Pacifica Perfume

Are you looking for a safer perfume with fewer ingredients than the well-known brands?

Last week, I discovered Pacifica roll-on perfume at a natural health store.  Pacifica is a brand that sells a variety of unique scents (i.e.: Tuscan Blood Orange, Brazilian Mango Grapefruit) and classic scents (i.e.: Sandalwood). They are delightfully accurate, but not over-powering.

There are 14 scents available online. Each 10ml bottle sells for $12 + tax + shipping (for Canadians). Pacifica is an American company, based in Portland, Oregon.

I purchased the California Star Jasmine scent from a local retailer, and while jasmine is the most noticeable aroma, it also has a hint of orange and "faint driftwood." I've been using it daily, and I'm quit impressed. While the scent is not as long-lasting as other perfumes, there are fewer ingredients, which is definitely a positive.

Ingredients: Alcohol denatured (natural grain), parfum (Pacifica's own fragrance blend with natural and essential oils), aqua.

The perfume is 100% vegan and is not tested on animals. It is also "free of parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol." Pacifica donates to "clean water" projects, and manufactures its perfumes in the U.S.A.

At first, as a celiac, I was concerned about the "natural grain" content (could this mean barley, or even wheat?). I called Pacifica. The lady who answered was very friendly, and confirmed that the grain is corn, and that all of Pacifica's perfumes are gluten free. However, I'm still curious about the "blend of natural and essential oils," as the ingredients could be listed more specifically. While I recommend this perfume, remember that even natural products can cause allergies in some individuals. If you have any questions about the ingredients, call: 1-800-866-337-7100, or email Pacifica at customerservice@pacificaperfume.com.

Have you tried Pacifica before? Share your thoughts.

Arbonne Goes Green

Many of the leading catalogue/consultant based beauty product lines have not taken steps to use healthier ingredients, and do not demonstrate care for the environment - Arbonne is becoming an exception. Arbonne consultant, June Hart, heard about my blog, and provided me samples and information about the company. I was surprised to learn that Arbonne was going green! Here is what I discovered:

- All Arbonne products are vegan, and therefore contain no animal byproducts, and are not tested on animals.
- Though not all products are gluten free, the company is willing to provide ingredient sources and allergy information when asked.
- They steer clear of formaldehyde and many petroleum-based products.
- Their packaging contains "only renewable resources," and they are working to decrease packaging size - Other efforts include recycling at distribution facilities and using soy-based ink.


The products featured below are NOT all gluten-free, but are some of June's top-selling products:


Arbonne has a selection of skincare products that promote tighter, youthful, and healthy skin.

The RE Advanced sample-set includes: Facial Cleanser, Regenerating Toner, Renewal Serum, Corrective Eye Creme, Restorative Day Creme and Night Repair Creme.

Revelage serves to brighten skin, this sample-set includes: On-Target Brightening, Nighttime Brightening, Brightening Hand Creme, and Brightening Face Creme.

I sampled the FC5 Swiss Cleanser/Creme set. The Hydrating Cleanser + Freshner contains wheat straw (gluten), and the Day Lotion caused a slight break-out. But the Moisturizing Night Creme was fantastic(!) and does not appear to contain gluten. It made my face quite smooth, and uses many natural ingredients including: olive, orange, clover, sandalwood, mango, lemon, lime, grapefruit, cucumber, safflower, sunflower, and ginger (among other not-as-natural ingredients).



If you are gluten free (or have other allergies), I suggest calling the company before using any of these products, as the sheer number of ingredients could contain hidden allergens. As Arbonne continues down the road of "going green," it would be great to see either a line of specifically gluten free products, or allergy labelling on products. Though Arbonne's skin care products retail for roughly $50 each, some of their other products (the Clear Advantage Line, Shampoo, Conditioner & Cosmetics) may be more affordable for students. It is important to support the companies that are taking steps to remove harmful ingredients - over the companies that are not!

For more information, or to purchase a product you can contact June Hart (or any other Arbonne Consultant)