Industry Articles Archives -

Da Vinci Coded Natural Skincare

How Innovation in Natural Skincare Mirrors Leonardo da Vinci’s Observations of Nature Despite the business I am in, I am not a chemist. If you have read my story, you know that I used my engineering high tech background to develop skincare products after Wendy Steele’s brush with deadly melanoma. If she had not reacted to all the chemical-laden prescription creams, I would probably still be in high-tech. That and a deep connection with Pfizer created Keys®. I would not trust an engineer who says Da Vinci never influenced them. I recently watched a marvelous documentary on PBS about Da Vinci and the connection of his designs to his observations of nature. Worth a watch. Leonardo da Vinci, one of history’s greatest polymaths, revolutionized the way we understand the world by meticulously observing and learning from nature. His ability to blend art, science, and engineering into groundbreaking innovations serves as a timeless example of how human ingenuity can be inspired by the natural world. In the realm of natural skincare, this philosophy holds true as brands like Keys Skincare take cues from nature’s structure and processes to create innovative, effective, and sustainable products. The Leonardo da Vinci Approach: Learning from […]

How Medications Can Deplete Essential Nutrients

How Medications Can Deplete Essential Nutrients and Disrupt Skin Health Many common medications can deplete the body of essential vitamins and minerals over time, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies and health issues[1][2][3]. This drug-induced nutrient depletion often goes overlooked but can have far-reaching effects on overall health and well-being. Some of the most frequently prescribed medications linked to nutrient loss include[1][4]: – Oral contraceptives: Can deplete vitamin B6, B12, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc – Cholesterol-lowering statins: May reduce levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – Antibiotics: Can diminish B vitamins, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and iron – Antacids and acid-blocking drugs: May lead to deficiencies in B12, calcium, magnesium, and zinc – Diuretics: Can deplete potassium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc The mechanisms by which medications cause nutrient depletion vary. Some drugs interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the gut, while others increase their excretion via the kidneys[5]. Long-term use of certain medications is more likely to result in significant nutrient loss compared to short-term use[6]. Impact on Skin Health In addition to medications, many chemicals found in everyday products can negatively impact skin health by disrupting the skin microbiome – the collection of beneficial […]

The Future of Anti-Aging: How Epigenetic Skincare is Changing the Game

Epigenetic skincare is an emerging field that focuses on using ingredients and treatments to influence gene expression in skin cells, with the goal of slowing or reversing the visible signs of aging. Epigenetics refers to external factors that can modify DNA activity without changing its sequence. These factors, such as sun exposure, pollution, diet, and stress, can activate or deactivate certain parts of our genetic code, influencing how our skin ages. Epigenetic skin care targets specific genes or molecular pathways to promote beneficial effects like boosting collagen production, improving cell regeneration, and reducing inflammation. For example, some epigenetic ingredients have been shown to increase levels of microRNA molecules like mir-146a in older skin cells, helping them function more like younger cells in terms of repair and regeneration. While epigenetic skin care is promising, more research is still needed to understand its potential and limitations fully. Currently, some skincare brands are developing products with ingredients like plant extracts that show epigenetic activity in lab studies. Keys® has been working on various ingredients for the last ten years that certainly qualify as epigenetic. These include Betulinic acid, found in our Reflex Probiome® serum, and Element 6 in our Nextra family. For this article, we […]

