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The Mythical Origins and Evolution of Acidic Skin Treatments
The Origins and Evolution of Acidic Skin Treatments: From Historical Curiosities to Modern Skincare The Origins of My Interest Recently I got into a squabble with the author of a paper published on NIH PubMed. The author quoted the basis of their paper on two dudes that I would have to categorize as snake oil salesmen from the 1890s as a basis for why people need to use acid treatments on their face to balance the skin. Basically, the two dudes were pitching apple cider as a toner for women to use for a more…
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Mendacious Trends or Just Plain Lies
UnNatural Trend In The Natural Products Industry. “Smiling Faces Sometime Tell Lies.” Mendacious and lying have similar meanings, but the two are not interchangeable. Mendacious is more formal and literary, suggesting a deception harmless enough to be considered somewhat bland. Lying is more blunt, accusatory, and often aggressive. You might yell, “You lying rat!” in an argument, but you would most likely stick to the more diplomatic, “Aren’t you being somewhat mendacious?” in a business meeting. Mendacious can also imply habitual untruthfulness, whereas lying is more likely to be used to identify specific instances of dishonesty. It is hard to be funny about what appears to…
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Keys® Product Formulations – A Formulators Perspective
I receive a lot of very interesting questions every month that are escalated to me by our customer service. A question often enrobed in suggestions is in regard to Vitamins and the benefits of ingredients in our products. I am pleased and amazed at the complexity of the questions from our customers and the suggestions I receive. First, please remember that my team are engineers and not chemists. Every product starts with a clean slate based on the functionality we are trying to achieve. So, each ingredient may look like a single add, but each…
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Phthalates – Diabetes + Hair Loss
So what are Phthalates? The Everywhere Chemical Phthalates are perhaps the nastiest chemicals found in personal care products. The FDA banned them for food, but not personal care. Perhaps the FDA has forgotten that skin absorption is the same as ingesting chemical In my book, Chemical-Free Skin Health®, I spent much time explaining Phthalates. Here is a quick summary What are phthalates? Phthalates are a family of artificial chemical compounds developed in the last century to be used to manufacture plastics, solvents, and personal care products. They are colorless, odorless, oily liquids that do not…
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Nextra® NeoRetinol – Exceeding Expectations
Nextra® NeoRetinol Discovery – Better Than Retinol “I am in my 60’s and have been using Retinol for decades. By far, it is the best skincare product ever invented. I have purchased Retinol in tiny tubes for over $300 each for years, and it has been worth it until Nextra® NeoRetinol. When Bob Root researched and invented NeoRetinol, I was skeptical; how was it possible to recreate a Retinol that can be used every day, in the sun and without side effects. I started using Nextra NeorRetinol over a year ago, and I use it…
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Island Rx For Hair Growth
Island Rx Liquid Soap/Shampoo has been a Key® staple product for nearly twenty-four years. It was the product that Pfizer scientists applauded for its efficacy and clean-green design. It was one of our first four products and was the first developed for Wendy’s fight with Melanoma. Over the years Island Rx has been around, we discovered some interesting properties of Island Rx liquid soap that were pretty amazing. One of many was hair growth in men and women with short thinning hair. Why? Island Rx’s base soap is Castile-like. We mixed oils to ensure that…
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KODA Dog Products Explained
Bob Root, Keys Scientist explains uses and functions of Keys KODA products. KODA helps to extend your dogs life by providing supplements that are functional and topical therapies to protect them from the environment!
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Autoimmune Skin Disorders – The 80/20 Rule
In life, there seem to be consistent numbers that play out. One set is commonly called the 80/20 Rule. In tech, it meant that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. In the science of skin, it seems that 80% of autoimmune skin disorders are caused by just one thing. Recently some science has confirmed that trend. A recent study I have read suggests that 80% of skin disorders are autoimmune related. In my book, Chemical-Free Skin Health®, I connected some of these to chemicals in everyday skincare products. The most notable are…
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Alert – FDA Blocks Sanitizer Imports As Toxic
You should be on alert that the FDA has halted import of all alcohol-based sanitizers made in Mexico. Many US off-brand sanitizers use Mexican sanitizer. Many are sold in bulk to grocery and retail stores for customer use at the front door. FDA found 87% to contain toxic ingredients and wood alcohol even though they claim to be Ethanol.
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Greenwashing and Vaporware – Naturally (OpED)
The natural skin products industry has never been regulated since the invention of the snake oil salesperson. The industry operates under the 'GRAS' banner, which means "Generally Accepted As Safe." Simply, this means that there is a lot of good in the industry and some bad.
