In a world of fast paced communications, we continue to try to simplify, condense and corral the information we present in a way that helps clarify not only our position, but that of the natural products industry.  Over the next few month, we will continue to simplify all that we present to be in one place.  Here!

The Clean Green Cafe offers both a chat forum and a blog.  These are now condensed to this location and available on the tab bar above.

The writing style will continue to be firm, frank and friendly bringing all of what we can find out that is going on, the trends and our opinion of things.

The Clean Green Cafe will also continue to be a place where we aim to inform.  It will also be the home of the new book being written by our founder, Bob Root, titled “Chemical Warfare!” a story about the natural products industry from an insiders perspective.

Keys Backgrounder…About Us!

Keys Green Natural Anti-Aging Skin Therapies…Ancient Remedies & Modern Technology

Natural Beauty, Natural Hair Care, Natural Skin therapies, Natural Pet Care

“We believe that over 50% of all skin disorders in people and pets are misdiagnosed and are actually caused by chemicals in everyday products and the environment!

We offer you this backgrounder as insight into our reason for being, purpose and direction.  We are not just another natural products company.  In fact, we consider ourselves a natural medicine and therapy products company that uses natural ingredient.  I believe our Purpose and Direction statement says it all!”

Wendy Steele, Keys CEO

Keys Purpose and Direction

Keys Care designs, develops and manufactures natural healing therapies for people and pets.   The quality and quantity of our ingredients are what differentiate us.  As we say it, Pharmaceutical grade whole ingredients in therapeutic proportions.  We use ancient remedies, natural medicines, whole natural ingredients, aromatherapy and aboriginal homeopathy combined with modern technology to provide safe and effective products for people and pets with skin disorders, sensitive skin, post cancer recovery or those wanting to avoid chemicals in their lives.  Our resellers are an extension of our core team and are experts and trusted advisors in their communities.

At our baseline, we believe that all of our products must solve problems and make people feel good.  We also believe that natural and organic are not features, they are the choice we make assuring purity of purpose.

How It Began

Wendy Steele & Bob Root

Wendy Steele and Bob Root are the founders and inventors of Keys Soap.  They are both ex-corporate executives: Bob was a CEO of a Silicon Valley High Tech company and Wendy a VP at Coca-Cola.

The soap and skin care connection?  Skin Cancer!

Wendy Steele, Keys Founder, was diagnosed with Melanoma and beat the deadly disease.  She could not beat the terrible reactions she had from prescription and expensive skincare products.  Told she had eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea and dermatitis her condition deteriorated.  Doctors kept prescribing more junk, steroids and cortisones.

Read the rest of this story »

Comments of the personal care industry, by Bob Root, Keys CTO

Bob Root, Keys CTO

“The world is a changen,” is an old southern phrase.   It generally means that new things continue to appear at a little to fast a pace.   The concept of safe cosmetics does not fit into that phrase.  I believe we are actually returning to the basics and our roots from not a too distant a past.

Our first lotion was a refined version of one my grandmother created.  She taught me to make a very fine lotion that she used to simmer on the pilot light (Google ‘pilot light’ if you are under 40) on the stove. She had long since passed-on by the time I started Keys, but I remembered the formula and process. Very emollient, Tortuga rivals the department store brands at a fraction of the price. Why, because it is all natural whole ingredients and not 50+ chemicals designed to mimic a real natural lotion.

This week I will, once again, be the target of verbal abuse when Keys attends a major trade show in Las Vegas. Most there will be chemists! Engineers like me are generally not welcome. .    Already, the show prospectus contains meeting after meeting talking about this “new trend to natural.”  Sorry to say, it is not new and it is the chemists beginning in the 1950′s that took us off the natural path for our food and care products…especially home care products.

As the old rock sound says, ” So we just keep on keepen on!”

Most chemists hate the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics! The reason is that the effort to return to a natural lifestyle thwarts their innovation…in their minds! Creating a simple product that works to help people is far more difficult for them because it seems like going backwards in time. I believe that it is that backward motion that will help the 63% of Americans that claim to have a skin disorder. Further, I believe that many of the skin maladies are actually caused by these products by making our cell walls more permeable and in the case of parabens, kill the probiotics on our skin designed by nature to protect us.

So the war lingers on! Today, Free Range Studios (The Story of Stuff people) and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (which Keys is a member) aiedr a 7 minute video about The Story of Stuff – Cosmetics. Below is the video that I have not yet seen. We have published it here on the 21st so that we can all see what it is about. I will offer comments.

Bob Root Comments: The Story of Cosmetics Video

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

As a Keys follower, you already get the majority of this video. Don’t let that deter you from realizing how important this seminal presentation is in the effort to inform people that they have a choice. You “Get It” and it is time to help someone else “Get It!” Getting it is a relative thing because somewhere along the way each of us got it because someone shared their ideas, thoughts and feelings about safe cosmetics that caused a question in our minds. Then as we research, we learn,we know and then we are supposed to teach. It is all of us to be teachers, right!

The content of the video is the same thing that I have heard for many years and it fulfills a need to begin to get the center of the knowing public to understand. When I am speaking in California or doing an in-store demonstration, the conversations are quite different from the rest of the country. Seems like all the advocacies start or impact California first. Said, I am pleased with the video mainly because it does address the masses in a simple and understandable way.

So, when your friends ask if you have seen the video, you can no add to the content based on your knowledge as someone who gets it. Like my experiences in California, it is really nice to begin a speech with an audience that “Gets It” already.

Bob

Triclosan: The Biocide that Creates Super Bugs?

By Bob Root, Keys Technologist

Bob Root, Keys Technologist

Chemical Warfare Chapter 12:  Biocides:  Indiscriminate killers that create super bugs?

For almost two years, I have been working on a book draft titled, “Chemical Warfare.”  It is a book focused on simplifying information about personal care and household products uses and concerns for public safety.  As I studied, I realized how much hearsay there was in the industry.  Taking a scientific approach, I turned to the research community for insights and facts…as best as they are.  Part of my dedication was and is to release information that is important in real-time.  Books, after all, are merely a snapshot in time and pale in comparison to real-time information gateways like our blog.

FACT vs FUD is a chapter in this book as well as an article on this blog.  In this overly inflammatory news based society of ours, my resistance is to publish anything that is not based in research.

Definition: Biocide – A biocide is a chemical substance capable of killing living organisms, usually in a selective way. Biocides are commonly used in medicine, agriculture, forestry, and in industry where they prevent the fouling of water and oil pipelines.

A Bit of History:

One of the inspirations for this book and this article was an experience I had while in a store outside of Dayton Ohio.  Not too far from the headquarters of Protor & Gamble (Cincinnati) I was delivering a speech about the Dirty Dozen at an annual event the store promotes.  Probably 200 in attendance, I went through the Dirty Dozen chemicals created by the Marin County Cancer Project.  At the end, I provided some chemicals of concern, so I went back through my “most feared” list.  In the book, I describe that some of the Dirty Dozen are much more damaging than other, but tend to be used in only discrete segments and in only some products.  Some ingredients like parabens are much more widely used often in multiple doses during the manufacturing process elevating their concentrations in products to well beyond the called for percentages by the chemical maker.  During my speech, I invited questions as we went along and there were plenty.

At the end, I voiced my concern that Triclosan was perhaps my greatest fear because it is so powerful a biocide.  As a bit of background, Triclosan is the main ingredient in hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps.  A biocide, by design, kill gram positive and gram negative bacteria as well as most all bacteria.  My concern all along has been two very important concerns.

1. If it  indiscriminately kill all bacteria, then what does it do to the flora-probiotic on our skin?
2. Will the destruction of all bacteria on the skin create super-bugs that morph and become resistant to both the biocide and antibiotics?

As I always do, I try to connect with the eyes of people in my audience.  It is my way of trying to figure out if I am connecting with them.  In my corporate life, I received training on how to read an audience as well.  As I call it, Squirming Around is a big flag that I have touched a nerve.  You better believe that I experienced this at every shareholder meeting.  So, this day, I was thrust back to my corporate life by a gentleman that had asked no questions, been very polite and had friendly eyes.  When I lumped Triclosan in with parabens as my major concern, his hand shot skyward as to immediately interrupt me.  I obliged by stopping to acknowledge his question.

He asked, “Why would you add the main ingredient in hand sanitizers with that of preservatives used in almost every product made from personal care, to toothpaste, to food?”

First things first, I knew immediately that this person was from the industry because the question was one I would have expected in a meeting inside a research and development process.  Not being ever deterred by confrontation, I answered both technically and emotionally.  Here is my initial response.

“I am more concerned with Triclosan than a Methyl Paraben for four primary reasons.

1. Triclosan has been used in hospital and scientific environments for many years because it is the most effect biocide.
2. The concentration of Triclosan in a function specific product like antibacterial soaps is much higher and therefore of greater concern to me because it does a much more wide reaching job of killing all bacteria on the skin including the good bugs!
3. The destruction from Triclosan is so powerful and long lived compare to parabens that I have more than a subtle concern that what bacteria arrive back on the scene will be the worst kind like staph, eColi etc.
4. I also worry that these strains of bacteria will grow back with a vengeance and become resistant to both Triclosan and known antibiotics.

