Blog
Our Stance on Organic Ingredients
Have you ever wondered why the majority of Plaine Products' ingredients are not organic? Recently we’ve had several questions about this, and we thought it best to share some insight. We want you to know what the term “organic” means in the personal care industry, the issues with suppliers, and why it’s not something we plan to focus on at this time. Read on to find out why we prioritize ingredients that are toxin-free, and sustainably sourced, over being organic. Industry (Un)Regulation While the Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the use of the term “organic” in the food industry, they don’t regulate it in the personal care industry, as that falls outside of their authority. That falls to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). I use the term ‘regulate’ loosely because the FDA does not define or regulate the term “organic” in regard to personal care products at all. However, personal care products can still become organic certified under the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP), if the product is made up of agricultural ingredients. The product must meet the NOP’s requirements for production, handling, processing, and labeling to be eligible for certification. Even so, this doesn’t mean that the NOP has the authority to regulate organic label claims on all personal care products. They can only regulate the products and manufacturing operations that voluntarily choose to meet their organic standards and go through their certification process. With the FDA not defining the term and the NOP only regulating certain companies, this means the term “organic” can be used in the industry without specific proof or certification. This certainly muddies the waters for personal care companies when sourcing their ingredients and finding trustworthy suppliers. Our Manufacturers' Reality While we think it would be great to have a certified organic product, we’ve decided against it for the time being after doing the research and talking closely with our manufacturer. To be able to say “made with organic ingredients” on our labels we would have to use no less than 70% certified organic ingredients. In order to carry the USDA Organic Seal our products would have to have no less than 95% certified organic ingredients. These requirements would create a lot more work for the manufacturers to vet these companies to ensure they are actually certified, which would drive up costs. Remember, “organic” isn’t a regulated term by the FDA, so suppliers could be using it without having proof or certification. When speaking with our manufacturer, they felt that it was no longer the best measure to use in selecting suppliers. They are more concerned with the quality of the ingredients, supplier reliability, and distance from the manufacturer. While organic farming practices are beneficial to the environment, the shipping emissions to transport them from farther away could negate the farming benefits. This is a reality we would face if needing to choose from only certified organic suppliers. Instead of choosing organic, we prioritize ingredients that are high quality, non-GMO, free of toxins and harsh chemicals, palm oil free, vegan, biodegradable, and as local as we can get. As with all things sustainable, there are always tradeoffs to be made. We want to be transparent about the choices we make. Our goal is to work closely with our manufacturer to ensure you’re getting a safe, effective, environmentally friendly product every time. If learning about ingredients in your personal care products is interesting to you, stay tuned for our monthly ingredients blog posts!
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Announcing New Cherry Almond Shampoo
When we launched our Cherry Almond Hand Wash, we were BLOWN away by the reaction! You all loved the scent, so we’re expanding the line. The first step is a new Cherry Almond shampoo! Why Cherry Almond Shampoo As we consider different scents variations several factors come into play. Adding variety so that we can appeal to people who prefer different scent categories. Varying ingredients so that we can offer options to those with allergies or sensitives. We also consider the benefits of the ingredients we add to the base formula. In this case our Cherry Almond shampoo is good for those looking to combat dryness, reduce frizz, and add shine. A few of the hero ingredients are:Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil- Beneficial for dehydrated, dry, damaged, and frizzy hair. Hydrating properties combat dryness, eliminate frizz, and provide shine. Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil - Many people use castor oil as a natural hair treatment. This is because castor oil has moisturizing properties, which could help lubricate the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage. Juniperus Mexicana (cedar) oil - Used in hair, Cedarwood Oil is known to cleanse and enhance circulation to the scalp, tighten the follicles, stimulate healthy growth, reduce thinning, and slow hair loss. Natural Fragrance Ingredients Explained The full list of ingredients for the scent are: Cinnamomum cassia leaf oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, amyris balsamifera bark oil, juniperus Mexicana (cedar) oil, eugenia caryophyllus (clove) leaf oil, artemisia pallens flower oil, and natural fragrance ingredients.The only legal requirements for listing fragrance is just that, to list the word fragrance to show that there are additional additives to the formula related to scent. The original Plaine Products shampoo,conditioner and body wash were formulated using essential oils. As we've expanded we've found that essential oils don't always mix well with some of our other formulas. They can cause separation, or we've had trouble making the scent come out just right. On the advice of our manufacturer, we started experimenting with other naturally derived fragrances. Our face moisturizer is a great example. Some of you may remember we struggled with getting the mix right with essential oils, the product kept separating. We switched over to a naturally derived grapefruit scent and it has resulted in a much more consistent product.As we were working to develop the cherry almond shampoo we lost the supplier of the scent we originally used for the hand wash. Of the new scent options presented one was definitely the best, but the supplier wanted us to just list fragrance to protect their proprietary formula.Our Commitment to Transparency Here at Plaine Products, one of ourcore values is transparency. We explained that we needed more information than "just fragrance" to feel comfortable. We worked with them to get the list shared above, and posted on the product page, and agreed that they could keep additional ingredients private and list them as natural ingredients. They have also sent us a document certifying all ingredients are plant-based aromatics that are produced using pure essential oils and aromatic isolates derived solely from natural, raw botanical sources.We are in the process of updating a few other products to improve on consistency and product performance and are using the same supplier. As such, you will now see the same "natural fragrance ingredients" listed on our Citrus Lavender Conditioner, and soon on our Meadow Deep Conditioner.We know that there are trade-offs that come with making any product, and we are committed to being transparent about the choices we make, so you can feel better about the choices you are making. As always please reach out with questions or thoughts.We hope you enjoy this new scent as much as we are!
