Weleda: Beauty in Harmony With Nature
By Katharina Bishop
“All-natural” beauty product lines are big business these days, but many so-called “natural” products are filled with chemicals, dyes, petroleum products and other undesirable ingredients.
Cosmetic companies of all stripes claim to offer “natural” products — but obviously, not all are being completely truthful.
One company taking a slightly different route to “natural” is Weleda. Weleda, founded in 1921 in Switzerland, features products formulated on anthroposophic principles.
Anthroposophy, a philosophical system originated by Rudolph Steiner in Austria in the nineteenth century, emphasizes the interconnective relationship between humans and nature.
So how does this underlying philosophy reflect on the products? Weleda has developed natural personal care products containing wholesome, active ingredients based on the belief that “the forces of the body, soul and spirit in each of us directly interact with one another and the environment.” Substances from nature are blended in careful pharmaceutical processes to create formulations that work with your whole body and its specific needs.
Natural methods that make sense
Weleda products contain a high percentage of organic ingredients, and many are exclusively vegan. The company does not conduct or commission animal experiments, neither at research level nor in connection with quality and usage tests.
In line with the company motto “In harmony with nature,” environmental concerns are reflected in the use of recyclable materials for packaging and the choice of glass bottles over plastic.
Great care is put into designing Weleda formulations, which are all made from raw, unprocessed ingredients and are free of synthetic additives, mineral oils and synthetic colorants and fragrances. Weleda solves the problem of how to scent their cosmetics with natural essential oils. Not only do they smell great, they have the added benefit of nurturing skin and hair.
Many natural cosmetics that have no artificial preservatives have short shelf lives and need to be kept in the fridge —inconvenient, to say the least. Weleda formulations contain natural preserving agents such as organic grain alcohol, natural essential oils and pure plant extracts. Recyclable packaging protects each formulation and helps prevent oxidation. As a result of these naturally effective preservation techniques, you can store your Weleda products on the shelf, instead of hiding them away in the freezer.
“Natural” begins in the soil
Having pioneered the use of organic ingredients for over 80 years, Weleda takes its commitment to organic living one step further by actively promoting biodynamic crop cultivation. Increasingly popular in Western Europe, biodynamic agriculture takes organic farming to the next level. While both methods are designed to enhance the soil and cultivate plants that are free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, biodynamic cultivation uses homeopathic preparations to enhance the vitality of the plants.
But that’s not all. Each plant is harvested by hand at its peak, taking into account the season, time of day and even the position of the planets in the universe. That’s dedication for you! Biodynamic agriculture is directly influenced by the anthropologic view of the earth as an interconnected living organism, with plants, animals and human beings enjoying an inherent and beautiful relationship with one another and their surroundings.
A strong reputation
Weleda products are listed in consumer products guides such as The Safe Shopper’s Bible, which confirms that Weleda products contain no ingredients that contribute to contact dermatitis and no carcinogens.
(Purchase The Safe Shopper’s Bible on Amazon.com or Powells.com)
Carrie Spencer, a 28-year-old a mother of one from London, England, has used Weleda children's toothpaste since her son’s first tooth. “It’s inevitable that babies and young children will swallow toothpaste, and it gives us peace of mind to know the ingredients are all natural,” she says. “Our son loves the taste, and at the age 3, he has perfect teeth.”
Popular choices include the calendula nappy (diaper) care cream, the calendula baby oil and the calendula baby soap (which incidentally works great as a shampoo as well!). The wild rose face cream is great for oily and combination skin, while the iris moisture cream works wonders on dry skin.
Weleda’s product range includes baby care, bath care, body care, body oils, facial care, hair care, men’s care and oral care. Travel sizes are available. Weleda products are available from pharmacies (drug stores), health food shops and selected baby boutiques, as well as online.
WELEDA, Inc.
Congers, NY 10920
(800) 289-1969
www.weleda.com
© Katharina Bishop
NFO Natural Beauty Editor Katharina Bishop is a freelance writer. She studied medicine for three years in Germany and is in the process of completing a degree in modern language studies in the United Kingdom. She is the owner of Wondrous Gems, a business specializing in crystal carvings and designer jewelry. She lives in southwest England with her husband and son.