The man stood straight up as if to confront me.  I could also tell that I had just scared the hell out of the rest of the audience.  Before I could temper my comments with the Fact that this was my personal concern and that I had not gathered all the facts, he spoke.

He said, “I am a scientist that works down the road.  First, I am a parent and father.  I do not care that we have the best health insurance; I worry about what we expose our kids to.  We have had an outbreak of staph in the middle schools in this area and what you are saying is that because we require our kids to wash with antibacterial soap containing Triclosan that we are exposing them to the potential of transmitted staph infections like the ones we are experiencing now?”

My only answer had to be from the heart and not my corporate training to dodge the question.  I said, Yes!”

He shook his head and sat down.  Honestly, you could have heard a mouse burp in that room!  I tried to interject some humor and my time was up.  The people filed out of the room as the other speaker got set up.  The man approached as did the sponsors from the store.

She thanked me for the informative talk and quickly said, can you send me something about this.  She offered that she was a cancer survivor and had a more than passing concern.

The man also echoed by adding that he was privileged to be able to read many documents about uses of chemicals.  He said that what he always noticed is that most have warnings of irritation when used in high percentages and that antibacterial soap using Triclosan actually exceeded the minimum percentages.  I asked if he could provide me with percentage data and he said, “no! I am not allowed to do that!”  I got the message.  I walked back to my team that was exhibiting at the health fare and told them of the experience.  I shared, that I only wish I had a study to hand to everyone that at least echoed my fears.

Over the last two years, I have shared the story with colleagues.  This morning in July of 2010, I received an email with a copy of the attached Opinion from the EU Scientific Directorate!  Being a geek, I read all 56 pages and decided to sit down to finish this chapter of the book.

Remember this is an opinion and I would encourage you to read the entire document.  There must be additional testing.  We do know that bacteria exposed to destructive agents does morph into “super bugs” in many cases.  This opinion echoes much of that concern.  In one sense, I am pleased that this concern of mine and others has now taken another step up in the process of science.

My opinion!  For what it is worth, science generally follows an orderly path.  The Mandelbrot theory says that, if that what we see occurs in a large scale, it will occur in a small scale.  If we can kill bacteria…good and bad… with a large dose of a chemical, then small doses delivered more frequently and repeatedly will have the same effect.  The other scientific principle that comes to mind here is Occam’s Razor which is the principle that “entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity” or that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.  So, to me it makes sense from a logical perspective that using a chemical like Triclosan everyday in large does will have a long term adverse effect on the flora of the skin.  Only the test of time and scientific studies will bring the concern to even higher levels.

What I can share is that I personally avoid anything on or in my body designed to kill something like germs, bacteria and microbes.  Like all of us, I have had to take antibiotics and we know from the warnings that sustained use can make them ineffective.  Following Occam’s Razor, I also believe that is true of these chemicals under various names that are designed to make my life more pure…Purity at the sake of what?

So, my mother may not have been right that eating dirt was all that bad for me J

Below is the executive summary from the study.  Attached is the pdf of the entire OPINION!

EU Triclosan Opinion: Verbatim

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Triclosan is a biocide used in many product categories, including cosmetics. The information on environmental concentrations of triclosan in the EU is limited and bioavailability of the triclosan to bacteria in the environment is not known.

Although the present mandate concerns the evaluation of a possible association between the use of triclosan in cosmetic products and the development of resistance by certain micro-organisms, the SCCS has taken into account all evidence available from all uses of triclosan to perform its assessment.

Triclosan is the most studied biocide with respect to bacterial resistance. Such a level of information, notably on its activity against bacteria, theidentification of mechanisms of microbial resistance including genomic and proteomic aspects, is commendable and should be extended to other biocides.

Low concentrations of triclosan can trigger the expression of resistance and cross-resistance mechanisms in bacteria in vitro. In view of the concentrations of triclosan reported to trigger resistance in vitro, some of the environmental concentrations found in a number of geographical distinct areas are high enough to suggest that bacterial resistance could be triggered. It is however difficult to predict whether microbial resistance would be triggered in these environments. The few in situ studies performed to date did not show any bacterial resistance emerging following triclosan exposure. In addition, the presence of other chemicals (e.g. antibiotics, surfactants, other biocides, etc.) in the environment, which may also affect microbial populations, would preclude assessing the effects of triclosan independently.

The emergence of resistance induced/selected by triclosan is related to the genetic control on the resistance gene(s) present on chromosomal and genetic mobile elements. This represents the origin for a hazard about selection and dissemination of cross-resistance with other anti-bacterial molecules including biocides and antibiotics.

Triclosan, like any other biocide, contributes to the selection of less susceptible bacteria in a complex microcosm in vitro. The impact of such a selection is unclear, as is the fitness of the “selected” bacterial species following triclosan exposure. The few in situ studies investigating long-term triclosan exposure (i.e. at least 6 months) did not indicate changes in the resistance susceptibility in the predominant bacteria selected for monitoring, but the changes in the entire flora were not evaluated. Thus additional in situ information is needed to provide a definitive opinion.

There are, so far, no epidemiological data linking outbreaks of antimicrobial resistant human and zoonotic pathogens to exposure to triclosan.

A number of scientific and technical data gaps about the occurrence and understanding of the resistance profile of triclosan have been identified and should be addressed. In particular, where biocides, including triclosan are used intensely, monitoring for emerging resistance in the microbial flora should be conducted. A more detailed research strategy for investigating the antimicrobial resistance effect of biocides is presented in a separate opinion from the SCENIHR (2010).

There is an apparent discrepancy between in situ information that suggests the absence of induction of bacterial resistance and cross-resistance triggered by triclosan, and in vitro studies describing the mechanistic and genetic aspect of triclosan-resistance in bacteria. A better translation of in vitro findings to in situ situations is needed, making full use of molecular tools and environmental conditions used in laboratory investigations. Standardized protocols and similar parameters should be applied to both in vitro and in situ investigations.

Although triclosan resistance was not observed in situ, this is not sufficient to conclude that there is no risk. Information is still lacking to provide a risk assessment on the use of triclosan in cosmetic products, including the genetic aspects of resistance, changes in environmental microcosm, maintenance and transfer of virulence and resistance determinants in situ.

Due to the limited number of in situ studies of resistance induced by triclosan to date, SCCS can only recommend the prudent use of triclosan, for example in applications where a health benefit can be demonstrated. However, conclusions from in vitro studies cannot be ignored, notably the role of triclosan (and other biocides) in triggering resistance and in the dissemination (horizontal or vertical transfer of) resistance determinants. Research focused on triggering mechanisms of resistance, maintenance of the gene pool and the transfer of resistance and virulence determinants, and improving the translational application of laboratory results to situations in situ are needed. Hence,the SCCS appreciates that research investment from the industry will be maintained to contribute to a better understanding of the potential risks associated with triclosan applications.

Complete Report:  EU Opinion: Triclosan Superbugs

Amended 7/19/2010

Just a few hours after publishing, a number of friends commented on the article adding some noteworthy points.  Below are some additions submitted by a few of my scientific buds:  Bob

• Triclosan:  The Biocide that keeps on giving!

• Most of the free world including the US require that Triclosan be listed somewhere on the label if it is used in a product.  But how about if it is used in product packaging or molded into materials.  Unregulated therefore no requirement for listing.  Herein is the fallacy of confusing consequence with sequence.

• Have you ever wondered why cheese seems to last longer than it used to?  Have you wondered how companies can claim that if you buy their storage products that food will last longer?  Have you wondered how a manufacture could claim that their running socks are antibacterial?

• We know that Triclosan is used in sanitizers and tooth paste as well as antibacterial soaps.  Did you ever wonder what chemical they use in making utensils, cooking equipment, cutting boards and even sport clothing to make them antibacterial.  You guessed it, Triclosan.  The white powdery substance can be molded into products to make virtually antibacterial.  Many food packages are molded with Triclosan to make them antibacterial to preserve the food longer.

• If there was any reason to buy organic and local at the farmers market, this is a dammed good one for me. Even if you are only half right.

• So, like Phthalates, Triclosan is not just in personal care.  They found phthalates in childrens toys and car dashboards.  Triclosan is in much more than antibacterial soap.  So here is a partial list of products that use Triclosan that I could find after a 10 minute Google search.

• • Sanitizers
  • Antibacterial soap (really a detergent)
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste
  • Shaving Cream
  • Mouthwash
  • Skin Care
  • Makeup
  • Acne Products
  • Antimicrobial Creams
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Kitchen Utensils
  • Food Storage
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Trash Bags
  • Toys
  • Bedding
  • Socks
  • Sports Clothing
  • Child Car Seats

• Someone asked me if I could link a direct connection to MRSA (Methicillin Resistent Staphylococcus Aureus) and Triclosan.  I said, “honestly, I do not know!”  Do I believe that it is connected, Yes!  So you can imagine my surprise when I read an article in a medical journal prescribe sits baths for MRSA suffers in a solution of 2% Tricolsan!

• Reports have suggested that triclosan can combine with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform gas which the U.S. EPA classifies as a probable human carcinogen. As a result, triclosan was the target of a UK cancer alert, even though the study showed that the amount of chloroform generated was less than amounts often present in chlorinated drinking waters.

