I couldn’t possibly begin this post without stating the obvious: Dr. Alexis, the founder of Eco Chic Movement, is a fascinating woman.
Not only is she a successful entrepreneur (she just signed a deal with Whole Foods, no biggie), but is also a chemical engineer and naturopathic doctor!
Although she’d always been fascinated by skincare products, Alexis never really thought about the chemicals in these products until she was doing her master’s research. She was researching breast cancer and was absolutely shocked to find that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the chemicals she was studying that are well established to increase the risk of breast cancer, were listed as possible ingredients in her favorite shampoo.
Her curiosity sparked, she took a week off from her master’s research to look into the rest of her skincare products. Once again, she was astonished with the lack of government regulation of the cosmetic and personal care product industry in North America. She decided that if the government wasn’t going to sufficiently protect her, she was going to have to learn to protect herself.
Alexis tried various natural product lines over the next few years and found that most of them could not deliver on the texture, performance, and smell of conventional products. It was only when she started studying naturopathic medicine that it dawned on her to start making her own products.
After many inevitable failures and revisions, her current product line is top notch, with the effectiveness of conventional products and without the toxic burden. Alexis managed to incorporate her knowledge of chemistry, toxicology, and botanical medicine to insure that her products contain the best ingredients in complementary combinations.
Like many of us know, the label “natural” doesn’t mean very much. There are currently no regulations on skin care products with respect to the word “natural” in North America and the big brands know that all too well: they are manufacturing products that are chemical laden (with a little bit of green tea extract in it) and calling them “natural”. These same brands have big budgets to be able to bring large marketing campaigns, beautiful packaging, and ideal store and shelf placement which successfully fools the majority of us into thinking that their products are safe and all natural.
Eco Chic Movement is committed to bringing you 100% chemical free products.
Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl)- The most widely used preservative in cosmetics. Parabens, like phthalates, are commonly hidden in products under the umbrella term of “fragrance”. Parabens are easily absorbed through the skin and have an affinity for fatty tissues such as the breast. They also have the ability to mimic estrogen in the body and are classified as a hormone disruptor. Dr Philippa Darbre is one of the key researchers in this field. Her 2004 study found parabens in human breast tumour samples. Eco Chic Movement uses a 100% plant based preservative that is broad spectrum against viruses, bacteria, mould, yeast and fungus. This eco preservative allows their products to have a 1 year shelf life!
Phthalates- Used in creams and lotions as emulsifying agents (emulsifying agents are substances that facilitate the mixing of oil and water). They can be hidden under the label “fragrance”, as fragrance recipes are considered trade secrets and do not have to be disclosed. Phthalates have been shown to disrupt hormone levels, cause DNA damage and have been linked to birth defects. You won’t find any questionable fragrances in Alexis’s products, which are scented with 100% essential oils.
Sulfates- These are the substances responsible for those thick, sudsy lathers that you love! Unfortunately they are a well known skin and eye irritant and are frequently contaminated with with 1,4-dioxin, a known carcinogen. At Eco Chic Movement, they use vegetable oils, vegetable emulsifying wax, and proper packaging to get you the lather that you crave, while keeping chemicals out of your products.
Synthetic Preservatives- These preservatives work by releasing small amounts of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a well known carcinogen.
Petroleum Products- Also know as petroleum jelly or mineral oil jelly. Petrolatum is restricted in skin care products in the Europen Union. Petroleum products are frequently contaminated with PAHs- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. PAHs are chemicals associated with petroleum products that are known to cause cancer
Instead, Alexis uses the following ingredients, which have ample benefits for your skin:
contains a high level of oleic acid which makes it anti-inflammatory, skin regenerating and moisturizing. There is also quite a bit of stearic acid in shea, resulting in increased flexibility of the skin and provide faster skin repair. It serves as a great barrier for the skin, keeping moisture in and the elements out, and is successfully used to reduce skin redness and decrease wound healing time. It has also been shown to provide a slight SPF protection (6-8).