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Combating Marine Plastic Pollution with Sea Hugger
It's Earth Month, one of our favorite times of year! This year, we are proud to announce that we are supportingSea Hugger , an organization working to combat marine plastic pollution through education and action, with 10% of our Earth Day Sale proceeds.Who is Sea Hugger? [caption id="attachment_1689431" align="alignright" width="165"] Photo Courtesy of Sea Hugger[/caption]The vast expanse of our oceans harbors both wonder and worry. While its depths teem with life and its waves beckon exploration, the ocean also carries a burden—the burden of plastic pollution. It's a menace that threatens marine life, ecosystems, and ultimately, our own well-being. Amidst the plastic pollution crisis, organizations like Sea Hugger are beacons of hope, working tirelessly to combat the scourge of marine plastic pollution.Sea Hugger, a non-profit organization founded in 2018, is focused on protecting and healing the marine environment from plastic pollution through education, action, and advocacy. At the heart of Sea Hugger's mission lies a deep-rooted commitment to raising awareness about the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution on our oceans and empowering communities to take meaningful action. They shareour dream to have less plastic waste in the world.Marine Plastic Pollution One of the most pressing issues facing our oceans today is the proliferation of single-use plastics. From plastic bags to straws, these disposable items find their way into the ocean, where they persist for hundreds of years, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. Sea Hugger recognizes the urgency of addressing this problem and actively engages in monthly beach cleanups, cigarette butt recycling, and educational campaigns to stem the tide of plastic waste. They also understand the importance of prevention and are strong advocates for reducing plastic consumption and promoting sustainable alternatives. If you are in the Half Moon Bay, CA area, consider joining Sea Hugger for their Every Day Is Earth Day Cleanup on April 27th. We sent over some plastic-free goodies to share with cleanup participants.The fight against marine plastic pollution is a daunting task, but organizations like Sea Hugger remind us that change is possible. Through their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment, they are making a tangible difference in the battle to safeguard our oceans for future generations.
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Homemade Cashew Milk
Welcome back to our monthly series of easy recipes from our partner Lexi, a loyal Plaine Products customer and vegan home cook. This month’s recipe you'll want to put into your weekly routine: Cashew Milk! It tastes delicious in your coffee drinks, hot chocolate, or tea. You can add it to soups or sauces for a richer, creamier texture. There are so many yummy ways to use cashew milk.In addition to helping eliminate single-use plastic from your routine with our premium quality bath and body products, we atPlaine Products love celebrating our community members. We’ve partnered withLexi to share some of her vegan home-cooked recipes that are easy, quick, and delicious!Homemade Cashew Milk INGREDIENTS: 1 c. raw cashews, soaked overnight 4 c. water 1/8 tsp. salt For a sweet milk also add: 2 pitted Medjool dates or 1-2 tbsp. maple syrup 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract INSTRUCTIONS: 1.) Measure out your cashews, add them to a jar, and then cover them in water. Allow them to soak for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight. You can also pour boiling hot water over them and do a quick soak for about 1 hour instead! 2.) Add soaked cashews, water, and salt to a high-speed blender (add the Medjool dates + vanilla extract if making a sweet version). Blend on high for about 2 minutes or until the mixture is completely smooth. 3.) To a large bowl add a plant milk bag. Next, pour half the cashew milk into the bag and then use your hands to squeeze out the liquid. Pour in the remaining half and repeat until all the liquid is separated from the pulp. Save the pulp for baked goods, smoothies, or homemade vegan cheese! 4.) Pour the cashew milk into an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. *You can find plenty of plant milk bags online to buy or you can use a cheesecloth! https://youtube.com/shorts/18TxA2-Vq3Y?si=d4AmnhwDeYz_7JcuAt Plaine Products, we’re committed to sustainability without sacrifice. That means creating premium quality bath and body products that check all the boxes for our customers while staying aligned with our values as a conscious company. Our products are made with non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable ingredients and are packaged in refillable, aluminum bottles. If you’re looking for the perfect bathroom routine that is good for your body, the planet, and animals, check out our products here.