Keys® Vs. Perricone® – Collagen Skin Builder Shootout

Keys® Reflex ProBiome® Serum and Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Smoothing Restorative Serum are two anti-aging serums that take different approaches to ingredients and formulation. Let’s compare these products in terms of their natural vs. synthetic ingredients and price. Ingredients Keys® Reflex ProBiome® is made entirely from natural, organic, and unmodified ingredients[1]. Its key components include: – Organic virgin avocado oil – Black seed oil – Organic virgin Tamanu oil – Shea Butter oil – Carrot seed oil – Bergamot essential oil – Miras organic extract (containing forsythia fruit to provide betulinic acid) Miras Functional Assembly Miras is created by blending the fruit, leaves, and roots of the Forsythia plant to create a blend that is very high in Betulinic and Oleanolic . Betulinic is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid which has anti-retroviral and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a more recently discovered potential as an anticancer agent. Oleanolic or oleanic is a naturally occurring triterpenoid, widely distributed in food and medicinal plants, related to betulinic. This carefully curated blend aims to replicate the skin’s natural sebum while delivering beneficial nutrients like tetrapeptides, triglycerides, fatty acids, Betulinic acid, and carotenoids. Keys emphasizes using whole, functional ingredients to maximize skin health and appearance. In contrast, Perricone MD’s […]

Out with the Old Bar: The Superior Suds of Liquid Soaps for Modern Cleanliness

Embrace Radiant Skin: Discover the Gentle Power of Liquid Soaps for Ultimate Cleanliness and Skin Health Over the years, we have been asked why we make only liquid soaps. Bar soap is widespread, and natural bar soap is impossible to make with the essential oil combinations that we insist on using. Ironically, it is the same reason we cannot make lip balms. The formulations will not permit the essential oil needed for the soap to be effective. Conversely, liquid Castile and Castile-like soaps are excellent carriers for large amounts of essential oils needed to be effective and therapeutic. Liquid soaps, particularly natural and organic ones, have become increasingly popular for their skin-friendly properties and environmental benefits. Here’s a detailed look at the features, benefits, and advantages of using liquid soaps for the skin. Features of Natural Liquid Soaps Natural Ingredients: Natural liquid soaps are typically made from saponified oils or fats, which are known for their hydrating and nourishing properties. Moisturizing: These soaps contain elements like essential oils that provide moisture to the skin, making them suitable for people with dry skin. Nourishing: They are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the […]

Luminos: A Revolution in Makeup, by Design

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 and say, “Show me that Luminos thing you do?” They are talking about 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, and 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. 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 called themselves “face painters.” As Eye Butter grew in popularity, I […]

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 be the new normal. Article after article is paid lies, and it is the hottest revenue stream for many online and print publications. I see articles daily in all the glamor and natural publications that often start with the headline, “The Top Ten Dermatologist Recommended Wrinkle Creams,” or “I’m A Dermatologist, and I use ___________ For My Daily Skin Regimen.” So naturally, I get the question, “Why is Keys® not mentioned in these articles? The reason is simple: they are clickbait, fake, or paid for. Weekly, I get emails from salespeople offering a placement for products in magazines like People, Vogue, etc., from agencies specializing […]

Psoriasis Decoded

Psoriasis Has A Community NIAMS is a research community of the US National Institutes of Health. The NIH is one of the most elite US government institutions dedicated to human health research. It honors both pharmaceutical and natural solutions to disease. The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases. The KEYS® Part Your skin is your largest organ. 80% of people have skin problems. At KEYS®, we create clean, safe, natural products without chemicals that solve these problems. KEYS® supports and contributes to research into skin diseases using natural ingredients for natural solutions. KEYS® products make you feel and look better. Psoriasis Decoded by National Institutes of Health NIAMS If you have been diagnosed with a form of psoriasis or know someone who has, this is a very important article. NIAMS Overview of Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. Patches […]

Keys Made in America

Are Keys Products Made in America? YES! A few years back, a disabled American soldier wrote the book “Buy American.” Alex Nelson said it was our duty to buy American to preserve our manufacturing place in the world. Today more than ever it is even more prescient and meaningful to buy American because all those toys, electronics, and skincare made in China are just not going to be available. Do Your Holiday Shopping Now Freight Waves News reports, “Amazon announced it has started its Black Friday deals on October 4th this year in an attempt to avoid supply chain bottlenecks during the more traditional holiday buying season. This is probably a good idea considering the state of maritime trade right now and the fact that there was $9 billion in online sales on Black Friday 2020.” The logistical and power nightmares in China are just the tip of the iceberg. Problems with the supply chain are jammed packing railyards and ports. Made in America and shipped by the USPS, UPS or FedEx will be your only solution. Keys products are designed and made in America. Many products, especially those from celebrity brands, are made in China. They are disappearing from […]

