I have never told my story. Most of everything we have written is about Wendy’s fight with Cancer and stupidity in the skincare market intermixed with how I created our products. So, since it is 15 years in business this year, I just felt like writing down my perspective of who we are.
In 1994, I met the woman of my dreams. In 1997, I nearly lost her to Melanoma cancer. Dr. Hugh Greenway at Scripps in LaJolla, CA saved her life. The prescriptions so severely hurt her that the experience became the basis for the invention of our products. The experience changed my life and my purpose. Read our book, “Defining Moments” and will get a tiny glimpse….tiny… of our lives together.
Keys was born was out of strife and conflict. It was a confusing time where any action was better than no action. Everything on the market was full of junk and even the “natural” brands had parabens and sulfates. It was 2004 when the first four products debuted at the Natural Products Expo and the years since have been full of change, innovation, and staying true to our purpose. It shocked the industry when our newly minted sunscreen, Solar Rx, was featured as the most effective by Consumer Reports Magazine, and the EWG ranked it the safest out there.
Keys Island Rx Foaming wash is a patriarch of our line. With the popularity of micellar water cleansers, we thought it would be essential to point out that Island Rx has always been micelle-based. It has been that way since its introduction in 2004.
Our society, especially beauty, is fad and fan based. Keys has always been a “Fan” based product line, but we have started a few “Fads” in our 15 years. More often than not, we have not been credited with some interesting trends.
There is a difference between fads and fan-based products. Word of mouth advertising is generally associated with fan-based products and Fads with fake news.
The origin of the word fad is generally tied back to about 1834. Loosely related to “hobby, pet project” (adjective faddy is from 1824), of uncertain origin. Perhaps shortened from fiddle-faddle. Or maybe from French fadaise “trifle, nonsense,” which is ultimately from Latin fatuus “stupid.” From 1881 as “fashion, craze,” or as Century Dictionary has it, “trivial fancy adopted and pursued for a time with irrational zeal.”
Micellar water is not a fad as it has been the fundamental basis of Castile soaps for over 500 years. It is neither new or a flash in the pan. The fact that many are crediting the invention to a French chemist just a few years ago is bunk. Said, the fad is also functional. But, the craze of it will diminish, and we will keep extracting micelles for our Island Rx foaming wash.
All of our soaps are micelle-based cleansers.
Windsurfer is a huge fan-based product with runners, outdoors people, and people that want a refreshing citrus lime full body cleanser.
MetaClean has helped people with psoriasis, eczema, and other skin disorders for years because of its Neem and Karanja ayurvedic oils.
Island Rx Foaming Wash is consistently one of our top sellers because of how it cleans and moisturizes the face neck and hands with avocado oil and clary sage.
Island Rx Foaming “Glacier Water” Cleanser – All Natural, Chemical-Free Healing Foaming Wash for Skin Disorders, Itching, Allergies & Irritations.
Our micellar abundant cleaning soap was developed for sensitive skin like the face and neck. The micellar technology foaming applicator automatically dilutes the Island Rx formulation so that it can be used directly on wet skin. It is also great for bathing small children and babies.
Island Rx was the first product we developed. With over 100 initial version, the product was developed for Wendy Steele after her bout with Melanoma. The basis for Island Rx is a 300-year-old Castile soap recipe with holistic and naturopathic influences in the form of healing essential oils, a Micelle that resembles the antioxidant properties of natural glacier water and the addition of softening oils like avocado and jojoba. Keys customers have reported the reversal of common skin disorders like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and skin allergies after just a few uses.
From 2004 Article: Micelles by Bob Root
There are two distinct places that you find Micelles. One is in Glacier Water and the other is Castile Soaps. They fundamentally trap and hold dirt from the skin and wash off with water. Simple, but a very complex mystery of nature.
Micelle Structure
A micelle, plural micelles, micella, or micellae) is an aggregate of surfactant molecules dispersed in a liquid colloid. A typical micelle in aqueous solution forms an aggregate with the hydrophilic “head” regions in contact with the surrounding solvent, sequestering the hydrophobic single tail regions in the micelle center. This phase is caused by the insufficient packing issues of single-tailed lipids in a bilayer. The difficulty filling all the volume of the interior of a bilayer, while accommodating the area per head group forced on the molecule by the hydration of the lipid head group leads to the formation of the micelle. This type of micelle is known as a normal phase micelle (oil-in-water micelle). Inverse micelles have the headgroups at the center with the tails extending out (water-in-oil micelle). Micelles are approximately spherical. Other phases, including shapes such as ellipsoids, cylinders, and bilayers, are also possible. The shape and size of a micelle is a function of the molecular geometry of its surfactant molecules and solution conditions such as surfactant concentration, temperature, pH, and ionic strength. The process of forming micellae is known as micellization and forms part of the phase behavior of many lipids according to their polymorphism.
Micelle Structure
In our studies of ancient remedies, we found that some of the most powerful yet gentle skin agents were Clary sage, blood orange, black cumin (black seed) oil, carrot seed oil, and avocado oil. When using on the skin in lotions or soap, they perform the same as some harsh chemicals in a slow but sure manner.
So, how does all this work to help acne suffers? We have found through our customers that they have developed a sort of regime that makes perfect sense to me.
Click To Buy
They get off all the junk(dirt) and go clean, including shampoo, personal care, and home care products. You probably already get this because you are reading this. Then they wash daily with Island Rx foaming wash, rinsing and lightly drying. In the morning (some twice a day) they apply Solar Rx. Yes, the sunblock. Solar Rx contains pharmaceutical grade avocado oil, back cumin oil, carrots seed oil and uncoated zinc oxide. Those powerful essential oils soothe the skin and mimic the skins own sebum restoring good oil levels lost by being exposed to hydrocarbons, pollutants, dryness, and dehydration. The uncoated zinc oxide is at 18.5% by volume. Most zinc oxide based acne and skin prescriptions only contain 5%-6% uncoated zinc oxide. They discovered that they could get the same pharma grade zinc oxide in Solar Rx at much higher levels and a fraction of the price of prescription creams.
FDA Study Reports Chemical Sunscreens Enter Bloodstream in One-Day
In a recent report and study by the FDA, it appears they are on a path to ban all chemical sunscreen ingredients used in most sunscreens on the market. Keys Solar Rx is a clear physical sunscreen using zinc oxide.
The four chemicals studied — avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene — are part of a dozen that the FDA recently said needed to be researched by manufacturers before they could be considered “generally regarded as safe and effective.”
Excerpt:Wired Magazine
Today, researchers at the FDA revealed the results of a small clinical trial designed to test how four of the most common sun-filtering molecules on the market behave after they’ve been sprayed on and rubbed in. The results, published in the journal JAMA, show that contrary to what sunscreen manufacturers have been saying, UV-blocking chemicals do seep into circulation. Now, don’t panic and toss your tubes. There’s no evidence yet that they’re doing anything harmful inside the body. But the revelation will have serious impacts on sunscreen manufacturers going forward, and may change what options you’ll find on drugstore shelves before the year is out.
“Everyone had always thought that because these are intended to work on the surface of the skin that they wouldn’t be absorbed, but they are,” says Theresa Michele, director of the FDA’s division of nonprescription drug products, and coauthor on the FDA-funded study. Her team found that it took only a few hours after the application of sunscreen for the photoprotective chemicals to infiltrate the bloodstream and shoot up to concentrations above the FDA’s toxicology threshold that triggers further safety testing.
If you have trouble opening the article copy the following into your browser. https://www.wired.com/story/sunscreen-chemicals-soak-all-the-way-into-your-bloodstream/
When I started writing my book, Chemical-Free Skin Health, I thought I would mention Parabens as a side comment in the chapter on the Dirty Dozen Chemicals in most skincare products. Yes, about 95% of every skincare product produced has a bacteriacide that goes by many names. Most are listed on product labels as Methyl-Paraben or something with paraben in the name.
I was speaking at a conference and was attacked by a person in the audience because they claimed that parabens were not harmful in the small amount used in a product. True that most applications of this bacteriacide are in the 0.5% range and are useful in keeping mold and bacteria growth in check. Back to the incident, I responded that “the average woman uses between 20 to 40 products a day on her skin. Because paraben use is cumulative, that means that the average woman is exposing herself to 10%-20% parabens levels every day. They sat down, and the moderator of the discussion took a quick turn away.
The rub is simple. Parabens kill good and bad bacteria indiscriminately. That is in the bottle and on your skin. The MSDS (federal product safety document) requires a fully garbed and nitrile gloved worker also to wear a respirator if exposed to >2% paraben levels. Someone using 10%-20% level of parabens cumulatively is damaging the skin microbiome and affecting that person’s overall health.
In keeping with the times, we created a new area of Clean Green Cafe blog for quick informational bites. Infograms™ is focused on helping you understand our product applications. Infograms will offer tips and tricks as well as educational information. We will bring you industry news and our perspective on various important subjects. Clean Green Cafe will continue to have in-depth content while Infograms will be quick short bits of information. Often there will be crossover content where Infograms will link to a larger more profound article on the Clean Green Cafe Side.
An InfoGram is a bit like Twitter with a few exceptions.
Like Twitter the messages are short and to the point.
They are quick reads at mostly under one minute and never more than two minutes
Messages are straightforward.
No flowery words our comments that are up in the air.
You can choose to subscribe to Infograms separately from Clean Green Cafe for quick bites.
Infograms a frank and friendly…you know where we stand
Important to note is that the InfoGram blog is independent of Clean Green Cafe. That means that you need to subscribe to Infograms knowing that there will be more, but shorter content coming your way in the form of emails. We invite you to click on the links in emails to get to the main article, but please know that 100% of the content of the Infogram will be in the body of the email you receive. So, it is essential to subscribe so that you do not have to bookmark Inforgram to read the content.
