Beauty PR Firm Picks Top 2009 Trends

Pierce Mattie PR announced its top picks for 2009 trends in natural and organic cosmetics, saying that being "green" or natural would no longer be sufficient and that companies will have to focus on specific ingredients for targeted results.

Blueberry, for example, will be in more skin care products because of its high level of vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Acai, goji berries, acerola, and baobab all have properties that make them suitable for different cosmetic applications, Pierce Mattie said. Acerola, for instance, will be used more in skin care products that target redness and inflammation because of its high vitamin C content.

Spices, too, will show up in products: The Indian spice turmeric has medicinal properties that make it suitable for several applications including hair care, sunscreen, and anti-acne. Argan oil has already become a popular anti-aging ingredient, and the resin myrrh is expected to gain in popularity as Ayurveda takes off in the US.

Cosmeceutical products will also influence ingredient trends. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be marketed as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures, and probiotics may take a place in clinical like products.

Top 3 Controversial Ingredients of 2008

This year, three cosmetics ingredients were main topics of consumer and policy-oriented discussion, Cosmetic Design reports.

Phthalates were found to be linked to baby care products and the discussion began about how the buildup of such compounds have an effect on the human body. The EPA jumped into the argument, positing that personal care and pharmaceutical products may be leaking the chemical into US waterways.

Parabens, the preservative found in many cosmetics products, were highly criticized in the European arena - France in particular.

And triclosan, the antimicrobial used in personal care products, was linked to endocrine system disruption, cancer, and increased dermal sensitization in addition to noting its ability to persist in aquatic environments.

Dr. Bronner Now Part of Whole Foods Trade Program

Whole Foods has accepted Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps into its Whole Trade Program, which the chain uses to mark products with the highest degree of ethics and integrity in its stores.

The program evaluates standards, prices paid to producers, wages and working conditions, and environmental sustainability.

For each Whole Trade product sold, 1% of the retail sale will go to Whole Planet Foundation, to create economic partnerships with the poor through microcredit in communities that make products for Whole Foods Market stores.

Alongside Dr. Bronner's, Whole Foods has accepted Swiss organic and fair trade certifier IMO.

Cali Green Hot Spot

Perhaps you're in the mood for a new taste of green. Well, you won't have to travel far (at least those of you in Culver City, California).

Akasha is an ecologically correct eatery located in a historic former hospital. Keep your eye out for the servers' Levi's Eco jeans.

Check out their very impressive green facts list:

FOOD
Sources: Farms, ranches and fisheries that are guided by the principles of sustainability, local produce whenever possible.

Standards: Natural and organic ingredients with no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, trans fats, nitrates, hormones or antibiotics.

BEVVIES
Coffee & Tea: Fair trade and organic, locally-roasted.

Drinks: Many natural/organic juices and sodas.Water: In-house water purified and bottled with the Natura system.

Spirits, Wine & Beer: Many organic, sustainable and bio-dynamic selections on list.

BUILDING AND DÉCOR
Materials: American Clay, no VOC paint, sustainable insulation recycled ceiling material, reclaimed finishes, recycled glass tile, reclaimed barn wood recycled fiberglass insulation, beeswax finishes, local limestone.

Heating/Air Conditioning: Energy efficient units from Carrier, natural ventilation.

Lighting: High-efficiency choices, LEDs, metal halide, compact fluorescents.

Furniture: Organic leather, hemp fabric, sustainable wood.

Bathrooms: Reclaimed wood stalls, waterless urinals, auto shut off sinks, biodegradable soap, high post-consumer toilet paper / paper towels.

Equipment: Energy Star certified appliances.

Flooring: Natural ceramic tile made from sand.

Cleaning Products: 100% biodegradable products.

Dishwashing: 100% biodegradable products.

UNIFORMS
Jeans: Levis Eco 100% organic cotton jeans

Shirts & Tee Shirts: 100% organic cotton

Aprons: Hemp & recycled polyester

MENUS AND COLLATERAL
Menu Covers: Chip board menus designed by Taste Envy

Paper: Recycled content, post consumer waste paper from New Leaf Paper and other sustainable suppliers

PAPER GOODS
To-Go Hot Cups: : BagasseWare™ and Ecotainer™ biodegradable, compostable.

To-Go Cold Cups: NatureWorks™ PLA, biodegradable and compostable.To-Go

Cutlery: Wheatware™, biodegradable, made from wheat.Napkins/Bags: 100% recycled fiber, biodegradable and compostable.