Native Products

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AN UPDATE ON NATIVE PRODUCTS

(Plus Bonus Safe Products Links)

You may have seen Native products in TV ads, online, or on store shelves. Native touts their products as being “clean.” You may have wondered if the name was too good to be true. Let’s take a look.

The company was started in 2015 by Moiz Ali, who wanted safer products. There were 10 employees and Native products were only available direct-to-consumer. In 2017, Native sold to P&G, Procter & Gamble, for $100 million. Moiz Ali retained a role in the brand.

Although this provided more distribution, P&G had a history of adding synthetics to their products. Even the term “natural” is sometimes in question. There are substances in nature that are toxic or can become toxic when processed, such as petrochemicals. Maintaining ethical standards had come into question. Let’s examine two of the current products:

Native Body Wash

In addition to some safe ingredients, this product also contains Cocamidopropyl Betain, a surfectant derived from coconut oil. However, when processed it becomes a synthetic. It can also cause a reaction in those allergic to coconut. Then, there is Fragrance. Many of the body washes contain fragrance, (unless specifically marked Unscented). These are not all natural, but a blend containing synthetics or lab-made to mimic natural scents. They are bad news and rated by Environmental working Group an 8 on a scale of 10, with 10 being the worst.

Native Deodorant

This gender-neutral product has, in addition to some safe ingredients, Ozokerite, a type of wax mineraloid derived from coal and shale or petroleum and becomes a petrochemical when processed. Also, if under-refined it can suffer contamination as well. It is a marine pollutant. Fragrance–once again, the source of the fragrance is undisclosed. This loophole allows companies to hide a mix of numerous chemicals legally. If concerned, only use the product marked “Unscented.”

A Quality Life blog suggests reading labels, even in stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. We also found two great websites:

The Good Trade, which lists “10 Best Natural and Organic Body Washes (2025 Review)”

www.thegoodtrade.com/features/organic-body-wash

Roam and Thrive, which lists “The Best Non-Toxic Deodorants That Really Work”

https://roamandthrive.com/the-best-non-toxic-natural-deodorants/

Happy shopping!

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A LOOK AT V8 SPLASH FRUIT JUICE and MEMBER’S MARK SPARKLING WATER

Because we knew people who had tried these products, we were able to study the ingredients. Most people have tried the original V8 at some time or another with breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. It’s tasty and has vitamins and minerals. We’ve come to trust it since The Campbell Co. acquired it in 1948.

Then V8 Splash flavored fruit drinks were introduced in 2005. Are they as trustworthy as the original V8?

The Berry Blend boasts “at least 25% less sugar,” than other leading brands. The second highest ingredient is high fructose corn syrup with a note further down that the corn is bioengineered, “genetically modified.”

Next is V8 Splash Tropical Blend with 25% less sugar flagged on the front. High fructose corn syrup is the third highest ingredient. The jury is still out as to whether high fructose corn syrup is as bad as regular sugar. What is questionable is the GMO factor.

The V8 Splash Strawberry Kiwi has high fructose corn syrup as the second highest ingredient, also made with genetically modified corn. Now, if GMOs don’t bother you, at least V8 Splash is gluten-free.

Member’s Mark, a Sam’s Club brand, offers a variety of sparkling water. Strawberry Lemonade has zero calories and lists vitamins and minerals. It contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener. Although sucralose is widely used and approved by the FDA, it’s created by modifying sugar with chlorine, the ingredient found in bleach, causing some health concerns. It also contains sodium benzoate which is derived from the chemical benzene.

The Black Raspberry uses sucralose and potassium benzoate and so does the Peach Mango. Due to the chemical compounds in the Member’s Mark products, the V8 splash seems like a safer choice, although some people are concerned regarding the gene modification of corn syrup in the V8 Splash.

Remember to read the labels on the back, not just the front. There are optional products too including H2Oh!, Bubly, and Good & Gather sparkling water and other fruit juices if you prefer.