Remembering Steve Jobs 🍎

You might ask yourself, what does Steve Jobs have to do with Keys. It is a fair question. The answer is a lot! It is important to us to remember the anniversary of his death ten years ago October 5. Bob Root, Keys Scientist, was heavily involved with the launch of the Macintosh computer both at Apple and through Chiat Day. Bob credits Steve with much of the philosophy and design behind all the Keys products. Seventeen years ago, the natural skincare industry was in disarray and clogged with useless products with brown paper labels and little ferries adorning the packaging. Bob saw how natural skin solutions could solve people’s skin problems and make them feel good. He saw how they changed his girlfriend’s life after cancer. It was a challenging market entry, but it also was for Apple entering the personal computer industry behind the behemoth IBM. It took innovation and “Thinking Different.” So is true for Keys amidst the greenwashing times in a very crude industry called natural skincare. Bob lists Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, and Dr. Edwin Land as his inspirations. Edwin Land was one of Steve Jobs idols and was where Bob started his professional career […]

Alternative Skin Health for Me

Alternative Skin: My Annual Plea The meaning of alternative skin health for me is me taking responsibility for my skin health. Being responsible for me as the manager of me. Yes, I consult with doctors and experts, but I am ultimately responsible for my well-being and my skin health. So are you. Keys’ quest for skin health began in 1996 when I was diagnosed and treated for Melanoma skin cancer. A successful Mohs surgery found me afflicted with all sorts of skin disorders from the chemicals in the prescription skincare that was my post-surgery regimen. I said to my boyfriend, “I want to feel good about myself and solve my skin problems. It is no surprise that our mission statement for Keys when it became a real products company was that, “We solve skin problems and make people feel good.” That was nearly 24 years ago. I was shocked when I eliminated a specific list of chemicals called the “Dirty Dozen” that my skin disorders disappeared. We used the phrase “Chemical-Free Skin Health,” which riled even our friends in the industry. They said, “Everything is a chemical.” Not wanting to piss off their supporters, we understood that the phrase meant […]

Special Important Notice – China

China Severe Shipping Bottleneck- Critical Message, August 30, 2021 Dear Customers and Retailers, As you probably have read the headlines, there is a severe supply situation worldwide resulting from Covid. It is becoming extremely tough to get products and materials out of China. It is the proverbial Catch-22! Keys have no immunity to this situation because some containers we use are made in China. As an FYI, almost all skin and personal care products on the market today have to rely on China because the US and Europe have stopped manufacturing the containers and bottles. Hopefully, this will change, but for now, all those made in China stickers you see on just about everything are going to be harder and harder to get. This is an image of the supply chain roadblock in China. Below is a graphic of the 100+ container ships sitting outside of Long Beach, California harbor. Some for over a month. There are no train cars to load containers onto to distribute to locations across the country. There are no empty containers in China because they are all sitting in harbors worldwide waiting to be unloaded or waiting for ships to return home. Container ships are […]

Social Media Stealing Your Privacy?

For over fifteen years, Keys has strived to develop products that solve skin problems and make people feel good using natural ingredients and remedies. For the last five years, we have battled fake news by fake people playing the ‘natural car’ when they are far from it. Their tool has been social media, and their game is false claims. I see it every day, and you are the ultimate victim. Well, the bullshit is about to end.

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.

BUH BYE Facebook

Keys® Joins Companies in Closing Their Facebook Account & Business Pages

The following is a direct quote and open letter from Keys® CEO, Wendy Steele.

“I made one of the easiest business decisions of my career. I closed our Facebook account.”

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.