Hope this makes sense, but, you need to subscribe to Infograms on the Infogram site at this link to get more frequent short information content
I was attending a panel discussion at an industry event. A researcher from Finland showed a study connection calluses on feet, knees, hands, and elbows to people having gluten intolerance. The speaker did not offer any solutions other than avoiding gluten.
What was particularly interesting is that she did point out that it was a manifestation that covered those people with mild gluten intolerances as well as those with full-blown celiac disease. I asked her if there was a Psoriasis connection and she said there was, but not enough detail was available.
We have noted that both our Tortuga lotion and MetaCare have a semi-fast-acting effect on calluses and Psoriasis. We have seen and heard from our customers that eliminating gluten has reversed calluses. Initially, we thought that it was just the Tortuga or MetaCare. Now, we are wondering.
Fifteen years ago, one of the first things we discovered about our Island Rx pure castile soap was its fantastic success with acne and backne. What we found was that the combination of slightly high alkalinity and the Clary Sage had a tremendous effect on controlling and reversing acne. Today it is available in two bottle types — the original liquid soap and a facial cleansing foamer version. The liquid version is a strong fighter for more acne and backne. The foamer is one of the most popular products we make for how good it cleans and moisturizes. The bonus is that, because it is Island Rx, you get daily maintenance of the bacteria that causes acne.
Eczema seems to be a catchall term for a lot of doctors. The cause is unknown, but some of us suspect chemicals in everyday products.
Bob Root – Keys Founder
Common culprits for chemically induced eczema are sulfates in laundry detergents, PEG (propylene glycol) in just about everything and parabens (a biocide in most products). So, what we have heard from our customers is that finding the cause of the skin irritation is much more important than giving it a name. Doc’s seem to want to name it so they can prescribe steroids and topical antibiotics. We find this seems to make thing worse with usually a fast relief and then a return of the irritation with a vengeance.
Our customers tell us that our MetaCare and RediCare do an excellent job of getting rid of the symptoms and keeping them away. The secret seems to be the Neem and Karanja oil we use along with high-quality ingredients. MetaCare is a nice soothing lotion, and RediCare is the same basic formula in a sprayable lotion that is good for larger areas.
The trick seems to find out what is bothering the skin. Sleuthing the cause is the best solution. Look to those laundry detergents that use sulfates and optical brighteners (phosphorus mostly). Most imported clothing has fire-retardants in them. Carpet cleaners also use sulfates. Parabens in 98% of skincare products.
96% of educated internet users consult Dr. Google first when they have a health concern. It is easy to understand why. It takes a matter of seconds to access an answer to your symptom on Google Search. You instantly get opinions from people and reputable sources like WebMD, Mayo, et al. ..and it does not cost anything. More often than not, Dr. Google offers many solutions that you can decide to try or not.
Keys business is skin health. Our customers’ issues can range from an itch or rash to Melanoma. Our products are designed to solve skin problems, so understanding quickly what might be bothering you helps you to make quick decisions and try things that might or should help. The reality is that Google offers many options versus waiting months for a dermatologist appointment. Your health is your responsibility and understanding what might cause your symptoms is something you want to know fast.
Often a trip to the emergency room for a simple skin disorder gets escalated out of control. Often simple natural skin health solutions will help quickly. Google often helps to identify the cause so you can eliminate what might be bothering you.
I am constantly asked how can you tell if a skin disorder is caused internally or from exterior attacks. Here is how I do it and why my trick works.
Bob Root – Keys Technologist & Founder
The bandage test really works to help find the cause of skin disorders quickly. In our 15 years of research and development, we always keep focused on our mission to solve skin problems using natural remedies. Over the same period, we have seen time and again that most skin disorders are from exposure to chemicals in the environment or chemicals in conventional products.
Sulfate, parabens, PEG’s and the balance of the Dirty Thirty Chemicals are at the top of the list of skin disorder causes we have seen. The bandage test may not be 100% exact, but it is something I invented to help decide whether a skin disorder is internal or externally caused.
Band-Aid® Brand make a series of band-aids called Hydro Seal. It is available in just about every grocery store or drugstore. Here is how to do the test. Let’s say you have a rash that has been bothering you. Place a small Hydro Seal band-aid anywhere in the affected area. Follow instructions to create an excellent watertight seal. Then wait for a week and remove it. If it has diminished or gone away, something your skin is coming in contact with is probably the cause. Since the hydro seal has isolated to an area, the bandage test is usually very enlightening.
Asymmetrical Dermatitis is a common diagnosis for a skin disorder that appears on one side of a person or animal. Fact, Fiction or catchall diagnosis?
A couple of years back I was attending an event at Capitol Drug Store in West Hollywood (WeHo) California. A mom stopped by because she heard I was going to be there as a part of my book tour. She showed me her little boy’s face. His left cheek was inflamed. She said she had waited weeks to see the dermatologist and he said it was asymmetrical dermatitis. He was given a bunch of creams and ointments to take that included steroids and antibiotics. One was Prednisone. She Googled the prescriptions and was horrified by the side-effects. She asked me my thoughts.
Rather than commenting on the birthday basket from the dermatologist, I asked, “Does your son sleep on his left side?” Yes, she said! “Do you wash his bedding with Tide with Bleach.” the look on her face was astonishing, and she answered, yes! I walked her to the back of the store an showed her a laundry detergent brand named BioKleen.
I asked her to wash everything in BioKleen and send me an email in a couple of weeks. Astonishingly (not) the asymmetrical dermatitis was gone.
In the summer virtually, everyone gets a bottle of sunscreen for a long day outside whether it be at a beach, lake or pool etc. It’s important to protect your skin from UV rays. However, applying sunscreen should not be restricted to the summer. The need for shielding your skin from the sun is a necessity all year round. In addition, it’s important to moisturize your skin on a daily basis.
Because of the need to moisturize and protect from the sun on a daily basis, the popularity of products that meet multiple needs has skyrocketed.
With so many products on the market today, it’s hard to know which to buy and how they can benefit us. That’s why we created this article with tips on what to look for and avoid when selecting a daily moisturizer/SPF.
One of the markets top moisturizers is Solar RX Moisturizer SPFdue to its UVA-UVB protection minimizing the chemical burden on the skin. In addition, its lack of additives such as biocides and paraben which kill the microbiome of the skin causing disorders that are chemically driven.
UVA-UVB SPF Protection
The sunlight that reaches has two parts to its rays. These two parts of rays are made up from UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis of the skin, which is the skins thickest layer. The dermis, if unprotected, can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkling, even suppression of the immune system.
UVB rays typically burn the superficial layers of your skin. This plays a key role in the development of cancer. The intensity of UVB rays can vary depending on the season of the year. With that said it’s important to wear a moisturizer SPF that block both UVA and UVB rays. Remember that sunburn skin does not just feel awful, it can cause permanent damage to your skin.
Avoid SPF Products with Parabens
Most often products can contain parabens. Parabens are often used in products as preservatives. Parabens have been used since the 50’s and are often used in beauty products. Some of the most commonly found are lotions, lipstick, shampoos, deodorants and more.
Some studies have shown that parabens can mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen, parabens have been found present in breast cancer tumors. Parabens are additives that kill the microbiome of the skin and can lead to disorders that are chemically driven. Solar RXdoes not contain parabens!
Zinc Oxide for SPF
Solar RX contains uncoated zinc oxide. Let’s talk about just a few benefits from zinc oxide.
Helps lower skin inflammation caused by allergies, irritation, and rashes
Keeps moisture locked into dry skin
Treats pigment disorders
Provides broad-spectrum sun protection that prevents burns
Helps prevent aging of the skin.
Why Use a Moisturizer with an SPF in it?
Why would anyone buy a moisturizer that has SPF in it? The list of benefits goes on, but the short answer would be to save time and money. Buying an SPF and moisturizer separately can be costly. Add in the fact that you have to apply them separately, it’s a no-brainer.
Ashley Bio
“Hi! I am Ashley and I love writing about beauty related topics. When I am not writing about skincare and beauty products you will probably find me reading a book. Through work experience, I have been able to craft excellent writing skills in a number of different styles and tones. in addition a deep understanding of consumers and what motivates them online and of course grammar skills.
Ashley Parker is a freelance journalist and writer. She is a non-paid contributor to Clean Green Cafe. Although her opinions and views are her own, we believe they fully align with our philosophies. She runs the SkinStore blog
Keys, Thievery Corporation and Cafe Cody – The Beginning
Every company has many stories of how it started and defining moments that changed the course of its history. For us, Thievery Corporation and Cafe Cody were defining moments.
Every entrepreneur has good days, average days and some really bad experiences that teach, scar and modify you.Creating defining moments mark course changes for everyone.It is how we respond that separates us all.
Keys is no different, but with the caveat that we chase defining moments rather than avoiding them.Change is good, so constant change must be better.Innovation follows function, but form follows emotion.Recognizing our core need to innovate and change, there are so many defining moments and we embrace all of them.
One such story is our close encounter with the musical group Thievery Corporation and how they and a small internet radio station in Mallorca Spain altered the direction of our company numerous times.
So this story starts like all other Keys stories.
Boy high tech Silicone Valley CEO meets girl VP at Coca Cola.They have a 3000 mile relationship, fall in love and run away together for a new life away from the corporate grind.They plan their getaway to the Caribbean on a 85’ sailboat when a diagnosis of Melanoma changes their direction forever.
Keys was born in earnest to create products that Wendy could use to battle off the skin distress Wendy suffered from the chemicals in prescription products prescribed to her after her Melanoma surgery.
Keys started over 15 years ago building natural skincare products with the help of many friends who advised, guided and helped in sometimes the simplest ways.The advisors and advice were too numerous and great to single out just one.
So, in those early days we had developed four products that included Solar Rx SPF, Island Rx soap, Windsurfer soap and Tortuga lotion.In our little factory, we employed manufacturing techniques from a combination of high tech and Coca-Cola.We manufactured, shipped and designed everything ourselves.All were chemical-free, vegan, gluten-free and completely whole natural. Our skincare factory resembled more of a food production process.Rightfully, loyal customer adopted our products and we experienced good growth in our little niche market.Many of this customers are still with us today and feel more like family.