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WHAT’S REALLY IN THOSE BOXES OF CHOCOLATES?

In the O. Henry story, “The Gift of the Magi,” a couple made sacrifices to give each other wonderful gifts, yet the efforts backfired and neither recipient ended up with a useful gift.

Here’s a modern day story. Two relatives in different states, unbeknownst to the other, got the idea to send fancy chocolates as gifts. Surely, if the chocolates cost more than average, they would have all safe ingredients. Right? Wrong.

Box A was a brand called:

Cravings by Zoe, Chocolate Truffles Gift Box, Gourmet Assorted Chocolates/16 Count

The ingredients listed were: Amaretto, caramel, champagne, coffee, hazelnut, Irish cream, raspberry, sea salt, caramel, Tiramisu.

Sounds wonderful and harmless, but aren’t these flavors, what about the rest of the ingredients? They were very hard to locate, as if the manufacturer didn’t want us to see them, but A Quality Life blog tracked them down.

In addition to regular ingredients, such as sugar, cocoa, butter, heavy cream, etc., were ingredients of special concern:

Artificial flavors-Chemical compounds

Hydrogenated coconut oil-can raise cholesterol levels

Propylene glycol-people with kidney and liver concerns should avoid products with this additive

FD&C red #3-banned in cosmetics more than 20 yrs. ago, but still used in food. Can cause neurobehavioral effects, not advised for intake by children

Red # 40-although approved by the FDA, it’s a synthetic derived from petroleum

Yellow # 5-known as tartrazine, this is a chemical compound

Yellow # 6-Sunset yellow is a petroleum-derived dye

Blue 1-Brilliant blue is a triarylmethane dye petroleum-derived

TBHQ-tert-butylhydroquinone is a synthetic compound used in varnishes, lacquers, biodiesel, and sometimes food

Does the above make you say, “Yum,” or “Yuck” ?

Box B was a brand called:

Russell Stover, Caramel and Nuts in Milk and Dark Chocolate/16 Count

Now, that’s a famous brand, so it should be safe, right? The ingredient list starts out with milk chocolate, but right away an artificial flavor pops up. A Quality Life blog found the following ingredients to be of concern:

Artificial flavors-unspecified chemical compounds

Potassium sorbate-a chemical additive which can affect immunity

Dipotassium phosphate-sometimes used in fertilizer and also in food. Can affect kidneys.

TIPS:

*Carry a magnifier in purse/pocket to assist in reading labels in stores, if possible.

*If you don’t have a magnifier with you and have trouble reading small print on a label, avoid products with long ingredient lists.

*When shopping online, look for a full ingredient list. If it’s unavailable, don’t buy it.

*Organic chocolates may cost a little more sometimes but not necessarily more than Box A or B. They do not have artificial ingredients or preservatives and are GMO-free.

Consumer Reports found heavy metals in 20 kinds of dark chocolate. See Eat This, Not That! blog for more information and type in Safest Dark Chocolate in the search bar.

https://www.eatthis.com

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Homeopathic Remedies Must Be Stored Carefully

Homeopathic remedies have become popular as have the use of essential oils, but there are differences with use and storage. Essential oils are stronger and can actually negate the effects of homeopathic medicine, especially strong scents like oregano and peppermint.

Therefore, space the use of strong essential oils at least a few hours before or after homeopathic remedies and less strong oils not less than 15 minutes. Be sure not to store them in the same area.

Do not store homeopathic medicine in the bathroom and do not use mint toothpaste or it can cancel the beneficial effects, such as using a homeopathic remedy for a cough.

Do not store homeopathic remedies in metal containers. Because they can pick up odors, do not store them in the refrigerator, but at room temperature. Take homeopathic medicines an hour away from meals, drinks, gum, and smoking and an hour away from prescription or OTC meds or vitamins.

In addition, keep these remedies away from electronic devices including cell phones and computers. A good way to store them could be in a shoe box on a shelf in the bedroom closet.

