Gone are the days of nothing but sticky, chemically-infused lube. As you know consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that most personal products contain harmful ingredients. This is one reason why chain stores like WHOLE FOODS are breeding faster than rabbits. One industry, however, that seems to be behind on the times in terms of natural products, is the intimate or adult product industry. Everywhere else that your customers go they are inundated by “organic” and “health orientated” products at the grocery store, health store and pharmacy. They are looking for this in every area in their life, including in the intimate products that they are putting on or inside their bodies. It is important to them to have this option. Retailers are starting to understand that they now have a choice when it comes to offering natural lubricants and enhancing gels.
Leading the way of “healthy glides” is Intimate Earth. We spoke to Rebecca Powley, Intimate Earth's Director of Business Development . “Retailers wanted a healthy alternative and had not been able to find one – and because we have heard this cry from many retailers and distributors alike we created Intimate Earth in 2008 to fill that niche by developing healthy, unique, and high quality products to increase excitement and intimacy between partners.”
Safe and Healthy
Intimate Earth now has a complete range of “healthy glides” – all paraben free, DEA free, menthol free and made with USDA Certified Organic Extracts.
DEFENSE - a protection glide containing Caarrageean (Sea Kelp) and Guava Bark Anti-Bacterial extract. This is an exciting breakthrough in glides. A study conducted by researchers from The National Cancer Institute (NCI) found that -- in a test tube -- carrageenan, as an ingredient, inhibits the infectious ability of viruses that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. The NCI findings, as reported in a peer-reviewed journal published by The Public Library of Science, are being studied for its potential impact in combating the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In an age when STDs are still on the rise, this news has made medical breakthroughs.
The test-tube study was found to inhibit the infectious ability of genital HPV with nearly a thousand-fold greater potency than other inhibitors tested, according to NCI researchers. Early results are promising. In fact, The Population Council is in the process of conducting additional research and clinical trials on formulations that include one or more forms of carrageenan as a major ingredient.
HYDRA – a plant-cellulose formula that is glycerine free. This is an everyday glide that a woman can use for vaginal dryness, fun with toys and of course good old sex!
MELT – a warming glide that contains a funky sounding “Cinnamomum Zeylanicum” Bark extract, Unlike other warming lubricants that can contain menthol, which is an irritant, Melt’s unique formula warms the skin on contact through natural derived glycerine and the bark extract.
SOOTHE - Finally, the line is completed by the first and only natural Antibacterial anal glide! For this unique formula Intimate Earth uses natural Guava Bark Extract, used for years as an antibacterial agent. Bottoms up!
Intimate Earth's simple philosophy that superior ingredients make superior products - is what makes their line so successful.
No Parabens Allowed
Let’s learn a little about what may be in some of the lubricants you may be presently offering your customers.
PARABEN:
Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. These compounds and their salts are used primarily for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in personal lubricants, shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals and toothpaste. Previously published studies have shown that parabens are able to be absorbed through the skin and bind to the body’s estrogen-receptors encouraging breast cancer cell growth. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers. The preservatives are used in many cosmetics and some foods to increase their shelf life.
• Alter the estrogen process among women, increasing the tendency
of developing estrogen-dependent diseases like breast
tumors.
• Heighten the existing allergic reactions experienced by the
user.
• Decrease the sperm cell count among males.
• Promote skin allergic reactions like contact dermatitis and
rosacea.
• Spur the development of skin cancer.
• problems for fetal development
DEA
Diethanolamine, is a chemical that is used as a wetting agent in lotions, creams, and other cosmetics. DEA by itself is not harmful but while sitting on the stores shelves or in your cabinet at home, DEA can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic formula to form an extremely potent). This can be absorbed through the skin and has been linked with stomach, esophagus, liver, and bladder cancers.
MENTHOL
The majority of menthol in personal products is synthetic. Synthetic menthol comes in the form of I-menthol crystals that are derived from the plant’s essential oil. Synthetic menthol can be irritating and drying to a woman’s clitoris and vagina.
With the knowledge that there are lubricants out there that contain parabens, DEA, menthol and a host of other nasty stuff, it only makes sense to offer your customers “healthy” lubes.
Love Naturally...
So remember, SEX IS NATURAL... but can the same be said about the glides you buy? We are passionate about educating people to make healthier purchasing choices. The best way to indulge your senses naturally is with Intimate Earth.