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Are We Aging Faster?
7 Reasons People Are Aging Faster by Bob Root – the Author of Chemical-Free Skin Health & Keto Plus I was recently asked in an interview if people are visibly aging faster or slower than ten years ago. The answer is both yes and no. Kudos to some big companies that followed the wallets of knowledgeable consumers. Ten years ago, there was a handful of us screaming that chemicals in everyday products were harming people. You agreed and started buying your laundry detergents and personal care products from reputable natural product companies. Nowadays, Natural products…
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Our New Hand Sanitizer – And A Few Heroes
Keys has a new interim product and it is a maximum strength hand sanitizer. Our Extra Strength Hand Sanitizer took just 20 minutes to develop and seven days to manufacture, market, and start delivering. Seven days total from concept to delivery with lots of heroes to thank along the way.
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Branch Basics – Truly Natural
Branch Basics is a company that is on purpose and walks their talk. They have developed a natural concentrated cleaner that reduces biomass without harming the microbiome of your home or your family. To be clean without harming the good bacteria we live with is of paramount importance to me. It would also seem that it is crucial to Branch Basics.
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DIY Hand Sanitizers – That Really Work
Time for Hand Sanitizers. It is important to be effective and know what you are putting on your hands. There are a number of natural commercially available products that work. Right now, they are hard to find in the stores. So, it is time to make your own. It is simple and done right, just as effective as the store-bought sanitizing products. DIY Sanitizers Formulas So here is a formula for creating the world’s best hand sanitizers. Use 98% of 99% Isopropyl alcohol and 1% spearmint essential oil. Can’t find Isopropyl Alcohol? Turn to…
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Debunking Hand Sanitizers
Hand Sanitizers, The Right Way, and the Wrong Way. Where to begin? My article, “Just Wash Hands,” has brought a lot of comments. Lots of thank you’s, a few questions and some opinion. Cool, that is what is supposed to happen. Most comments address a short paragraph I wrote about “Hand Sanitizers.” There is a wrong way and a right way. Most of us do it the wrong way. So, I cruised into a Wal-Mart to buy a pair of new windshield wiper blades. I noticed two sanitizer stations at the entrance. One was the right kind,…
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Chemical-Free Skin Health® by Bob Root. Get Your Free Copy Today
When You Know Better, You Do Better Chemical-Free Skin Health® is a powerful book written about destructive chemicals in everyday skincare and cosmetics. Maria Shriver invited Bob to launch his book at the last California Women’s Conference she hosted. It is a must-read, and now you can download it for free Here for a limited time. A $19.95 Value What It’s About Chemical-Free Skin Health® is a book written by Bob Root that is a compilation of all his experiences being on the road with Keys customers. Bob features information about the Human Microbiome Project…
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Congrats America! You Did It. You Voted With Your Wallets
In an unprecedented trend shift over the last three years, grocery store shelves have displaced conventional products for natural alternatives. People voted with their wallets. The message is simple, don't donate to lost causes, vote with your wallets. Money talks!
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FDA Bans Triclosan – EPA, Your Turn
In my book Chemical-Free Skin Health published in 2010, I pointed out the health risks of Triclosan including cancer, hormone disruption. Now it is time to look at the vast amount of other products that us Triclosan. EPA, your next!
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Keys Avo Jel Instead Of Silicone Grease – DIY
DIY! Learn how to use Keys Avo Jel instead of petroleum jelly or food grade silicone grease around the house.
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Keys Tortuga Lotion for Vaginal Dryness & Menopausal Symptoms
Keys has had many inquires from customer who want to use Keys Tortuga for menopausal symptoms. Wendy elaborates on things for women to consider as it relates to dryness and how Tortuga can help.
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Safe Cosmetics Campaign & Keys – Red Lists
Safe Cosmetics has recently done a great job of updating their website and social media efforts. What we are especially pleased with is that they have come up with a great visual reference of what chemicals to avoid based on product function.
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Balding? Hair Re-growth? – Keys Island Rx!
Years of customer testimonials point to hair regrowth by using Keys Island Rx liquid soap as a shampoo. This article breaks down what might be the reason Island Rx works and explains some of the reasons Island Rx has a lot of fans. We are offering a discount code to try Island Rx....
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New! KPRO Silkin Natural Shampoo & Conditioner – Better Than Conventional and Salon Brands
New! KPRO Silkin Shampoo - Better Than Conventional and Salon Brands. Finally, a natural shampoo that will clean and shine as well as conventional and salon brands, but without the junk. Seven years in development, Silkin is the answer for those with thick, long and big hair. Color and perm safe, it is truly a revolution in hair care.