Homeopathic remedies can be helpful with many ailments including colds, first aid, and even fertility. Just remember that homeopathic medicine is more sensitive than other types of remedies, so careful storage and use practices will yield the best results.

A Note for You

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GREETINGS!

We haven’t posted for awhile because we wanted to leave the resources for non-toxic soap and hand sanitizer front and center. However, you can just scroll down, they’re still there. We only wish the clinics would get the hint. Same old toxic products, which are probably cheaper for them to buy in bulk. Makes getting accommodation for sensitivities difficult, if not at times, impossible.

We haven’t been able to access our Facebook page for months. We’re not techs, but we can’t post anything new. We’re getting a message that they are “working on our site,” whatever that means–and to check back–which has been fruitless so far. We’re not a political organization, just people trying to protect our health.

In the coming weeks we will revisit some older concerns to see how they have progressed and visit some newer ones.

Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizers & Products, Petrochemical-Free!

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While we have chosen to feature petrochemical-free products, please check the ingredients on their websites. Some contain germ-killing alcohol and some include natural scents.

DR. BRONNER’S

Dr. Bronner’s Organic Hand Sanitizer is $4.99 for a 2 oz. spray bottle. Because of limited supply, orders are limited to three bottles. The two scents are peppermint and lavender.

This Certified Fair Trade hand sanitizer can be sprayed on surfaces in public bathrooms, used to clean screens, and as an air freshener too. Dr. Bronner’s also has a variety of natural products including soap, lotion, toothpaste shaving soap, and more.

https://shop.drbronner.com/organic-hand-sanitizer

GREEN GOO

Green Goo has a variety of petrochemical-free hand sanitizers. In addition to killing 99% of germs quickly, there are travel sizes, perfect for pocket, purse, or school backpack.

The Aloe Shea is $3.95 for a 2 oz. squeeze container. There is also lavender and unscented. While the 16 oz. is sold out, as well as the 16 oz. bundle, there are still many options in stock.

These include the 8 oz. bottle, 1 gallon size, and 8 oz. bundle. The bundle includes an 8 oz. pump-top bottle and five 2 oz. bottles.

Green Goo has an interesting array of other packages listed on their website. The company has free shipping for orders over $50 (excludes AK and HI). They also have a payment plan called ViaBill for low monthly payments.

https://greengoo.com/collections/hand-sanitizer

THE HONEST COMPANY

The hand sanitizer spray kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria. The 2 oz. size is $3.45 and the three scents available are Grapefruit Grove, Coastal Surf, and Lavender Field.

These are made without parabens, synthetic fragrances, or benzalkonium chloride. There is also a Free & Clear 12 pack available for $39.95 with 2 oz. bottles.

https://www.honest.com/home-care-products/hand-sanitizers-and-cleaners

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SOAP CO.

Awhile back, we posted a link on our Facebook page (A Quality Life web magazine) for non-toxic hand sanitizer from this company. In case you missed it, here’s more information.

Nomad Hand Sanitizer has four choices: lavender, lemongrass, jasmine, scent-free. In addition to keeping you safe, it also contains skin softener which is mushroom derived.

There are three sizes starting at $5.95. The largest is 1 liter, great for businesses. In addition, this company makes natural soap, face care including lip balm, hair and body care, baby care, and wellness. There is free shipping for orders of $26 or more.

http://rockymountainsoap.com

For yourself, especially during this pandemic, and as thoughtful gifts for those sensitive friends and family, we hope you have found this information helpful!

When “Paraben Free” is not Petrochemical or Benzene Free

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Lately, more products splash on the front of their containers, the words Paraben Free.  For those who are savvy in wanting their products free of these chemical preservatives, it seems easy.  They bring the products home convinced they are a safe choice.

Believing that there is no methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, heptylparaben, or isopropylparaben, they freely share the products.  Now, no one will be exposed to the toxic preservatives, which emerged in the 1950s, to extend the shelf lives of cosmetics, lotions, deodorants, toothpaste, and more.