• Triclosan reacts with the free chlorine in tap water to also produce lesser amounts of other compounds, like 2,4-dichlorophenol.  Most of these intermediates convert into dioxins upon exposure to sun light (UVA)  Small amounts of dioxins are produced and there is more than subtle concern over this effect because dioxins are extremely toxic and endocrine disruptors. They are also chemically very stable, so that they are eliminated from the body very slowly, so they can bioaccumulate.  Therefore they persist in the environment for a very long time.

• Triclosan is chemically somewhat similar to the dioxin class of compounds. Triclosan production leads to small amounts of residual polychlorinated dioxins, and polychlorinated furans which are contained in small amounts, in the products that are using it.

• A 2006 triclosan study concluded that low doses of triclosan act as an endocrine disruptor in the North American bullfrog. The hypothesis proposed is that triclosan blocks the metabolism of thyroid hormone, because it chemically mimics thyroid hormone, and binds to the hormone receptor sites, blocking them, so that normal hormones cannot be utilized.

• Triclosan is used in many common household products including Clearasil Daily Face Wash, Dentyl mouthwash, the Colgate Total range, Pepsodent, Softsoap, Dial, Right Guard deodorant, Sensodyne Total Care, Old Spice and Mentadent.

Ele Keats   Actor Artist Keys Fan!

When we started Keys, we began small with a few products and some real fans.  Our core belief is that products should solve problems and make people feel good about themselves and what they are using in and on their body.

As we have grown, we feel it is time to honor some of those that we have helped, have been with us for a long time and those using our products in unique applications.

Featured Keys Customer:  Ele Keats, Hometown:  Hollywood California

Ele has been a real fan for a long time and has helped us with the development of a number of our products through her suggestions and ideas.  Ele’s testing, suggestions and input has lead to improvements in Island Rx foaming wash, Luminos, Solar Rx and Eye Butter.

In her own words, “I start each day with meditation,  a glass of water. My beauty ritual begins with clean natural products. My favorites are Keys Solar Rx Sunblock, Island RX Foaming Wash, Eye Butter eye cream and luminous moisturizer. They are the purest available and give glowing results. I mix my foundation in the luminous to create a personalized tinted moisturizer. I love Keys products and I adore Bob and Wendy. They are an example of true love and walking the talk.”

Ele The Actor…Motion Pictures, Television and Commercials

Ele Keats started acting professionally at 15 in the famous Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial.  Now with a career that spans 2 decades, she has worked with Robert Downey Jr in Eros, Christian Bale in Newsies,  Alan Arkin, Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ethan Hawke, to name just a few. She has appeared in 20 motion pictures including, Eros Directed by Steven Soderborgh, Newsies directed by Kenny Ortega, Alive, Frankie and Johnny. She has also appeared in numerous TV shows including CSI New York , Cold Case, Greek as well as 100s of television commercials. Ele is a “true” working actress. she enjoys her craft with ever changing new roles that challenge her creativity which bring her a sense of fulfillment. Ele stands out as an actors actor and thrives in one of the toughest professions.  Especially now in this new world of High Definition.

Ele The Artist…Jewelry Design!  Simplicity and Beauty!

“I am here to bring creation , inspiration and beauty. It is my philosophy with my acting career as well as my jewelry-line. I want to bring a little joy to this world,” says Ele.

ELE KEATS JEWELRY

It is easy to describe Ele’s work….True beauty, pure inspiration!

Ele Keats understands that women who hold forward thinking philosophies on health, beauty, and spirit

deserve a little more than a roughly shaped crystal strung on a strand of hemp. Presenting Ele Keats

Jewelry, an elegant, alluring collection in which each piece has been created by hand with both love, and

the clear intention of bringing a more connection, creation, inspiration and beauty into the world.

When a trusted mentor suggested Ele wear an emerald necklace for its healing and protective properties, she was unable to find anything on the market that met her high aesthetic standards, so she created her own design.   The response from friends and strangers alike made it clear that a career in inspirational gemstone jewelry design was the next step on Ele’s path.

Simple and eye-catching, Ele Keats Jewelry rests upon a spiritual backbone, with each gemstone chosen

for its unique healing qualities, and each design crafted to inspire.

Ele’s This Too Will Pass ring collection, inspired by best-selling spiritual philosopher Eckhart Tolle,

is an elegant reminder that the one thing in life we can count on is change.

Elements is Ele’s most recent collection and was inspired by the natural wonder of the Universe.

From Star nebulas, to the ocean Ele is fascinated by the miracles and beauty of nature and the Milky Way.

Ele deeply believes that how a piece is created and the origin of it’s materials are important expressions not only of overall quality, but also of the less tangible, more spiritual qualities of wellness and well being.  This is why Ele makes all her pieces out of reclaimed gold, and why she is intimately involved with all  aspects of design, craftsmanship and production. From personally selecting each gemstone, to collaborating with her goldsmith in her home city of Los Angeles, Ele lovingly attends to every detail.

Ele Keats Jewelry has been featured in “Lucky” magazine, worn in many films and TV shows and received  an overwhelming response from celebrity clientele, who praise her inspirational designs as “simply stunning.”   Clients include: Drew Barrymore, Diane Keaton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Cameron Diaz, Lauren Graham, Mandy Moore, Poppy Montgomery, Teri Hatcher, Alison Lohman, Kerry Washington, Piper Perabo, Elizabeth Berkley, Carla Gugino, and Isabelle Adjani.

Both aesthetically striking and spiritually powerful, Ele Keats Jewelry both enhances and reflects the true

beauty of all women who wear it.

Ele Keats Jewelry: true beauty, pure inspiration.  Visit Ele’s webpage at by Clicking Here

Ele The Person…Healthy, Beautiful, Sincere and Original
“I am Vegan and have been practicingyoga for 20 years . Health is a foundation of my life.  I am committed to clean living and I only use natural products in my home and on my body.”

When asked, Bob & Wendy said, “Ele is the embodiment of a truly beautiful individual.  She is the essence of health, beauty, talent and sincerity.  She is truly a grateful person that has both inspiration and talent in everything she does.  Ele’s inspirational author, Eckhart Tolle lead her to embrace change with joy.  As in our book, Defining Moments, we talk about embracing the changes that come to us all in our lives.  It is a book that is full of defining moments that culminated in Melanoma which inspired our company.  We have had many defining moments since then and having Ele as a friend is certainly one of them.”

Learn more about Ele at http://www.elekeats.com

Bob Root, Keys CTO

I offer the title above with a great deal of respect for this years EWG 2010 Sunscreen Report.  I use the colloquial title because for the first time I feel there is a report that we can all read and understand.  Good on ya EWG for making something that we can read and learn as well as drill down for the details.

_____________________________________________

It is that time of year again when the various sunscreen reports come out.

The Environmental Working Group 2010 Sunscreen Report is out a couple of months early.

Once again, Keys Solar Rx receives great marks in the Moisturizer with SPF category.

This year there are some interesting changes in the report that might not be very apparent, so I will try to hit some highlights to simplify it for you.  Most notable is that the ranking system is gone and it is a very clear, concise easy to read educational document.

Sunscreen Categories

A couple of years ago, we urged the EWG to revise the categories for sun protection products.  Last year there were two categories listed.  One for Beach and Sports and the other more cosmetic daily use products.  This year they have expanded the categories to include.  Adding two additional categories also helped to keep the list for each shorter and easier to read

• Beach and Sports Sunscreens
• SPF Lip Balm
• SPF Moisturizers (Keys Category)
• SPF Makeup

Ranking System Gone

I for one was very pleased at this because too many companies used the ranking system to market their products.  We were even guilty of this, but we justified it because everyone elese was doing it.  Not a good reason.  This year, the safety ratings are shown next to the products in alphabetical order.  Last year if you had a lower score than others, you appeared at the top of the list.  This year the list is safest in alphabetical order.  This will give you a more fair view of what is available.  So, we finally have a safety rating system without a ranking system.  This is much clearer when you look at the report.

Top Sun Tips

Read the rest of this story »

We always endeavor to report on things that we know based on facts or studies.  This small review is most definitely and opinion piece from us, so you should form you own opinion by reading the links and watching the various videos available at the links.

Keys Review, Toxic America

Well if you missed it, the CNN series with Sanjay Gupta titled Toxic America was quite good.

Generally speaking, there was nothing new.  The wonderful thing about when people like Sanjay or Memet Oz grab a hold of something is that they simplify thing to a point where even us scientist get it.

Last night was the second and last episode and was mostly based on the EWG research that they found over 200 industrial chemicals in the umbilical cord of ten recently born babies.  Ken did very well coming off calm and well collected whereas the chemical industries Doberman looked and acted somewhat the fool.

I think that Sanjay was more than concerned because of the number of references back to him being the father of three girls.  His comments were delivered from a point of concern as a doctor, but to me it was clearly first as a father.  The espisode began with old videos of how the chemical industry positioned DDT as safe in the late 40′s through the 50′s.  His positioning was, if they thought it was safe then and we know it was not, what about all the 80,000+  chemicals that have gone untested except for the 200 mentioned.  Not a good score as an industry.  Tested 200 out of 80,000…that’s a confidence builder.

