What if the synthetic skincare products we use – including the sunscreen that is slathered on every summer – were more dangerous than beneficial?
It’s a question Claudine Michaud started to ponder when her best friend was diagnosed with cancer in her 20s.
As a result of her concerns about synthetic chemicals, Michaud launched Bioéthique Certified Organic, a full-scale line of third-party certified organic skincare products that include all-natural sun protection with ingredients that are safe enough to eat.
Along with her friend’s cancer diagnosis (and eventual tragic passing), Michaud’s experience with a “fig” bubble bath her mom bought her also prompted Michaud to think about exactly what she was soaking in and slathering on.
“I got a rash from it when I used it, and then when I looked at the ingredients, there was no fig in it, there was all of these chemical names,” Michaud explains. “It was really like the first time I questioned what it was.”
Those questions are already answered when it comes to Michaud’s line.
All of her products – including sun protectors – are certified by Nature et Progrés, a France-based company that is considered one of the strictest organic certifying agencies in the world.
Her sun protection products include the Sun Serum ($72), which combines raspberry seed, carrot, lavender and myrrh oils to provide natural UVA and UVB protection as well as shields skin from pollutants and environmental stressors.
“It’s an organic cold-pressed raspberry seed oil, and that’s a really interesting product because a lot of oils actually have a natural SPF,” she says. “With our products, the raspberry seed oil is very rich in antioxidants and also has a natural SPF of between 30 and 50.”
The healing Sun Cream ($66), which uses non-micronized zinc, titanium and iron oxide to provide a barrier from UVA and UVB rays, is slightly tinted and available in three shades for different skin tones.
“It really works great it’s like a light foundation or like a daily moisturizer with a natural SPF equivalent,” says Michaud, whose charming French-inspired spa, which specializes solely in facials for both men and women, is located at 3578 West 4th. There’s some good news for those on the East Side craving a little organic indulgence. Michaud plans to open a second location in Chinatown next year. We’ll keep you posted when it opens.
Meanwhile, Éminence Organic Skin Care also has a sun block product worth checking out. Called Sun Defense Minerals, the powdery product is brushed onto the face and neck for sun protection.
Éminence president, Boldijarre Koronczay describes the sun-protection product as a “light deflector.”
“I always explain it to people the easiest way is to imagine it like it would put millions of tiny little crushed mirrors on your face that will beam the light back off your face,” he says.
All that protection can be lightly brushed on (no oily hands to clean here), plus it comes with a variety of shades, from translucent that can be worn by men and children to darker tones that add a soft touch of coverage.
The mineral powder also absorbs oil and is water resistant, Koronczay explains.
“It’s a complete block… it’s going to reflect all rays,” says Koronczay, whose global skincare company is headquartered in Vancouver.
Éminence products are available in a number of local salons; check out the website, EminenceOrganics.com, to learn where.