Please see the Archive list and click on November 2014 to review “Parabens in Personal Care Products,” if you’d like more information about parabens.

So, is Paraben Free a good guide or not?  Let’s say it’s a step in the right direction, but don’t assume any product is free of toxins unless you are able to get a true list of ingredients.  Some will give a condensed list on the front, then a long one on the back.

If your eyes aren’t super-hero enough to read the ingredients in the store, the rule of thumb is to look for the longest list on the back.  A safer product often, not always, has fewer ingredients, however,  if it’s a very long list and you can’t read the small print, it could be risky to buy it.

When we find a product that is represented to be safe, but is only partially modified, we call that “product greening.”  Sounds green but is not really non-toxic.

The first product we’ll review is Crystal unscented roll-on deodorant.  The mineral deodorant has no aluminum chlorhydrate and states on the front it is Paraben Free.  As deodorants go, this is one of the lesser of evils as far as toxins go, yet it is not 100 percent free of toxins.

It has only six ingredients and that’s good.  However, the fifth ingredient is “Benzoic Acid.”  This AQL Blog published the article, “Sodium Benzoate–A Common Additive–but is it Safe?” in October 2016.  The link is in our Archive list.

The difference between benzoic acid and sodium benzoate is that benzoic acid (E210) is a carboxylic acid and sodium benzoate (E211) is the sodium salt of benzoic acid.  At any rate, benzoic acid, a fungistatic compound (prevents fungi), occurs in certain plants or can be derived in the lab from the toxic chemical benzene.

Originally, benzoic acid was sourced from gum benzoin and described by Nostradamus in 1556.  These days, it’s more likely produced otherwise and while it isn’t dangerous for many people, using benzoic acid can cause skin or respiratory reactions in certain individuals.

What troubles AQL is that the label on Crystal does not indicate that the benzoic acid is naturally sourced and it would be if that were the case.  We can only assume it’s sourced from synthetic benzene.

The other product we’ll review is Hempz lotion.  We ran across a pump container that had the words Paraben Free splashed across the front.  When this was A Quality Life emagazine, we had an article about products using the term “Pure” and warned that it could be misleading and to read the labels on the back.

Yet, even AQL gets suckered in at times.  We tried the Hempz “Paraben Free” and had a bad reaction to it.  After washing it off and checking the ingredients on the back, we found a huge list of ingredients, including phenoxyethanol, fragrance, aminomethyl propanol, benzyl benzoate, butylphenol, methylpropional, hydroxyisoethyl, methylisothiazolinone, benzl salicitate, propylene glycol.

Just for starters, phenoxyethanol is a synthetic petrochemical derivative used as a preservative.  If that were the only toxin, perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad but as you can see, it’s part of an entire orchestra of toxins.

In searching for a possible safer Hempz product, we found Hempz Sensitive Skin Herbal Body Moisturizer.  It does seems better, but beware that down the huge list of ingredients there is phenoxyethanol, aminomethyl proponol, idiopropynyl butylcarbamate.

In addition to phenoxyethanol being a petrochemical, idiopropynyl butylcarbamate is a substance used in paint and wood preservatives.  Yes, it’s antifungal but this product says it’s for “sensitive skin.”  Is it really?  After all, there are nontoxic preservative and antifungal products available to use as ingredients instead.

Good luck in your search for safe products.  It’s easier to find them in stores known for carrying an array of safe products and harder to find them in commercial stores and drug stores.  Some people prefer to order safe products through the mail.

You can always check the Environmental Working Group site for product information. At AQL Blog we believe that it’s not nice to try to fool Mother Nature!

 

 

 

A Ramen Noodle Adventure, Part 2

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Use Your Noodle When Buying Ramen Noodles

Because of the complicated topic, we’ll have a Part 3 later to address gluten-free, vegan, and restaurants.  Our first part, A Ramen Noodle Adventure, Part 1, was published October 2017, so if you missed it or want to refresh your memory, check for a link or type it into search.