is one of the oils with the highest amounts of vitamins including A, B1, B2, B5, D, E and beta carotene. It helps soothe itchy skin and calm redness and inflammation. It contains a high amount of oleic acid, making it great for sun or wind burned skin. It also contains chlorophyll, which helps give it its lovely green hue.
is one of the golden ingredients in natural skin care products. Aloe vera has many beneficial properties such as being anti- itch, soothing, moisturizing, and assisting in wound and burn healing. It is also anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and helps with cell proliferation. Aloe is such a great moisturizer because it is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air and helps it be absorbed through the skin.
is an herb that is a skin care superhero! It is a yellow-orange flower that can be found in gardens around the world. It it well known to be beneficial for eczema, cuts, burns, and diaper rash. Its superhero powers come from its ability to be anti-inflammatory, help with wound healing and skin regeneration, and have antiseptic properties, all while smelling great.
Eco Chic Movement makes the choice to not only avoid harmful ingredients in their products, but to include ingredients that help improve the health of the skin.
Alexis was generous enough to send me almost all of her baby products and boy, was I impressed. Liam’s skin has become significantly softer ever since I started using Eco Chic. It’s great to think that her products will soon be available on a national level for all my mama friends to try!
This baby lotion is enriched with calendula, oatmeal, marshmallow, shea butter, and contains aloe which helps to soothe baby’s sensitive skin. While shea acts as protective shield, locking moisture in and keeping dryness out, the oats help reduce the itchiness of dry skin or eczema, and the lavender and vanilla infused oils result in a calming natural scent. Every night after his bath (when he is still a little damp), I lather Liam up with this lotion and his skin is instantly baby soft. I love the sweet smell and how quickly it absorbs, while still leaving behind such a smooth finish. Love, love, love it!
The shampoo / body wash is excellent as well. I love the container and how easy it is to use the pump (when your baby is trying to crawl out of the bathtub, a little help is always appreciated!) The castile based blend is specially formulated to be gentle on baby’s first sensitive heads and bodies. The natural scents of lavender and vanilla help to calm and soothe baby, making bath time the relaxing moment it should be. I was so impressed with the scents of all of Alexis’s products and how long they lingered afterwards. Liam smells amazing after bath time and I can’t help but smother him in kisses!
Again, Alexis did a great job with the packaging here. Although I’ve tried a variety of salves in jars and tubes, her easy, roll on applicator is perfect. I love to roll some on Liam’s chest, a few swabs under the soles of his feet before bundling him up in his fleece PJs, and then a quick dab on his sinuses (sides of nose and forehead.) This chest congestion rub is designed to get phlegm out of the chest and relieve stuffy noses – it is composed of a blend of herbs that are anti-bacterial, ant-viral, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, warming, and calming. It’s basically a natural Vapo Rub and my new “must-have” when Liam has a cold!
This unique botanically-based, zinc free formula helps to prevent and soothe diaper rash and maintain the skin’s protective barrier. Neem, Tea Tree, and St John’s Wort work in combination to inhibit the growth of yeast, fungus, viruses and bacteria, promoting prevention and faster healing of diaper rash.The calendula, oats, and marshmallow formula calms, cools, and soothes irritated skin… and it’s perfectly safe to use with cloth diapers!
Thank you Alexis for allowing me to share your incredible brand with my readers… and congrats on your recent successes! I know many mamas (me included) will be looking out for your products in the weeks to come.
All the essentials a new mom needs: cloth diaper safe diaper cream, baby wash and shampoo, baby face cream, baby lotion for sensitive skin, baby massage oil and skin conditions cream. Great for keeping in your diaper bag. Helps manage such common conditions as chapped cheeks, craddle cap, and diaper rash. Every new parent wants to make the best choices for their baby, this gift pack helps to get baby started on a clean skin care routine that won’t irritate their skin and is toxin and chemical free! The Baby Travel Set is also safe for airline travel!
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