“Best Of” Are Fake News

Those full page “articles” in magazines and eZines showing products strewn about with the headline Best Of xxx. Many say “editors choice or editors pick.” The one thing they all have in common is they are fake purchased advertising. They are not editor picks, they are bought positioning.

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 are center-stage at most supermarkets. So to that, the answer is yes. Good! No is the other answer because natural products companies have relaxed their standards. After all, wholesalers and distribution are demanding cheaper products. In this case, no is because less is not more. Meaning when you scrimp on quality or put less of a natural ingredient in a product, the benefits of that product go away. So, a few of us are still screaming. No matter, the interview went on to ask if there is a cause for photo-aging and chemo-aging? I said there are seven reasons, not just one. The interviewer later […]

Give Blood – The Benefits are Yours & Theirs

Our business is your skin health. A big part is your general health and periodically, we see or hear things that need repeating. In this time of C-19, the need for blood donations is at an all-time critical level. So we offer the following as a rational of how you benefit health-wise and spiritually by giving blood. Please consider donating today for your benefit and the unseen faces who need it. This is probably the only donation you will give that you know exactly where it goes. Beer for Blood When I was in college, the guys used to line up to donate blood for beer money. It was true then and now that the obvious benefits were to help others and benefit by receiving cash, cookies, and a bottle of juice. Blood for Health Fast forward and I am now old enough that having stale blood in my veins is dangerous. My wellness doctor, Dr. Jonathan Wright, told me in a firm way that I should donate a pint every time I was able. At least 4 times a year. Now, this was many years ago and Jonathan was way ahead of the pack. He explained to me […]

Merz Tea Time with Q-Brothers Webcast – Bob Root Keys CTO Interview

Tea Time is a new live online webcast created by Merz to inform in a Joe Rogan style interaction with Merz vendors. One of the first guests in this series was Bob Root, Keys founder, formulator, and head engineer. Take a look at the YouTube webcast herein.

I’m Frustrated and Need Your Help

If I receive one more email from a magazine of how they will propel our business to new heights, I am going to scream.

Grocery Shop Smart – Not Often!

The Center for Disease Control, The President and State Health Organizations, are asking us to stay out of the grocery stores for the next two weeks. Why?

The reason we are being asked not to treat grocery shopping as entertainment is that smart people know that we can cap this virus by exposing fewer people to other people. So, where do we typically go when we are being asked to stay at home? Of course, we go grocery shopping. It is allowed, right!

“Blue Babies” Therapy May Help!

Using a regulatory pathway that allows patients with life-threatening conditions to use unapproved therapies, the FDA has granted “emergency expanded access” to Bellerophon Therapeutics’ inhaled nitric oxide delivery system for treating the novel coronavirus.

Also known as compassionate use, the agency’s policy is typically administered on a per-patient basis—at times when clinical trials are infeasible, the benefits are seen to outweigh the risks, and there are no available alternatives.

According to Bellerophon, the FDA’s decision now opens up its INOpulse system for use at high-doses in ventilated COVID-19 patients, immediately.

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.

Craft Distillers – Covid Heroes of a Different Kind

Recognizing Craft Distillers – They May Just Have Saved A Lot of Lives Our new hand sanitizer can be refilled at home. The lead article shows you how to make it. We are a small company and are selling our extra strength sanitizer near cost, but another feel-good story is the distilleries around the world that are stepping up to the cause to make hand sanitizers or sell/give away grain alcohol to make your own. First, recognize that the two biggest fighters of Covid-19 and any other virus are hand washing with simple soap and strong alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Both help to kill the virus in different ways. Both are our first defense. It was only a few hours of Covid-19 news when the store shelves cleared of hand sanitizers, isopropyl alcohol, and sanitizing wipes. Soon after, we started to post on social media that you can use grain and corn alcohol over 150 proof (75%) to do the same thing. Grain alcohol quickly became hard to find. Liquor stores were selling out as people desperately started to look for solutions. Yes, there was hoarding, but there is also a much greater need now and in the future for hand […]

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.