First of all, how many ingredients should ramen noodles have?  Not the soup base, just the noodles.  Usually it’s about four to six.

We checked ingredients for some homemade ramen noodle recipes just to compare.  Here they are from Quora:  hard flour, soft wheat flour, water, baking soda, egg, potato starch.  According to Serious Eats, it’s the noodles that define the soup.  They say the noodles should contain wheat and an alkaline salt solution also known as kansui (alkaline water).  Wheat gluten provides the chewiness.  The recipe includes bread flour, wheat gluten, kosher salt, baking soda, water.

Let’s try one more.  According to 1000s of Recipes, the ingredients are: kosher salt, water, bread flour, wheat gluten.  Now let’s look at packaged noodles on the shelf.

Hakubaku:  organic wheat flour, salt, mineral salts, water.  Noodle packet only is 9.5 oz. about $3.19.  Make your own soup broth or purchase a broth separately.  Sold at Whole Foods or check online.

Koyo:  organic heirloom wheat flour, sea salt.  Wait.  Where’s the liquid to bind the dry ingredients?  This product is sold at Whole Foods and Amazon, 2 oz. includes soup packet, around $1.29.  We found two Amazon disclaimers for Koyo products, legal and health.  Legal:  “Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and different information than is shown on our website.”  Health:  “…you should not rely solely on this content and Amazon assumes no liabilities for inaccuracies…”  This product is made somewhere in China.

Maruchan:  enriched wheat flour, vegetable oil preserved by TBHQ, salt, soy sauce, potassium carbonate, sodium phosphate, sodium carbonate, turmeric.  Packaged noodles with soup packet, 3 oz., .99 or less.  Lunch cup with soup base, 2.5 oz.,  around .99  In Part 1, we discussed TBHQ, tertiary-butyl hydroquinone, which can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke.  This product is widely sold.

Mike’s Mighty Good:  ok, we’re frustrated.  Mike’s runs the ingredients for the noodles and soup together.  For instance, the 1.7 oz. cup of Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Soup begins with unbleached wheat flour, pork broth, organic sunflower oil, and chicken fat.  Is this how the noodles are made?  Later, there is sea salt and wheat gluten after other ingredients.  Their Spicy Beef, 1.8 oz., starts with unbleached wheat flour, chicken fat, organic sunflower oil, yeast extracts, then goes on, but which are in the noodles and which are in the broth?  This “craft” ramen soup does have 33% sodium.  It’s sold at Amazon, Whole Foods and other places, around $2.59-$3.00.

Top Ramen:  information was all over the place.  In October of 2017, it was reported by Forbes and numerous publications that Nissan, the makers of Top Ramen, planned to remove artificial flavors, MSG, and reduce sodium.  Are the ingredients for the noodles and soup run together?  Here are some:  enriched flour, palm oil, salt, autolyzed yeast extract, calcium silicate.  These could be noodle ingredients.  On many sites, some of the ingredient list is cut off, or they list wheat and TBHQ at the end of a long list.  Once again, TBHQ is not good for health.  On one site artificial ingredients was listed.  Therefore, when were the ingredients modified to remove artificial ingredients or hasn’t it been done yet?  This product is widely sold and a 3 oz. package is around .50.

Trader Joe’s (own brand):  unbleached wheat flour, sea salt, vital wheat gluten, sunflower lecithin.  Trader Joe’s brand of chicken or miso come in 1.5 oz. containers including the soup base, around $1.29

We thought the ingredient list for Hakubaku made sense.  There is a broth made by Imagine Foods that has excellent ingredients you could use with these noodles or provide your own broth.  Trader Joe’s either uses sunflower oil to bind the dry ingredients or could their ingredient list use clarification?  Didn’t really see anything bad.  Mighty Mike’s is just ok because the sodium is high and we recommend you read the soup ingredients online or on the package before purchase.  We’re not sure about Koyo–even though they claim to use organic ingredients, we can’t seem to pin down where in China they’re made–not the town, not the factory–or what liquid is used in the noodles.  As far as Maruchan or Top Ramen, we don’t recommend using any product containing TBHQ.  Remember:  Use your noodles when buying ramen noodles!

