No laws exist regarding nanoparticle use in cosmetics, nor to protect the workers producing them or environmental systems into which waste nanoproducts are released.
Boutique organic skincare brand Stem Organics www.stemorganics.com is one of the few companies who actively take a stance against using nanoparticles within their range. Made from organic ingredients and featuring unique Australian extracts, the natural formulations of Stem Organics are created under the close direction of Melbourne, Australia duo, Lara Deutsch and Myke Christoffel.
Nanoingredients such as fullerenes have been shown to damage human liver cells and cause brain damage in fish. Titanium and Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (used in many sunscreen products) have been shown to be photoactive, producing free radicals and causing DNA damage when exposed to UV light.
Toxicologists recommend nanoparticles undergo a full safety assessment before permitted for use in products, to date this has not occurred.
After battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome during her late teens and early adulthood, Lara’s was drawn to the area of organics and holistic health, since traditional medicine failed to find a solution.
“We felt strongly about creating a contemporary skincare range suitable for both men and women that is best for your skin, health and life itself.” Stem Organics filled that gap and launched in the US late 2006. Just months later, Womans Wear Daily Beauty Biz, America’s ‘industry bible’, crowned Stem Organics as one of the ‘It List Organic Beauty Brands for 2007.
The range quickly grew to a collection of nine premium formulations including Gentle Cleansing Milk, Antioxidant Toning Infusion and three Face Fluid variations suitable for all skin types. The Fresh Start Serum, Intensive Eye Serum and Smooth Skin Exfoliant complete the family.
“We believe in creating skincare to nourish the skin with organic and natural ingredients. We live in a generation which focuses on eating organic, detoxing the body and living carbon-neutral, so why not apply the same rule to your skincare routine?” adds Lara.
“Our Stem Organics www.stemorganics.com philosophy is simple; we create desirable and ethical skincare. We believe what we put in our products is just as important as what we leave out. That definitely includes nanoparticles”