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Sunscreen Tips from the EWG
We have posted tips from the EWG regarding sunscreens. Keys Solar Rx was ranked as a top product in the 2014 sunscreen report under the moisturizers with SPF category. Keys received one of the highest ratings for safety and efficacy.
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FDA Taking Closer Look at ‘Antibacterial’ Soap
"New data suggest that the risks associated with long-term, daily use of antibacterial soaps may outweigh the benefits," Rogers says. There are indications that certain ingredients in these soaps may contribute to bacterial resistance to antibiotics, and may have unanticipated hormonal effects that are of concern to FDA.
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Your Antibacterial Soap Could Be Harming You
FDA to take a harder look at Triclosan claims made by manufacturers
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Keys Joins Companies for Safer Chemicals to Change US Government Thinking!
A group of the country’s leading consumer brands announced the formation of a new coalition to press Congress to modernize the nation’s out-of-date and ineffective chemical safety laws.
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Going Natural in a Synthetic World – Bob Root
In his book, Chemical-Free Skin Health, Bob Root covers many subjects designed to help people understand how to Stop, Challenge and Choose a healthier way of thinking by becoming chemical-free.
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KPRO Product Overview Video – Bob Root Keys Formulator
A new video describing the Keys KPRO line by Bob Root, Keys Founder and Formulator
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Keys RediCare – Featured in Men’s Journal Magazine
Best Chemical-Free Insect Repellents. Keys RediCare featured a a best bet. Bob Root quoted from his Chemical-Free Skin Health book.
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A Brief Synopsis of KODA Products
What KODA products will do for you dog!
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EWG and How to Read Labels
Ever looked at the labels on your shampoos, moisturizers and cosmetics? Do you really know what chemicals you're putting on your body?
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KODA SpotClean – Paw & Face Quick Cleanser
SpotClean Paw & Face Foaming Cleanser is a brewed wash with botanicals and herbs for quick cleaning of the paws and face or any spot area as an interim cleanser between baths. Removes road dirt and allergens as well many chemicals used on public parks and lawns.
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KODA OmniClean – Therapeutic Shampoo & Soap
OmniClean is a natural Castile like therapeutic foaming shampoo and soap used for dogs with skin irritations, insect problems and to heal disorders. We add Neem and Karanja oil to the soap for their ayurvedic medicine healing and insect repellant properties.
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KODA OmniShield – Natural Insect Repellent Spray
OmniShield is an intense therapeutic naturopathic insect repellent spray that uses OmniCare as its base adding high levels of Neem and Karanja oil, peppermint, red thyme and lemongrass to repel over 200 flying and crawling insects including fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes and lice.
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KODA OmniCare – Topical Therapy Spray
OmniCare is a naturopathic therapeutic spray designed to heal skin irritations, insect bites, cuts, scrapes and hot spots. It is a combination of botanical, herb and spice extract that are brewed and then distilled.
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Itchy Dog? Ditch the Perfume
As for that nagging feeling about the itching and scratching after your dog’s bath or after a grooming session? The most likely reason your dog is scratching and itching is directly related to the perfumes, artificial fragrance and harsh ingredients in dog shampoos!
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Itchy Dog? Ditch the Perfume
As for that nagging feeling about the itching and scratching after your dog’s bath or after a grooming session? The most likely reason your dog is scratching and itching is directly related to the perfumes, artificial fragrance and harsh ingredients in dog shampoos!
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Probiotics & Probiome – Feeding Your Skin!
The skin needs probiotics like we need for improved digestion. The problem is that the skin is a lot more susceptible to chemicals, allergens and pollution. Worse, the products we use are killing the skin's probiome and the results are misdiagnosed skin disorders. Learn what to do and what not to do.
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Polluted Pets – What are we doing?
I am raising a red flag when it comes to our pets and the environment. In my book, Chemical-Free Skin Health® I pointed out that about 50 years ago just about everything we put on our skin or came in contact with was naturally derived. Now nearly 95% is synthetic. There are now tens of thousands of chemicals that are in use that have never been tested for safety. Worse, our pets are exposed in direct contact to hundreds of more chemicals for the shear reason that they typically where no shoes, clothing and dogs…
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Parabens – Just another Dirty Dozen Chemical?
Parabens…Good Guys or Bad Guys? 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…
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A Close Shave
Close Shave? I am often asked why we do not make a shave cream or shaving soap. My answer? We already do!
