1) L’Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter
One hundred-percent natural, this shea butter balm by French company L’Occitane is an absolute favorite among customers at the Galleria store, as well as beauty gurus across the world. The ultra-moisturizing spot-treatment can soften and soothe the driest and most sensitive of skins (such as cuticles, elbows, feet and lips), but it’s also famous as a quick fix for a myriad of problems. Store manager Joey Sheridan, for instance, will put it on her hair to calm the “frizzies”, or on her eyebrows to keep them in place. Also use it as an after sun balm, stretch mark preventer, insect-bite skin soother…the list goes on and on for this all-natural work horse. Not only is it 100-percent organic (certified by Ecocert, an international ecological standards regulator), it’s also fair trade. All their shea butter is purchased from women’s cooperatives in Burkina Faso, West Africa, at a fair price above market rate. $39
L’Occitane, 3462 Galleria; 952.926.0126
2) Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub
This exfoliator was created by Aveda as part of their partnership with plant therapist Martine St. Zéby, who believes that a connection to nature results in a healthy body. While you may well experience internal benefits from this product, the proof is in the external benefits: skin is scrubbed smooth with salt and Caribbean cane sugar, then softened with coconut, avocado and passion fruit oils. What’s more, Aveda strives to make their production process as eco-friendly as possible. They track the growth and harvesting of their plant-derived ingredients to ensure they are handled sustainably; they manufacture in their Minnesota headquarters with 100 % certified wind power; and they work to minimize packaging, using post-consumer-recycled plastics when possible. $39.50
Juut SalonSpa, 2670 Southdale Center; 952.925.4343
3) Galen Labs Lavender Dead Sea Bath Salts
No one wants to soak in a bathtub full of chemicals. Local skin care company Galen Labs has the answer, with their all-organic, all-natural Lavender Dead Sea Bath Salts, which are handmade in Buffalo, Minn. Since ancient times, apothecaries have been hip to the healing powers of Dead Sea salts, which are known to reduce the signs of aging, promote a healthy lymphatic system and help calm eczema and psoriasis. This bath soak boasts little more than the powerful salts, accompanied by freeze-dried milk and honey, and a delightful mix of jojoba, almond, apricot seed, evening primrose and rosehip oils. Customers love the natural simplicity of the products, notes Ampersand manager and buyer Carly Winslow, as well as the combination of live ingredients that are cold-pressed and never heated. $24
Ampersand, 3445 Galleria; 952.920.2118
4) Pure Results Styling Cream
New from local hair care company Regis, DESIGNLINE Pure Results boasts tress-caressing products that are made with 100-percent naturally derived ingredients. Their styling cream, which repairs damaged hair while providing light control and texture, boasts ingredients such as aloe, brazil nut oil and sugar cane (which act as natural thermal protectors from styling tools, to boot). Best yet? All Pure Results products are paraben-, sulfate and gluten-free, meaning your hair gets pampered without a trace of harsh chemicals. $13.19
Regis Salon, 3150 Southdale Ctr.; 952.929.5555
5) Origins Liquid Lip Colors
Lipsticks and lip glosses can be some of the biggest culprits when it comes to housing nasty ingredients. While Origins is known for their massive selection of all-natural skin care, the brand also boasts a cosmetic line full of products that are free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum and animal ingredients. Origins Liquid Lip glosses give you high shine, plus a heaping dose of aloe, vitamin E, rice bran oil and mint to keep your lips moisturized and soft. We love the color Liquid Summer for the season. $15
Origins, 3485 Galleria; 952.929.9518
