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5 Not-So-Natural Personal Care Products

With Earth Day right around the corner, here's a handful of items whose earthy claims have been challenged.

Articles

5 Not-So-Natural Personal Care Products

Consumer preference for personal care products marketed as “natural” is backed by the idea that the items are not only better for the body but also better for the environment. The definition of natural, after all, is “existing in or caused by nature.” And “natural” sells: Sales of natural body care products rose more than 10 percent to $1.1 billion in the last year.

Yet a spate of class-action lawsuits allege that some major brands of personal care products marketed as “natural” actually contain synthetic or chemical ingredients. With Earth Day right around the corner, here’s a handful of items whose earthy claims have been challenged.

The product

Every Man Jack Shave Cream

The pitch

Made with “naturally derived” ingredients

Not-so-natural ingredients?

Ethylhexylglycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, among others.


The product

Honest Conditioning Detangler

The pitch

Simply, “natural”

Not-so-natural ingredient?

Caprylyl Glycol


The product

Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Illuminating Shampoo

The pitch

“[N]aturally activate hair shine”

Not-so-natural ingredients?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, among others


The product

Tom’s of Maine Body Lotion

The pitch

A “natural moisturizer”

Not-so-natural ingredients?

Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide


The product

Seventh Generation Natural Hand Wash

The pitch

It’s in the name, “natural”

Not-so-natural ingredient?

Glycerin


Find more of our coverage on products marketed as “natural” here.


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