Awareness begins with a small wave that grows and grows until the majority gets it!  Then as it moves mainstream, more and more people start to understand and start to talk about things as if they are a part of everyday life.  Marketers refer to this as a life cycle.  There are first Early Adopters, then there are the Early Majority followed by the Late Majority.  Toward the end of the cycle comes the Late Adopters.  This sort of looks like a bell curve with time along the bottom axis and volume or more people along the vertical axis.  So, Sanjay spending two nights on an series called Toxic America is what I believe is the beginning of the climb along that bell curve.  For most of you, there will be not too much new because part of the reason you are reading this is because you already get it.  Think of it this way, as an early adopter, you have witnessed the long slow pull of awareness.  I think based on Sanjay and Ken Cook last night, the climb will be steep and fast with vast amounts of momentum.

I do believe that last night was the turning point for all the hard work by the EWG, the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, Teen Turning Green and the Breast Cancer Fund.  Keys has been involved early on in much of this effort and we are pleased to see this review by Dr. Sanjay Gupta.  Like all story tellers, he has condensed, boiled down and footnoted it for the rest of us.

Here are the links that you should spend some time with as soon as you can.

Toxic America http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/toxic.america/

Dr Gupta’s site http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/house.call/index.html (please read this one as soon as you can because it is current events based.

Both?

Bob Root, Keys Technologist

As a part of my ongoing series of looking at the Dirty Dozen Chemicals shown to provide elevated cancer rates in people and animals, in this article, I outline why we do not use parabens leaving the judgmental diagnosis to the NGO’s attacking them.  The Dirty Dozen Chemicals are a list of 12 developed originally by the Marin County Cancer Project which at the time, had the highest Cancer Rates in the US.  Followed by Search For The Cause and Teens Turning Green the list is now designated the Dirty Thirty.

So, are parabens good guys or bad guys?  Both it seems and there is a why we do not use them as well.

Below is a scavenged description of parabens from Wikipedia.    On the surface and from a chemical perspective they do their job.  Many chemists and companies support their use based on a belief of safety.  I believe that they are looking at the wrong reasons for safety.

Our society seems to primarily look at safety as, “will what we put on our skin hurt us directly?”  I believe that we should be looking at whether it hurts us based on contact and will it cause something else to hurt us because of it.

So first let’s try to understand what they are and why some manufacturers use them.  Here is that Wikipedia description

Paraben 2D Skeletal

effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives.

Their efficacy as preservatives, in combination with their low cost, their long history of safe use and the inefficacy of natural alternatives like grapefruit seed extract(GSE), probably explains why parabens are so commonplace. They are becoming increasingly controversial, however, and some organizations which adhere to the precautionary principle object to their everyday use. Read the rest of this story »

Ingredients, Skin Deep Report  and Everything Else…

Musing from an interview with Bob Root, Keys Care CTO

Bob Root, Keys Chief Technologist Near Los Alamos National Labs

I recently took up Storm Chasing as a hobby… Just kidding although I feel like one of those guys chasing Tornado’s in the Midwest when it comes to the natural products industry.

I was recently on a conference call with various members of the Natural Products Manufacturers Association enraged about a change that the EWG had made in the rating of Vegetable Emulsifying Wax from a 1 to a 4.  The tone was angry because as Compact Signers, we were not given a why, who, what or a heads-up at all to the change.  As of the time of the call, no one knew why the ranking was changed, who provoked it or the reason for the change.  Normally, I would not address this here on our blog, but there has been so much uproar at the consumer level that our customer service, sales and marketing teams asked for some clarity.  The title of this article maybe should have been Williams Shakespeare’s,  ”Much Ado About Nothing!”

First, the process of developing products and the Skin Deep rating system could be a 400 page book.  I neither have the time or inspiration to write a book like that, so I will try to generalize some things and bring some of this into perspective.

The Skin Deep database is one of, if not, the best things that has ever happened for consumer safety regarding cosmetics.  Like anything, it must be broad and focused on its purpose.  Skin Deep is a database to help consumers understand the safety of products that they are using on themselves and their families.  It is not a database for manufacturers to use as a marketing tool.  Although it might seem that way to some, it is a tool for consumers as well as a tool for manufacturers to use in developing safer products.

Natural and organic are not features or benefits of products.  Some of us believe that it should be the basis of all that we make and consume. It should be the norm and not the niche exception that it is. Read the rest of this story »

Click Here To View Keys Labels

We have always published our product labels on our website.  Admittedly they have been a little hard to find and took some work.  As a part of the evolution of our website and our dedication to simpler more informed content, we have created a page on our blog dedicated to our products from an informational standpoint.  The page on the main menu bars above and to the right show a new category called “Keys Products.”  As we add information, it will appear in this category and as a brief article like this one.

So, now all of our label art in flat pattern is available to be viewed by clicking this link or the label image herein.  You can also go to the category page and click the link there to see these labels.

You will also notice that we are beginning to add recycle symbols to our labels.  Many of our containers are made in the EU and do not have mold recycle marks.  These packages are fully recyclable.  We are adding the symbol to all of our labels as an assurance.  As we add the symbol, we will update the label art page above to reflect the changes.

EWG Report Cover

The EWG just released a report on Fragrances. Below is a part of the report and links to read the entire report.

What is important to understand is that these same secret ingredients are used in personal care and household products. That familiar brand fragrance of Tide, Dreft and dryer sheets come from fragrance developed in the same process as the cologne’s and perfumes listed in the EWG Report.

This report is not startling to us, but it will be to you. It is clear and concise as well as very easy to understand. Simply if it has a long lasting smell, it is a good chance that your products have some of these secret ingredients that are talked about in the report.

This morning our chief scientist, Bob Root, was a featured speaker on the industry call hosted by the Product Stewardship Institute.

Here is the Link to the EWG Not So Sexy fragrance report

Here is a link to the Not So Sexy Fragreance Report in PDF file format

EWG Report Excerp

A rose may be a rose. But that rose-like fragrance in your perfume may be something else entirely, concocted from any number of the fragrance industry’s 3,100 stock chemical ingredients, the blend of which is almost always kept hidden from the consumer.

Makers of popular perfumes, colognes and body sprays market their scents with terms like “floral,” “exotic” or “musky,” but they don’t disclose that many scents are actually a complex cocktail of natural essences and synthetic chemicals – often petrochemicals. Laboratory tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by Environmental Working Group revealed 38 secret chemicals in 17 name brand fragrance products, topped by American Eagle Seventy Seven with 24, Chanel Coco with 18, and Britney Spears Curious and Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio with 17.

The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Among them are chemicals associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety in personal care products.

Also in the ranks of undisclosed ingredients are chemicals with troubling hazardous properties or with a propensity to accumulate in human tissues. These include diethyl phthalate, a chemical found in 97 percent of Americans (Silva 2004) and linked to sperm damage in human epidemiological studies (Swan 2008), and musk ketone, a synthetic fragrance ingredient that concentrates in human fat tissue and breast milk (Hutter 2009; Reiner 2007).

KEYS TV   Sun and UV Avoidance

Wendy Steele, Keys CEO

UV “B” Chic and UV “A” Wise

Wendy Steele Keys CEO and Ten Year Melanoma Survivor

After the shock of being diagnosed with Melanoma Skin Cancer and the aftermath of dealing with all the chemical in my life that cause my skin disorders, the reality set home pretty quickly.   My skn could never again be exposed to prolonged UV events.  Growing up with a golden tan every summer, sailing the Chesapeak Bay and living in San Diego on a boat caused me to rethink my lifestyle.  Moreover, it caused me to become a advocate and spokesperson for UV and sun avoidance.

Yes, we make one of the finest sunblocks in the world. Consumer Reports said it was the most effective. The Environmental Working Group said we are the safest.   Still, my advocacy is education to stay out of the sun, wear a UPF rated hat and clothing, wear sunglasses and then cover exposed skin with sun protection.  Strange that a sun protection company would say cover-up…not really! Every day throughout the world, people die from Melanoma. Many do not realize it until it is too late.   I dress the way I do and take the sun seriously because my life depends on it.

90% of all visible skin aging comes from UV exposure.   So, if you are not afraid of the cancer potential, think of how you will look when you get older. Don’t think you have sun damage?   Hold your arms out so that you see the tops of your arms. Look at them carefully.   Any brown spots, freckles wrinkles or dry spots?  Now turn them over to see what no sun looks like.   If there is no difference, then good for you.   You are part of the <1% of the population that does not have sun damage.

Watch my video to see how to protect yourself from skin cancer and againg. It is all a matter of covering up!

Click the Arrow on the Video Player  See the Video

KEYS TV About Keys

Simple, Effective Pharmaceutical Grade Products for Skin Health

Bob Root Keys CTO and Co-Founder at White Sands NM

Many people have asked how we started Keys and why.

This short video overview will give you a sense of who we are, why we started and our purpose.