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Partnering with Salons to Help Buyers Shop Sustainable Hair Care
Plaine Products is proud to be expanding our partnerships with salons to help their customersshop for sustainable hair care . We offer salons both our retail and bulk products so they can sell the products and use them in their back bar, all while ensuring less waste and toxins. As a part of this effort our CEO, Lindsey McCoy will be appearing monthly on theThe Salon Owners Holistic Blueprint podcast. She will be appearing along with Kate Assaraf, founder of Dip Already shampoo and conditioner bars.The Salon Owners Holistic Blueprint Podcast This podcast empowers salon owners to create profitable and sustainable businesses while embracing holistic practices. The mission of the host, Jacquelyn Rodriguez, is to help salon owners and beauty professionals create a thriving and profitable business that embodies the principles of clean beauty and sustainability. Kate and Lindsey join monthly to provide a brand perspective. Together, the three of us will provide guidance, resources, and support to salons who want to shop for sustainable hair care. Each month will feature a different topic. We'll offer tips to help you build a business that meets your financial goals & positively impacts the environment and community. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference in the beauty industry and create a better future for ourselves and future generations.Shop Sustainable Hair Care Plaine Products offers uniquely sustainable personal care products for retail and refill shops, salons, hospitality, vacation rental, and eco resort locations. Really any business that wants to offer customers plastic free hair and body care. Sustainable personal care comes in retail and bulk containers. Plaine Products takes back and reuses all of our containers to provide a waste-free solution. With aloe as our main ingredient the products are tear-free, safe for kids, and customers with sensitive skin. The bottles and the products are manufactured in the US for Plaine Products. Our entire line is palm oil free and has organic, non-GMO,vegan ingredients to naturally nourish hair and skin. The best part? They are salon-quality products with rave reviews.
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Fragrance Free: Avoiding the Best Kept Dirty Little “Trade Secret”
For many consumers, fragrance is an important part of our identity. We love for our laundry to come out smelling like a clean breeze, our cleaning products to smell extra crisp, and for our perfume to pack a punch. We’re made to think that clean must have a strong smell and that without it things cannot be clean. Right? Unfortunately, the reality is our obsession with heavily scented products may be threatening our health. Moreover, the lack of accountability and laws for companies to disclose fragrance ingredients is severely lacking. We’re here to tell you why going fragrance free could be good for your health, to help you to be a conscious consumer, and share the dirty little secrets large corporations don’t want you to know. Why This Sneaky Ingredient is One You Should Watch Out For In 1973 Congress passed the federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, which required companies to list cosmetics ingredients on product labels. Can you guess what major ingredient was left off this list? Yep, you guessed it - fragrance. So what does this mean? This means that companies don’t have to tell consumers what ingredients make up their fragrances. They can simply put the term “fragrance” on an ingredient list and call it a day. The reasoning behind that? Companies say that their fragrance is a “trade secret” and sharing could be detrimental to their business. Now there are many companies for whom this a real concern. We work with a small manufacturer and they have a lot invested in their natural scents and are concerned about having them replicated. However, there are other companies that take advantage of this loophole to add cheap petroleum-derived chemical cocktails they don’t want consumers to be aware of. It can be tricky to know the difference. The most important thing is transparency. How much information does the company give you and how much trust do they inspire in their communications? At Plaine Products we share all of the information we have and work to ensure you can trust us to make the best ingredient decisions possible. But we let know you about the choices we've made so you can make your own decisions. Why Going Fragrance Free could be Good for your Health In addition to the general term "fragrance" there are also naturally based fragrances, which are plant derived, and then there are synthetic fragrances. Those are created in labs with the help of chemicals. Some of them are perfectly safe and some are not as they can contain phthalates. Phthalates are derived from petroleum that, in this case, are used as a solvent and fixative in fragrances. Phthalates accumulate in the body and can have many negative effects on our health, including migraines, hormone disruption, birth defects, and the development of inflammatory diseases like cancer or Type 2 Diabetes. Our respiratory systems are also widely affected by fragrance chemicals. Most of the time we’re exposed to these fragrance chemicals inside where the air is more stagnant, which allows for greater exposure. According to this PubMed review by Gandhi Rádis-Baptista, “The negative impact of fragrance chemicals on human health includes cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic