Naturally yours

The trend towards natural products has spiked in recent years and with good reason. Consumers are becoming aware of the effects of some harsh artificial chemicals and how they negatively affect the environment.

I have always been fascinated with the concept of effective natural products and am delighted to share with you six products that I think are based on natural ingredients and are superior in performance.

Gawad Kalikasan

By now, everyone probably knows Gawad Kalinga’s pro-poor, pro-environment stance. GK’s subsidiary Gawad Kalikasan has come out with a wide range of natural, eco-friendly skin- and hair-care products. I appreciate the fact that GK sources locally and that it is a stickler for quality. My favorite product is its hand and foot salve. Made of bee propolis, eucalyptus and carrot extracts, this thick, rich but surprisingly non-greasy cream gives heavy-duty results for cracked heels and gardener’s hands.

GIGA

My secret weapon against muscle pain.

GIGA’s mission/vision statement claims that the company produces the finest natural products. My ultimate favorite item (that is almost always out of stock!) is its massage cream. Now, mind you, I do not use the massage cream for massages (and neither does anyone I know who is a fan of the product). The truth of the matter is that it makes an effective soothing topical muscle relaxant. After using this salve, you can say goodbye to all your over-the-counter pharmacy muscle creams. Made of virgin coconut oil, peppermint and ginger extracts, this product comes in large and small sizes. I buy the large tub to keep at home and stash the small tub in my purse (excellent for car sickness, congestion and headache as well!)

GIGA products are available in Shoppesville, Robinson’s Galleria and in most SM department stores.

Souq

Souq International has a mighty fine line of skin and hair products. Elegantly packaged, in amber colored bottles and origami-assembled boxes, Souq has two excellent offerings that would benefit those who have oily skin and listless hair.

Souq’s argan oil is a godsend for those who wish to restore luster and moisture to their hair. Argan oil is also an excellent skin moisturizer and primer (use before applying your makeup and the powders and creams will blend more seamlessly).

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Equally impressive is Pangea Organics’ facial cream. Made of Moroccan argan with willow and rosemary, this cream has a fascinating way of adjusting to the different levels of oil on your face. I have combination skin and the cream feels non-greasy on my T-zone area and yet delivers adequate amounts of moisture to my entire face.

(Souq International may be contacted at www.souqorganics.com, Unit B Bellitudo, 79 Katipunan Ext., White Plains, Quezon City.)

Kedem

Kedem was created by Israelite doctors Amir Kitron (who has a PhD in Chemical Engineering) and Nissim Amzallag (who has a PhD in Biology). I can honestly say that Kedem is very unique as all the ingredients in every formulation come from plants in the Judean Desert. Both doctors worked for 12 years to create a no-nonsense line of skin/hair treatment products in accordance to ancient Hebrew medicinal teachings.

There are so many effective products to choose from (I felt like a kid in a candy store trying out their ointments and creams!) but for the purpose of brevity, I shall zero in on two items that would benefit my readers the most.

The first product is Maccabim, which is a tissue-regenerating oil. Maccabim uses properties of the everlasting flower and is used topically to address fresh scars and pigmentation, dermatitis and is remarkably effective in soothing psoriasis inflammation. I applied Maccabim on my son’s skin asthma rashes and after 15 minutes, they completely subsided!

Kedem’s Neve cream, on the other hand, is excellent for calming acne and other blemishes, especially those brought about by hormonal fluctuations. Every night, I apply this cream on the problem areas of my teenage boys and am happy to see significant healing.

(Kedem products are available at Dr. Amy Patdu’s Skin Center at Unit 103 Admiralty Bldg., Alabang Zapote Road. Call 818-2698.)

(For best results, consult your doctor.)