Spotlight On Neem

The principles of Ayurvedic medicine are gaining popularity in the United States every year, with commonly used herbs popping up everywhere from supplements to skincare. Here, we begin the first of a three-part series on cure-all ingredients most commonly found in India. From rural lands in Indian states to New York City, neemcontinues to gain respect in the personal goods sector, with arguably the biggest use in skincare and haircare products.

We’ve been told that in rural areas of India, some chew on neem twigs for dental purposes. We’ve also seen neem toothpaste at India grocery stories in the New York City borough of Queens. However, neem is commonly used in shampoo and skin creams for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we highlight three cosmetics companies that have pioneered bringing Eastern medicine ideas to the forefront of Western consumer society. Prepare to be amazed.

NEEM FROM INDIA BY WAY OF LONDON

London-based Organic Apoteke is a “green” buyers dream. The products are Kosher, vegetarian and fair trade certified, are certified organic by the strict international organization, EcoCert, are packaged in recycled materials and the company donates 5% of profits to charity. The tagline, Luxurethic Cosmeceuticals is not an exaggeration. Founder Dr. Nitasha Buldeo has created a meeting of both nature and science, and eastern and western forms of medicine. Dr. Buldeo originally learned about Ayurvedic medicine and Native American- and African-inspired remedies from her grandmother and then sought degrees in nutrition and biochemistry to understand why ayurvedic treatments work. She is also a doctor of homeopathy and is a certified acupuncturist.

The result of her studies and work is Organic Apoteke, a collection of face and body items that have NO parabens, petrochemicals, alcohol, urea, TEA, DEA or synthetic ingredients. Studies have also shown the products are easily absorbed by the skin, and hence able to penetrate below the top layer of the skin. While the products are all irresistible, we are addicted to the Detox Face Mask, which purifies with a blend of Dead Sea mud, papaya extract to exfoliate, lemon oil, arginine, and of course, neem.

NEEM FROM AFRICA BY WAY OF WASHINGTON STATE
Another fair trade and paraben-free brand, Alaffia, is possibly thanks to a collective with African workers. The range of skincare and haircare items dreamed up by an Olympia, Washington, resident originally from the West African nation of Togo.Not only is Alaffia fair trade, but it started the Alaffia/Agbanga Shea Butter Cooperative to employ locals (~80 families), and offer medical care to members when necessary. The company commits 10% of sales to a fund community enhancement projects in Togo, most of which help improve the community and help its members become self-reliant and sustainable, including maternal health and reforestation initiatives. Back in the U.S., the Alaffia Global Community Scholarship serves low-income high school seniors in Washington State go on to pursue higher education degrees, AND, the company offers internships to students interested in fair trade. It also donates soap and lotion to women’s shelters in Washington State.

Not only is Alaffia an amazing, socially responsible company, it makes excellent products. We have always been a fan of African black soap. In the hard soap form, it is cleansing and exfoliating and often used for skin prone to acne and rashes. Alaffia has formed the winning combination for those with dry scalp. Enter Neem & Shea Scalp Recovery Shampoo, a combination of black soap, neem, shea butter, and lavender and tea tree oils. The minty scent is exhilarating and the consistency cleanses, without stripping hair or weighing it down. This is just one of many winners from the line.

NEEM FROM INDIA BY WAY OF CALIFORNIA
If the others are a model for socially responsible and sustainable skincare companies, Sundari is a model for trend setting. The luxurious line of skincare items is free of fragrances and dyes, is dermatologist tested and uses therapeutic-grade essential oils. Also inspired by Ayurveda, SUNDÃRI was created by three women, Ayla Hussain, Cavan Mahony and Christy Turlington. The expansive line of products uses many ingredients, but some of the most common are neem, gotu kola and amla (amalaki). We love the nourishing Neem Eye Cream but were also impressed to see Sundari Omega 3 and Amalaki Night Cream and Sundari Neem and Triphala Body Oil. Whatever your ailment, Sundari likely has a product to treat it.

Bonus: We hear that Organic Apoteke has a few products in the pipeline, including a suncare line and a body product for firming and toning cellulite.

Where: Organic Apoteke products range from about $20-$90.
For more information on Organic Apoteke visit the Organic Apoteke . Alaffia products range from about $5-$30. For more information on products and ingredients, visit Alaffia website.
Sundari products range from about $25-$100. For more information visit Sundari website.