Weleda: Body Care in Harmony

Feeling good about the products I purchase and use is a huge priority for me. But evaluating a product can be a complicated dance - a balance between many factors from ingredients to price to sustainability. Although the quality of the product itself is key, I also try to look beyond the physical product to the company history, policies and values.

Weleda is a company that meets my high standards for product efficacy (meaning it works well), safety (no nasty ingredients) and sustainability (low impact on the environment) but it also ranks high as a company that cares about people and the world at large.

Eco Strengths

Weleda was founded over 90 years ago as a "personal approach to health care using natural ingredients that can holistically work with and support our own body's healing tendencies." The website is loaded with information about the company but here are just a few ways in which Weleda shows its harmonious relationship with the earth and all living things:

• Plants are grown in 135 acres of Biodynamic gardens which nurture the soil and give back to the earth.
• High percentage of raw materials produced organically (over 73% in 2011)
• Products meet a number of certification standards including NaTrue, Demeter and BDIH.
• Company partners with Fair Trade farms and cooperatives around the world, creating ethical economic activity.
• Many products packaged in glass bottles or metal tubes instead of plastic and all packaging is recyclable.
• Product formulations have a holistic effect - targeting the body, mind and soul.
• Strong company values that cultivate beauty in many ways.

Fav Products

My favorite product by a landslide is the Rosemary Hair Oil. God I wish I had discovered this a long time ago! Not only does it smell divine but just a few drops rubbed into my hands and onto my hair leave it frizz-free and with a beautiful shine.

A close second is the Gentle Cleansing Milk. It's the perfect combination of cleansing and moisturizing for my dry skin and I love the sexy & practical blue glass bottle (just right for gripping so it won't drop in the shower).

I have also been enjoying the Pomegranate Firming Facial Care line. Antioxidant-rich organic pomegranate juice and other nourishing ingredients moisturize and help prevent wrinkles. Even better - dermatological tests show positive anti-aging results!

The Citrus Deodorant has a wonderful scent but stings like crazy if I spray after shaving (I learned the hard way). Now I save it for non-shower days.

Second Thoughts?

You pay a premium for Weleda products but for me it's absolutely worth it. As I mentioned before, I want to feel good about the whole purchase - the product, the package and the company. Weleda gets a plus mark on all measures!

Important Note: If you are a fan of the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, you will notice that Weleda does not score well there. That's because the database sees the word Fragrance on the label of Weleda products and does not seem to know that all their fragrances come from natural essential oils. Weleda products do not contain any synthetic ingredients! Granted, some essential oils are problematic for some people, but it is unfortunate that Weleda is misrepresented on the database.

Buy It!

Weleda products are available in retail stores throughout the United States including many Target stores and Whole Foods. Or order online and get free shipping with a $50 purchase.

Have you ever tried Weleda? What's your favorite product?

 

 

(Disclosure: I received free samples of Weleda products in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Comments

[Terry]

Hi Micaela!
I love Weleda products! They are expensive but they go on sale sometimes and that's when buy it. I love the Pomegranate line and I really think that it makes my skin look younger!! I also love that Weleda is so pure. It's 100 times better than the chemical laden stuff that can be purchased in the makeup department of a department store, and I'm sure the price is comparable.
Love your sis Terry

[Mary Brune]

I love Weleda diaper cream! Over the years I have tried every one on the market. It has the ingredients I feel safe using, and a fragrance and consistency that us pleasant to use. Too many others were too hard to rub in on sensitive skin. Others melted on contact like butter and failed to offer the protection needed against irritation.

I still have some around from my son and will stock up before this baby's arrival!

[Micaela]

Hey Terry - you might have been the one who first introduced me to Weleda - way back in the day! I'm sure I will be purchasing the Pomegranate products again after I run out!
xoxo, Micaela

[Micaela]

Mary - I used Weleda diaper creme too! Have fun with your new baby - I'll be thinking of you!!

[Leanne]

Hi Micaela, our family use Weleda calendula cream for just about everything, it seems! Some other brands' calendula creams tend to sting when applied to my little one's scrapes, oddly enough, but she loves the 'orange and white' Weleda one. We also use the children's tooth gel, which she seems to enjoy for brushing.
We agree - worth paying a premium selectively, when we know there is nothing harmful in the product, and know it has been created in a socially-conscious manner:)

[Micaela]

Thanks for the feedback on the calendula cream Leanne. All of their products seem top notch!