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 and the National Institutes of Health, a spin-off of the human genome project. The book answers the most commonly asked questions and proposes some radical ideas about skin health. Of all the points Bob makes in the book, the one that drives his continued passion is his deep concern that the chemical bactericides used as a preservative in most skin care and household products are destroying the natural Ecosystem on our skin. Parabens and Triclosan are used as preservatives, and antibacterial agents are undiscriminating killers of the probiotics on our skin. This subject is so important to Bob that he made it the focal point […]

Keys® Story – About You and Us

I have never told my story. Most of everything we have written is about Wendy’s fight with Cancer and stupidity in the skincare market intermixed with how I created our products. So, since it is 15 years in business this year, I just felt like writing down my perspective of who we are.

In 1994, I met the woman of my dreams. In 1997, I nearly lost her to Melanoma cancer. Dr. Hugh Greenway at Scripps in LaJolla, CA saved her life. The prescriptions so severely hurt her that the experience became the basis for the invention of our products. The experience changed my life and my purpose. Read our book, “Defining Moments” and will get a tiny glimpse….tiny… of our lives together.

Keys was born was out of strife and conflict. It was a confusing time where any action was better than no action. Everything on the market was full of junk and even the “natural” brands had parabens and sulfates. It was 2004 when the first four products debuted at the Natural Products Expo and the years since have been full of change, innovation, and staying true to our purpose. It shocked the industry when our newly minted sunscreen, Solar Rx, was featured as the most effective by Consumer Reports Magazine, and the EWG ranked it the safest out there.

Keys Vanity Pro Makeup Artist Team Application

Keys Vanity Pro Makeup Artist Team Keys Vanity Pro Team entitles the professional makeup artist to unique benefits, including product discounts and exclusive access to tips and techniques. …and the most exciting is a free membership in our Beta testing team where you will see new products and be able to test them before they are in production. What You Get? If you qualify for the program, you will receive a 40% product discount online at www.KeysPure.com and receive an industry insider newsletter sent out to your email on a periodic basis. What We Get. Our benefit is a discrete group of professionals that help guide us to develop better more effective products for you and consumers. What Can You Do for Us? Talk us up and get more makeup artists to signup for this program. The more artists that are signed up, the more we can learn from you and your peers. That is priceless for us. DO YOU QUALIFY? The Pro requirements are as follows: Send an email to Mickey@keyspure.com with the following: Name Address Years in business Area of work/practice website if available Along with an image of two of the following: Business card with name and […]

The American Organic Hustle – Understanding The Misunderstood

A customer contacted Keys Customer Service with three fundamental questions. The questions are mostly about being organic and safety as well as functionality. I have the answers, and they might not be what you think.

They Asked:

I am thinking of getting Keys MetaClean Healing Soap & Shampoo, it says there is >85% organic content, what is the rest that is not organic in this shampoo?

2. When you list on the right the vitamins/actions, are you indicating that the actual ingredient is providing those vitamins, for example, Avocado Oil gives Retinol vitamin or is Retinol separate from the Avocado Oil?

3. What is it in here that can be unsafe for some individuals since it is not complete 0 on safe scale

Read my answers in our latest article on Clean Green Cafe.

SmallFlower Interviews Bob Root, Keys Scientist & Founder About Probiome

SmallFlower Interviews Bob Root About Probiome. Keys Natural Skincare & Beauty was born after co-founder Wendy Steele was diagnosed with and beat melanoma. The cancer was gone, but she was still dealing with some nasty side effects on her skin – itchy, irritated patches that were just made worse by sticky sunscreens. Read this interview here.

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!

US Patent & Trademark Office Awards Keys OptiFX®

The US Patent and Trademark Office has recognized and certified OptiFX® particle. OptiFX particles are used in our KPRO line of super-cosmetics.

