Eco-Friendly Gift Series: Illumina Organics (Gift Baskets, Hair, Skin, and Baby Products)-

Awhile back I received some samples from Illumina Organics, a family run small business that supports environmental health and safer personal products for families.

Illumina has some loftly goals. According to their website:

"Very few products really meet a true standard of organic and natural. The current standard set by our government is constantly under attack and is regularly watered down. Believe us when we say that when the standard is changed it's not to the benefit of the consumer.

*Inform our friends, family, and clients about the hazards in most cosmetic products.

*Provide the tools necessary for our friends, families and clients to make better choices.

*Diligently search for the highest quality, safe for your body products, and make them easily available to you.

*And last...we intend to promote less known companies who create high quality products that make you and the environment their first priority. (why should large cosmetic companies profit from making us unhealthy?)
We want you to know that if our name and seal are on the product you can be confident that the contents of that container are safe and effective."

I tried the Soothing Body Lotion, and its smell was divine. I am not into perfumes of any kind. Most of the time they smell too articifical, and we know they are filled with phthalates, which aren't good for anyone. But this was different. It was a warm, flowery smell that wasn't at all overwhelming. It worked very well and absorbed into my skin quickly. I'm sad the bottle is almost gone!

I also used the Head to Toe Baby Wash with my little girls. It lathered up well, and seemed to do the job with no problem. We had no tears and happy babies. The wash has a slight lavender smell, which is calming (lord do we need that). The bottle is also BPA free, and the wash is made with no phthalates or other artificial ingredients. I did not see a rating from the Environmental Working Group yet from this company or products.

A nice idea for the holidays are these gift baskets. Who wouldn't love these? There are baskets for new moms and babies.

Enjoy!

PS- I'm back from my Earthwatch expedition in Louisiana. It was a great experience- I explored (very closely) a whole new habitat, met great teachers and scientists, and got to discover an exciting and (re)blossoming city. I'm happy to be home to see my little girls, though. It was a long time away!