All ingredients are derived directly from Nature's plants and oceans with the exception of:* Peptides, Silk, Pearl, Royal Jelly, Honey, Emu Oil, Hyaluronic Acid
Anna Bellina products contain a combination of pure ingredients that are certified organic, organic, ethically wild crafted, or ecologically harvested. These ingredients are changed seasonally for optimum results. We use only the finest ingredients and we use them in
therapeutic, not token, amounts. Ingredients are biodynamic and rich with live plant energies. The living plant oils and resins we use contain vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, enzymes, nutrients, plant hormones, anti-bodies, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and immune stimulating properties.
"Synergy = the whole is greater than the sum of the parts"11 Synthetic Ingredients to Avoid in Skin Care ProductsIf you have experienced sensitive skin allergic reactions, break outs, headaches or any other symptoms, then by selecting foods and body care products that contain no synthetic ingredients you may notice those symptoms pleasantly disappear. Read labels carefully. If you don't recognize an ingredient, your body probably won't either.
1. Parabens (Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl) - Probably the most commonly used synthetic preservatives. They inhibit enzyme activity and thus inhibit microbial growth. In as much as this serves to extend the shelf life of products, the inhibition of enzyme activity continues in our body when they are applied to the skin. Abundant enzyme activity is key to enhancing our health and vitality. Parabens are also known to cause rashes, skin irritations and other allergic reactions. High concentrations of parabens have been found in breast tumor samples. It is uncertain whether they caused the tumors but they are considered to be associated with the overall rise in breast cancer cases.
2. Imidazalidinyl Urea and Diadzolidinyl Urea - Common trade names are Germall and Germaben. Known to cause contact dermatitis. They are toxic and reported to be by-products of human protein metabolism excreted from human urea.
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE, Citricidal, or Citrus Seed) - A preservative that has previously been considered to be natural and safe, upon closer investigation it has been found that the extraction method uses toxic solvents and when effective it is preserved with synthetic chemicals, often times parabens.
4. Disodium EDTA - Used as a thickener and penetration enhancer. It alters the skin's structure increasing the amount of other chemicals that reach the blood stream. It may cause rashes, allergies, asthma, and irritation to mucous membranes. It has also been tied to kidney damage.
5. Propylene Glycol - Used as a solvent, it promotes permeation through the skin. It acts as a humectant attracting moisture to the skin. It is also used in the production of antifreeze, brake fluid and cellophane. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) indicate that contact with the skin can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
6. Petroleum Derived Products including Mineral Oil - Form a gas impermeable film which blocks the pores and prevents the skin from breathing and eliminating wastes. Since oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange is vital to health in
general, this is detrimental to long-term health. It can lead to increased toxicity levels resulting in a burden
on the immune system. They are reported to be cancer producing.
7. Alcohols - Usually a group known as fatty alcohols: cetyl, stearyl, or lauryl. Since they are fat solvents they can dry the skin and hair. They are considered to be toxic in large or cumulative doses.
8. Perfumes, Fragrance and
Fragrance Oils - Are among the most frequent allergens. Complaints to the FDA include: headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper-pigmentation, nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation. According to the National Academy of Sciences (1986) 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. Many are known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
9. Colors and Dyes - Are mostly derived from coal tar which is believed to be
cancer causing. They may also cause allergic reactions. They are labeled as FD&C or D&C followed by a number.
10. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - Used as a foaming agent in soaps and shampoos. It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, allergic reactions, scalp scurf similar to dandruff. It is derived from coconut. Attempts are made to disguise it with the parenthetic explanation 'comes from coconut'. If a product makes foam or bubbles it potentially poses harm.
11. Triethanolamine (TEA) - Mostly found in cleanser products to adjust PH. Causes allergic reactions, eye problems, can dry skin and hair. Could be toxic if used over a period of time.
Our
therapeutic medicinal grade essential oils and
organic hydrosols and
organic aloe vera gel are of the highest quality.
The base of Ayurvedic, Chinese Herbs, Silk, and Pearl is a blend of my Grandmother Messino's original formulas from Rangoon, Burma and Italy. My Mom's healing organic botanicals from Atlanta are the main ingredients for the Anna Bellina products... now charged and fermented. My personal research and contribution include Amino Acids, Enzymes, Vitamins, Liposomes, Algae, Royal Jelly, Essential Oils, and Cosmeceuticals to the formulations.
