Review and Giveaway: The Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter Cleanser CLOSED

What woman doesn't love to pamper herself? I remember being a single college girl running about town, getting facials and mani/pedis on a monthly basis. Sadly, those days are long gone. I hardly have time to file my nails now much less paint them. And since I rarely leave the house these days for an occasion other than grocery runs or other random errands, I have simplified my beauty routine to wash and go.

When I do use makeup or skin care products, I prefer them to be safe and natural, just like the baby products I use. But finding something with no parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate or synthetic pigments is like finding a needle in a haystack. Did you know that cosmetics and skin care are the least-regulated consumer products on the market? Many contain toxic chemicals that can put you at risk for biological and reproductive complications, in addition to skin and eye irritation. Certainly not something I want to mess with.

So, when I was contacted to review a skin care product from The Organic Pharmacy, I was ecstatic.

The Organic Pharmacy is the first and only pharmacy in the world dedicated to health and beauty using organic products and treatments. Fully registered with The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, we choose to specialize ONLY in herbs, homeopathy and organic skincare.

The Organic Pharmacy was founded in 2002 by Margo and Francesco Marrone. When pregnant with her daughter, Margo was already familiar with the benefits of organic food but had not yet made the connection between personal care products and toxicity. She happened to read an article by Prof. Samuel Epstein that opened her eyes to harmful ingredients found in everyday products - even those intended for babies. One trip to her local health food store made her realize that "natural" does not always equate to all-natural and "organic" does not mean non-toxic. Her pharmaceutical background made it easy for her to identify these toxic ingredients but to the average consumer, it would be a mammoth task. And so The Organic Pharmacy was born.

What I find so appealing about The Organic Pharmacy is that their products contain:

• No artificial preservatives
• No artificial colourants
• No artificial fragrances
• No petrochemicals
• No harsh detergents
• No DEA, TEA
• No toxic ingredients
• No animal testing

The Organic Pharmacy has strict criteria for its product lines. All products are handmade in small batches to ensure the highest quality. Each ingredient is certified organic and is personally inspected prior to inclusion. Products are developed using pure cold-pressed oils and essential oils, and herbal tinctures and homeopathic remedies are expertly formulated by a team of homeopaths, beauty therapists, pharmacists and consultants.

The Organic Pharmacy has been featured in all of the top style and beauty magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire. They recently won the 2009 InStyle Best Beauty Buy Award for Best Eco/Organic Brand. Celebrity fans of The Organic Pharmacy include Kylie Minogue, Demi More, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, Beyonce, Katy Perry and more.

I was lucky enough to receive a jar of their best-selling Carrot Butter Cleanser to review.



This gentle cleanser is made for all skin types, including oily skin, and dissolves dirt and makeup in one easy step. Carrot, an antioxidant, is blended with Shea and Cocoa Butter to soften skin while Chamomile, Rosemary and Lavender soothe and refresh. It is suggested to use at night before bed for the most effective cleanse.

In addition to the Carrot Butter Cleanser, I received an organic muslin cloth, which is recommended to remove the product and achieve the best results.



To apply, you remove a penny-sized amount of cleanser using the enclosed spatula. It had a waxy, balmy consistency, as you can see here. The scent was very pleasant, and I immediately detected the Lavender and Chamomile.

You then rub the cleanser between your fingers (make sure they are clean!), apply to dry skin, and massage it in using a circular motion. Soak your muslin cloth in hot water and wipe your face to remove the product. Finish with a splash of cold water and voila! You're so fresh and so clean.

Let me tell you...this stuff is like a facial in a jar! It makes my face feel so soft and clean that I just want to keep touching it. Which is bad since I don't want to undo the good deed I just performed on its behalf! My husband also thinks it is amazing. I've been using the Carrot Butter Cleanser daily for nearly 2 weeks and I've noticed an improvement in my complexion. I tend to have oily/combination skin and I'm not sure if it's all in my head or not but I think my skin tone is more even and I detect a slight glow (and no, I'm not pregnant!). I am in my mid-to-late twenties so my skin is still young and elastic, but I do think this cleanser makes my skin feel "youthful". I look forward to cleaning my face now, as part of my nightly routine. It feels so good to lay my head on my pillow with a nice, clean face.

The only possible disadvantage I can think of with this product would be the price. At $59.90/jar, it is not what I'd consider cheap. However, if you are accustomed to shelling out for facials or spa visits, the Carrot Butter Cleanser will practically pay for itself. You won't even have to leave the comfort of your home! Also with this cleanser, a little goes a long way, so an open jar can last for its entire 9-month shelf life, even with daily use.

Bottom line: If you can afford the splurge, I would highly recommend The Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter Cleanser. My face has never felt so good. Rest easy knowing your skin is absorbing something truly safe and non-toxic. It's no-fuss and best of all, it works like a charm!

BUY IT: You can find the Carrot Butter Cleanser and other Organic Pharmacy products - including lines for men, teens and baby - online at www.theorganicpharmacy.com or at their U.S. brick-and-mortar location in Beverly Hills, CA. You can always put the bug in your significant others' ear for a holiday gift *hint hint*

WIN IT: The Organic Pharmacy has kindly offered one lucky reader a jar of their Carrot Butter Cleanser! That's a $60 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit The Organic Pharmacy website and tell me another product that you covet. Pretty please...leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. For this contest, you can do this daily! (1 entry max per day)

3.) Become a fan of The Organic Pharmacy on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog and/or holiday button to your site and comment with a link to where I can find it. (1 entry apiece)

5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)



Giveaway will end on November 21, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As noted above, I was sent a jar of The Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter Cleanser and an organic muslin cloth to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. You have have a different experience with this product.