Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Skin Care

In 2008, Ava Anderson saw a report about hazardous chemicals that had been found in the bloodstreams of teenagers, which were believed to have been absorbed from common cosmetic and skin care ingredients. Startled by the information, Anderson spent months researching the topic on her own and became even more alarmed by what she learned. "Although the market was flooded with 'organic', 'natural', and 'pure' products, they almost always contained toxic ingredients and chemicals," she remembers. "And this doesn't even include those hidden in the ingredient 'fragrance.'" Armed with this new knowledge, she threw away all her skin care products—but couldn't find anything suitable to use instead. Inspired by the challenge, Anderson set about to create the first fully non-toxic skin care line, in which every ingredient scores "0" on the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Database toxicity scale. Oh, and did we mention that she was only 14 at the time?

Now 16 years old, Anderson's recently launched Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Skin Care line is made from totally safe, toxin-free components, and was developed in conjunction with a respected US-based manufacturer. Currently, there are six items available, including the best-selling rinse-off cleanser made with natural alpha hydroxy acids and anti-bacterials and the spray-on toner fortified with antiseptic yucca and witch hazel. The creamy moisturizer with Vitamins A and E is another favorite, along with a gentle Sugar Lip Scrub, which treats chapped lips with shea butter and pistacia seeds. An apricot-kernel face scrub and alcohol-free eye makeup remover round out the selection. Anderson has chosen to only sell the products online and through trained independent consultants, who can better explain the story behind the goods—and educate the consumer on the importance of going non-toxic.

For more on Ava Anderson, visit www.avaandersonnontoxic.com. For more on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and their database, visit www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.

--Sandra Ramani