Loc Journal ~ To Whom it May Concern

Source madamenoire.com

Dear Sir/Madame:

I hope this letter finds you in good health, as surely I do wish the best for your and yours. It is out of a heart of change that I pen you this document. 

These times we live in have certainly changed from when you first made your product debut. Our age. This age is one characterized by the transfer of information, music, pictures, sounds and sights via super fast connectivity; in large part due to the proliferation of the Internet. We are a generation of people more in touch with what works and what will not. We are better able to make informed choices about so many issues that affect our lives, for example: Toyota vs Ford, the best areas in which to live and educate our families,  organic vs. chemically altered goods/foods, and the list can go on and on.

One such topic which is dear to my heart is the continued use of ingredients in your products which may - according to some sources - have harmful effects on its users.  Some which may trigger one set of problems or simply aggravate long-standing health issues. 

Specifically, I speak of liquid soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays and moisturizers which often contain such substances as - sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, triclosan.

I've always asked why if company Q can find the resources to put into research, product marketing and the like; and, goes on to produce a quality product which makes a profit for them and keeps people safe; why then can't company L? And, in many instances, the companies which continue to use harmful substances are earning millions annually in sales.

A second source of concern is the use of the word natural especially on the labels of haircare products. True, you have natural ingredients sometimes in your products. Things likes nettle extract, sometimes jojoba oil, safflower oil and the list might be extensive. But, that is where the naturalness stops. Please, desist from false advertising. Don't use just traces of natural things just to have people buy your product. I know this is easier said than done. 

But, there is a bright spark on the horizon. The standard has been raised. There are companies whose motto and vision statement speak clearly to a view of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through the use of their products.  Sadly, sometimes cost is a factor. And other times, many of these products are not sold in countries outside of North America or Europe and consumers must resort to using the product they are so desperately trying to stay away from. It is a sad cycle.

Retailers and buyers for beauty supply stores, we need you to source and purchase healthier products for your clientele. If that was an option, more people would see a new approach to caring for their hair, skin and body.  It is doubtful that you will educate the public about many of the things that go into these products because if we knew, then that would lead to a drop in your bottom line. Get what I'm saying?

To you, the consumer I say: Let's plod on! Let's try to avoid such products wherever possible. I know it might be a task but if we can find the money to put toward buying something that is organic and natural for our bodies, that is something special we've done for ourselves and for our children. There are women and men who, in their own way, are leaving greener footprints on this earth. Bit by bit, we will make it!

Best regards,