One of the early stories became the foundation of our close encounter with the music of Thievery Corporation and our long support of a little internet radio station in Mallorca Spain called CafeCody.com
What is funny is the event lead to one of our fastest, most beloved and highest selling products.Eye Butter was not born out of need, but more want.So, here is that story.
Eye Butter and Thievery Corporation
One day, in our early days, a call came in form a industry supporter of Keys asking if we would like to present and be a part of an event in Hollywood for 300 Hollywood Makeup Artist.Sponsored by the Environmental Media Association, the event launched us into many movies, TV shows and a very nice relationship with, then first lady of California, Maria Shriver.
The answer to whether we wanted to participate in the makeup artist event was an immediate yes.
Circa 2006
As the story goes, the person on the other end of the phone said, “the only problem is that you need a product that will interest the makeup artists. Oh Great!The event is a couple of months away and we had no idea of what to design. Wendy had used Tortuga for everything from a lip cream to eye cream.She thought, we need an eye cream anyhow, so why not do that.
Years before, I had been to an industry trade show in New York City and ran into this wonderful woman from Ghana who had sent me samples of her Shea Butter.There were several types and I was using the unfiltered unprocessed version for our Tortuga lotion and Solar Rx.It was and still is the most amazing ingredient that we get from the tribe directly in Ghana.Part of the problem with using it for an eye cream was that it’s color is grey and the amount I would have to use in an eye cream would make the product grey.Not so desirable. I remembered that one of the sample she sent was a beautiful yellow.I dug it out of a cabinet.
It only took 10 or so tweaks to get the formula for the new eye cream. After those experimental versions, I had enough to makeup just one jar to show our team.We gathered around a big teak table that was our conference table and just about everything else work surface. I popped the top and the smell of fresh cucumber stunned everyone.The yellow color was perfect and the consistency excited everybody. This would be it for our future eye cream and our entry pass to the Hollywood makeup artists event in Santa Monica California.The event coordinator agreed that it was perfect and asked me to makeup 300 samples for their gift bag.
But what to call it. We sat around the table throwing out ideas that got worse as we went on.From the Coca-Cola influence, all Keys products have names that have some special meaning.Tortuga, Island Rx etc became the naming standard for Keys. So, just Eye Cream would not work.
I had filled the jar with a French pastry piping bag with a fluted tip to make it look more attractive.One of our teams young son said it looked like butter and suggested Eye Butter.Although we had been trying to bring cucumber into the name, Eye Butter it was.We were running out of time.
So, I am an engineer with a predisposed opinion about everything.When the event coordinator asked for 300 samples, I just assumed that it would be the full 15ml jar that I had showed them.Little did I know that I was the only company that brought full size products to the event.
The event came and the opening speeches started as volunteers handed out the treasure bags for the makeup artists. Being somewhat respectful, the makeup artists sneaked a peek at what was in the bag.Almost everyone noticed the big Eye Butter jar and could not resist.I am still friends with some of the makeup artists I met that day.We still laugh at what happened next.
The makeup artist could not resist and as Amy Smart, the eco inspired actress began to speak, the artists dug into the bag and pulled out the Eye Butter.Unbelievably, the room filled with that smell of fresh cucumber.Everyone dipped into the jar and started to apply it to their eyes directly on top of their makeup.It was controlled chaos.The event coordinator was thrilled, but her east coast counterpart was perturbed at me and remains so to this day.
After my part, it took me over an hour to get out of the hotel.The makeup artist had a million questions and a bunch of opinion of how it should be refined.Great event!It was the beginning of Keys in Hollywood, but it also was the beginning of our relationship with Thievery and Cafe Cody.
As I said, Eye Butter is consistently in the top 5 products we sell yearly.Seasonally, it moves into the #1 position frequently.Okay you say, but who is this Thievery Corporation and what is CafeCody.com?More important, what do they both have to do with Keys?
The Thievery Cody Connection to Keys
My trip to California from our factory outside of Annapolis Maryland was bittersweet. Yes, I was heading back home to LA ,but it would be alone and not with my pal and sweetie.The reason was that just a few weeks prior to the event Wendy fell off a ladder and tore just about every ligament in her right ankle. She would be relegated to cruising around the factory using an office chair as a makeshift scooter with ankle elevated. No way could she fly or standup for even a few minutes at the event.
So, I was off to LAX.It was a lonesome trip with the only upside that my 3 million miles on American Airlines scored me a first-class upgrade. Walking out of LAX, I was greeted with the wonderful weather of the Southern California’s center of everything.I gathered my boxes of samples and bag to head to the rental car agency.
When I jumped into the car, I decided to take the coast road to the Marina Del Rey Marriott hotel.I arrived a bit early for check-in, so I got to hangout in the lobby.That is when it happened.
The MDR Marriott is very trendy and contemporary.Sitting in the lobby, I heard music like I never heard before.It was an interesting combination of a downtempo beat, a bit of reggae with almost jazz scat singer vocals. Determined to find out who the artist was, I went to the from desk and asked what the music was.The front desk person said she did not know.Out of character, I said, I need to know now!I even shocked myself at my aggressive behavior.Then I heard a voice from my side of the counter from an older hip looking guy.He said, the music is called Chill and that is Thievery Corporation’s “Lebanese Blonde!”He said there is also a guy in Mallorca starting an internet radio station and it is called Cafe Cody…cafecody.com. There are lots of artists including big names like Madonna recording the genre.I thanked him and out of curiosity I asked how do you know.He said he was with SONY music and was in MDR for meetings.
I have always believed in coincidences, but this one would turn out to be life changing for me, Wendy and Keys.
Excited, I checked into my room and called Wendy.She thought I was insane as I tried to explain the music.I spent the rest of the evening trying to listen to Cafe Cody.Today, you can just click the link, but ten years ago it required all sorts of software and tweaking to listen.It was internet bootleg music in the early days.
So I did the event and headed back east.When I arrived, my first task was to get Cafe Cody up on our internet at the factory and broadcast it throughout.It was an instant hit with every human, dog and cat at the factory.Friends who visited became instant fans.Chill music still plays in our offices with the factory listen on Chill-day which comes just after Outlaw Country Day.
The Story Continues
Clearly, when I hear Thievery’s Lebanese Blonde, I am immediately transported back to the MDR Marriott and that first encounter with Thievery Corporation.
Part of the irony of the story is that we have never been able to see them live and that is about to change.
Thievery Live!
It was not without trying, but we could never connect with Thievery live.Even though they were based about 35 miles west of our factory in Washington DC, no matter the appearance, we were either out of town or torn away for business.A couple of times we were close within a few hundred miles.Once, we were scheduled to be in Las Vegas and Thievery was going to be at The Brooklyn Bowl, but we had to cancel.
The inspiration for this article is that a couple of weeks ago, Wendy received a marketing email from Thievery that they would be in Reno NV the 4th of September around Burning Man time and over the labor day weekend. Hmmmm.We both looked at each other and said yes!It is only a four hour drive from Eugene where are new factory is located.…and it would be nice to get away.So Wendy began.show tickets?Got ‘em.Hotel reservation on labor day??? Got ‘em
So here we go and will update you on what it was like for us to finally here Thievery live.
Are we crazy.Well Yes, but it pays to be a bit crazy most of the time.I just only wish that words could capture what Thievery and Cody have meant to us.The music has sustained us through good time and not so good times.
Everyone at Keys is inspired by different things.Two things we all share at Keys are a love of Thievery Corporation and CafeCody.comTo both we are grateful and forever fans because they both have bright us meaning and have been a thread of normality for us.
It is just another story about Keys and one of the important ones.
Rememberin the past, living in the present and planning for the future.
Keys Natural Skincare & Beauty (Probiome) was born after co-founder Wendy Steele was diagnosed with and beat melanoma. The cancer was gone, but she was still dealing with some nasty side effects on her skin – itchy, irritated patches that were just made worse by sticky sunscreens. Her then-boyfriend (now husband) Bob Root decided to take matters into his own hands and researched the work of everyone from Harvard MDs to aboriginal healers.
The products that Bob developed for Wendy worked great for her, so together they decided to start manufacturing for the public. We sat down with Bob to discuss their products, how the company got started, and his best advice for people looking to switch to natural skincare.
Smallflower: The Keys story starts with Wendy’s bout with Melanoma and her struggles with ineffective treatments for the subsequent skin troubles. As you were first working on products with Wendy, when did you realize that you were on to something bigger than a one-off personal solution?
Bob Root: Wendy’s Melanoma came at a time where our core business was brand marketing consulting for major tech and pharmaceutical companies. I shared prototype products with the pharma people and they encouraged us to develop the first four products. We sold online only, and the big break came in 2007 when Consumer Reports Magazine ranked Solar Rx number one in its category.
At the same time, the Environmental Working Group ranked Keys’ four products number one in each of their respective categories. Now at 43 products, we continue to have the safest ratings on the EWG. This series of events caught the attention of over 500 retailers which increased the brand awareness. Over the years, we’ve continued to work with integrity, avoiding high-volume big-box store lures.
“Probiome is a Keys-registered trademark for products that restore the balance on the skin by creating formulations that promote good bacteria growth on the skin”
S: Can you briefly describe the Probiome line and name, where the idea came from, and where you think probiotic and microbiome-friendly products are going to go over the next few years?
BR: Ten years ago, I became a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Microbiome Project. The project discovered that our skin has 10 times more bacteria than human skin cells. Creating a balance is what Probiome means.
Parabens and Triclosan destroy good and bad bacteria collaterally. This imbalance allows bad bacteria to attack the skin. I firmly believe that greater than 50 percent of diagnosed skin disorders are caused by products containing parabens and triclosan.Probiome is our registered trademark for products that restore the balance on the skin. We do this with formulations that promote good bacteria growth on the skin, similarly to how probiotics restore the flora in the gut. The difference is that gut flora can be promoted by adding breeder bacteria. Skin needs an environment that attracts natural growth of the skin flora.