As an overview, Wendy Steele, Keys CEO was diagnosed with Melanoma Skin Cancer a little over ten years ago. She survived the cancer, but was terribly afflicted with skin disorders that were diagnosed by doctors as adult acne, eczema, psoriasis,l contact dermatitis and a myriad of other incorrect bad guesses. What she found was that it was the chemicals in prescription skincare and the sunscreens she had to wear to protect her skin.

Her husband an co-founder, Bob, engineered some simple effective products from ancients recipes as well as ones that he created to create chemical free skin health products that used pharmaceutical grade ingredients in therapeutic proportions.

This overview video introduces you to Bob & Wendy, Keys and our products. What you see is what you get!

Click the Arrow on the Video Player  See the Video

By Wendy Steele, Keys CEO

Wendy Steele Keys CEO and 10+ Year Melanoma Survivor

A few years ago when I fell and sprained my ankle, I had to send Bob to Santa Monica CA to meet with 300 Hollywood makeup artists.  The trip was to introduce Eye Butter as a natural alternative to eye foundations and creams.  Our message then and now was that natural products no longer needed to be a compromise.  Our message was and is that Eye Butter, Luminos and Solar Rx actually make people look good on and off camera.  Not just for the Red Carpet.

Most of you know that Bob is my business partner and also my husband.   Since I was then on crutches and unable to travel, it was hard to send him to be with makeup artists which were mostly beautiful women with “the natural look”.  As the story continues,  happily, Bob’s connection with these women did not end with the event in Santa Monica.  The relationships have strengthened and multiplied to where most of our beauty advisors are  makeup artists and actors.  And during this journey we have learned so much from them not only about on-camera results with Keys products, in addition many have become such good friends of Keys through our relationships with them.  Truly, they have become my friends as well.  Many attending a surprise birthday party for Bob at the Reagan Library in Southern California.

Traditionally, products are endorsed by celebrities by being paid to do so.  Not only can we not afford to do this form of endorsement, but it is generally against our philosophy.  Beauty is a relatively new market sector for us and most of the clear cosmetic product advancements came from our association with some very creative makeup artists. Read the rest of this story »

Dirty Dozen Chemicals: SLS

Bob Root, Keys CTO

By Bob Root

Keys Technologist

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 pragmatic reasons why I do not use certain ingredients.  Most encourage me to offer my simplified reasons, 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.

SLS Overview:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) is the first chemical listed on the Dirty Dozen Chemicals created by the Marin County Cancer Project.  These Dirty Dozen have been linked to elevated Cancer rates in people and their pets.

SLS has over 200 synonyms listed on the National Institutes of Health Toxnet.  Some very chemical sounding while other sound very safe and botanical.  They are fundamentally the same.  We believe that many manufacturers have chosen to create synonyms to claim that they do not use SLS.

SLS is used in cleansers, soaps, shampoos and even toothpaste.  It makes things suds, degreases and cleans.  It was introduced into the US after World War II as an engine degreaser.  Up until the 50’s it was used primarily for that purpose in the form of a product called Gunk!  Gunk is an engine degreaser that is still sold in auto parts stores to get rid of engine grime.

Read the rest of this story »

A new iPhone application promises to inform the consumer of which products should be avoided using a database of INCI names and the ingredients allotted safety profile.

iPhone app

Cosmetifique can be used with both the iPhone and iPod Touch and claims to have a searchable database of over 5,000 ingredients, in INCI format. Results for ingredients searches come back highlighted as either red, orange or green, to denote whether the ingredient is good, acceptable or should be avoided. According to application designer Alfredo Delli Bovi, this can inform the consumer whether the cosmetics they have bought or are planning on purchasing are dangerous to their health or the environment. Cosmetifique also allows favourite products to be saved with the name, brand and colour, which can then be shared with friends via email, facebook or twitter. Delli Bovi explained that the ingredients suggested as good are natural and green ingredients.  “We talked to make-up gurus and 90 percent of them preferred natural ingredients, so we don’t suggest chemical ones like dimethicone,” he said. A local scientific agency provided much of the information for the application as did webservices, explained Delli Bovi. The application is now available to purchase from Apple’s App Store at a price of $1.99.  The company website is http://www.cosmetifique.com/ BTW, the cosmetics industry is up in arms over this app

by Bob Root

Keys Technologist

Clean, Caring, Concerned and Diligent!

It was about six years ago that Keys burst on the scene of the Natural Products Industry when we exhibited at the Natural Products Expo trade show.  It was synergistic that about the same time that many well known “natural products” manufacturers were exclaming that they were going to remove the Dirty Dozen chemicals from their products over the next few years that we showed up with none of them.  When the show opened, many were shocked to see that we created stable functional products that had none of the Dirty Dozen.  In fact, we never had them in our products.

Keys cause and mission was to create products for people with sensitive skin, post cancer recovery and for people with chemical based skin disorders.  We simply could not use the Dirty Dozen as well as hundreds of other chemicals and fragrances that were commonly used.  Our mission at the show was to not out-do others in what seemed to be more of a PR race.   We were there to provide niche market products which we labeled as Chemical-Free Skin Health®  We presneted ourselves, not just as a natural product, but skin health products that competed with pharmaceutical products for efficacy and that are natural…chemical-free! Read the rest of this story »

Acne Solutions.  Real or Unreal?

Bob Root, Keys CTO

By Bob Root, Keys Technologist

There are many acne treatments on the market promising a quick result.  They work quickly and as quickly, the skin rebounds, for most with, with a vengeance.

We receive a lot of emails from people wondering what we have for treating acne.  Ironically, Keys is in business because of acne treatment.  More about that later.

The major quick fix for acne has been the same since the 1920’s.  The chemical is called Benzyol Peroxide.  Benzoyl peroxide is an compound in the organic peroxide family. It consists of two benzoyl groups joined by a peroxide group. Benzoyl peroxide is used as an acne treatment, for improving flour, for bleaching hair and teeth, for polymerising polyester and many other uses.

Jack Breitbart of Revlon laboratories first developed the use of benzoyl peroxide for treating acne in the 1920′s. It is typically placed over the affected areas in gel or cream form, in concentrations of 2.5% increasing through the usually effective 5% to up to 10%. Research suggests that 5 and 10% concentrations are not significantly more effective than 2.5% and 2.5% is usually better tolerated. It commonly causes initial dryness and sometimes irritation, although the skin develops tolerance after a week or so. A small percentage of people are much more sensitive to it and liable to suffer burning, itching, peeling and possibly swelling. It is sensible to apply the lowest concentration and build up as appropriate. Once tolerance is achieved, increasing the quantity or concentration a second time and gaining tolerance at a higher level usually gives better subsequent acne clearance. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and clearing pores, thus reducing the bacterial count there as well as directly as an antibacterial. (Wikepedia)

There are a couple of significant points in the above observation.

1. The skin reacts and a tolerance level must be built.
2. Sensitive skin has even greater reactions and might be more unsightly than the acne.
3. Dosage must increase to be effective.
4. The Benzoyl Peroxide acts on bacteria

There was a poll conducted on one of the acne sites asking how many people have a reoccurrence of acne after a period of time while still on a treatment program.  94% saw a recurrence equal to or greater than before. Read the rest of this story »

New Eye Butter

Softer, smoother and more effective anti-aging properties

By Bob Root, Keys Technologist

Eye Butter is now better butter.  The ingredients are the same.  The amount of each ingredient has not changed.  Two of the processes in making Eye Butter have been changed to increase its efficacy and soften the consistency while also being smoother.

How we did it and why it is important!

One of the major secrets of why Eye Butter softens tissue around the eyes and reverses fine lines is fresh natural organic cucumber.  The polysaccharides in fresh cucumber have almost supernatural properties.  Both cucumber and aloe have some of the highest polysaccharide levels known.  The problem is how to harvest and purify them without losing potency.  Our engineering team figured out how to freeze dry aloe in the fields at harvest to keep the polysaccharide levels as high as possible.  Until now, accomplishing the same with cucumber juice was nearly impossible.

The first change is in how we process the cucumber juice.  We have always distilled our own fresh organic cucumbers.  The original process was to select organic cucumbers and peel away the skin maximizing the most amount of surface flesh where the polysaccharides are the highest concentration.  Then we seed the cucumbers and juice them in a sterile environment.  The juice was filtered and then put into a steam distiller.  From that a clear liquid cucumber extract was then added to the rest of the ingredients to make Eye Butter.  Keep in mind that there is no commercially available cucumber extract that does not contain parabens.  Processing our own cucumber just in time for the process permitted us to have a cucumber extract that is chemical-free, but the process itself depleted approximately 35% of the polysaccharide levels.

We have been working on a new process for over two years and we have been able to create a cucumber juice that has the highest possible polysaccharide levels while also being microbiologically stable and clean.  The new process is pretty secret, but basically, we create a cucumber juice and submicron filters it to eliminate microbiology bacteria and maintaining the original properties of the juice.  Thanks to our friends at the University or Oregon and Los Alamos National Labs, we have a pure cucumber juice that we now add to make our Eye Butter even more effective.

