Essential Mineral Anti-Inflammatory Gel Cleanser

There has been much debate about sulfates in cleansers for hair, face & body.  Shalom Organics chooses to use sulfate free cleansers for face & body so that we can offer the most gentle yet effective cleansers possible.  They don't foam as much as ones that contain sulfates, but they do foam, and they (to us anyway) FEEL cleaner after and while using them.  We do however have to use surfactants in order to cleanse at all. 

This blog post will define the few main active ingredients in our Essential Mineral Anti-Inflammatory Gel Cleanser.  We WANT you to know!

Surfactants - chemical used to clean off dirt, build up & make up; all cleansers have them in some form

• Decyl glucoside - a botanical derived non-ionic surfactant obtained from the etherification of natural glucose on natural fatty alcohol. Eco Certified for the production methods and awarded the Bra Miljöval (Good Enviromental Society for Nature Conservation) international seal by the Swedish Government.  It provides high foaming power in the product and is a mild, but effective cleanser that helps to maintain the skins natural biological balance.
• Di lauryl polyglucoside - Naturally derived from long alky chain sugars, this surfactant is made from renewable resources and is an excellent conditioner for the hair and skin. Unlike harsh surfactants which irritate the skin, this ingredient is extremely mild yet increases foam volume and density in many products. Independent studies found this surfactant to be more mild than
  traditional baby care shampoos.

Essential Minerals - those elements that are necessary to proper function but not produced by the body

• Magnesium aspartate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate - In addition to vitamins, people need a daily supply of inorganic elements in their diet. A multi mineral cocktail comprised of trace elements known for their actions on the skin. Magnesium encourages protein synthesis and phosphates transfer. Copper encourages ATP, or acts as a catalyst for the synthesis of keratin and collagen, the major structural protein of the epidermis, hair, and nails while acting as a powerful cellular anti free radical agent. Zinc plays a role in the synthesis of DNA as it helps combat aging by stimulating renewal of the collagen matrix. Aspartate also plays a significant role in cellular turnover. Through various biochemical reactions, the aspartate stimulates DNA synthesis resulting in increased cell renewal. With all three minerals working in synergy it restores radiant, better tones, and healthier looking skin. The ideal solution for tired and stressed skin, it supplies the elements necessary for cell vigor and vitality

Herbs and Essential Oils - because that is at the root of what we offer in our products; in this product they also happen to be the main anti-inflammatory ingredients

• Centipeda cunnighamii extract: An herb that is a member of the daisy family which is indigenous to the outback of Australia. It is cultivated organically along the Murray River in Victoria, Australia and is processed without the use of alcohol or solvents. For centuries,the Aborigines have used this herb medicinally to treat various skin conditions. The extract contains potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties as well as soothing anti-irritant benefits. A series of clinical tests conducted at the Wellington School of Medicine demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory action was up to thirty times more effective than standard aspirin. The extract also produced 50% more stimulatory growth in skin cell
  fibroblasts, which is the foundation of cell renewal. As early as 1886, this extract has been recognized in Australia for its medicinal uses.
• Bisabolol - is produced from the Candeia tree found in the Southeast and Midwest regions of Brazil. The oil obtained from the wood is used primarily as an anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and anti-bacterial in sensitive skin preparations. Bisabolol has three times the purity than that of Chamomile and is the preferred active ingredient for protection against the recurring stresses of the environment on the skin. It is a natural occurring and versatile ingredient for the natural personal care industry.
• Myrtle Essential Oil (Myrtus communis) - Native to Africa, the leaves of this evergreen bush are hydro or steam distilled for the hydrosol & essential oil.  It gives a fruity clean odor.  It is known to be a skin tonic, good for oily skin, open pores & external skin irritations.  (from 375 Essential Oils & Hydrosols by Jeanne Rose)

Moisturizing agent - yes now offered in a gel cleanser!

• Xylitylglucoside anhydroxylitol xylitol - a naturally-derived ingredient from the sugars found in wheat and wood cellulose. It has been shown to dramatically improve the epidermal water content by increasing the skin’s dermal water reservoirs (GAGs:glycosaminoglycans). Stimulation of GAGs synthesis (hyaluronic acid and chondroitine sulphate) on fibroblasts is significant. Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) is decreased as well. It also shows improvement of the barrier function increasing ceramide synthesis. The effects are shown to be immediate and long-term.

The Essential Mineral Anti-Inflammatory Gel Cleanser will diminish and eventually clear redness in the face (& how many of us have red cheeks!), and irritations including zits, allergies, dermatitis, and much more.  It smells light and fresh, goes on thick and lathers into a fine foam.  Even though we are a seasonal product line, this cleanser is a staple in our Sensitive Skin care regime.  For Spring 2010 it is is our only gel cleanser we are offering. 

Come get it! 
Now offered at Madusalon 300 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA 94110 
The Shopping Cart will be up soon on the website, thank you for your patience.  Call 415-691-SKIN with any questions or to set up a consultation.  www.shalomorganics.com