Why Cosmeceuticals? It's been my experience that while "all natural" and "organic" feed skin, the blend of cosmeceuticals add the boosted firming properties that the majority of my customers seem to want.
Synthetic Preservatives
The decaying process is natural and goes on with or without preservatives. Cosmetics do not (and should not) last forever. Just like food, all cosmetics containing natural substances will eventually grow microorganisms and go rancid. The chemical preservatives, colors and fragrances in cosmetics hide the obvious signs of putrefaction. Chemicals used to preserve cosmetics are far more toxic and cause many more reactions than the bacteria from which they are supposed to protect us. Their effectiveness (not safety) has only been "proven" by torturing and killing animals (otherwise known as animal testing). Chemical preservatives are not used to protect the consumer; they are used
to protect the manufacturer from economic loss. It is far cheaper to produce vast amounts of product and warehouse it than to create small batches that ensure product freshness. Avoid these toxic chemical preservatives:
DMDM Hydantoin (contains formaldehyde)
Germall 115 (Imidazolidinyl urea)
(releases formaldehyde over 10 C)
Germall II (Diazolidinyl urea)
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben
Sodium Sulfosuccinate
Thiomersal (contains mercury)
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Isothiazolinone
Chloromethylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Bronopol
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Butylated hudroxyanisole (BHA)
WE DO NOT ADD THESE INGREDIENTS TO OUR PRODUCTS:ALUMINUM CHLOROHYDRATE - The active ingredient in many antiperspirants. Inhibits the normal bodily function of underarm sweating. The use of aluminum compounds in personal care is currently under scrutiny.
DIMETHICONE - Silicone polymer used to modify a product's feel or contribute water resistance. Silicone polymers used in breast implants caused serious health problems and were subsequently banned by the Food & Drug Administration.
FD&C and D&C COLORS - Petroleum derived synthetic colors can be toxic and cause allergy. The Food and Drug Administration have banned numerous FD&C and D&C colors as emerging scientific data found them unsafe for human use.
FORMALDEHYDE - One of the most toxic of all personal care ingredients. This irritating and allergenic preservative was commonly used in shampoos.
FRAGRANCE OILS - The synthetic fragrances that are used in cosmetics and household cleaning supplies can consist of many undisclosed ingredients and none of them are natural. The chemicals used in fragrances do not have to be listed separately from the other ingredients. The label simply reads “fragrance” or “perfume” or “parfume”. The consumer is being deceived into believing that one harmless ingredient is in their beauty product and not made aware of the cocktail of dangerous artificial fragrance chemicals that they are putting onto their skin and breathing in. Synthetic fragrance oils are used because they are more affordable then pure unadulterated essential oils. The majority of adverse reactions to cosmetics and toiletries are caused by fragrance chemicals. Most hypoallergenic forms of cosmetics are fragrance free because the chemical cocktails are known irritants and allergens. The consumer can have such negative reactions to cosmetic fragrances because each artificial fragrance typically contains one hundred or more chemicals to produce just one fragrance. Over 5000 aroma chemical are available for creating synthetic fragrances.
MINERAL OIL - Mineral Oil is inappropriately named since it bears no relationship to minerals. It is merely a synthetic chemical fraction of petroleum.
PARABENS: METHYL, ETHYL, PROPYL, BUTYL - Petroleum derived toxic preservative chemicals, which can be lethal to many life forms beyond their target microorganisms in personal care products. Parabens have a history of causing allergy and irritation in human skin.
PETROLATUM - This semisolid chemical is actually a mixture of mineral oil and paraffin waxes. Derived from petroleum, and historically used and trusted by millions, this chemical has no justifiable role in the well being of human skin.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL - Liquid preservative, solvent and antifreeze, this toxic petroleum derivative is known to cause allergy and irritation.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE - One of the original synthetic ingredients used in personal care products. Very aggressive and irritating, this chemical may have more far reaching toxic effects than previously thought.
SOY - Recent research has proven this inexpensive and abundant product does not contain beneficial skin or hormone balancing properties. Many companies have cut corners, and costs, and process in a fast, cheap, and inefficient manner leaving the American soy virtually non-beneficial. However, I've been told the better and more expensive European extraction method, England particularly, delivers a more beneficial soy product.
TALC - This insoluble powdered mineral can cause respiratory illness.
