bought a shampoo from them today.I love it !
Its great that the company really cares about their product and how it affects the consumer. Its all about helping another and being true, real, sincere, and loyal !Especially as a business. Thank you !
Really like Avolon Organics, products are very good quality, and really work! Lavender is my favorite.
I am a professional make-up artist as well as a hairdresser. I am also a greeny and a vegan so combining my work and beliefs wasn’t easy. I stumbled across your 1. book about 2 years ago and it changed my life. I havetossed all my ‘green’ and ‘natural’ household cleaning products as well as bath products and started mixing my own. I cannot thank you enough for your insight as it has truly changed the way I run my household and my professional kit. Thank you!!
The safe body and skin products issue is made more confusing for me by the ratings given by the Environmental Working Group (EWG Skin Deep). For example, many of Avalon Organic’s products get poor ratings by EWG standards. Can you explain the discrepancy? Thanks for all that you do to provide information about environmentally friendly and healthy products!
Good Point Lisa. EWG skin deep is very tricky. There are quite a few companies who have excellent, certified organic products and who get poor ratings. Some of this is due to the fact that Skindeep take a long time to re-evaluate old formulas, and some of it is to do with the way they rate essential oils – and there are other annoying factors involved too. In summation, I don’t take their ratings as absolute. On another note, Avalon Organics is now one of the premier signers with EWG’s compact for safe cosmetics.
Its very hard to find quality clean products in my area. I do use Avalon Organics face wash and love it! I would love to try their lotion!
Would love to try it!
I am a fan of Avalon Organics. I purchase it at Whole Foods. Great products.
I am a fan of Avalon Organics. I purchase them at Whole Foods. Great products.
Hooray for NSF/ANSI 305 and for Gorgeously Green – I have also been making many of my own skin care products since I read your first book and I am thrilled to know to look for products with NSF/ANSI 305 Standard
labeling. Thanks for all you do!
I have fallen in love with the lavender conditioner. It’s the only one may daughter and I will use. It even keeps her hair soft after 5days a week swim team practice!
Excellent! I love the idea of the NSF seal!
I really love the Avalon lemon shampoo & conditioner…smells wonderful. I will be watching out for the NSF seal, it sure will make my choice of purchase alot easier!
That new label is such a good idea! Love how Avalon Organics can be so eco-dedicated and still affordable. 🙂
I have loved your company for a very long time! Such wonderful, pure scents. Thank you for all you do!
Love Avalon! Affordable, great ingredients, and the products work wonderfully!
Happy Earth Day, Sophie! I am so excited to hear you are working on a 4th book! Thank you for everything you have done and brought to light. Your books have changed my perspective on so many things. I am also thankful for companies like AO that are striving to make a difference.
Avalon has been one of my favorites for quite awhile and of course agree with your stance on skincare products Sophie. Also fed up with greenwashing around Earth Day, but maybe it’s better than not noticing at all? Actually I don’t think so!
I have been using organic products for several years now and have found that the Avalon Organics line is one of my favorites. I use the Vitamin C Skin Care Regimen Daily and am so pleased with the results! Would love to try the lavender lotion! Thanks!!
Thank you, Sophie! I love your first three books and am looking forward to reading the next one. I also love Avalon Organics and am happy to hear about their efforts to meet the new standards. They truely help make quality organic skincare affordable.
I love the sound of your new book, I still am sharing your 1st book with friends who haven’t heard about you or your insight….. It’s great to help people become aware of the toxic world we live in. Everyone is always amazed at your info, so can’t wait to read more!1
Happy Earth day – Sophie!!
Can’t wait to slather this natural lotion all over me. Thanks for all that you do….I love how informed I am because of your site and books 🙂
I’m glad to see a brand that is affordable and still meets all the criteria to be organic and environmentally friendly~~
I’m glad to hear that that the “green washing” issue is coming to light. I’m sure most of us who do natural DIY skin care already knew that it existed but I look forward to learning about new ways to avoid unnecessary chemicals. Thanks again Sophie.
hmm my comment didn’t post. I can’t wait for your new book! Your books have change the way my family lives. It is very hard to find quality, clean products in my area and I would love a chance to try Avalon Organics lotion!