Natural instead of conventional is a good first step. Natural oils that promote growth is the real answer. Our products are the real deal, because they use the right ingredients of the highest quality and in therapeutic proportions.
S: For someone who is new to natural skincare products, what’s the single best piece of advice you can give them?
BR: Read the label – if you can’t recognize the names of the ingredients, don’t buy it. Find a manufacturer that you trust implicitly.
Also, vote with your wallet. It will change the world faster than donating to Non-Governmental Organizations. Manufacturers follow the money.
S: If there was one currently popular skincare ingredient you could get banned, what would it be and why?
BR: Parabens! FDA recently banned Triclosan. To brag a little bit, my book helped a lot to polarize the FDA.
S: Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about, that you can give us some hints about?
BR: Our Alternative Naturals line has very deep potential. Basically, the initial challenge was to replace petroleum jelly with a jelled avocado oil for the astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS).
It blossomed into a series of products that offer a non-petroleum jelly carrier for solution-oriented products. So we will continue to replace the top ten used solution-oriented products that have petrolatum as its carrier with AvoJel.
Another hot project is bio-based 3D printing of skin cells as a catalyst for age-reversing skin repair. It’s really out there, but it’s where I’m headed. It’s more than anti-aging, it’s un-aging.
S: What’s one Keys product that nobody should be without?
BR: For anti-aging, Solar Rx. We use no chemical sunscreens, only pure uncoated zinc oxide in a natural lotion base. Solar Rx is for those who want to avoid the extreme aging effects of UVA and UVB on a daily basis.
This is a reprint of the Small Flower article. You can Click Here to go to their site.
You Voted With Your Wallets! Natural Products Are Mainstream in Grocery Stores.
In my book, “Chemical-Free Skin Health®” I suggested that the fastest and best way to bring about change in Natural Products was to buy products that were pure and clean. Voting with your wallets. Boycotting the junk also sent a huge message. Well, you did it. The result is that not only have you put natural products front and center on store shelves, but you have convinced major brands to return to their roots by offering natural wholesome and clean products.
I recently read a draft report by a research firm that specializes in retail store trends. They noted in a recent study that many mainline brands like Campbell soup have initiated and brought out new natural brands that are simple and wholesome alternatives. Campbell’s “Well YES” brand was singled out as an example of how many brands have shifted back to simple foods. Same was noted for personal care.
I decided to do something totally out of character. I went to a Kroger Fred Meyers store in Newport Oregon and just walked the aisles. This store has a natural products section, but it was very apparent that all the food aisles were focused on natural products. As a point of reference, when a retailer puts products at eye level and easy to grab, that is what is called “First Position” meaning that it is priority. Walking the soup aisle, Amy’s and Campbell Well Yes were front and center. The jam and peanut butter section was even more noticeable. Traditional brands like Skippy were bottom shelf with Jason’s, Smucker’s Natural and other pure brands were front and center. The rest of the store was the same as was the conventional health and beauty aisles.
So, you did it. You voted with your wallets and sent a message to the manufacturers that you wanted a change and they responded. Good on you and good on them for listening.
I must also say that I hope you have learned a lesson that your voice works, but a voice that speaks directly to those that can make a change. The manufacturers! Stop wasting your money by donating to those that claim to be trying to change the government to protect us all from the evils of bad manufacturers. Keep your dollars in your wallets and spend them on products that are good for you. Trust me, funky questionable products that sit on the shelf get discontinued quickly by retailers that see them gathering dust. Those manufacturers that get their products returned because no one is buying them speaks volumes. Always, always, Vote With Your Wallets. It works every time.
When we started 15 years ago, Keys promoted natural functional products that solved problems and make people feel good. We said, “and by the way, they are natural.” Today we still market the features, benefits and advantages of our natural products. Because of the natural products food movement, we now have a huge following by people wanting to solve their skin disorders with natural products. We are celebrating the turnaround…or really the return to natural.
I guess a simple message is that the P&G’s of the world are really not so bad. They just follow the money. If you ask for junk, that’s what you get. If you ask for good, that’s what you get.
So leave your money in your wallets. Spend it wisely on products that you know what is in the container.
Congrats! You just learned how powerful you and your wallets can be.
This January 1st marked the 2oth anniversary for Bob and Wendy. What began as a chance meeting at Larry Wilson’s Ranch in Santa Fe New Mexico turned into a lifelong passion for each other and their projects. This is one of those stories about how Keys started.
20 Years in a Snapshot
What happens when a brainiac boyfriend discovers his smokin hot girlfriend has Melanoma. He fixes the problems!
Wendy Steele, Keys CEO and Founder, fondly says that Keys is all her fault. The reality is that she survived deadly Melanoma but could not beat the chemicals in prescription and skincare products that left her skin a train-wreck. Wendy experienced just about every type of skin disorder imaginable and all we traced back to the Dirty Dozen chemicals in about 98% of the skin care and prescription products available OTC and from doctors.
Wendy’s boyfriend, Bob Root, a former Silicon Valley CEO/Engineer undertook the project to develop products to help Wendy. He gathered information from Harvard MD’s turned naturopaths to aboriginal healers. He realized that there was a pattern and scheme to skin health. It was to be Chemical-Free. Thus the Keys tagline of Chemical-Free Skin Health®.
Bob’s products worked and worked quickly for Wendy. Friends with similar disorders, their family members with something as simple as dry skin, through acne and skin cancer suffers found relief using Bob’s products that he gifted them. Creating the Keys line was not a decision, it was market demand that brought out the initial four products and stunned the burgeoning natural products industry. Why, they all still had some chemicals and Bob’s did not!
Functionality is paramount at Keys. Coming from Silicon Valley, to Bob, products have to do something. Great if they make people feel good, but in his mind, they have to solve problems. He solved his girlfriends problems and the precursor for anything Keys makes is that it has to solve problems people are experiencing without using any chemicals.
So, in a snapshot, here is what you can expect from everything Keys makes:
All products solve problems and make people (and their pets) feel good
All products are free of man-made chemicals. Ergo Chemical-Free
All products use the highest quality whole natural ingredients
All products have the highest proportion of functional ingredients with no scrimping or compromises
All products are priced fairly well below chemical-laden pharmaceuticals because of the very high tech low overhead business systems Keys employs. They were the first 100% cloud-based company in the natural products industry.
All products are natural whole ingredients
All products are Vegan
All products are Gluten-Free
All products are non-GMO
All products use organic or wild-crafted ingredients
Bob in his top selling book, Chemical-Free Skin Health®, points out that it was a lot of trial and error to develop those first four products for Wendy. My incentive was that Wendy was in trouble because of western medicine and I was determined to figure out how to solve her problems naturally. The other 45+ products in the Keys line were all inspired by skin disorders and problems related to him by loyal customers that believe in him. He does not take that lightly!
You can read more of the story in detail below. Now Bob & Wendy are married and still developing products, giving speeches, writing books and listening to what customers have to say. Funny, Bob still refers to Wendy as his smoking hot girlfriend and she as her brainiac boyfriend. 20 years solving problems and making people feel good together with chemical-free skin health products.
One of the main reason we developed the entire line of Keys Alternative Naturals was for triathlete and strenuous sports fans. We attended Surf Expo last year in hopes of gaining insight into the competitive performance market and we were not disappointed at the results of our visit. The trade show clearly pointed out the need for alternatives to conventional petroleum jelly based products. The attendees we met ranged in age from 12 to 60. All were engaged in some form of strenuous exercise and sports. We fronted the idea of various products that would replace Vaseline®, Begay® and IcyHot® with products made from a jellied avocado oil. The response was 100% positive and fueled our continual development of our Alternative Naturals line.
Along the way we have talked to many people in different market segments. By far, our Alternative Naturals line has the broadest reach across many market sectors and age groups. We knew that many of the jel based products would have an impact on sports. This is one account:
The Triathlete!
We met a surfer and triathlete in Florida who was about to compete in a national triathlon. We met him a few weeks before the race and deep into his training period. He had lots of rashes and chafing, so we offered him our AvoJel. We saw him again a week later and he showed us that the rash on his neck was gone and he said that all the chafing was almost gone as well. He asked how this was possible in that he had used petrolatum based products and the irritations only went away when he stopped training. Avocado oil is a very positive ingredient on the skin and we had hoped that he wold see fast results. We also knew that the AvoJel would act and perform the same as Vaseline® and we believed it would out perform it in the areas of fast results.
So, we asked our triathlete what he used before and after a race. He gave us a list, so we gave him AvoJel, Heat Cool and Feet & Hands as well as Urban Shield for fungus.
We saw him again a week after the race and he exclaimed that he had won his age group. Then he proceeded to tell us about how all the products performed.What he told us was that he used AvoJel on areas that got chafed and rubbed from clothing etc. He had no rashes or chafing even after the swim. AvoJel stayed on and resisted the water.
He applied Feet & hands to his feet before and after the race. No blisters or cracking. He said that the cooling menthol stimulated his feet and soothed them after the race.
He used Heat Cool on his muscles. First he commented that it felt like it was not working because there was no intense smell like Bengay®. He told us that what he really noticed quickly is that the aches went away making him appreciate the lighter scent with what he felt was more action. He said his wife and kids really appreciated the lighter scent ?
He shared that he would always get a bought of athletes foot shortly after a race and the Urban Shield seemed to be working (two weeks later, still no athletes foot). He noted that his cracking fingers and dry patchy skin had also disappeared.
So, our products succeeded in helping him and affirming that we were on the right track.
As we learn more about other uses for our products, we will let you know. Simply, we know, that if there is a use for petroleum jelly, our Alternative Naturals will match and exceed their use! Not only do we believe they work better, they are better for you because there is no petroleum.
Check out Keys Alternative Naturals by Clicking Here for more detailed product information.