The Second Secret is Sound Read the rest of this story »

In keeping with our commitment to keep you informed about studies dealing with the Dirty Thirty chemicals, here is a synopsis and link to a recent article regarding phthalates in personal care products.  Please note that we have tracked the use of phthalates in room fresheners, scented candles, dryer sheets, laundry detergents, cologne/perfumes and a high percentage of personal care products.  The consumer simple rule that we suggest is that if a product has a strong fragrance that lasts for a long time, it is most likely synthetic and contains a form of phthalate.  When in doubt inquire to a product manufacture for assurance that their products do not contain phthalates.  Keys Engineering

Personal care ingredient linked to ADHD

A new study has linked phthalates, a substance used in some shampoos, lotions, air fresheners and children’s toys, with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although research on the health effects of phthalates (pronounced “thalates”) has been somewhat inconsistent, the latest study, published in Biological Psychiatry, adds to troubling findings about the chemical.

“These data represent the first documented association between phthalate exposure and ADHD symptoms in school-aged children,” Yun-Chul Hong, MD, PhD, senior author of the study, said in a statement. He and his colleagues came to their conclusions after measuring urine phthalate concentrations and evaluating ADHD symptoms in 261 Korean children, age 8 to 11 years. They found that the higher the concentration of phthalate metabolites in the urine, the worse the ADHD symptoms.

Some studies to date on phthalates have linked the chemical to hormone disruptions, birth defects, asthma and reproductive problems. Other studies have found no significant association between phthalate exposure and health risks.

Here is a link to the article.  Click Here

Galleyon Mini Naturally Antibacterial Foaming Castile Soap, 50 ml (1.69 oz)

Galleyon Mini Foamer

Our customers have asked and asked for a smaller purse size version of Galleyon.  The problem has been finding a foamer mechanism small enough and durable enough for the high levels of natural spearmint essential oil that we use as our major antibacterial agent.

Great for the pocket or purse during flu season, Galleyon was first developed for professionals that wanted an antibacterial soap, but without the harsh biocide chemicals.  Doctors, nurses, chefs and many other professionals are required to wash their hands many times a day.  The harsh chemicals in all antibacterial soaps left their hands cracked, chapped and irritated.  Using Galleyon as a primary soap or as a second wash preserves the antibacterial action while adding oils to sooth the skin.  We now believe that the Tricosan’s used in these antibacterial hand sanitizers and soaps may contribute to elevated cancer rates in people and pets.  Equally, we have a concern that these agents when used also destroy the probiotics on the skin.  Galleyon works by deep cleaning and removing bacteria versus destroying it.  In our own tests, we have found that the bacteria count is substantially reduced with Galleyon while not harming the skin or destroying the skins probiotics flora.      

Galleyon works well with and without water.  You can foam a small amount to rub into your hands or wash with it rinsing with water

The new Mini Galleyon Foamer is great for the purse to use in public wash rooms, for kids to carry to school, for the car and for travel.           

This is the same formulation as our full size Galleyon Foamer in a smaller foaming style container.  The air infused foaming head provides a rich lather right out of the nozzle.  Many of our customers have used Galleyon as a head-to-toe wash and asked for a better way to apply the product.  The natural answer was to foam the liquid and after much development effort we were able to make a foaming head that foamed the rich Galleyon Castile Soap.

Galleyon is a blend of our natural Castile soap recipe and we add high levels of Lakota Sioux grown Spearmint essential oil as our naturally antibacterial ingredient.  Galleyon soothes the skin, deep cleans and has a super spearmint aromatherapy.  Great for bathing head-to-toe

 “Galleyon is always a favorite wherever we go.  People love the fresh spearmint scent.  Everywhere I go people have asked me to make a smaller size so that they could carry it in their purse or satchel.  I have been testing the product myself and recently at the California Women’s Conference hosted by Maria Shriver, we showed the Mini Galleyon for the first time.  When I used it in the lady’s room, people wondered what that clean natural smell was.  What a difference from those fragrance filled commercial detergents that they call hand soap,”  Wendy Steele , Keys CEO and Founder

Click Here to go to the full description of Galleyon Foaming Wash

Consumer Introductory Special: For a limited time only, we are having an introductory special for the Galleyon Mini Foamer.  If you buy 6 at one time, we will add an additional free mini foamer to your basket.  Buy 6 mini foamers and get one free.  Click Here to go to the order page

Research links school air quality to school cleaning supplies

Keys Note:  Although we are a natural skin remedy and health company, we have long said that many skin disorders are misdiagnosed and caused by chemicals in household products.  Because this report is about schools, on the surface, do not dismiss this report when choosing your household cleaning products.  Especially your laundry detergents that come in direct contact with your skin.  At Keys, we believe that 95+% of all household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals to humans and pets and cause over 75% of diagnosed skin disorders.  Our belief…What’s yours?  Please read this summary and the linked report for your own well being!

EWG, November 6, 2009:  Cleaning supplies used in 13 large California school districts release an airborne brew of chemicals, including a number that have been linked to asthma or cancer by state and federal health authorities. Tests of 21 cleaners from these schools conducted for the Environmental Working Group found that when used as directed, the products released six chemicals known to cause asthma, 11 contaminants that are known, probable, or possible cancer-causing substances in humans, and hundreds of other compounds for which there is little or no hazard information.

Read the rest of this story »

Well, I am not the only guy.  There are a few of us.

As the Keys formulator, I was asked to attend this year’s California Women’s Conference to answer questions and talk to the press and celebrities about our line of chemical-free skin care products.

I arrived in LA last week.  It is always a home coming for me.  This year was the same, but different.  After all, I was going to be hanging out with 22,000 women in one of my favorite towns, Long Beach.

It is about four hours until the festivities begin and the energy here is heavy heavy supercharged and electric.  I will be adding things after the conference here.  We go from 4pm to 9pm tonight and then 7am to 5pm tomorrow.  So, I am not sure exactly when I will be physically able to share impressions.

Read the rest of this story »

By Wendy Steele, Keys  CEO

So what happens when over 20,000 women convene at a special conference in Long Beach CA hosted by The People’s Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger and California First Lady Maria Shriver?   Well, we are about to find out!  Keys is excited to participate in the CA Women’s Conference events on Monday October 26 and Tuesday October 27.  During the event, Keys is exhibiting with one of its LA based retail partners Lavender Natural Beauty.   If you are in Long Beach, please visit with us on site at the conference in Booth 846.

I am struck by the great potential for thousands of women who I believe will be inspired by what they hear, see and feel in the next 2 days.  Perhaps the greatest gift is listening to others passionately share about the defining moments in their lives.  Recognizing defining moments, on the job, with their health and at times of great loss and great celebration is a monumental step to helping women to find their voices.  During the next several days,  I look forward  to hearing from thousands of women, individually, as they share their own defining moments and speak out about what is most important to them to fully live their lives.

More later  from the Night at the Village Event and tomorrow’s events! Read the rest of this story »

Blogging Debunking  -  Federal Style

By Bob Root, Keys Technologist

And it did not take a Michael Moore Film….

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), protects consumers from fraud or deceptive business practices, voted 4 to 0 to update its rules governing endorsements, and the new guidelines require bloggers and celebrities  to clearly disclose any “material connection” to  and including payments for an endorsement or free product.

This is the first time since 1980 that the FTC has updated its rules on the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. In addition to covering bloggers, the new FTC rules state that celebrity endorsers can be held liable for false statements about a product, and all endorsements must include results consumers can “generally expect.” Previously, an advertiser could cover their claims by the disclaimer “results not typical.”

There is not week that goes by that we receive a sort of “form letter” email from some blogger that basically threatens us that they will write a bad review of our products or company if we do not send them free products.  We usually respond by asking for an audit of their readership

Read the rest of this story »

Clear Cosmetics – Keys Makeup

By Bob Root, Keys Chief Technologist

When I am in front of customers, doctors, estheticians, makeup artists, actors and cosmeticians, the question is always the same.  “When is Keys going to create a makeup line?”  My answer is when I can find safe ingredients that have the right colors and staying power.

I began looking at traditional makeup about four years ago.  I studied conventional makeup products as well as the mineral makeups.  What I found in common was a group of minerals and compounds that are earth derived  from oxides or rock ground into small particles that are suspended either in a cream, lotion or dry powder base.

Upon further investigation, I found that many lipsticks,  eye shadows and tints all contained lead, mica, silica, iron oxide and even some minerals that have low dose radiation.  When I discovered this, I wondered why the mainline companies producing makeup did not use berries, extracts, plant parts and other safer ingredients.  As I studied further, I realized that using the “more natural” ingredients did not work nearly as effectively as their mineral alternatives.  Why?  The answer is that most non-mineral colors are weak and have low staying power.  Most mineral based makeup’s are opaque in nature where fruit based colorants are more transparent and are water soluble. 

Read the rest of this story »

How Does Luminos Work…A new generation of makeup by design.

By Bob Root, Keys Technologist

Authors note:  Everywhere I go, women and men  come up to me say, “Show me that Luminos thing you do?”  What they are talking about is a little illusion I do with Luminos that is more than an illusion.  I turn my hands, palms down, show them the back of my hands and then rub Luminos on the back of just one hand.  Two seconds and I show them the back of both hands again, side-by-side.  The Luminos hand is clear, smooth and any redness is gone.  I move from one lighting area to another to show them that the illusion remains in any light. Then I explain how a TV show inspired its creation.  Invariably, the first question is, “How did you do that.”  I answer…Magic!

