8 Popular Organic Brands That Secretly Went Inorganic

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How Big Corporations Poisoned Organic Brands

Now-Tox Brands

In our pursuit of healthier, more sustainable lifestyles, many of us have turned to organic skincare products. These lines promised a toxic-free haven, free from harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients. However, unbeknownst to many, some of these once-trusted brands have been bought out by large corporations that have altered their formulations, turning them into toxic concoctions that betray our desire for clean living. In this eye-opening exposé, we will uncover the top product lines that were once champions of non-toxic beauty but have since fallen victim to corporate greed. Prepare yourself for a shocking journey into the dark side of the organic skincare industry.

The Rise of Organic Brands

Before delving into the unfortunate fate of these beloved brands, let’s first explore how they gained popularity in the first place. As health-conscious individuals began to prioritize non-toxic living, there was an increasing demand for skincare products devoid of harmful ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. Organic brands emerged as the epitome of this movement – pioneers paving the way for a cleaner beauty industry.

The Promise of Non-Toxic Beauty

Organic skincare product lines captivated consumers with their promise of purity and effectiveness. By utilizing natural plant-based ingredients and avoiding harsh synthetic chemicals, these brands tapped into our desire for gentle yet potent solutions for our skin concerns. From cleansers infused with botanical extracts to serums brimming with antioxidants, these products seemed like the perfect embodiment of toxic-free living.

The Dark Side: Corporate Takeovers

Unfortunately, not all stories have happy endings. In recent years, several prominent organic skincare lines fell prey to corporate takeovers. These once-trusted brands were lured by hefty acquisition offers from large corporations seeking to capitalize on the booming market for natural products.

Profit Over Purity

Under the guise of expanding market reach and increasing profits, these corporations began to change the formulations of the organic product lines they acquired. The very essence that made these brands so appealing – their commitment to non-toxic ingredients – was compromised in favor of cost-cutting measures and mass production.

Synthetic Substitutions

One of the most alarming changes witnessed in these bought-out organic skincare lines is the substitution of natural ingredients with synthetic alternatives. Once abundant with plant extracts and botanical wonders, these products now contain artificial fragrances, preservatives, and other potentially harmful additives. What was once a celebration of nature’s gifts has now become a toxic cocktail disguised as organic skincare.

8 Top Organic Brands Turned Toxic

1. Burt’s Bees – Bought by Clorox

Burt’s Bees was a beloved organic brand, known for their natural and sustainable ingredients. However, after being acquired by Clorox, some of their products began to contain synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Additionally, they shifted towards using packaging materials that were not eco-friendly.

Some of their product names now contain the phrase “natural origin”. While we are quite sure what origin they they are referring to, this seems to be a sneaky play on words to trick the quick glancing consumer into believing the product is still “natural” and “organic”. We all know by now that the word “natural” on any type of packaging – foods to skincare to clothing, actually has no merit, as it’s not regulated by any means of standards to uphold. All it really is is a cheap marketing tactic.

Newly Added Ingredients:

Linalool
Alumina: aluminum oxide
Iron Oxides
Natural Flavors
Fragrance
Sodium Benzoate
Chromium Oxide Greens
Glyceryl Rosinate
Glyceryl Benenate
Sodium Hydroxide
Phenoxyethanol

2. Meyers – Purchased by SC Johnson

Meyers was a popular organic cleaning brand, which emphasized the use of essential oils and plant-based ingredients. After being purchased by SC Johnson, they began using more synthetic fragrances and preservatives in their products. Their packaging also became less eco-friendly.

Since they bought the brand, we were able to identify a few differences in the new line versus the original line. Here are just some of the changes they have made to their products.

Newly Added Ingredients:

Polyvinyl Alcohol Film
Ethylene Brassylate
Linalool
Gamma-undecalactone
Methyl Decenol
3-hexenol
Phenylisohexanol
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Tetramethy Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
Dipropylene Glycol
Hydrated Silica
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil
Laureth 7
Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil
Fragrance
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Trideceth-9
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Sodium Methyl 2-sulfolaurate
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Peg-5 Cocoate
Methyisothiazolinone
Benzisothiazolinone

3. Native – Purchased by Procter and Gamble

Native was a popular organic deodorant brand, which only used natural ingredients. After being purchased by Procter and Gamble, they began using synthetic fragrances and potentially harmful preservatives. While they still use some natural ingredients, their products are less eco-friendly and may contain less beneficial ingredients.

Newly Added Ingredients:

Arachidyl Glucoside
Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Benzyl Alcohol
Citral
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Fragrance
Lauramidopropyl Betaine
Limonene
Phenoxyethanol
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Unspecified Flavor

4. Method – Purchased by SC Johnson

Method was another popular organic cleaning brand, known for their plant-based ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. After being purchased by SC Johnson, they began using more synthetic fragrances and preservatives in their products. Some of their packaging also switched to less eco-friendly materials.

EWG Rating: F
Concerns: DEVELOPMENTAL

Ingredients linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, a broad class of health effects that range from infertility and reproductive organ cancers to birth defects and developmental delays in children.
Newly Added Ingredients:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Natural Thickening Gum
Fragrance Oil Blend
Benzyl Salicylate
Limonene
Methylisothiazolinone
Octylisothiazolinone
Hydrated Silica
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Modified Polyether-polysiloxane
Benzyl Salicylate
Biodegradable Surfactant
Non-toxic Solvent
Fragrance Oil Blend
Preservative
Natural Color
Light Stabilizer
Kephalis
Lemonile
Methyl Cedryl Ketone
Patchouli Extract
Radjanoi
Limonene
Polyvinyl Alcohol Film
Monoisopropylanolamine
Benzy Acetate
Bornyl Acetate
Cedarwood Extract
Cedryl Methyl Ether
Damascone Delta
Dihydro Myrcenol
Dipropylene Glycol
Iso E Super
Disodium Distyrylbipheny Disulfonate
Methoxyisopropanol
Ethoxylated Lauryl Alcohol

5. Hello – Purchased by Colgate

Hello was a popular organic oral care brand, which used plant-based ingredients and was free of harmful chemicals. After being purchased by Colgate, their products began to contain more synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Additionally, their eco-friendly packaging shifted towards less sustainable materials.