Just a few weeks ago we introduced our new line called Alternative Naturals™. Among the inductees was a new product called Urban Shield. Urban Shield has been in development for over five years and is a very close kin to Keys Super Star RediCare. In fact, think of Urban Shield as a gel version of RediCare and you will be more right than you know.
As history goes, RediCare was first developed for the search and rescue teams that were returning from Hurricane Katrina. Both dogs and people were covered with sores and skin disorders from the chemicals in the high waters around New Orleans. It was designed as a sprayable lotion to cover large areas quickly to provide relief without rubbing. It also worked on both long and short hair dogs to get to the skin quickly. Both dogs and handlers quickly realized how fast and effective it was. Bonus! Because of the Neem and Karanja oil as well as other essential oils, it was also an incredibly effective insect repellant. RediCare started its life as a sprayable therapy and quickly became known as a single universal go to product for people and dogs for all of its wonderful properties.
Not long after RediCare was introduced, the diabetic community discovered how quickly it would help with skin issues. Customers reported to us that the itching, pain and disruptions began to disappear.
Not far after the diabetics discovered RediCare, so did those going through radiation treatment and chemotherapy.
Then, moms discovered that RediCare killed head lice. We are still not sure how it does it, but reports continue that it works for lice and bed bugs.
Repelling more than 200 flying and drawling insect was a bonus for us and our customers with strong reports of high efficacy against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes as well as all sorts of a creepy crawlers.
Well, no surprise that Urban Shield contains most of the key ingredients that are contained in RediCare. Those being, Neem, Karanja, Avocado Oil, Black Seed Oil and Carrot Seed Oil. Envision a jelly with all the goodness of RediCare and you now know and understand Urban Shield. Urban Shield has the same properties of RediCare in a gel form that has even more intensity.
If you love RediCare, you will really love Urban Shield.
Click Here to got to Urban Shield on the Keys Online Store
Herein are some of the benefits of the key ingredients in Urban Shield.
Avocado oil – valued for its skin regenerative and moisturizing properties.
Avocado contains oils which are similar to human skin oils – sebum. Avocado offers the skin moisture. Avocado oil has both Vitamin A and a natural form of Retinol. The Vitamin A component helps promote a healthy skin microbiome to reduce skin blemishes (acne). The retinol component is whole and not esthered like synthetic Vitamin A. It provides natural skin lightening, uniformity of texture and color as well as acting as a natural exfoliant without the use of abrasives or salts. Avocado oil is also helpful in treating dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin conditions. Keys uses both a virgin expeller pressed avocado oil and a filtered pharmaceutical grade in therapeutic proportions.
Proteins and Fatty Acids. Avocado oil contains a high amount of proteins and unsaturated fats, both of which are strong skin agents. Avocado oil contains omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish oil
Sterolin. Avocado oil is high in a substance called sterolin, which case studies have shown softening of the skin and reduce the incidence of age spots
Antioxidants. Avocado oil is rich in antioxidants, making it useful for healing sun or chemical damaged skin. Antioxidants like vitamins A, D and E in avocado cause the skin to be suppler, and are thus particularly good for dry or aged skin.
Lecithin and Potassium. Avocado oil contains lecithin and potassium, which are all highly beneficial for the skin as well as the hair.
Carrot Seed Oil – is an essential oil for treating dry skin and can provide a good level of protection against wrinkles and aging or liver spots. It has many therapeutic values that are antiseptic, and cytophylactic,(stimulates cellular regeneration).
Carrot seed oil highly valued for skin care. It is used in skin creams to nourish, tighten, revitalize, and rejuvenate skin. It visibly improves skin tone, elasticity, and general skin health. It is claimed to slow the progression of visible wrinkles. Carrot Seed Oil is calming and appropriate for irritated skin. It is a good, essential oil for anyone who spends time outdoors. Carrot seed oil has high activity antioxidant properties.
Carrot seed oil may be found in many formulas dealing with skin conditions ranging from revitalizing and toning to eczema and ageing.
Carrot Oil has chemicals with these properties – analgesic, androgenic, anti-acne, anti-aging and anti-asthmatic activity. Carrot seed oil also assists in removing toxin and water build up in the skin giving it a fresher more firmer appearance. The aroma is earthy with a medium note.
At Keys, carrot seed oil makes up our base triangle of ingredients for the skin. It is used in conjunction with Avocado oil and Black Cumin (black seed) oil
Black Seed Oil aka Black Cumin – Nigella sativa is one the most revered medicinal seeds in history. Black cumin seeds were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The oil is used externally, for beauty as well as for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. We seek out the finest grade for our products.
Black Seed Oil Benefits for Eczema
Black seed oil has lots of positive benefits for the entire body, but especially for the skin. The vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids are just a few of the advantages. Taking black seed oil can improve skin overall, but it can also do much more than just give skin a healthy glow. For more extreme issues, like eczema, black seed oil can offer much-needed relief. The symptoms of eczema can be uncomfortable and often painful, but there is hope.
Soothing Properties of Black Seed Oil
People who suffer from eczema experience a sore, red rash that can show up all over the body. The rash is often accompanied by swelling and inflammation. Black seed oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties and is known to help with swelling. The fatty acids and Omega-3 in black seed oil help with moisturizing; therefore, rubbing the oil on the affected skin can help immediately lessen the pain and itching caused by the eczema. It also softens skin and helps with the dryness that often accompanies eczema. The benefits from topical use often provide instant relief.
Black Seed Oil Benefits for Your Skin
While ingesting black seed oil can have amazing overall benefits for your health, using black seed oil can also have huge benefits for your skin. Black seed oil promotes overall health, so obviously the skin will get some benefits as well. But for specific skin problems black seed oil could be the right herbal remedy for you. The oil can be used in a product or directly applied onto the skin. Here just a few of the benefits black seed oil has for your skin.
Using Black Seed Oil as a Moisturizer
Essential fatty acids maintain skin nourishment and hydration. Black seed oil can certainly help in this department. The body cannot recreate these fatty acids; they have to be replenished from an outside source. Oils help maintain the lipid barrier that protects the skin from day-to-day oxidation as well as harsher elements such as acne, scarring and overall aging. Black seed oil contains both amino and fatty acids that help shield the skin.
Antioxidants to Prevent Aging
Antioxidants are the number one way to fight aging. Oxidation degrades the skin’s cellular structure which gives the appearance of lines, wrinkles and discoloration. Black seed oil’s major component is thymoquinone, which is filled with antioxidants to prevent this kind of break down. Using the oil on your skin regularly can prevent the long term effects of aging, but can also immediately add a healthy glow to your face.
Other Vitamins and Benefits
The benefits of black seed oil don’t stop there. Black seed oil contains Vitamin A, which is known to reduce wrinkles and also shadows under the eyes. Vitamin A can also make skin sensitive to sunlight, so best to use it in the evenings before bed. Black seed oil also has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. This stops certain skin infections as well as the spreading of acne. The anti-inflammation reduces overall puffiness in the face and skin.
Neem – In India, the tree is variously known as “Divine Tree”, “Heal All”, “Nature’s Drugstore”, “Village Pharmacy” and “Panacea for all diseases”. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease. Neem oil is used for skin care such as acne, and keeping skin elasticity. Neem has many skin healing properties and acts as a broad-spectrum insect repellent.
Neem oil is used for preparing cosmetics (soap, hair products, body hygiene creams, hand creams) and in Ayurvedic, Unani and folklore traditional medicine, in the treatment of a wide range of afflictions. The most frequently reported indications in ancient Ayurvedic writings are skin diseases, inflammations and fevers, and more recently rheumatic disorders, insect repellent and insecticide effects.
Traditional Ayurvedic uses of neem include the treatment of acne, fever, leprosy, malaria, ophthalmia and tuberculosis. Various folk remedies for neem include use as ananthelmintic, antifeedant, antiseptic, diuretic, emmenagogue, contraceptive, febrifuge, parasiticide, pediculocide and insecticide. It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of tetanus, urticaria, eczema, scrofula and erysipelas. Traditional routes of administration of neem extracts included oral, vaginal and topical use. Neem oil has an extensive history of human use in India and surrounding regions for a variety of therapeutic purposes. Puri (1999) has given an account of traditional uses and therapeutic indications and pharmacological studies of this oil, in his book on neem.
Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem (Azadirachta indica), an evergreen tree which is endemic to the Indian subcontinent and has been introduced to many other areas in the tropics. It is the most important of the commercially available products of neem for organic farming and medicines.
Neem oil varies in color; it can be golden yellow, yellowish brown, reddish brown, dark brown, greenish brown, or bright red. It has a rather strong odor that is said to combine the odours of peanut and garlic. It is composed mainly of triglycerides and contains manytriterpenoid compounds, which are responsible for the bitter taste. It is hydrophobic in nature; in order to emulsify it in water for application purposes, it must be formulated with appropriate surfactants.
Azadirachtin is the most well known and studied triterpenoid in neem oil. The azadirachtin content of neem oil varies from 300ppm to over 2500ppm depending on the extraction technology and quality of the neem seeds crushed. Neem oil also contains steroids(campesterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol).
Average composition of neem oil fatty acids
Common Name
Acid Name
Composition range
Omega-6
Linoleic acid
6-16%
Omega-9
Oleic acid
25-54%
Palmitic acid
Hexadecanoic acid
16-33%
Stearic acid
Octadecanoic acid
9-24%
Omega-3
Alpha-linolenic acid
?%
Palmitoleic acid
9-Hexadecenoic acid
?%
Karanja – Karanja oil is popular in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of biliousness, eye ailments, leucoderma, worms, wounds, sores, scabies, eczema, psoriasis. itches, herpes viral infection, ulcers, and other skin diseases as well as for skin protection, as it is believed to enhance the UV absorbing properties of conventional sunscreens.