effects (e.g., headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems) and distress in workplaces”. This is a great reason to ditch the scented wall-plugins, get an indoor air purifier, and open the windows to let fresh air in whenever you can. The Different Faces of Fragrance - What to Look Out For These days it feels like everything you can think of has had fragrance added in some capacity, Even many trash bags are scented! It doesn’t help that there are many different terms used in the industry to label fragrance.The best way to avoid added fragrance is to know what to look for on product labels. Below is a list of other common names fragrance goes by: Eau de Toilette Musk Eugenol Linalool Limonene Perfume Aroma Citronellol Essential Oils Odor Cinnamal Unfortunately, this is not an exhaustive list and there are even more terms that can be used, but these are some of the most common. The biggest tip: if a company won’t tell you what ingredients make up their fragrance, that can be a huge red flag! Unscented vs. Fragrance Free - Are they Created Equal? After learning all of this, you may be thinking that going with an unscented option must be the solution! While that’s a great option, sadly that’s not always the case. The terms unscented and fragrance-free don’t always mean the same thing. Even if it seems like they should. It turns out “unscented” isn’t a regulated term. So there are some "unscented" products that actually have ingredients added to neutralize and mask the smell of the raw ingredients. Here at Plaine Products, we understand the detrimental effects of toxic chemicals like phthalates. It’s important to us to offer high-quality, fragrance free products. Which is why we created our unscented product line. Unfortunately, when we created this line we, like so many others, weren’t aware of the difference between the terms unscented and fragrance free. According to CEO Lindsey McCoy, "We went with the name unscented because it never occurred to us that there are people out there who would scent their unscented products. Now that we've learned more, we realize “fragrance-free” would’ve been a better fit for our products." Either way, you can rest assured that we’ve created a great, trulyfragrance-free product line for you, free of any scent-masking ingredients! They’re the perfect addition to your personal care lineup if you’re looking to ditch fragrance altogether. If learning about ingredients in your personal care products is interesting to you, stay tuned for our monthly ingredients blog posts!
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Vegan Garlic Butter Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Stems
Welcome back to our monthly series of easy recipes from our partner Lexi, a loyal Plaine Products customer and vegan home cook. This month's recipe is another great example of avoiding food waste with an earth-friendly, delicious pasta. Instead of tossing your broccoli stems we are going to roast them for a Vegan Garlic Butter Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Stems.In addition to helping eliminate single-use plastic from your routine with our premium quality bath and body products, we atPlaine Products love celebrating our community members. We’ve partnered withLexi to share some of her vegan home-cooked recipes that are easy, quick, and delicious!Vegan Garlic Butter Pasta with Roasted Broccoli Stems INGREDIENTS: pasta of choice (2 servings) 2 large broccoli stems 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 2-3 tbsp. vegan butter ~ 3 tbsp. olive oil ~ 1/4 c. vegan parmesan (plus more to top) red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) salt + pepper Optional Toppings: ~ 1/4 c. panko breadcrumbs olive oil salt INSTRUCTIONS: *Preheat oven to 400° F 1.) Peel the outer layer of your broccoli then chop off about 1/2 inch off the ends. Cut into rounds then into halves. Place on a baking sheet along with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss to coat. Bake for about 15 minutes, tossing half way through. 2.) Cook pasta according to package instructions, add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Save about 3/4 c. of the pasta water once the pasta is finished. 3.) To a pan on medium high heat add olive oil and vegan butter. Once the butter is melted add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the garlic is golden brown. Now add the pasta, vegan parmesan, and a few splashes of the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine, adding more pasta water if needed. Season with salt + pepper. 4.) For optional texture on top toast panko breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and salt in a pan on medium high heat until breadcrumbs are golden brown. 5.) Serve pasta topped with roasted broccoli stems, a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs, and extra vegan parmesan. https://youtube.com/shorts/FpIyjDGtCnU?si=kKF1BtOpcgiDvPkGAt Plaine Products, we’re committed to sustainability without sacrifice. That means creating premium quality bath and body products that check all the boxes for our customers while staying aligned with our values as a conscious company. Our products are made with non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable ingredients and are packaged in refillable, aluminum bottles. If you’re looking for the perfect bathroom routine that is good for your body, the planet, and animals, check out our products here.
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Styling Gel now available in 2.5 oz Travel Size!
