Once upon a time, I bought beauty and hygiene products without much thought beyond their price and purpose. Since starting this blog, however, I find myself paying more attention to what goes into these products and what the companies behind the products stand for. Of course, I focused first on those items my daughter uses. (See my recent posts on choosing kids’ juice boxes and skin products.)
Hardy orange berrie of sea buckthorn.
Moms tend to put their needs way down on the priority list, but we deserve healthy products too. Since turning 40 last month, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for pampering myself, and as the commercial used to say: “I’m worth it!”
I often search for nontoxic hair and skin products on Vitacost.com. And then sometimes I am introduced to a product from my blog readers. That’s how I discovered Sibu Beauty.
Founded in 2003, the company uses the sea buckthorn berry (you may have heard of its natural weight loss properties from Dr. Oz) as a base in its products. This “holy fruit of the Himalayas” is packed with antioxidants and 190 nutrients including more vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable plus Omegas 3, 6, 9 and the elusive Omega-7— a rare fatty acid that promotes collagen production. Also available as a puree, sea buckthorn has been noted for its health benefits in cardiovascular health, cancer treatment, reduced inflammation and skin regeneration.
Look for these eco-friendly
logos on paper products!
I was most excited to discover that protecting the earth’s resources is a major component of Sibu Beauty’s mission. The company’s product line is paraben free, cruelty-free, certified USDA organic, and contains no preservatives, dairy, wheat, gluten, sodium or yeast. My sample product arrived in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-compliant packaging and a recyclable glass container. Their entire line follows the FSC and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standards that encourage responsible and sustainable methods of harvesting trees.
As for harvesting the berries, sea buckthorn grows wild at high altitudes in China and Russia. Sibu sources their berries through a fair-trade agreement with local harvesters in Tibet. They maintain harmonious working relationships with the villagers there, providing fair wages (often provided the day the berries are picked), yearly salary increases, safe working conditions and eco-friendly processing techniques.
CHECK OUT THIS FREE E-BOOK!
In addition, Sibu founder gives back to the Tibetan community through the Tashi Foundation and just this July released an e-book entitled “Sustainability: Everyday Ideas for a Better You and a Healthier Planet.” Inside are articles from eight experts on everything from saving the planet to detoxing your life. The e-book is free and available for download here.
PRODUCT GIVEAWAY COMING SOON!
The Sibu Beauty product line includes: skin cleansers, toners, masks, serums, raw puree and a daytime facial cream, which I wanted to try myself but have decided instead to give it away to one lucky reader! Stay tuned for an Eco-Mothering survey that will be posted here on Monday, September 10. The first 100 readers to complete the survey will be entered in a drawing to win the facial cream.
Disclosure: Thanks to Sibu Beauty for sending a sample to preview. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