Karanja oil, like Neem oil, has been widely tested for its insecticidal, nematicidal, antiseptic, bactericidal, and cleansing properties. The oil has a high content of triglycerides.
According to Hartwell (1967–1971), the fruits and sprouts are used in folk remedies for abdominal tumors in India, the seeds for keloid tumors in Sri Lanka, and a powder derived from the plant for tumors in Vietnam. In sanskritic India, seeds were used for skin ailments. Today the oil is used as a liniment for rheumatism. Leaves are active against Micrococcus; their juice is used for colds, coughs, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, gonorrhea, and leprosy. Roots are used for cleaning gums, teeth, and ulcers. Bark is used internally for bleeding piles. Juices from the plant, as well as the oil, are antiseptic. It is said to be an excellent remedy for itch, herpes, and pityriasis versicolor. Powdered seeds are valued as a febrifuge, tonic and in bronchitis and whooping cough. Flowers are used for diabetes. Bark has been used for beriberi. Juice of the root is used for cleansing foul ulcers and closing fistulous sores. Young shoots have been recommended for rheumatism. Ayurvedic medicine described the root and bark as alexipharmic, anthelmintic, and useful in abdominal enlargement, ascites, biliousness, diseases of the eye, skin, and vagina, itch, piles, splenomegaly, tumors, ulcers, and wounds; the sprouts, considered alexeteric, anthelmintic, apertif, and stomachic, for inflammation, piles and skin diseases; the leaves, anthelmintic, digestive, and laxative, for inflammations, piles and wounds; the flowers for biliousness and diabetes; the fruit and seed for keratitis, piles, urinary discharges, and diseases of the brain, eye, head, and skin, the oil for biliousness, eye ailments, itch, leucoderma, rheumatism, skin diseases, worms, and wounds. Yunani use the ash to strengthen the teeth, the seed, carminative and depurative, for chest complaints, chronic fevers, earache, hydrocele, and lumbago; the oil, styptic and vermifuge, for fever, hepatalgia, leprosy, lumbago, piles, scabies, and ulcers.
Chemistry
Reported to contain alkaloids demethoxy-kanugin, gamatay, glabrin, glabrosaponin, kaempferol, kanjone, kanugin, karangin, neoglabrin, pinnatin, pongamol, pongapin, quercitin, saponin, -sitosterol, and tannin. Air-dry kernels have 19.0% moisture, 27.5% fatty oil, 17.4% protein, 6.6% starch, 7.3% crude fiber, and 2.4% ash. Fatty acid composition: palmitic, 3.7–7.9%, stearic 2.4–8.9, arachidic 2.2–4.7, behenic 4.2–5.3, lignoceric 1.1–3.5, oleic, 44.5–71.3, linoleic 10.8–18.3, and eicosenoic 9.5–12.4%. Destructive distillation of the wood yields, on a dry weight basis: charcoal 31.0%, pyroligneous acid 36.69, acid 4.3%, ester 3.4%, acetone 1.9%, methanol 1.1%, tar 9.0%, pitch and losses 4.4%, and gas 0.12 cu m/kg. Manurial values of leaves and twigs are respectively: nitrogen 1.16, 0.71; phosphorus (P2O5), 0.14, 0.11; potash (K2O), 0.49, 0.62; and lime (CaO), 1.54, 1.58%. Such manure reduces the incidence of Meloidogyne javanica.
Keys products are always 180º from ordinary. They are extraordinary. Our products always have more then one purpose and are always focused on solving problems and making our customers feel good. Yes, Avo Jel is a vegan alternative to petroleum jelly, but it is much much more.
When we recently introduced our Alternative Naturals™ brand, it was clear what each product does and what you can expect. Because of a number of questions we have received about Avo Jel I think we guessed wrong. Avo Jel is a jelly similar to petroleum jelly, but the similarity ends there. Much more. It is ‘On Purpose!’ and functional in every sense.
Because we use pharmaceutical grade avocado oil to make Avo Jel, you can expect all the benefits of any other Keys product that uses avocado oil. We have published the features, benefits and advantages of our oils and extracts before in an article titled, Keys Prime Ingredients and Actions, but here is the information about avocado oil again.
Avocado oil – valued for its skin regenerative and moisturizing properties.
Avocado contains oils which are similar to human skin oils – sebum. Avocado offers the skin moisture. Avocado oil has both Vitamin A and a natural form of Retinol. The Vitamin A component helps promote a healthy skin microbiome to reduce skin blemishes (acne). The retinol component is whole and not esthered like synthetic Vitamin A. It provides natural skin lightening, uniformity of texture and color as well as acting as a natural exfoliant without the use of abrasives or salts. Avocado oil is also helpful in treating dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin conditions. Keys uses both a virgin expeller pressed avocado oil and a filtered pharmaceutical grade in therapeutic proportions.
Proteins and Fatty Acids. Avocado oil contains a high amount of proteins and unsaturated fats, both of which are strong skin agents. Avocado oil contains omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish oil
Sterolin. Avocado oil is high in a substance called sterolin, which case studies have shown softening of the skin and reduce the incidence of age spots
Antioxidants. Avocado oil is rich in antioxidants, making it useful for healing sun or chemical damaged skin. Antioxidants like vitamins A, D and E in avocado cause the skin to be suppler, and are thus particularly good for dry or aged skin.
Lecithin and Potassium. Avocado oil contains lecithin and potassium, which are all highly beneficial for the skin as well as the hair.
So when you think about Avo Jel, think beyond the fact that it is a vegan replacement for petroleum jelly. You can expect all the value of the avocado oil in a jelly as well.
Only time will tell all the uses people find for Avo Jel. Even this early since its introduction, we have a real sense that it will be a Keys Super-Star.
Click Here to see Avo Jel on the Keys Online Store.
The Alternative Naturals™ challenge began over 6 years ago. When Keys founder Bob Root learned of significant skin disorders afflicting the astronauts on the US International Space Station, he thought there must be a way. Lotions and liquids just do not work well in zero-gravity. The challenge was to create a jelly, but not from petroleum. Starting with organic pure avocado oil, Bob began experimenting. The end result was a proprietary production process where the oil is altered to form a jelly similar in consistency to petrolatum, but with none of the impurities or petroleum. This is a mechanical and not chemical process where the properties are altered to a higher viscosity and the jelly-like properties of petrolatum. The next challenge was to use the same process to develop jellies from other oils and to be able to add natural ingredients that would make more functional natural vegan products for daily use.
Today marks the point where Keys is pleased to introduce 8 new products into a new functional line called Alternative Naturals™. The line consists of 6 avocado oil based “Jels” and 2 spray botanical products.
These products using a process that jellies oil have No Petroleum, No Petrolatum, No Wax, No preservatives and No Water. Like all Keys products, they are free of man-made chemicals, gluten-free and vegan. The ingredients are the highest quality available and are in full strength proportions. The line is designed to offer individuals wanting to be chemical-free an alternative to household brands using petrolatum. The two spray based products are based on a Keys exclusively designed and extracted botanical extract with essential and special oils added to offer functionality to people.
Take a look!
You can click on the product you are interested in and it will take you to it on the Keys Store
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Our two spray products were developed from a extract we call Botanica™ and are designed to solve problems experienced by people and dogs. The first is a skin aid product designed to mimic store brands using chemicals. The second is a insect repellent that is designed to repel both flying and crawling insect for people and dogs that has many of the same ingredients as our RediCare, but with a botanical extract base that also softens the skin.
It is Time To Get Wise! by Wendy Steele, Keys CEO and Melanoma Survivor
Those of you that know me, know that it is my fault for the creation of Keys. Well the truth is, it was a diagnosis of my Melanoma and a reaction of prescription products and over the counter chemical laden products that created the need and our inspiration. That is not why I write today. It is the fact that May is Melanoma awareness month here at Keys and throughout the world. It is the beginning of sun season and that is why May is the month to celebrate and to inspire. It is a time to celebrate all the lives that have been save and time to become aware through education so that we can save many more lives.
It is now over 20 years since Bob discovered the Melanoma on my left ankle. My legs are long and it was impossible to see it myself. He asked what the waxy stuff was on my ankle. Holding a mirror up for me to see, it looked like a drop of hot wax was dropped on my ankle. A few weeks later, it turned bright red and through a friend, we got an appointment with the top Mohs surgeon at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. Hugh Greenway took a look and said, “This is not good.” After a biopsy, he had me clear my schedule for Mohs surgery. It was Melanoma. This was the beginning of my advocacy for 365 days a year Melanoma awareness, skin cancer education and ways to prevent skin Cancer.
I wrote an article in 2007 called Solar Flare Please read it. In 2011, some suspect “ugly duckling” moles sent me to the Mayo Clinic where I realized how out of touch even the top clinics are when it comes to the dignity of people and skin cancer. Read “Hold The Mayo” as well. Please!
Now that you have done that, start to realize how delicate your body is and that the skin being our largest organ is bombarded daily by UV, pollutants and all sorts of allergens. Our skin takes care of us, if we take care of it.
So lets start here with this image of a card we produce that will help you identify strange and unusual moles. Remember mine was clear and about the size of a pencil eraser. So please look at this image and check out any unusual moles you have on your body. Click on the image and save it to your smartphone to use as a comparative tool. Better yet, have a friend check you over. It can be fun if you let it be, but it is serious business.
I have literally hundreds of moles on my body. I am fair, Germanic/Hungarian and very prone to skin cancer. If you can count more than 50 moles on your body, you are a candidate for very close examination. Don’t wait for the dermatologist visit. Become your own sleuth and be aware. It just might save your life.
20 years later, I have had numerous basil cell cancers removed and I have found them all myself and Bob’s vigilant eyes. Know yourself and know your skin.