Painting Faces: Luminos Background – How it began!

Keys was thrust into the Hollywood scene with our Eye Butter.  Invited to present Eye Butter to 300 Hollywood makeup artists I was exposed to a lot of industry jargon.  What struck me the most was that the makeup artists referred to themselves as “face painters.”

As Eye Butter grew in popularity, I realized that we had something different.  Eye Butter was different than anything else because it softened, illuminated and brightened the eyes.  Makeup artists liked it because they kept telling me that it’s like a clear foundation that hides defects without covering the skin…Eye Butter grabs the makeup and holds it lighter and longer.

I really did not take notice of  until a makeup artist asked me to create a new product for a new TV show. Read the rest of this story »

At Keys, we have a core philosophy to not use any chemicals in our products that remotely have health concerns, known allergens or irritants.  Like many, we started our business based on a need and we try to minimize negative marketing.  If we were to list all the no’s, it would fill an entire web page.  We chose to use the term chemical-free although it outrages the chemists of the world.  All of our ingredients are on the labels and listed with the EWG Skin Deep Report.

So the purpose of writing about the Dirty Thirty is to give you an education of what chemicals are typically used in skincare, what they are intended to do and why you do not want to have them in your products.

Our own list of no no chemicals and natural ingredients tops 1100.   Yes, some are natural and they are on our no-use list because they are too aggressive, too toxic or too useless because of efficacy or quality.  This article is about the Real Dirty Thirty chemicals that top the bad-boys list.

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One of the premier conferences every year for and about women is the California Women’s Conference hosted by Maria Shriver and the Governor of California.  This year, Keys was honored to be invited as one of the sponsors of the conference being asked to have our Luminos be included in the speakers’ gift bags.  Many conferences permit vendors to buy their way into participation.  For this conference it is an invitation only honor that delighted us to receive.

There will be 118 speakers from the entire globe that includes Sir Richard Branson, Kelly Preston, Maria Shriver and numerous noteworthy speakers.  Click Here for a complete list of speakers.

The conference covers a wide array of topics and is a concentrated two day event.  Keys will also be partnering with some of our retailers in Southern California and will be exhibiting our full line of products.

Key Luminos continues to gain momentum as one of the hottest products in the Hollywood TV, Motion Picture and for Television Commercials.  The illusionary effects and glowing skin resulting from Luminos has caused quite a stir from the like of “LA Candy” and is well known by director of photography and makeup artists in the industry.  No surprise it will be a significant part of this year’s gift bag to every speaker.
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An open letter to Keys Solar Rx customers from Bob Root, Keys Technologist

Every July, many sunscreen reports are released.  Soon after, a number of companies and self-anointed experts try to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt about the use of nano-particles in sunscreens, stating opinion as if it were fact in blog posts and articles.  It’s an annual controversy, like clockwork, and this year, as things heat up again, and I am finally breaking my silence. 

There are two key issues:  a) tests show conclusively that nano-zinc oxide is the best, safest and broadest-range UV protection available, and b) far more sunscreen products use nano-particles than the manufacturers are either aware of or willing to admit.  I’ll take each issue in order.
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By Bob Root,  Keys Technologist

One day when I was young, I was reading an issue of Popular Science Magazine with a story about a bold project to put man into space.  I was so excited.  Like many young people, I fantasized about flying in space.  I became an avid follower of early rocket pioneers and awaited the day when the first manned rocket would launch.

A few months before the first test launch was to fire, my mother, in sheer terror, headed for church to join other devoted to pray for the salvation of mankind.  When I asked her what it was about, she exclaimed that “the world will come to an end when that damned rocket punctures the sky.”  …”We have to prepare by praying for our salvation.”  This was a defining moment for me because I did not believe her fears or the need to pray for my salvation. I found this belief so curious and it probably set my life’s course in technology.  I wondered  how people could make stuff up and spin into a mass fear of destruction.
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by Wendy Steele,  Keys CEO

I did a double-take when I read some hoopla about a drug company suing a cosmetic company over an ingredient that they both touted as a miraculous eyelash growth ingredient.  Then I saw a commercial where a celebrity was touting the growth of her eyelashes to taking this prescription topical (never mind all of potential side effects they mention)?  YIKES!

I thought about my teen years, as that was when my eyelashes started becoming the focus of my attention and quest for “beautiful long lashes”.  Being the only girl with two brothers, I was distressed and annoyed that both of my brothers had full, long and lush eyelashes and I did not!  It just didn’t seem to be fair!  Like so many women, I resorted to using so-called lengthening mascaras, lotions, potions and eyelash curlers, at considerable expense.

Then about three years ago I started to notice new lash growth and less eyelash loss.  I was determined to figure out why—and then it became more and more interesting….

In fact, three years ago I stopped using chemical-laden eye creams.  At an event in Santa Monica CA, we introduced a new Keys product developed for an industry event.  It was a totally chemical-free around the eye cream called Eye Butter.  At that time a group of 300 Hollywood make-up artists were learning about the emerging green movement in film and TV work and specifically about how to find, choose and use safe cosmetics.   At about that time I also began using mascara that went on in tubes rather than flakes– better yet the mascara could simply be removed with water.  A friend of mine, who is a stage actor shared with me that she was using our Tortuga Lotion to remove heavy eye makeup.  So on occasion, if I wore a heavier eye makeup, I also used Tortuga Lotion to remove it.  All the while I continued to wash with Island Rx Foaming Wash every day twice a day, which removed my daily mascara and then followed up with Eye Butter day and night.

 I took note about exactly how I grew my long, lush and sturdy eyelashes:   I stopped the daily barrage of multiple products with dirty dozen chemicals all around my sensitive eye area.  Because my mascara came off with water, no more tugging and pulling and I noticed very little lash shedding.  The Eye Butter ingredients;  Shea butter, avocado, soothing distilled cucumber with Aloe Vera all seemed to reinforce new lash growth that I had not seen before.  Hmmm and I finally realized that my brothers, all of their lives, were not using cosmetic preparations around their eyes.  They were both into using a mild soap and water to wash their faces!

Now when I see that commercial I am so pleased that perhaps we can also help others to avoid one more prescription product that hopefully, like me, you will never need!

Congratulations to the Weeds team for all your Emmy Nominations!!! Special congrats to Mary Louise Parker, Elisabeth Perkins and the entire Weeds team.

Keys on Weeds
Well we think it is true. We heard from an informant that Keys will be featured on Episode 10 of the hit Showtime Series “Weeds.” We have been working with the team using Solar RX and Luminos along with some of our other products. Rumor has it that some of our products will be seen during the episode in a bathroom scene.

Keys has been extremely popular in Hollywood because our Luminos and Solar Rx provide a soft focus effect for the skin. This illusion of reducing fine lines and smoothing the skin is especially important in the world of high definition photography. Keys has been used now in a number of television commercials, motion pictures and TV shows like Weeds

Ideal Bite recently featured Keys RediCare in an article titled Chump mosquitoes got your kid down for the count?

You can read the article by Clicking Here.

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Airless Pumps versus Tubes
By Bob Root Keys Technologist

I am often asked the question of why I chose airless pumps for our products over traditional tubes. Well, there is no simple answer, but a series of reasons that we chose this very advanced technology developed in the Netherlands along with our design team. The most important reasons are health, safety and cleanliness of the product. True, tubes are less expensive, easier to fill and more common. The problem with tubes is that they were never designed for natural products.

I will try to simplify my decision in order of priority below.

1. The major reason for using the airless pump the technology is featured in the technologies name; Airless. Most skin care products use a chemical called “paraben” to kill bacteria. Parabens are used in many products to kill gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Natural products tend to use preservatives used in food to help with mold and other bacterial growth and do not use parabens because of extensive testing that show health concerns for people and especially children.

At Keys we use essential oils, container technology and our processes to insure a clean microbiology free product with a reasonable shelf life. The number one cause of any bacterial growth is contamination from touching the nozzle and oxygen. The airless containers are a technology that has a piston in the bottom of the container that when the product is pumped follows the contents upward keeping the container completely airless. The animation her shows how the technology works. This keep the product cleaner, more pure and more effective longer.

2. “Draw-Back” contamination is the second reason. Remembering that we want to keep bacteria out of the container, using tubes has a phenomena called draw-back. Draw-Back is caused by squeezing product from the tube and has pressure is released; it actually pulls some product back in the tube. Unless you sterilize your hands with 90% alcohol before applying, bacteria from your skin are pulled back into the tube and the air in the tube provides an environment for growth. Seems pretty hard to believe, but we have seen microbiology growth in 72 hours when contaminated by normal handling.

3. The tubes themselves are of concern as to how they are made and processed. There are many different tube materials that are problematic. Some plastics are process with chemicals that can leach into the product. Some of these chemicals include 1,4 Dioxane, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) and various mould release agents used in the manufacturing of the tubes before they are filled. Some tubes are made of aluminum, but are easily damaged just by touching them which makes them look used and therefore people will not buy them. Some companies use aluminum tubes and then put them into boxes to protect them. We precycle as a policy, so boxes are out.