Since the day we launched Styling Gel, you all have been asking us to make a smaller bottle… and it’s finally here! Whether you're a frequent traveler, a gym regular, or just someone who values convenience, the new 2.5 oz travel size bottle is perfect for taking your fave styling product with you on-the-go. The travel size is also great if you haven't yet tried our Styling Gel! Our aloe-based Styling Gel has the lightweight consistency of a cream with the hold of a gel. It works well on all hair types and can be used on wet, damp, and dry hair. You can use Styling Gel to enhance your natural curls, hold your hairstyle all day, or tame frizz and baby hairs. Sustainable Style, Anywhere You Go The 2.5 oz size Styling Gel joins our other Plaine Products travel size bottles, including our core products ofshampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion , and fan-favorite, Hair Repair. Our reusable, refillable, plastic free travel sizes work great for being on the road or giving Plaine Products a try for the first time. They are compact, lightweight, andTSA-approved , making them the perfect companion for your travels. And they can be refilled at home with our larger 10oz and 16oz bottles! If you are someone who is always on the move, Plaine Products travel size bottles allow you to maintain your desired look without compromising on sustainability.Plaine Products Styling Gel Is Unique While the fact that our Styling Gel is packaged in a reusable aluminum bottle that can be refilled and reused makes it unique, the clean beauty ingredients make it shine. You can learn more about the vegan, natural ingredients in our Styling Gelhere . It's suitable for all hair types, so whether you have curly locks, straight strands, or those pesky flyaways, this Styling Gel has got you covered.Elevate your on-the-go styling routine with this eco-friendly, travel-friendly solution that allows you to maintain your style without compromising your values. Make every journey a stylish one with Plaine Products' Styling Gel – now available in the perfect travel size!
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Ingredients Matter: What are Endocrine Disruptors?
Why the Ingredients in your Personal Care Products Matter You’re looking at yourPlaine Products shampoo bottle, and you see it says, “Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, and synthetic fragrances”. You’ve also been hearing a lot more about things called “endocrine disruptors” but aren’t sure why they’re significant. If you’re wondering what endocrine disruptors are and why they matter, we’re here to help!According to recently updatedresearch by the Environmental Working Group, the average woman uses about 13 personal care products per day, while the average man uses about 11. This means that women are exposed to over 114 chemicals and men around 105 chemicals. That’s just per day! If we think about how many products we’re using and how often, we start to see how the ingredients that make them up can really impact both our health and the environment.What are Endocrine Disruptors? Our endocrine system is the system in our body that creates and releases hormones. This system is in charge of a lot of important processes, a few being mood, metabolism, reproductive health and regulating vital processes to keep our body in balance. Hormones communicate with each cell to do so, and they do this by binding onto receptors outside of the cells.Endocrine disruptors are chemicals, either natural or man-made, that displace hormones from the cell receptors, therefore disrupting our endocrine system processes. This displacement can cause hormone production to falsely increase and/or decrease, or interfere with the signals they’re sending our body. All of which disrupts our body's natural balance and can cause a vast array of health issues.What Ingredients Should I Avoid? While endocrine disruptors can be found in our food and water, a majority of our exposure can come from ingredients in personal care products. Below is a very general list of the most common you can find and want to avoid when choosing your personal care products: Parabens Sulfates PFAS/PFOA Phthalates Polyethylene Glycol (PEGs) Synthetic Fragrance Butylated compounds (BHA/BHT) Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) Benzophenones Siloxanes & Silanes (think silicone) Triclosan How to Make Stress-free Product Swaps While even just that general list can feel overwhelming, it’s a great starting point to check the products you’re using and see where you could make some swaps.If you’ve checked your products and found that some of them contain these ingredients, don’t panic! Your past buying decisions were made with the information you had then. Now you know better, so in the future, you’ll do better. There’s no use getting down on yourself for choices you’ve made in the past.If you’ve got a lot of products to swap and don’t know where to start, the best place to start is with the products that you use the most. Shampoo and conditioner are both products we’re all using almost every day, so they’re a great place to start. If there’s something else you’re finding yourself using daily, plan to make that one of your first swaps.You also don’t want to throw out all of your half-used products and buy new ones. Not only is it wasteful, it’s expensive as well. The most cost-effective way to swap is to do it gradually as you run out. It’s also less stressful because you’ll be focusing on finding one low-tox item you like instead of six. That can feel really intimidating!To make it even easier on you, we’ve created all of ourproducts free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, and synthetic fragrances, to ensure the safety of our customers, their families, and the planet. We want you to feel comfortable and confident when shopping our products!If learning about ingredients in your personal care products is interesting to you, stay tuned for our upcoming monthly ingredients blog posts!
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DO YOU NEED A RETURN LABEL?