More with Summer Rayne Oakes and Aveeno's Greenwashing

In my article about Summer Rayne Oakes helping Aveeno greenwashing I mentioned that I posted on her facebook page and was looking forward to her response.  Here's the conversation that followed: 

 Danika CarterSo disappointed to see you promoting Aveeno's Smart Essentials line. Did you look at the ingredients? They are loaded with toxic ingredients including carcinogens, hormone disruptors and more. There is nothing Eco about these products. I'm sad to see you helping them greenwash. As someone who speaks out about toxic personal care products and really seems to care this issue I don't understand why you would agree to promote products that are very dangerous and who seem to be the opposite of everything to talk about. Could you, please explain?

 

Unlike ·  · April 8 at 10:16am

• You and Nadia K. Bakkour like this.
• • Summer Rayne Oakes Hi Danika,April 11 at 9:11pm · Like
  • Summer Rayne Oakes Hi Danika - Thanks for your thoughts. I'm going to repost my comment from the Safe Cosmetics Campaign thread to talk openly about the partnership. Firstly, thanks for your thoughts, concerns and engagement on this. As you know I've been really proactive within the environmental space and fashion/beauty industries.
    
    I've sought out and supported many of the smaller and independent cosmetic products that are out there, and will continue to do so. I've worked with many of those brands directly in various different capacities, and admire the work of many of those who I haven't yet had a chance to work with.
    
    Given some of the concerns, I need to emphasize that I absolutely will *not* work with a company that is not taking action focused on sustainability, even when it comes to the financial side of things.
    
    It's not customary in the fashion industry to turn down contracts on the basis of one's values, but I have done that with six other beauty offers based on the fact that I felt that they weren't the right partners. I believe I found the right one in Aveeno because they are open to engaging with me as an advisor, which is super exciting. This is the most important aspect of the partnership and so important to me, as a consultant/spokesperson. 
    
    I actually recently wrote about my overall philosophy on working with brands and programs on my site here - http://bit.ly/e5NAdj. I totally respect that you may not all feel the same way. And respect all those that are working independently on great products.
    
    I wouldn't be doing this if I personally didn't think I could make a meaningful impact in a way. And I truly believe that together, working on all these different fronts, small and large, we can make a real difference. More to come soon...And again, thanks for your opinions and thoughts.April 11 at 9:16pm · Like ·  2 people
  • Danika Carter I get what you are saying, but the reality is that Aveeno uses MANY dangerous chemicals, including:
    
    Oxybenzone - Has a hazard score of 9 on the Cosmetics Database! It's a hormone disruptor, skin penetrator which could pull other toxic ingredients deeper into the body, common allergen, can cause cell mutations which can cause cancer. Shuts down the thyroid gland. It's one of the most dangerous sunscreen ingredients.
    
    Phenoxyethanol - damages the brain & nervous system even at moderate concentrations, shows chromosomal change in mice, banned in Japan & the EU, damages the immune system, suspected xenoestrogen.
    
    Fragrance - Usually contains phthalates which are hormone disruptors, derived from petroleum, can trigger asthma, harmful to marine environment, can't be removed from wastewater during treatment.
    
    Even if every other ingredient were nontoxic, these 3 ingredients are a huge cause for concern and have no place in a green/eco-friendly beauty product and certainly no one who's built a reputation for promoting safe beauty products should be promoting products with these dangerous ingredients in them. 
    
    They're baby line includes, among other things:
    
    Dimethicone, isn't toxic to humans but but it is derived from petroleum and is an environmental toxicant. It NEVER biodegrades. It goes down the drain and into the environment where it never goes away.
    
    Paraffin is mineral oil wax, a petroleum by-product that "coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. (It) interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. (It) slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging... Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)."
    
    Polyethylene - also know as polyethylene glycol or PEG is "potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria. Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the melting point and thickens products."
    
    When you build a reputation on being green, then promote products with these ingredients and who are well known for greenwashing, you are not helping them get better, you are helping them make money off misleading consumers into thinking their products are safe. They aren't! They are very dangerous. 
    
    If you want to work with them to improve their products, that's great. But don't actively promote them until they take out the dangerous ingredients. You are harming people, you are violating their trust, and helping a huge corporation profit off greenwashing. And, you are making money off the same thing. 
    
    Sorry, but it's not acceptable.
    
    The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics even has a petition going trying to draw attention to Aveeno's greenwashing and get them to stop.http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5500/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6192. Do you really want your reputation tied to this?April 21 at 9:31am · Like

Here is an article she wrote about her decisions to work with brands.  I have no problem with her working with brands to help them become more sustainable.  I do have a problem with someone who has built their reputation on being green promoting products with very dangerous ingredients and helping them make money off of manipulating consumers.  If you agree that this is greenwashing go to Summer's facebook page and say so.  Also, sign the petition by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics asking Aveeno, Herbal Essences & St. Ives to stop greenwashing.