Lavera

 

NEWS March 31, 2008

 

Lavera Skin Care Backs OCA to Force
Proper Disclosure of Personal Care Products

 

KIRKLAND, WASHINGTON -- Lavera USA CEO, Ulrike Jacob-Dewor, said today that she backs efforts by the Organic Consumers Association (‘OCA’) to crack down on mislabeling of organic and natural personal care and household products and expose potentially harmful chemical content.

The OCA recently investigated nearly 100 organic cosmetic, personal care and household cleaning formulas, and found that nearly 50% of them contained detectable levels of 1,4-dioxane, which is known to cause cancer in lab animals.

None of the manufacturers disclosed this information on their labels, even though many had levels greater than 1,000 times the acceptable level. Of note was the fact that all products free of the carcinogen included those certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program and by Germany’s BDIH testing and certification institute.

“Lavera products are BDIH certified. Most recently we also came out top in tests of products from 32 manufacturers in Europe in the natural beauty sector. They were performed by OEKO-TEST magazine, the leading consumer report and environmental and health-focused organization in Europe.”

“Lack of transparency on disclosure of content of personal care products, and food for that matter, is a major issue here in the US, that’s why we are backing OCA’s efforts and also those of the Natural Products Association to bring in standards that emulate BDIH in Europe.”

“Whether it’s 1,4-dioxane, parabens, phthalates coming in contact with the skin, or growth hormones in beef and milk, the public has a right to make informed choices about what they are exposing themselves to,” concluded Jacob-Dewor. “Without a full disclosure in accordance to the European standards, consumers are unable to make the right decisions that support their long term health.”

We are strongly supporting the Natural Products Association with its efforts to finally have a label and standards in place later in 2008 for the US market. 

 

ABOUT LAVERA
Since its founding 20 years ago, the Lavera brand (http://www.lavera.com) has grown to include more than 300 natural and organic skin care products. Lavera health and beauty products are currently sold in more than 12,000 locations in 25 different countries. Lavera is the market leader in Europe for natural skin care with a 27% of the market share in general health and beauty products and a 50% market share in sunscreen products. The North American Division was formed in the late 1990s and is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington.

Contact the North American Division by phone at 877-528-3727 ext 6 or, visit Lavera’s site at www.lavera.com. The entire line of sale items can be viewed in the online newsletter. For product samples, please email press@lavera.com

 

References

http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneRelease08.cfm
http://www.ewg.org/node/21286
http://www.ocwd.com/_assets/_pdfs/1,4-Dioxane_Fact_Sheet.pdf