There are more reason, but these three preclude us from using tubes for our full size products. We do use a special tube that we get from Sweden for our travels sizes, but shelf life is not so much a concern for these small sizes.

Simply, if I can find a tube manufacturer that can solve the three issues above, I will consider switching to tubes.

By BETSY MCKAY , Wall St Journal
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched an environmental public-health tracking network to help scientists and the public explore potential links between environmental contaminants and chronic diseases. Read the rest of this story »

Miracle product? Could Be!

RediCare is certainly, a product that has touched so many people and pets in a positive way that we just had to write this article.

Keys RediCare offers solutions to skin disorders, internal disorders that cause the skin to react, itch and breakdown. For sunburns, burns and scrapes, RediCare performs equally as well. RediCare is a natural insect repellent and much more. It all begins with the story of how RediCare became such a universal product. It was born from inspiration, a natural disaster and the people and the animals that suffered from exposure to chemicals, poisons, exposure and pollutants.

The Keys RediCare story is as important as what the product does for people and pets today. Born as a result of Hurricane Katrina, the early search and rescue teams came back with skin disorders, poison ivy outbreaks, raw skin, burned chemically and from the sun. The irritations were both visible and wide spread. The search and rescue team members, handlers and their dogs were suffering long after the weeks they spent in waist deep water that was polluted with gasoline, industrial chemicals, natural toxins, waste and everything imaginable. Members of the Chesapeake Search & Rescue Team caring about their dogs reached out to Keys for help in healing the multitude of skin problems their dogs were experiencing. Initially using Tortuga lotion, the relief was almost instantaneous. The handlers asked for a spray so that the large areas of outbreaks could be covered. Then they asked for more healing properties for chemical burns and tremendous itching the dogs were experiencing. The rest was history and we developed RediCare for the dogs. It was a short time later that the handlers realized that it worked for them as well. Over the years, we have received countless stories from people about how RediCare helped them and their family members.

RediCare for Dogs!  Repels Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitoes and 200 other insects Read the rest of this story »

Beth Greer had been living what she considered a healthy lifestyle when a medical crisis prompted her to reevaluate everything—from the food she ate to the personal-care products she used and the environment she lived in. Now, in Super Natural Home, Read the rest of this story »

New Gluten-Free book by Elisabeth Hasselbeck of “The View” ABC Television Talk Show has featured Keys Solar Rx in the book. Keys Solar Rx has been listed as the most effective moisturizing sunscreen by the EWG , Consumer Reports and is now featured by Elisabeth because it is also gluten-free. Read the rest of this story »

Solar Flare – What you don’t know can kill you!

Whitepaper by Wendy Steele, Keys Founder (updated from 2007)

Your skin is the first thing that people notice about you—at every age!  We often take it for granted. The fact is we rely on our skin health to protect us every day of our lives, as the body’s first defense from the damaging effects of the environment.

What you choose to do to your skin has everything to do with the skin results that you will get. Everyday, people use soaps, scrubs, gels, toners, lotions, creams, skin lighteners, brighteners, faders—and the list goes on!  Most of these products contain chemicals that can sensitize, irritate and even weaken the skin. 

 The absolute worst culprit for lifetime damage and irritation of the skin is the relentless everyday effects of solar radiation.  How much time you’ve spent on the beach blanket or at the pool in your lifetime does make a difference in how your skin looks today.  In the case of melanoma skin cancer, if not detected early it can kill you.

 It still astounds me when I hear someone say; “I’m just working on getting a base tan” as if it is good for you!   How did an entire generation flock toward the beach with the belief that the sun was good for you and act as if tanning was healthy, attractive and desirable?

Circa 1960’s- 70’s Tanning culture rides the wave 

Picture a sun-drenched California beach with young muscle builders, beach babes and surfer dudes.  Back then, the “Ho Daddy’s” were actually the want to be surfers that hung out on the beach, in hopes of cruising with the beach babes.  The genuine surfers didn’t care about all of the beach hubbub; after all they really just wanted to catch the perfect wave and hang ten. 
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By Bob Root, Keys CTO

I spend 300 days a year on the road, out and about with our customers, retailers and at industry events. I receive numerous questions every day. The majority are inspiring and educational for me.

Almost daily, though, I receive questions that relate to opinions expressed by some people or companies that are not based in fact, and literally scare people. They strike fear in people and I wonder what motivates these fearmongers to use negative marketing to further themselves or to try to elevate themselves in other peoples’ eyes.

We see both companies and journalists using fear tactics to try and sell themselves, products and publications. We call this the FUD factor. FUD stands for Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt, and this combination is the antithesis of facts. I see ads, blogs and opinions that border on criminal irresponsibility, because their content will often scare people so badly that they stop using their prescription products, thus threatening their lives.
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Once again Keys Solar Rx tops the best and safest sunblock on the Environmental Working Group 2009 Sunscreen Report. Now two years in a row, Solar Rx tops the Moisturizing Category for the safest and most effective sunscreen protection. Wendy Steele, Keys CEO said, “I am thrilled for Keys to be #1 again. I am even more thrilled for the people this report will touch because the EWG has refined this years report to be a significant tool in the prevention of skin cancer in children and adults. By seperating Beach and Sports for everyday sun protection, creating the Mosturizer with Sunscreen category is profound and a huge leap for the advocates of sun protection and sun avoidance. As an Inner Circle member of the Skin Cancer Foundation, I am so proud of this years EWG Sunscreen Report and want to extend my appreciation for the dillegence of the EWG Team! The members of the EWG team that created this report can leave for their 4th of July holiday knowing that they will have saved countless lives. Good On Ya EWG!”

Here is the link to the EWG Sunscreen Moisturizers with SPF protection listing

Some significant point in the EWG Sunscreen Report are listed below

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Bob Root, Keys Founder and Technologist was interviewed by Beth Greer, author of “The Super Natural Home” on her radio show, The Super Natural Mom, yesterday. The broadcast was live and can be heard by click the link below or the download link. (large file, so we do not recommend downloading). There were a number of subjects discussed including the meaning of the word “Natural” and “Organic” in the safe cosmetics market as well as misuse in the traditional over-the-counter skincare market. Also discussed are some of the chemicals commonly used by skin care companies and the potential health hazards.

The Super Natural Mom-07/01/09  

by Wendy Steele, Keys CEO

As a melanoma survivor, people listen when I talk about how Keys Solar Rx sunblock when used daily, can help prevent skin cancer. They really listen when I tell them that it is the most effective anti-aging product available today.

Yes, 90% of all visible skin aging comes from exposure to UVA and UVB. Most people now know that there is a difference between UVA and UVB and that SPF rated sunscreens only protect against the burning UVB (UV-Burning ) rays. They do nothing to protect from the deep penetrating UVA (UV-Aging) rays that destroy skin elasticity and break down the collagen that gives our skin a youthful glow and smooth wrinkle free appearance. Sunscreens with only UVB SPF ratings are not protecting you from the aging rays and are giving you a false sense of security…so it is time to get sun wise from an anti-aging perspective. Burning is bad, but UVA collagen destruction is worse! Solar Rx is a broad spectrum UVA, UVB and UVC physical block that is also your best anti-aging tool.

Many of our customers already know that Keys products are used on the sets of a number of TV shows, television commercials and the movies. The number one product they use is our Solar Rx because they know that their livelihood depends on their youthful appearance. They learned a long time ago that the sun prematurely ages and that UVA exposure will shorten their career. They also like that Solar Rx has a moisturizing base that uses a concentration of Aloe Vera and avocado oil that smoothes the skin. Lastly, they love Solar Rx because it creates an illusion of soft glowing skin because of the uncoated zinc oxide we use. It is like a soft focus filter for the skin while providing UVA anti-aging protection. Under makeup or alone, Solar Rx is both sun protection and a cosmetic glowing foundation. How cool is that! Solar Rx makes you look good and offers anti-aging and skin cancer protection.

I was recently on the set of the hit Showtime TV series Weeds and learned firsthand how much the makeup artists and stars love Solar Rx. They took time out of their busy filming schedule to thank us for our products. It made me feel good that they appreciated that our Solar Rx is ranked as one of the safest sun protection products on the SafeCosmetics.org Skin Deep report and that it is a tool for the artists to look better, younger and preserving their youth beyond their chronological age

If it is not but further proof, I was in Beverly Hills California and a plastic surgeon told me that if his patients stopped smoking and wore Solar Rx every day that he would be out of business. So, when I tell you that daily use of Solar Rx will help you prevent skin cancer and will preserve your youth, Believe It!

Keys Solar Rx:

• Daily Skin Cancer Prevention
• Anti-Aging UVA and UVB Protection
• Natural Chemical-Free Daily Moisturizer
• Cosmetically Clear Foundation
• Glowing Soft-Focus Effects

Wendy Steele is the founder and CEO of Keys Care. Keys is a natural skin care company focused on skin cancer prevention and anti-aging beauty products. Wendy is a Melanoma survivor and a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation Inner Circle. Keys is ranked as the safest products in their categories by the EWG Skin Deep Report and Keys is a contributing compliant member of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Keys is also a member of the Natural Products Manufacturers Association and is recognized worldwide as experts in natural skin health.