An interesting thing to really let sink in is that your body talks to you. In my case, five years before discovering my Melanoma, I was on a vacation with Bob in Eleuthera. I became sort of ill without a good description of what was wrong. We got back to the mainland and I went to an internist who discovered a small red dot on my ankle. For a while, he thought it was a tick bite and I had symptoms of inflammation in my blood test. They suspect rheumatoid arthritis. I knew it could not be a tick bite, but I always wondered what it was. Five years later, it was exactly the same are that we discovered my Melanoma. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Finally, lets say you find something. Don’t play around. Get to either a dermatologist or Mohs surgeon. Insist on a biopsy. Do not take no for an answer. If you can, find the youngest most technically savvy doctor you can. Tell them what it is you discovered and that Wendy Steele said to not fool around scraping, burning or freezing. If they refuse, find another doctor!
My own experience is that universities like Stanford and Johns Hopkins are on top of their game. If you are in the EU, you are luckier than we are in the US because awareness and prevention are paramount. One of my tricks is that when I am traveling and want something checked, I ask the doctors office is they have a Dermascope® that they use. If yes, this tells me they are on their game and my trust level goes up significantly.
I cannot say it enough that if you have moles, you must become your own best expert. Follow your intuition based on a lifetime of study. Early prevention can and will save your life.
It is not a new concept that a dogs life can be extended by good nutrition. What may not be as clear is that the polluted environments can shorten their lives. That is why we created our KODA line for dogs. KODA helps to extend your dogs life by providing supplements that are functional and topical therapies to protect them from the environment!
I recently had a dear friend tell me that he would like it if I would write an article about what to use and when regarding Koda products. He politely said, I do not have time to understand the science, just tell me what I should use for my dog in simple terms in 500 words or less. I realized that I probably spend a lot of time writing articles that are so detailed that people are not sure what to buy. Maybe it is the scientist in me or a belief that people will not believe me if I don’t explain the details. I did recall during the discussion with my friend that a professor once said to me, “Bob, I ask you what time is it and you lecture me on the origin of time.” Maybe there was a hint in that remark.
So here goes for KODA for Dogs.
Must do’s
The two products that I recommend for your dog’s everyday health are Koda OmegaLife and Life Trace.
OmegaLife is a vegan fish oil replacement that provides the Omega 3.6 & 9’s using human quality vegetable oils without concern for Vitamin A toxicity from fish oil.
LifeTrace assures that your dog gets all the minerals they need through this water additive. If you filter your dog’s water, you are removing most of the minerals. They need to be added back in.
These are the two must haves that you should give your dog every day! Order them now!
Functional Supplements
Use Proflexoil if your dog is older or if their breed are prone to joint issues. This is also helpful if you have a very active dog, like our Bichon Jasper, to keep tendons and knees from being harmed by running and fast turns. Proflexoil is a Cox-2 anti-inflammation inhibitor.
Use ProCalm if your dog is agitated or has higher anxiety levels. Great for car rides if those create angst. Added to the food, the Magnolia extract takes the edge off anxiety and agitation, but does not sedate. The dogs gets calm quickly, but not lethargic. In my line of work, I take Magnolia extract daily 😉
ProBiome helps with digestion using a lactobacillus sporogene probiotic. Add it to food to aid digestion. This probiotic is the best human grade available and the features benefits and advantage are explained in the article on this blog. Search ProBiome if you want to know more.
Topical Treatments
Use OmniShield to repell flying and crawling insect. It repels naturally using Neem, Karanja and essential oils.
OmniCare is like a natural Bactine for scrapes, hot spots, abrasions and itchy areas.
OmniClean is a soap/shampoo that offers essential oils to help with skin disorders that include itching and hotspots. This is a great product to bathe a dog that has allergies or chemical irritations.
SpotClean is very cool because you can clean your dogs paws between baths. You can rinse or not and even peanut butter comes off easily. Grime is gone in seconds
ProShine is a general dog shampoo and conditioner in one. The foam lathers fast and rinses even faster for a shiny clean coat that will increase the time between baths.
530 Words is the best I can do.
Bob
Click each product name link to go to its detail page
Each product has a detailed article as well on Clean Green Cafe. My best suggestion is to type KODA in the search box and read the articles that interest you.
It is not a new concept that a dogs life can be extended by good nutrition. What may not be as clear is that the polluted environments can shorten their lives. That is why we created our KODA line for dogs. KODA helps to extend your dogs life by providing supplements that are functional and topical therapies to protect them from the environment!
I recently had a dear friend tell me that he would like it if I would write an article about what to use and when regarding Koda products. He politely said, I do not have time to understand the science, just tell me what I should use for my dog in simple terms in 500 words or less. I realized that I probably spend a lot of time writing articles that are so detailed that people are not sure what to buy. Maybe it is the scientist in me or a belief that people will not believe me if I don’t explain the details. I did recall during the discussion with my friend that a professor once said to me, “Bob, I ask you what time is it and you lecture me on the origin of time.” Maybe there was a hint in that remark.
So here goes for KODA for Dogs.
lifetrace ionic Minerals for Dogs
Must do’s
The two products that I recommend for your dog’s everyday health are Koda OmegaLife and Life Trace.
OmegaLife is a vegan fish oil replacement that provides the Omega 3.6 & 9’s using human quality vegetable oils without concern for Vitamin A toxicity from fish oil.
LifeTrace assures that your dog gets all the minerals they need through this water additive. If you filter your dog’s water, you are removing most of the minerals. They need to be added back in.
These are the two must haves that you should give your dog every day! Order them now!
Functional Supplements
ProCalm Vegan Clamative for Dogs
Use Proflexoil if your dog is older or if their breed are prone to joint issues. This is also helpful if you have a very active dog, like our Bichon Jasper, to keep tendons and knees from being harmed by running and fast turns. Proflexoil is a Cox-2 anti-inflammation inhibitor.
Use ProCalm if your dog is agitated or has higher anxiety levels. Great for car rides if those create angst. Added to the food, the Magnolia extract takes the edge off anxiety and agitation, but does not sedate. The dogs gets calm quickly, but not lethargic. In my line of work, I take Magnolia extract daily 😉
ProBiome helps with digestion using a lactobacillus sporogene probiotic. Add it to food to aid digestion. This probiotic is the best human grade available and the features benefits and advantage are explained in the article on this blog. Search ProBiome if you want to know more.
Topical Treatments
Use OmniShield to repell flying and crawling insect. It repels naturally using Neem, Karanja and essential oils.
OmniShield Insect Repellent for Dogs
OmniCare is like a natural Bactine for scrapes, hot spots, abrasions and itchy areas.
OmniClean is a soap/shampoo that offers essential oils to help with skin disorders that include itching and hotspots. This is a great product to bathe a dog that has allergies or chemical irritations.
SpotClean is very cool because you can clean your dogs paws between baths. You can rinse or not and even peanut butter comes off easily. Grime is gone in seconds
ProShine is a general dog shampoo and conditioner in one. The foam lathers fast and rinses even faster for a shiny clean coat that will increase the time between baths.
530 Words is the best I can do.
Bob
Click each product name link to go to its detail page
Each product has a detailed article as well on Clean Green Cafe. My best suggestion is to type KODA in the search box and read the articles that interest you.
This short video gives you perspective of the background of KODA. It shows the features, benefits and advantages of each product. The video was originally produced for DVDs used in our retailers stores as an overview. There is not voice over, only music. So, no need to check your computer for a sound malfunction.
KODA is gaining steam with a few big announcements coming soon! We thought you would like to see the video Jason Wrobel created featuring KODA products. Jason is a well known vegan and actor in the LA area and his pup, Gordon Pete is a KODA Dog! Enjoy Jason humor and talent.
SpotClean Paw & Face Foaming Cleanser is a brewed wash with botanicals and herbs for quick cleaning of the paws and face or any spot area as an interim cleanser between baths. Removes road dirt and allergens as well many chemicals used on public parks and lawns.
SpotClean is perhaps one of the coolest products we make. Why, because it fits so many uses and application in a simple chemical-free way.
When we talked to vets about skin disorders and allergy issues with dogs, they quickly commented that most are caused by the dog bringing in allergens and pollutants on their feet. We noted in our study titled “polluted pets” that dogs often have four to five times more chemical bio-burden than humans. The reason is simple. They have no shoes and dogs lead with their noses. So the paws and face are how a dog brings in allergens and chemicals from their environment. It was obvious too that most dogs are groomed and waiting to be ‘cleaned’ between groomer sessions creates undue stress on their body. The quick solution is a paw, face and spot cleaner that humans do not mind the effort for a spot clean. SpotClean was born in earnest!
The SpotClean formulation was designed as a fast rinse or even leave-in cleanser. It works best when you rinse the pollutants and allergens away, but it does actually not cause the dog harm or distress to leave it in. Really!
SpotClean is a light foam cleanser that you can put directly on the paws, face or spot areas dry. We recommend applying the foam using a wet cloth and a quick wet wipe away or if you wish a spray rinse. The formulation of natural ingredients is designed to quickly efficiently clean and can be wiped off with a wet cloth and then let to dry naturally. This means no preparing the tub and chasing the dog. A quick clean can take under a minute and be done even in the dog’s bed. Since it is a damp cloth quick wipe process, it can be done anywhere.
OmniClean is a natural Castile like therapeutic foaming shampoo and soap used for dogs with skin irritations, insect problems and to heal disorders. We add Neem and Karanja oil to the soap for their ayurvedic medicine healing and insect repellant properties.
OmniClean is based on the famous Keys MetaClean shampoo and soap. Throughout history, soaps and Castile shampoos have been used to deliver healing medicines to broad areas of the body. Soaps, unlike synthetic detergents, retain added oils and deposit them on the skin in a very thin coating. After they deposit the oils, the residual soap/shampoo rinses lightning fast as part of the nature of Castile formulation. MetaClean’s history began in helping the search and rescue dog returning from Hurricane Katrina. OmniClean builds on the learning that we experienced listening to customers that use MetaClean in their daily lives for all sorts of skin conditions and maladies.
