Ask Beauty Without Cruelty if natural means better, and I'm sure they'll say "yes". Not only are BWC products created with essential oils and herbal extracts, but they are also not tested on animals, they contain no animal by-products like collagen, elastin, or gelatin, and they contain no raw ingredients that were ever tested on animals. Other brands may say they are cruelty-free, but they could contain ingredients that were once tested on animals. BWC products are 100% vegetarian, contain no mineral oil, and no lanolin. What does this mean for your skin? I decided to find out.

Herbal Cream Facial Cleanser
For years I've heard dermatologists proclaim the perfection of Cetaphil cleanser (a gentle soap-free lotion cleanser for people with dry or sensitive skin), but I never quite agreed because it's terrible at removing makeup. BWC's herbal cleanser has the same soothing feel of Cetaphil, but thankfully it removes makeup (even mascara) much more effectively. You don't need dry or sensitive skin to appreciate how clean and soft your skin feels after using this product.

Balancing Facial Toner
BWC has one alcohol-free, witch hazel free toner for all skin types, and it is great! Essential oils combined with humectants like sodium PCA, aloe vera gel, panthenol, and sorbitol make this a refreshing second step in your cleansing routine.

Extra Gentle Facial Smoother
Unlike many natural ingredient scrubs that contain broken walnut shells or crushed apricot seeds that can actually tear at your skin with their rough edges, BWC's scrub has tiny jojoba wax beads that are uniform in size, so they gently but effectively exfoliate. These beads, combined with oatmeal and almond meal, smooth your skin by removing the dead skin cells that make skin look flaky and dull. Ten essential oils including calendula, chamomile, and lavender soothe and condition your skin so it looks fresh and healthy. This is a great find for any skin type!

If natural, cruelty-free products are important to you, Beauty Without Cruelty has created some wonderful and effective skin care that is worth checking out. BWC is available at many health food stores, or you can call BWC at (707) 769-5120 for locations.

review: 11/97

As I get older, I find that my beauty product needs have changed. Whereas I used to swear by clay masks and oil-removing cleansers, my new best beauty friends are concealer and eye gel! Both can make you look awake and refreshed regardless of how tired, stressed out, or busy you are. My green tea quest and need for a good eye gel lead me to Green Tea Nourishing Eye Gel ($14.95 for 1 ounce, at health and natural food stores). This is a great little moisturizer full of every anti-oxidant you can think of that works well around your eyes, or on your whole face for a refreshing, oil-free pick-me-up. Great for any skin type, I give this gel 5 out of 5 stars. Try keeping it in the 'fridge as the ultimate relief for puffy eyes.