As you may have already heard, 9-year-old Rachel Beckwith lost her life due to a 13-car pile up on Interstate 90 in Bellevue, Washington. Prior to the accident, Rachel had begun a charity for people in developing nations who are dying without clean and fresh water. Her mission was to raise $300 by her 9th birthday on June 12, 2011.

Here is her pledge:
On June 12th 2011, I'm turning 9. I found out that millions of people don't live to see their 5th birthday. And why? Because they didn't have access to clean, safe water so I'm celebrating my birthday like never before. I'm asking from everyone I know to donate to my campaign instead of gifts for my birthday. Every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund freshwater projects in developing nations. Even better, every dollar is "proved" when the projects are complete, and photos and GPS coordinates are posted using Google Earth. My goal is to raise $300 by my birthday, June 12, 2011. Please consider helping me.

Thank you so much!!!

Unfortunately Rachel passed before hitting the $300 mark but has since raised a whopping $353,413 and counting! Click HERE to make a direct donation to Rachel's charity or make an appointment at Sorella Salon & Spa on August 8th where they will be donating all spa/salon services to Rachel's cause.

*Originally released in March 2009*

1) When did Thalgo make the decision to change their formulas?

The company decided to apply a new formulation charter for the launch of our new cleansing line in September 2008. Taking into account the necessary development time, the decision was taken in September 2007. At that time, the market was already talking a lot about organic products and the necessity of changing the uses within the industry.
Not only for skincare, the world market has been changing, promoting a comeback to a more natural approach, and protecting the environment.

2) How was it decided which ingredients to omit from the formulae?

It was not easy to decide since a formula including marine ingredients is more difficult to keep stable than a formula including plant extracts. The media were very much against the preservatives, particularly parabens which are the most efficient ones in the market place.
Therefore, we have decided to stop using parabens as well as mineral oils, propylen glycol, OGM and ingredients from animal origin.

3) How was it decided to include new ingredients and why?

New ingredients are alternatives to those cancelled and remain from marine and vegetal origins. We carefully check with our supplier that they fulfill our new charter and only supply acceptable ingredients.

4) How has the Thalgo brand benefited?

The objective is to maintain the same efficiency using more "natural" ingredients. The benefit will be important in terms of image since none of our competitors except Pevonia are using this policy. In the salon industry, you have major organic brands on one side like Phyt's, Doc Hauschka, and Jurlique which have easy to use efficient formulas and on the other side, you have very small brands coming from dedicated organic shops which do not correspond to the expectations of our clientele in terms of use, smell and efficiency. There is space for a brand like Thalgo in between keeping its own standards but in a more natural way to meet the salon clientele expectations.

5) How have Thalgo customers benefited?

In terms of image and clientele perception; both the therapist and the end user feel safer with Thalgo using new preservatives and having a more environmental approach. The customers are ready to go organic while maintain the same level of quality and comfort of before. Thalgo delivers just that.

6) Will the entire range be converted to this new formulation charter?

Yes, our plan is to have the entire line converted to this more eco-friendly approach.

7) Please give some examples of sustainable development practices within the organization.

The Thalgo sustainable development policy is involving all the collaborators, whatever their position in the company, through a collective commitment:

1) Choosing priority raw materials with marine and or vegetal origins
2) Preserving the resources
3) Respecting the ecosystems
4) Managing and controlling our waste
5) Taking into account the feedback of our clients, therapists & end-users
6) Carefully choosing suppliers which are sharing our values and commitment

Apart from the initiative of Thalgo to raise funds for an organization, the company has undertaken more internal actions like waste management by:

• Optimizing the industrial process
• Rationalizing the production flows
• Organizing the sorting of waste

Benefits:
• 30% less waste whereas the bulk production has increased about 17%
• 15% to 25% of our waste is reusable
• 82% of cost reduction

Quantities recycled:
• 62 tons of carton
• 2 tons of paper
• 3.6 tons of plastic bottles
• 4.5 tons of metal bottles

Another practice already in place is the Product eco-Conception.

This practice can be broken down into the following approaches:
1) The product approach
2) The spot or site approach

Indeed, eco-Conception includes the following: raw material and energies, production, distribution, product use and the recycling of the products used.

General benefits:
• Decrease in CO2 emissions (carbon dioxide)
• Decrease in logistics costs
• Decrease in waste destruction and disposal costs
• Decrease in overall energy consumption

Specific benefits:
• Decrease the packaging mass and volume
• Improve the recycling process of packaging materials
• Decrease in taxes and fees
• Selection of material with reasonable impact on the environment

Blotchiness, stinging and irritation are signs of discomfort felt by sensitive or reactive skin. Whether hereditary or due to stress, pollution or unsuitable cosmetics, skin sensitivity is an ever-increasing concern. Thalgo has developed a high performance complex of active ingredients aimed to increase the tolerance level of sensitive or reactive skin.

Active Ingredients:
o Hyposensine - strengthens and increases the tolerance level of sensitive skin
o Sensiline - anti-inflammatory, limits and prevents penetration of irritating agents, and helps reduce discomfort
o Alpha Bisabol - anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, soothing and refreshing properties
o Witch Hazel – soothes redness, softening
o Butcher’s Broom - a vaso-constrictor and anti-inflammatory, helps to restore comfort to sensitive skin
o Structurine - repairs the skin and strengthens the barrier function of the stratum corneum.


Products:

• Bio Repair Serum- A concentrate of active ingredients, restores the skin barrier and increases the tolerance level of even the most sensitive skin.

o Usage: apply day and night underneath the Bio protective cream for 1 full month for an intensive treatment. May be kept in the refrigerator for a cooling effect.
o Presentation: Ref VT2585 pump 30ml

• Bio Protective Cream - This fresh textured cream forms a real protective barrier that instantly protects, softens, and soothes. It is enriched with Sun’Ytol (100% natural extract) that provides protection from UV rays. Stinging and tightness fade right from the very first application.

o Usage: apply day and night after cleansing and toning
o Presentation: Ref VT2575tube 50ml

• Immediate Bio-Soothing Mask – This mask effectively relieves irritated skins. Heat sensations, stinging and tightness make way for a gentle sensation of freshness and well-being.

o Usage: use when skin feels the need, or regularly once or twice a week as an intensive treatment. Apply a thick layer, leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with water. May be kept in fridge for even cooler effect.
o Presentation: Ref VT2580 tube 50ml

TERRE & MER by THALGO is aimed at all persons who:

- Grant an important place to Organic Beauty in their everyday life and are looking for professional Organic skin care.

- Are looking for a neutral skincare range to treat their skin.

- Are turning towards Organic cosmetics out of concern for the environment.
100% organic essential oils:

Organic Immortelle - anti-free radical, boosts collagen 1 and 3 synthesis to prevent premature aging of the skin.

Organic Juniper Wood – anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties that give it soothing benefits.

Organic Roman Chamomile - helps to reinforce the elasticity of the skin by boosting collagen 3 synthesis and helps to maintain cutaneous hydration.

Organic Lavender - relaxing and calming benefits.

For those of you out there that have hyperpigmentation this is the Thalgo line for you. I’m enclosing an informational video that will give you insight on this topic. I will strictly use only the brightening line for the the next 30 days and get back to you with a before/after summary.