Washing a dog or washing small areas like the paws with OmniClean will reduce bacteria, yeast and allergens while also depositing the Ayurvedic medicine onto the dog. Keys MetaClean is used by customers to soothe irritations, reduce allergens, heal skin disorders and add oils to the skin that help stop itching and biting.
OmniClean uses Neem and Karanja oil like both OmniCare and OmniShield. Outbreaks in mange and MRSA in dogs around the country caused us to custom formulate MetaClean by adding oregano oil to the blend. Oregano oil has been shown to be very effective in staving off mange and MRSA. It is also effective in reversing these conditions. We have testimonials of dogs that were going to be ‘put down’ and recovered using the modified MetaClean. OmniClean adds the oregano oil as a standard ingredient.
We add other oils to the blend to improve the coat and skin of the dog to reduce itching, biting and scratching.
OmniShield is an intense therapeutic naturopathic insect repellent spray that uses OmniCare as its base adding high levels of Neem and Karanja oil, peppermint, red thyme and lemongrass to repel over 200 flying and crawling insects including fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes and lice.
OmniShield starts with the design principles of OmniCare. We then increase the levels of the Ayurvedic medicine ingredients to levels that make OmniShield effective as a insect repellent capable of thwarting away both crawling and flying insects.
OmniShield uses Neem and Karanja oil that is a maximum pharma grade. There are products that use Neem as both a repellent and as therapy. We know of no product that uses the symbiotic oil, Karanja, along with Neem. Both ingredients have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Being symbiotic plants/tree, Neem works best to repel crawling insects while Karanja affects and repels flying insects. Together with the other keys ingredients, OmniShield repels and affects over 200 insects.
Neem and Karanja also have a thousand years of healing history in Ayurvedic medicine. So, OmniShield has a strong series of features that focus on many skin disorders that dog’s experience. The name Omni means ‘all’ giving it multiple functional medicine properties.
One interesting feature of using Neem and Karanja is that the symbiosis goes beyond functionality to the scent of the product. Many companies use Neem in very small amounts to hide the strong smell. To be affective, we use 4% of each Neem and Karanja, a total of 8% of the bottle combined, to get true benefits. Ironically, mixing the exact same amount of Neem and Karanja downplays the strong Neem scent to a very pleasant earthy scent. So, OmniShield is an effective Ayurvedic medicine and insect repellent for both flying and crawling insects.
It is an important note that some pet naturopaths are using OmniShield for both mange mites and lice. Combined with OmniClean that adds oregano oil has shown reversal of dog mange and MRSA.
How attentive are you when your dog is in distress?
Do you hear the incessant scratch, scratch, scratch during the day or at night before bed?
Do you visually examine your dog and investigate the area where the itching and scratching is centered before there is redness, irritation or raw sore patches?
Have you had the nagging feeling, wondering why your dog is itching and scratching after a bath or grooming session?
Being attentive to your dog’s skin health is relatively simple, you just need to pay attention to all of the clues your dog is already giving you! Keep an eye on excessive itching and scratching, listen for and actively watch for any patterns (when and where itching occurs) and begin investigating the possible sources of the problem.
As for that nagging feeling about the itching and scratching after your dog’s bath or after a grooming session? The most likely reason your dog is scratching and itching is directly related to the perfumes, artificial fragrance and harsh ingredients in dog shampoos!
If you are choosing a shampoo based on the smell or the type of fragrance in the product– you are most definitely contributing to your dog’s itching and scratching problem!
You can do a lot to stop the after bath itch – first and foremost – ditch the perfume!
Here are the label-reading basics when determining what shampoo to buy for your dog’s baths and grooming. Carefully read the product label before buying for your dog.
If the label mentions any kind of fragrance – don’t buy it!
If the label mentions any kind of sulfate or pseudo sulfate – don’t buy it!
Sulfates are aggressive foaming agent chemicals that are difficult to rinse out of your dog’s fur/hair and the residue that cannot be rinsed out will further irritate your dog’s skin causing more itching and scratching after a bath
Fragrance and sulfates are a double whammy for your dog and are known irritants that can cause a dog to itch and bite at their fur until there are sores or hot spots
If the label mentions any kind of whitening or bleaching agents – don’t buy it!
If the label mentions any kind of coloring agents or artificial dyes – don’t buy it!
If the ingredients are not clearly listed on the label DO NOT BUY IT
Do not assume that your groomer is aware of irritating ingredients in shampoos and dog perfumes. In most cases they have no idea what is actually in the products they are using on your dog! Why? The reason is many manufacturers do NOT fully disclose or label what is actually in a product, nor are they required to be forthcoming by any law, rule or regulation. Often groomers and dog wash facilities are buying in bulk and buying cheaply made products, based on the lowest cost to them and without a thought given to perfumes, fragrances or harsh sulfates that can irritate your dog’s skin.
Here is a simple and effective way to communicate with your groomer before leaving your dog for a bath or grooming session:
1) Take your own “clean” shampoo with you to the groomer or dog wash facility-this is the product you have already investigated and reviewed the ingredients
Hand your groomer your “clean” shampoo
Tell your groomer that this is the only product you want used on your dog
Show your groomer the label and let your groomer know that you are doing your best to eliminate potential skin irritants to your dog
2) Be specific – ask your groomer NOT TO ADD any fragrance or perfume to your dog’s coat after washing! (Spray perfumes and additives after bath are another cause of dog itching post grooming.)
3) Thank the groomer for only using the shampoo that you brought with you and for not adding any after bath products on your dog. Be sure the groomer acknowledges that they understand your simple request!
Reading labels and educating yourself about buying healthier grooming products for your dog is one of the most caring and loving things you can do for your best friend. Adopting a wellness philosophy, that is taking simple steps to avoid a skin problem before it starts, is a pro-active philosophy for your dog to enjoy a more stress-free, healthy and happy life.
Many people that I meet ask me to describe why I do not use certain chemicals. I tell them that my reasons are practical not political. I generally explain in three to five stepped reason why I do not use certain ingredients. Most encourage me to offer my simplified reason, so I am beginning to undertake why we do not use certain ingredients. In this series of article, I will start with the Dirty Dozen.
For pets, we have to realize that perhaps the worst chemical that they come in contact with every day is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Why, because it is in virtually every home in many many forms.
When I am asked to list the top five products that come in contact with pets that contain SLS in large amounts, you would be surprised to learn what they are.
The four chemicals studied — avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene — are part of a dozen that the FDA recently said needed to be researched by manufacturers before they could be considered “generally regarded as safe and effective.”
In the summer virtually, everyone gets a bottle of sunscreen for a long day outside whether it be at a beach, lake or pool etc. It’s important to protect your skin from UV rays. However, applying sunscreen should not be restricted to the summer. The need for shielding your skin from the sun is a necessity all year round. In addition, it’s important to 
Solar RX contains uncoated zinc oxide. Let’s talk about just a few benefits from zinc oxide.
“Hi! I am Ashley and I love writing about beauty related topics. When I am not writing about skincare and beauty products you will probably find me reading a book. Through work experience, I have been able to craft excellent writing skills in a number of different styles and tones. in addition a deep understanding of consumers and what motivates them online and of course grammar skills.
So, in those early days we had developed four products that included Solar Rx SPF, Island Rx soap, Windsurfer soap and Tortuga lotion.
The makeup artist could not resist and as Amy Smart, the eco inspired actress began to speak, the artists dug into the bag and pulled out the Eye Butter.
My trip to California from our factory outside of Annapolis Maryland was bittersweet. 
The MDR Marriott is very trendy and contemporary.
It was not without trying, but we could never connect with Thievery live.
So here we go and will update you on what it was like for us to finally here Thievery live.
I recently read a draft report by a research firm that specializes in retail store trends. They noted in a recent study that many mainline brands like Campbell soup have initiated and brought out new natural brands that are simple and wholesome alternatives. Campbell’s “Well YES” brand was singled out as an example of how many brands have shifted back to simple foods. Same was noted for personal care.
I decided to do something totally out of character. I went to a Kroger Fred Meyers store in Newport Oregon and just walked the aisles. This store has a natural products section, but it was very apparent that all the food aisles were focused on natural products. As a point of reference, when a retailer puts products at eye level and easy to grab, that is what is called “First Position” meaning that it is priority. Walking the soup aisle, Amy’s and Campbell Well Yes were front and center. The jam and peanut butter section was even more noticeable. Traditional brands like Skippy were bottom shelf with Jason’s, Smucker’s Natural and other pure brands were front and center. The rest of the store was the same as was the conventional health and beauty aisles.
What happens when a brainiac boyfriend discovers his smokin hot girlfriend has Melanoma. He fixes the problems!
One of the main reason we developed the entire line of Keys Alternative Naturals was for triathlete and strenuous sports fans. We attended Surf Expo last year in hopes of gaining insight into the competitive performance market and we were not disappointed at the results of our visit. The trade show clearly pointed out the need for alternatives to conventional petroleum jelly based products. The attendees we met ranged in age from 12 to 60. All were engaged in some form of strenuous exercise and sports. We fronted the idea of various products that would replace Vaseline®, Begay® and IcyHot® with products made from a jellied avocado oil. The response was 100% positive and fueled our continual development of our Alternative Naturals line.
We met a surfer and triathlete in Florida who was about to compete in a national triathlon. We met him a few weeks before the race and deep into his training period. He had lots of rashes and chafing, so we offered him our AvoJel. We saw him again a week later and he showed us that the rash on his neck was gone and he said that all the chafing was almost gone as well. He asked how this was possible in that he had used petrolatum based products and the irritations only went away when he stopped training. Avocado oil is a very positive ingredient on the skin and we had hoped that he wold see fast results. We also knew that the AvoJel would act and perform the same as Vaseline® and we believed it would out perform it in the areas of fast results.
He shared that he would always get a bought of athletes foot shortly after a race and the Urban Shield seemed to be working (two weeks later, still no athletes foot). He noted that his cracking fingers and dry patchy skin had also disappeared.
Avocado oil – valued for its skin regenerative and moisturizing properties.
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