History Made – Exoskelaton’s and the Technology of People®

A motorized exoskeleton, designed to help paralyzed people walk again, just earned U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. It is the first such device to do so…From Bob Root: This article has nothing to do with Keys or our products. I am a scientist first and when I see something that revolutionizes the world, I have to say something.

Polluted Pets – What we are doing to our pets!

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.

iWellness? – An Open Letter to Tim Cook, Apple CEO

The rumors are pretty strong that Apple will introduce Healthkit technology in it next IOS 8 operating system for iPhones and iPad’s..and maybe iWatch this October. iWellness or iHealth – There is a difference. Can Apple change healthcare forever? Yes! Will they? by Bob Root, Keys Founder and Technologist. Check it out http://www.cleangreencafe.com/CGC/?p=2814

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.

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.

Your Antibacterial Soap Could Be Harming You

FDA to take a harder look at Triclosan claims made by manufacturers

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.

Keys Professional – KPRO Line – Cosmetic Tinted Creams and Powders

Keys revolutionary cosmetic OptiFX™ Adaptive Color Technology creates a 1-step flawless foundation to streamline daily regimes

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.

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?

Time To Get Wise – Dear 16 Year Old Me!

Wendy Steele, Keys CEO is a Melanoma Skin Cancer survivor. May is Melanoma Month and Wendy has written an article expressing here concern that May is also prom month. That little white dress does not need a tan to set it off! So, it is time to get wise. If the article is not convincing enough, the video just might be!

Skin ‘Sees’ UV Light, Starts Producing Pigment

In a new study, biologists report that melanocyte skin cells detect ultraviolet light using a photosensitive receptor previously thought to exist only in the eye. This eye-like ability of skin to sense light triggers the production of melanin within hours, more quickly than previously thought, in an apparent rush to protect against damage to DNA.

Safe Cosmetics Bestows Champion Status On Keys Care

Market Shift: Keys Care Receives “Champion” Status – Fulfills Safe Products Pledge Consumer demand for safer products drives fastest-growing market segment The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics announced today that Keys has achieved the highest recognition earning “Champion” status by meeting the goals of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, the Campaign’s voluntary pledge to avoid chemicals banned by health agencies outside the U.S. and to fully disclose product ingredients – a pioneering practice in the cosmetics industry. “Congratulations to Keys for being a ‘Champion’ and for demonstrating that it’s possible to make personal care products that far exceed current safety standards in the United States. A growing number of consumers are seeking personal care products that do not contain hazardous chemicals, and our report shows that making safer products is not only possible, but is also part of a successful business model,” said Mia Davis, organizing director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and coordinator of the new Safe Cosmetics Business Network.

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, I have found that health and specifically skin health, are directly relates to changing behaviors and realizing that it is not just about what we put into or on our body, it is how we do it and exercising the critical systems of the body. Simply, just eating right and going to the gym are minor things and pale in comparison to focusing on our physical, mental and endocrine body balance. My research may or may not be leading to a new book, but one thing for sure is that I believe that much of our skin health has been too focused on the negative aspects of […]

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, “make up your mind. Don’t let someone make up your mind for you!” It is more important than ever that you listen to facts based on studies and not opinion.

New FDA Sunscreen Regulations

by Bob Root It has been about three years of communication with the FDA before the new sunscreen regulations came out June 11, 2011. The FDA requested input from many companies and organizations. Keys and other presented facts, opinion and wishes. For some the time and the angle of the new direction have been touted as too little and too late. I for one am happy with the changes.

Understanding UVA & UVB

By Bob Root It is a constant quest to understand and then explain the effects of UVA and UVB on our skin and our lives. Our involvement with the Skin Cancer Foundation, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Scripps and various universities expose me to all sorts of information. I am always searching for the simplest and best explanations to help people understand UV radiation. Clearly I feel that I stand on the shoulders of many scientists and advocates. Below is by far the best I have seen as a simple elegant guide. It comes from the Skin Cancer Foundation and has an equally simple title. Understanding UVA and UVB

Bob Root Begins Book Tour! Asks! Are We Killing Our Skin’s Ecosystem?

