Environmental In-Box: Terralina Skincare Products

 "At Terralina, we believe that what goes onto your skin, goes into your body. We formulated our natural and luxurious line of skincare products with your health in mind."

Sound too good to be true? That's what I thought when I first met Gina Garrubbo, the company's co-founder (pictured here at right with her co-founder and business partner, Patricia Bazan Garrubbo).Gina is a passionate champion of toxin-free skin care products and corporate responsibility. When she told me about Terralina's claim that the products were "98.5% natural," it sounded too good to be true. Then I visited Terralina.com. I was bowled over not just by the nature of the product, but the entire environmental philosophy of the company. 

Why am I so impressed?

The product: Terralina offers a natural-based moisturizer, toner, cleanser, and body lotion.

What I like: This may be the most transparent skin care site on the Internet. Not only are all product ingredients listed; the site also contains a glossary of terms to help you understand why you don't want to put acrylates on your body, but aloe vera might be ok. Bookmark this page for future reference, no matter what skin care products you buy!

What could improve? I suppose the product line could be expanded to include an eye cream, or maybe a hand cream. As far as the existing products go, they're pretty complete.

What about the packaging? The way Terralina is packaged and shipped should become the model for every other packaged good in the marketplace. Shipping materials are made from post-consumer paper waste and biodegradable cornstarch. The lotion containers are made from recycled plastic; the gift packaging is made from post-consumer recycled grocery bags. The facial moisturizer comes with a soy tealight candle that can be used in the emptied and cleaned jar.

Corporate responsibility: The company commissions its gift boxes from women in India who are earning a living from their fabrication. The company itself follows sustainable business practices to save energy, minimize waste, and, of course, produce a product that's better for people and the planet.

Product comparison: Without federal standards, it is hard to provide a true scientific comparison between Terralina and other eco-friendly personal care products. Other products that claim to offer similar health and safety benefits include Say Yes to Carrots, Burt's Bees, and Alba, all of which are available at Target, CVS, and many other accessible retailers (Terralina must be ordered online). None of these other brands provides as much comprehensive information about their ingredients as does Terralina. 

Price comparison: Terralina is more expensive than Say Yes to Carrots (which is sold at Target and various grocery stores) and Burt's Bees, but competitively priced compared to some of the higher end skin care products you'd find at Whole Foods. Shop sales and ask for the product as a birthday or holiday gift to make it more affordable.

How many purses? Three! Not only is the product terrific, but the company website is a fount of useful information.

Comments

[Lynn from Organicmania.com]

Diane,

I am really enjoying your product reviews. You have a fabulous "bullshit detector." No greenwashing marketers can sneak anything by you, and your word means a lot.

The only thing that surprises me is that you did not discuss any seals or certifications. (I'm sure our friend Mary Hunt, the guru of green standards, would have the same question). I know some companies opt not to pursue standards compliance because of the cost. What is the situation with Terraline and USDA Organic certification or other? I'd love an update.

Thanks,
Lynn

[Wii Softmod]

The company commissions its gift boxes from women in India who are earning a living from their fabrication. The company itself follows sustainable business practices to save energy, minimize waste, and, of course, produce a product that's better for people and the planet.