 

 

New Water Supply Info on Lead & TCE (Trichloroethylene)

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In August 2018, EWG (Environmental Working Group) reported that 40% of schools in the U.S. had not even tested for lead in their drinking water.  California requires testing for lead statewide for public schools grades K-12.  However, their law does not apply to over 10,000 California childcare centers that are privately operated.  Legislation is now being considered for the latter.

Most of us are aware by now that lead in drinking water can cause serious health problems, including brain damage.  Although our Facebook page, A Quality Life web magazine, notified readers last year of a national drinking water data base, more action to address the problem is badly needed.

Did you know there is no safe level of lead?  Low levels of lead exposure can still cause serious health risks, according to EWG research.  For children, exposures could result in lower IQ or behavioral problems.  In adults, it contributes to heart and cardiovascular problems.

In addition, EWG analysis of tests nationwide from public utilities indicate that the drinking water supplies of 14 million Americans is contaminated with the chemical TCE, which is a carcinogen.

Apple Valley, Minnesota, is one of the areas that tests the water quality of certain structures individually every three years.  Individual households in this targeted grouping are provided with containers to collect samples.  These structures were built before 1982 when lead sodder was used.  According to a representative of the Apple Valley Water Dept., the city tests the general water supply for lead and copper every five years.

According to their 2017 Water Quality Report, “Apple Valley’s water meets or exceeds all Federal and State drinking water standards.”  Monthly quality tests for taste, color, odor,  hardness, iron, and manganese are done.  A Quality Life blog was also referred to the Minnesota Dept. of Health for more information.

The Health Dept. reports that TCE (trichloroethylene) is a chemical used  in many solvents, degreasers, wood finishes, adhesives, paint removers, stain removers, and in manufacturing of other chemicals.

The report further states that, “TCE spilled on the ground can move down through the soil into water under the ground where it may pollute private and public drinking water wells.”

In 2013, residents of a Minneapolis, Minnesota neighborhood sued General Mills.  Apparently, TCE had been dumped years before and filtered into the soil and groundwater.  General Mills installed ventillation systems (the same type used to remove radon) in problem properties.

The 2017 CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) for Minnesota found no violations for pesticides and industrial contaminants, which means they would fall below the MCL (maximum contaminant level).  There were six violations for lead.

To find the CCR for your area, contact your local water company or the Health Dept. for your state.  Well water testing (or lack of) varies from state-to-state and some well owners may be on their own or have new concerns.

The following resources may be helpful:

“How Safe is Your Tapwater?” post of Oct. 7, 2017, Check by zipcode                                          A Quality Life web magazine on Facebook

EPA.gov   Drinking Water Contamination

http://www.usgs.gov   Water Resources

Dept. of Health (your state)

Home Water Testing

                                                    Simple Water     mytapscore.com                                                                                                      Simpltek     www.simpltek.com

How You Can Help with Toxic Recycling:

Some areas provide year round hazardous waste recycling centers.  Some also sponsor seasonal hazardous waste collection events usually in the spring and fall.  You can search the internet for Hazardous Waste Disposal using the name of your city/county.  Or, contact your city or county Public Works Dept. or information line.

 

Coming Soon

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Hello!  We apologize for the delay.  We ran into a little glitch researching the ramen noodles further.  Who knew this topic would turn out to be so complicated?  We’re also researching drinking water and that issue varies across the country.  There is a town that tests the water of each resident every year and it will be fascinating to get into that more.  We do continue to post on A Quality Life web magazine on Facebook.  If you haven’t signed up yet, you are welcome to.  It’s not like a friend request, you can sign up without fear of rejection.