Recent news reports about the toxic chemicals in cosmetic products sold in New Zealand have us concerned.

There are calls for the regulation of the New Zealand cosmetic industry after US studies have found toxic PFAS in cosmetics. PFAS - polyfluoroalkyl substances - are a class of about 9000 chemicals used to make products like food packaging, kitchenware, and heavy-duty cleaners. They are more commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don't break down in the environment or in the body. Basically, they are chemicals we want nowhere near our skin!

These chemicals can accumulate in our bodies over time and have been linked to serious health problems like cancer and liver failure, as well as decreased fertility and hormone disruption. 

While the study was conducted in the US, many of the brands tested are sold in New Zealand, including L'Oréal, Mac, Cover Girl, and Clinique. The study also found that 88 percent of the products tested did not list any of the PFAS ingredients on their labels.

Consumer New Zealand head of research Jessica Wilson said there's not enough research into cosmetic products in New Zealand.

"If you don't know what's in a product, you can't make an informed choice on if you want to buy it," she said.

Here at Natures Pond, we think that it is even more important for skincare products to be natural and not contain those non-regulated harmful chemicals. Why? because our skin is our largest organ and whatever is put on our skin is absorbed into it - skin care is designed to be absorbed into the skin and not washed off at the end of the day like make-up.

At Natures Pond our products are made from natural ingredients and are safe for your skin.

We harvest Kawakawa, Manuka, Kanuka and Tarata straight from our homegrown trees and infuse them into our products with minimal processing. Find out about the health benefits of these soothing natives here.

But how do you make the switch to natural skincare and make-up?

Switching all the products at once would be overwhelming. No one wants to throw out the contents of their bathroom cupboard and start from scratch! We suggest starting slow and prioritising.

• Will this product be applied over a large surface area?
• Is this product designed to be absorbed into my skin?
• Is this product designed to be washed off at the end of the day?

First, we would look at replacing products like lotions and moisturisers that are designed to be absorbed into the skin, over a large area, and not washed off.

For example, maybe start with purchasing a natural face wash and moisturiser rather than an eye shadow; or purchasing a natural face moisturiser rather than a foundation that will be washed off at the end of the day.

This could be a starting point then you could gradually replace other make-up, shampoos, and conditioners with natural alternatives.

Also keep in mind your skin condition - if your skin is inflamed with psoriasis, dermatitis or eczema then putting make-up or skincare products on that contain non-regulated chemicals is quite likely to further irritate and damage your skin.  Natural products are kinder to your skin and Natures Pond products are wonderfully soothing.

Read about our daughter Amber’s journey with psoriasis here and how, through trial and error we finally created a natural product that soothed her inflamed, irritated, skin.

If you have any questions about our products or need advice in choosing a soothing natural skincare product please contact us here at Natures Pond, we would love to help.

With healing love,

Sally x