Chemical-Free Skin Health is the book written by Bob Root that is a compilation of all his experiences being on the road with Keys customers. The book answers the most commonly asked questions as well as proposing some radical ideas about skin health. Bob features information about the Human Microbiome Project and the National Institutes of health that is a spin-off of the human genome project. Of all the points Bob makes in the book, the one that drives his continued passion is his deep concern that the chemical bactericides used as preservative in most skin care and household products are destroying the natural ecosystem on our skin. Parabens and Triclosan used as preservatives and antibacterial agents is an undiscriminating killer of the probiotics on our skin. This subject is so important to Bob that he has made it the focal point of his book tour which begins in March.

UltraHealth…What A Concept! A Real BHAG!

UltraHealth…What A Concept! A Real BHAG! by Bob Root, Keys technologists & founder In tech, we had a phrase that we used to differentiate really big projects. BHAG stands for a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. When I helped to start Keys, we had some big hairy goals. Universal Wellness was perhaps the biggest. Remember, I am from high tech engineering, a practicing quantum physicist and a dreamer. Ergo a futurist who believes anything is possible. The adage that anything new is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration simply means to me that usually one person or a few have the spark of an idea and then it takes many more people working hard over a period of time until the rest of us get it. In all endeavors, we all are both leaders and followers at some point in time. The concept of Universal Wellness is not new, but it certainly is becoming a BHAG with many leaders and many followers of Natural and Functional Medicine. Mehmet Oz (Dr. Oz) and I have a similar BHAG. To put ourselves out of business. Universal wellness will do that.

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.

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

Keys Featured at the 2010 California Women’s Conference

New book, “Chemical-Free Skin Health” premiered at the California Women’s Conference. Keys creates ECO Island. Keys product chosen by Maria Shriver for second year in a row for speakers’ gift bag. Long Beach California, October 25, 2010, California Women’s Conference. “Chemical-Free Skin Health” is a new book written by Keys founder and Chief Technology Officer, Bob Root. The book is the first written by a natural products industry formulator to help users make better buying choices for safer cosmetics and safer personal care products. Bob Root offered, “I wrote my book because I realized that many people want safer cosmetics and safer personal care products, but they did not know how to go about making buying decisions. I created ‘Chemical-Free Skin Health’ to give people a sort of users guide to help make better choices. I ask my readers to Stop, Challenge and Choose! I want them to stop buying products that can harm them, challenge conventional thinking and choose the right solutions for them in a quest for better skin health by using natural products.” Bob Root, An Unlikely Formulator!

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 and will be sold on the show floor by Vroman’s bookstore. Bob will be at the show signing the books. Keys will be exhibiting in the newly created section called the “ECO Island” which features green sustainable products. For those attending, Bob and Wendy will be in the Keys booth along with Kathleen Beaton, Hollywood makeup artist and writer of the Foreword for Bob’s book. Kerry Malouf, motion picture makeup artist and beauty editor for Malibu Magazine will also be in the Keys booth in the ECO Island.

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 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.

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 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.

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 learn as well as drill down for the details. 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.

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 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 […]

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 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!”

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 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.

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 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 […]

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 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 […]

Finding your Voice at the California Women’s Conference

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 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 a 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! Update Women’s Conference Post […]

Blogging…Not So Innocent

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.”

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 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.

Keys Chosen By California Women’s Conference

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 […]

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 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.

Industry News – CDC to Explore Environmental Links to Disease

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.

Keys Featured in Super Natural Home Book

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,

FACTS Versus FUD

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.

Bob Root on Super Natural Mom Radio Show

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 Played: 0 | Download | Duration: 00:58:00 Safe Cosmetics – The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry w/ Stacy Malkan and Bob Root Posted by ProgressiveRadioNetwork at 7/1/2009 2:43 PM | Add Comment