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SK!N What’s Normal pH?
by Bob Root, Keys CTO There is another book on the horizon for us. The working title is simple, “SK!N”. After Chemical-Free Skin Health was published, I started to get so many questions that focused more on “what to do” than what is wrong. Yes, there will be a chapter about the negative effects of chemicals in products. The majority of the book are things that we should be doing to improve skin health which has a direct connection to youthful appearance and beauty. These articles are snippets from the book which are…
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The News Is Not All Bad!
I must admit that I have been CNN Free for nearly tens years. Really! I find myself working at looking at the world through positive lenses. I have found that watching things out of my control affects my overall health. This is not an “ignorance is bliss” approach to living as much as it is a focus on what I can effect, affect and control. For some time now, I have been afflicted with the belief that much of our health is not about doctors, prescription or even prevention. As I have studied, for my own life,…
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What Some Sunscreens Are Hiding…(Republished)
It is summer and it is sunscreen season. Below is an article I recently wrote about the new welcomed changes from the FDA that will force manufacturers to reveal what is in their sunscreens. Please read it and the links to the FDA. This change has go a long way to help save lives through UVA and UVB dangers awareness. Also, since this new regulation, I thought it would be good to reprint the blog article herein. I encourage you to study to protect you and your family. My grandfather used to say to me,…
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Triclosan Ban Could Be On The Way
Bob Root in his new book Chemical-Free Skin Health outlined many of his concerns over the widespread use of Triclosan in foods, products and skin care. The article below was dated today in the Natural Products Manufacturers newsletter. From Natural Foods Merchandiser The Environmental Protection Agency is considering whether to ban the antibacterial chemical triclosan in consumer products, in response to a petition submitted by 82 environmental and public health groups led by Beyond Pesticidesand Food & Water Watch.
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Fragrance – Keys Reports
In an effort to bring relevant information to you, we occasionally find interesting reports. This one tags onto the EWG Fragrance Report and includes concerns we have had for a long time regarding unlisted chemicals in fragrance found in household products. This is a FYI for you! ____________________________________________________________ Scented Consumer Products Shown to Emit Many Unlisted Chemicals
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On The Press! New Book by Keys Founder – Bob Root
Chemical-Free Skin Health! Bob announced the beginning of a book focused on skin health over two years ago at the Natural Products Expo West. His book will be published in early October and Bob will officially launch the book at the 2010 California Women’s Conference. Maria Shriver chose Keys Luminos for last years Women’s Conference for the speakers gift bag. This year, she chose Keys Solar Rx for the speakers gift bag. The book, titled “Chemical-Free Skin Health” with a subtitle of “Stop • Challenge • Choose” will be published by Orion’s M42 publishing company…
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The Story of Cosmetics • Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Comments of the personal care industry, by 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…
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Triclosan: The Biocide That Creates Super Bugs?
Triclosan: The Biocide that Creates Super Bugs? By 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…
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About Us – A Defining Moment
Keys was born from a need for natural skin care products the likes of which did not exist before we started. Our founder, Wendy Steele, survived Melanoma and her story of her road to recovery was littered with prescription products that almost worked. The trauma showed her the clear vision need for products that really worked to solve skin problems. Because they are natural, they also made her feel good with a new youthful appearance and the resulting contentment showed her the way in creating Keys In the simplest of messages, Keys is ancient remedies employing…
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EWG 2010 Sunscreen Report – Sunscreen For Dummies
Bob Root, Keys CTO 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. 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…
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Parabens Good Or Bad Guys
Both? 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…
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Wax and Other Things That Threaten Mankind
Ingredients, Skin Deep Report and Everything Else… Musing from an interview with Bob Root, Keys Care CTO 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…
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EWG Report on Fragrance – Not So Sexy!
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…
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Our Green Piece…How It’s Made at Keys!
by Bob Root Keys Technologist Clean, Caring, Concerned and Diligent! Everyone want to know these days what is in your products, what is not in your products and how does the making of your products effect the environment. I thought it might be lighter to use the title Green Piece with an ‘i’ because that is what the PR people call the eco statement that a company offers. Often these are full of $5 dollar words and platitudes. So, I have attempted to inform here without using too many words or big words that have…
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Keys Banned Chemical Series – SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)
Dirty Dozen Chemicals: SLS 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.
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New iPhone Application to Track Cosmetic Ingredients
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. 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…
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Phthalates Linked To ADHD
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…
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The Dirty Thirty. A Reprised Dirty Dozen… 30 Bad Boy Chemicals!
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…
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Nano Zinc Oxide… Hundreds of Studies Show It’s Safe! Really!
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…
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Ideal Bite – Quick Information On Green
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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Why We Use Airless Pumps and Not Tubes
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.
