Twelve years ago, Jewels Burdick took her mother to the doctor as she was experiencing some health issues, including a lack of mental clarity. But when the diagnosis came back as “Alzheimer’s,” Jewels sprang into action.
Refusing to believe that her mom’s forgetfulness was an indication of a far more serious and debilitating disease, Jewels began researching what could impact memory and recall, pouring over medical literature and any available research she could find. Her efforts led her to discover the “Green Beauty Guide,” that a doctor in Europe had published which identified more than 100 ingredients in common household and personal care products that because of their toxicity had been banned in Europe and Japan, but not the United States.
In cosmetics alone, the EU has banned or restricted more than 1,300 chemicals while the US has outlawed or curbed just 11. According to research, it’s possible to find formaldehyde, a known carcinogen banned in EU-sold cosmetics, in US hair-straightening treatments and nail polish. Parabens, linked to reproductive problems, are ruled out in the EU but not the US, but can be found in skin and hair products. And aluminum chloride – which can cause short-term memory loss – is often used in cosmetics and personal care products sold in the US, including deodorant and antiperspirants,
Jewels was convinced that the root cause of her mother’s memory issues was caused by overexposure to aluminum chloride, so she began a purge. But instead of replacing items for others, Jewels decided to make her own products using all-natural ingredients. She started with deodorant first and slowly began formulating and replacing a host of other skincare products with ones she crafted.
Her first customers were friends and family. Then she began selling her products from a small corner at her graphic design agency, SuperFine Designs, in Old Colorado City.
Today’ Jewels has a full line of all natural body and skin care products, which include body scrubs, serums, deodorant, toothpaste, essential oils and more., which she sells online and at local natural food stores. Common ingredients found in Burdick's products include baking soda, cocoa and shea butters, avocado and coconut oils, vegetable glycerin, vitamin E and cinnamon, a natural preservative.
"Some people don't know that what they put on their body goes in their body," she says.
Today, Jewels’ mom is a thriving and active 72-year-old who has no issues with memory or recall. And she’s also one of Jewels’ best customers.
If you’re looking for all natural alternatives to body and skin care products, check out www.simplebodyproducts.com.
