If you are reading this book, you are most likely open to exploring alternative ways of treating your

skin and hair. Good for you! In fact, it’s good for all of us. The world of natural beauty is full of
amazing discoveries that will keep you wondering how you could have used synthetic chemical skin
care for so long. And as you learn the price you’ve been paying for conventional skin care, you will
no doubt be longing to know if there are any alternatives.

People worldwide are striving to make their lifestyles cleaner and safer. As governments begin to
take action against climate change, growing landfill (and sea-fill) sites, and the threatening energy
crisis, we can’t help but consider lifestyle changes and rethink our purchasing habits. Organic has
gone mainstream, and it’s no longer just about eating organic food or driving a hydrogen-powered
car. Hollywood celebrities are installing solar panels, sharing tips on composting, and driving cars
that smell like French fries. They are shopping for organic lettuce and oil made from olives grown at
an ancient farm in Tuscany, harvested according to moon cycles and hand-pressed to ensure pure
virginity. And the rest of us follow the lead. In the United States alone, sales of organic food have
steadily grown by approximately 20 percent every year. In 2006, retail sales of organic foods
exceeded $15 billion, compared to only $6.6 billion in 2000. That’s double the growth in just six
years! Four in ten consumers today buy some type of organic food every time they shop for groceries.
Personal care items are among the most popular organically produced goods, along with fruits, milk,
and meats.

Four in ten consumers today buy some type of organic food every time they shop for groceries.
There are 40 million “green boomers” in the United States today, according to a survey released
byAARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons. These environmentally conscious
consumers make up more than half of the country’s 79 million baby boomers, and combined with the
younger generation of green-minded consumers out there, this is a very influential consumer group.
This is why even a small change in your consumer habits makes a big difference. If you refuse to buy
one bottle of toxic shampoo, this means that 40 million bottles remain unsold! This way, corporations
have no other choice but to take note.

This book is designed to become your simple yet comprehensive guide to natural, organic, and
ecoconscious skin care, hair care, fragrances, and makeup. It will help you make smart choices and
mold the principles of organic beauty around your personal style.

Contrary to what some people say, green beauty isn’t expensive. My recent check revealed that
many organically grown vegetables cost only 10 percent more than their pesticide-laden neighbors.
The same with beauty: it’s becoming more practical and affordable because many plant ingredients
are cheaper to grow than synthesize. Many natural shampoos double as shower gels, so you can get
away with using one product instead of two, and they are more concentrated, so you don’t have to buy
the product as often.

With green beauty, you will be saving some money and becoming healthier. That brings us to the
next big topic: what is green when it comes to beauty?

Green Beauty Decoded

Today, many people associate “green” with eco-consciousness, sustainability, organic farming,
chemical-free foods, and low-emission vehicles running on biofuels or electricity. In beauty, green