Happy Earth Day! Ever since I bought your first book years ago I have so enjoyed all of your tips and help for living a greener life! I am lucky enough to live in the place where Earth Day started (Madison, WI) and grew up recycling and learning about our impact on the earth. I love Lavender and Avalon Organics!
Love Avalon Organics and lavender.
Happy Earth Day! I love Lavender, it is one of my favorites. Thanks for the great review on Avalon Organics, I’d love to try their lotion. I’ll be sure to look for them in the future.
Thank you for you do Avalon!
I love Avalon Organics!
I love that we have this website to help us find great products that are so yummy and safe!
I love natural products. They feel
. Thank you so GG for opening my eyes to all the benefits of using natural
Happy Earth Day! Avalon is a wonderful line. So is all that you do, Sophie, to provide us information on healthier ways to live!
Can’t wait for your fourth book. Never tired Avalon Organic, but will now.
I love AO and can’t wait to try the lavender lotion. I commented earlier but am not sure where it went!
Thank you for the NSF/ANSI 305 standards. Even as an educated consumer, deciphering labels can be an impossible task. I will look for Avalon products and the label now.
Glad to read that there is finally some regulation
Ever since I read the first Gorgeously Green book I have been extremely careful about what I put in and on my body. Being a public school teacher, sometimes it’s difficult to afford quality products, but Avalon Organics has become one of my favorite beauty care brands. Happy Earth Day!!
Happy Earth Day! I love your blog! You have amazing tips and product reviews for those of us who are pretty new to being gorgeously green. Keep them coming like this one for Avalon Organics.
I love Avalon Organics and I love your book Sophie – such a great resource!
It has been so hard to find “natural” products that are actually natural! I didn’t know about the new NSF standards so thank you for sharing!
Happy earth day!!!
I really have become more aware of the chemicals in beauty products since reading your books and blog. I am really watching what I purchase and especially what my 12 year old daughter uses. I am looking forward to your new book. Thanks for keeping the Earth Gorgeously Green!
Great article, I am looking forward to the new book and seeing the new organic seal on products.
Happy Earth Day!! I am very conscientious about living with a minimal impact on the earth. I have my own veggie garden, recycle, compost and by organic. I love going to the farmers markets when they open up closer to summer. I am getting married in August and am making all my own dresses, making party favors and growing all my own flowers for the big day. I am also choosing to buy local meat to feed our guests! I am wanting my wedding to be as green as possible.
Happy Earth Day! Thank you for the giveaway 🙂 I am so excited to have come across your Gorgeously Green website this morning! I love Avalon Organics as they are earth, animal, and skin-friendly! I love their Vitamin C Facial wash & moisturizing cream, but can’t wait to try their Lavender Hand & Body Lotion. Thank you ~✿~☀ (♥) ☀~✿~
I`ve been using Avalon organic products since I read Sofie’s first book and love them!
oooo! i LOVE avalon organics =D thank you for offering this up on earth day <3
Finally some real standards not governed by the cosmetics industry. Love your blogs Sophie.
Happy Earth Day Sophie! Avalon Organics is the only product in our restroom now… Thanks for the post.
I love all Avalon products they smell exquisite.
This is such great news! It is so hard to navigate ingredient lists sometimes especially when some companies are intentionally trying to deceive. Glad to see a label we can finally trust.
Jamie Braziel
Avalon Organics has been one of my favorite organic body care lines for years. They’ve been ahead of many other companies in terms of purely organic ingredients.
I am so excited about your new book! I have all of your books and use them every day for lots of recipes and reference! Thank you for being a blessing to my family!
Happy Earth Day! I love lavender in my body lotion that is free of icky chemicals.
Never knew what NSF meant on the labels. Great Earth Day article. Love Avalon Organic Lavender Body Lotion if any left.
LOVE THIS BRAND! Happy late earth day everybody :]
I saw an add in a magaine for this line of skin care and wondered if anyone had any … Kitchen & Food Forum · Kitchen & Food Blogs.