Newly Added Ingredients:

Unspecified Flavor
Polysorbate-80
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium Fluoride
Magnesium Hydroxide
Tocopheryl Acetate
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Try instead: Top 4 Non Toxic Toothpastes: Reviews & Comparisons

6. Seventh Generation – Purchased by Unilever

Seventh Generation was a popular organic brand, which emphasized the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable ingredients. After being purchased by Unilever, their products began to rely more on synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Their packaging also became less eco-friendly.

Newly Added Ingredients:

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Benzisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone
Pog-10-laureth-7
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Gamma-decalactone
Isoamyl Acetate
Trans-2-hexenal
Hexenyl Acetatesodium Lauryl Sulfate
Lauramine Oxide
D-limonene
Dimethyl Heptenal
Cananga Odorata
Canarium Luzonicum
Citronellol
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia
Cymbopogon Martini
Gamma-decalactone
Juniperus Mexicana
Linalool
Pelargonium Graveolens
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis

7. Honest Company – Purchased by Unilever

Honest Company was a popular organic baby and home care brand, which only used natural and sustainable ingredients. After being purchased by Unilever, they began using more synthetic chemicals and preservatives in their products. Additionally, their packaging became less eco-friendly.

Newly Added Ingredients:

Ethylhexylglycerin
Sodium Salt Ethylenediamine Disuccinate – Extremely Hazardous
Substance List, Pesticide
Sodium Benzoate – Pesticide, Carcinogen
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside – No Info
Caprylyl Glycol – Pesticide, Endocrine Disruptor
Citric Acid -neurotoxin, Endo
Linalool
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Potassium Sorbate
Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Cetearyl Alcohol
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Maltol
Anisaldehyde
Vanillin
Raspberry Ketone
Gamma-decalactone
Pinene

*it’s important to note that many of the ingredients listed on their products are not identified in the government chemical database COMPTOX. Although EWG says they are “verified safe”, we identified several extremely unsafe chemicals, including the use of many endocrine disrupters.

8. The Laundress – Purchased by Unilever

The Laundress was a popular organic laundry brand, which used plant-based ingredients and sustainable packaging. After being purchased by Unilever, their products began to include more synthetic ingredients and preservatives. They also shifted towards non-eco-friendly packaging materials.

Newly Added Ingredients:

Arachidyl Glucoside
Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Benzyl Alcohol
Citral
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Fragrance
Lauramidopropyl Betaine
Limonene
Phenoxyethanol
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Unspecified Flavor

The Fight for Transparency

In light of these disheartening revelations, it is crucial for us, as consumers, to demand transparency from the brands we support. By educating ourselves about toxic ingredients and questioning the practices of corporations, we can reclaim control over our skincare choices.

Empowering Ourselves

As health-conscious individuals seeking non-toxic alternatives, we must stay vigilant and prioritize research. Look beyond marketing claims and delve into ingredient lists. Seek out independent certifications such as USDA Organic or ECOCERT to ensure authenticity. By arming ourselves with knowledge, we can make informed decisions that align with our values.

Navigating the Organic Skincare Landscape

While it may be disheartening to witness beloved organic skincare brands lose their way, there is still hope for those committed to non-toxic living. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this complex landscape:

Do Your Research

Before you decide to try out a new organic skincare brand, it’s essential to conduct in-depth research into its ownership and past acquisitions. Seek out brands that are either independently owned or have a strong track record of transparency and preserving the quality of their products. Most importantly, we strongly advise conducting your own research on the ingredients listed, using government websites and search engines. For additional information and resources, please click here.

Spread Awareness

Share your knowledge with friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts about the risks associated with corporate takeovers in the organic skincare industry. By raising awareness collectively, we can empower others to make informed decisions regarding the products they choose to support.

Embracing Non-Toxic Beauty

While some organic skincare brands have succumbed to corporate greed, it is essential not to lose hope. By staying informed, supporting truly transparent companies, we can protect our wellbeing. Let us remember that true beauty goes beyond appearances – it lies in the conscious choices we make every day for ourselves and our planet.

Shop NonTox

Tired of all the ingredient label reading? That’s why we created the NonTox Marketplace, your one-stop destination for all things beauty, home & essential. We have carefully curated a collection of products that are made with natural and non-toxic ingredients. No more wasting time reading labels or compromising your health for the sake of beauty.

Our marketplace is carefully curated of all things we consider essential. From our favorite non toxic dental and cleaning products, to skincare, haircare & all things bath and body. We ensure that each product we endorse is not only safe for you, but also for the environment. With NonTox Marketplace, you can feel confident while shopping again. We have personally tried, tested, and loved all the products available on our platform. We only list brands that meet our strict standards, so you can trust that you’re making the right choice.

Visit the NonTox Marketplace today and experience the joy of shopping without having to sift through ingredient labels. Your skin and overall well-being deserve the best. Shop with confidence and embrace the power of non-toxic products.