We say
that Amazônia Preciosa formulas are gentle
because the line is free of many substances
widely used in cosmetics, such as:
- Mineral
oil: it is an effective moisturizer, but
this substance can harm the skin by
forming an oil film and interfering with
skin's ability to eliminate
toxins
- Methyl,
Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben:
preservatives which inhibits microbial
growth and extend life of products in the
shelf. Causes allergic reactions and skin
rashes
- Diethanolamine
(DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA):
emulsifier/foaming agent, can cause
allergic reactions, eye irritation and
dryness of hair and skin. They are ammonia
compounds that can form nitrosamines
responsible for causing cancer (when in
contact with nitrates). Considered toxic
if absorbed into the body over a long
period of time
- Sodium
Lauryl / Laureth Sulfate: SLS is a strong
and harsh detergent used in industry as a
degreaser and a powerful wetting and
foaming agent. When in contact with human
skin it has the effect of stripping off
the oil layer and then irritating and
eroding the skin, leaving it rough and
pitted. When SLS is ethoxylated, it forms
Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which is less
abrasive. However, this process creates
another harmful compound associated with
cancer.
- Propylene
glycol (PEG / PPG): A synthetic
petrochemical mix used as a humectant.
Provokes allergic reactions, hives and
eczemas. Penetrates the skin and can
weaken protein and cellular structure. In
contact with eyes, causes
irritation.
- PVP / VA
Copolymer (Polyvinylpyrrolidone): A
petrochemical plastic product that flakes
off the hair when dried. Can be considered
toxic when its particles are inhaled,
damaging the lungs of sensitive
persons.
- Stearalkonium
chloride: A compound used in creams and
conditioners. Toxic, causes allergic
reactions.
- Synthetic
colours: Used to make cosmetics look more
attractive. Many artificial colours have
been linked to allergic reactions, skin
rashes, hyperactivity and asthma. Some of
them have been found to cause cancer in
laboratory animals.
- Synthetic
fragrances: They have great potential to
cause skin irritation, allergic skin
reactions and headaches. Some problems
caused by fragrance include headaches,
dizziness, allergic rashes, skin
irritation, violent coughing and
vomiting.
- Phthalates:
These substances are associated with
fragrances and help to stabilize the scent
in shampoos and lotions, therefore can
cause irritation in contact with skin.
While high doses of phthalates do
constitute risks in the sense of
traditional toxicology, some studies
indicate that low doses change the stakes
dramatically: prenatal exposure to
phthalates&endash;a group of chemicals
commonly used in personal care
products&endash;strongly correlated with
abnormalities in male genital development,
according a study published by
Environmental Health
Perspectives.
These
ingredients have caused adverse or toxic effects
as documented by researchers and physicians
around the world. By avoiding these ingredients
you will have healthier skin and hair and avoid
potential health risks due to long term exposure
to problem-causing compounds.
Ecologically
correct packaging
As a further
commitment to the earth and her people, Surya
has chosen packaging that is either recyclable
or biodegradable. By doing this, we are doing
our share to minimize or eliminate harmful
impact to the world.
The use of
recycled paper in our packages and printed
instructions was our first step. Now, we have
opted for flasks in PET* plastic used in the
Amazônia Preciosa hair line and in the new
products of the body care line. Also, in the
Amazônia Preciosa Face line, three of the
packages are 100% biodegradable
flasks**.
*PET plastic
bottles
PET
(Polyethylene terephthalate) is a thermoplastic
resin of the polyester family, with polymer
chains, considered the most resistent and safe
material used in the manufacturing of packages
for many products such as beverage, food and
other liquid containers. PET can be semi-rigid
to rigid, depending on its thickness and is very
lightweight. It makes a good gas barrier and a
fair moisture barrier. It is strong and
impact-resistant.
The main virtue
of PET is that it is fully recyclable and its
chemical composition doesn't produce any toxic
products. The beauty of a PET bottle also must
be considered, since it looks very similar to
glass, given its transparency and
brightness.
Because of this,
PET plastic is the most accepted material for
packaging within the natural products
industry.
**100%
biodegradable flask
The pots for the
face products were developed from a high quality
thermoplastic composed of 100% renewable raw
material originated from LIGNIN, a by-product of
the process of fabrication of the pulp from
cellulose, added with natural fibers, with no
chemical ingredients in its
composition.
As long as the
product is in use, the pot keeps its resistance,
but if it is discarded, say for example, in a
landfill, it degrades naturally in 8 months. It
doesn't pollute the environment and is totally
biodegradable. Surya is the first company in
Brazil to launch cosmetics with packages within
this context.
Results to be
achieved
The objective of
the Amazônia Preciosa line is to offer
consumers cosmetics that preserve the
environment through the responsible use of
natural resources, without using ingredients or
substances which cause harm to the health of the
consumer or to the environment.
This is possible
when we use raw materials directly harvested
from nature that do not pass through the great
chemical transformations used in industrialized
processes that add "unnatural" substances to the
formulation. These truly natural products
exemplify better performance and are more easily
"digested" by nature.
In a similar
way, the packaging, printed instructions,
brochures and even our business cards are made
of recycled or recyclable materials helping to
save natural resources including water and
energy. Plus, recycled materials can be used and
reused over and over again. Whenever a raw
material is chosen to be part of our products,
we require that it has a minimal impact on the
environment in its use and with its
discarding.
Concept of
natural cosmetics
Surya uses
vegetable oils and butters in the composition of
its products. By using the seeds, we help not
only preserve the forests but also the very
survival of the inhabitants of the Amazon Forest
who make their living collecting. Due to the
nature of the seeds and plants taken from the
Amazon, the company has entered into a special
cooperative venture that supports the mandatory
sustainable harvesting of all Brazilian raw
materials. This relationship with the Amazon
residents preserves not only the forests but
also the survival of its inhabitants who make
their living collecting in a sustainable
manner.
The Amazon Rain
Forest is part of Surya's soul. Because of this,
we are passionate about maintaining these
natural resources by not only creating conscious
products but by socially integrating action that
radiates intelligence and harmony. For Surya,
this is not a marketing claim but a vital and
exciting part of our company's mission and
vision.
Our commitment
is to keep seeking ecologically correct
production methods with the use of natural
ingredients in a sustainable manner. We want to
show consumers that this is a valid way of
caring for his or her health and the
preservation of the planet.
