Tom’s of Maine
ALERT [5 Jan 2016] – I just learnt that Tom’s of Maine has been taken over by Colgate-Palmolive. Not sure what that means, but please be wary. The post from naturalsociety.com gives some more information.
I first found some Tom’s of Maine products in a Kroger supermarket in Houston, Texas (at exactly the same time I discovered Burt’s Bees products). I was nice to find some more natural products in a conventional supermarket. From Tom’s of Maine, I’ve used toothpaste, dental floss, soap and deodorant. I think all of their products are fabricated well and are of excellent quality. I’m not using their toothpaste any more because many of their options contained fluoride (they do have fluoride free options though) and I found an alternative in France (where I’m currently living) from Melvita. I really like their range of deodorant sticks – they have some very nice fragrances like Wild Lavenda, Soothing Calendula and Refreshing Lemongrass. Also, their soaps are just wonderful, so creamy and nice (one thing I noticed early when using natural soaps – you can get soap in your eye and it doesn’t really sting like a “conventional” soap).
Tom’s of Maine – Product Statement
Here is their product statement I found on http://www.tomsofmaine.com/products
“At Tom’s of Maine, we believe one thing that makes our products good is how we make them. That’s why we’ve always been committed to high quality standards and never use artificial colors, flavors, fragrances, preservatives or animal testing. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing the products you choose not only work, but also share your values.”
— PAM SCHEELER, TOM’S OF MAINE CLAIMS SUPPORT LEADER AND NATURAL STANDARDS ADVOCATE
Tom’s of Maine – Stewardship Model
I also like some of these statements I found on their stewardship model;
- Our standards for natural
- Sourced in nature
- Simple and understandable ingredients
- Free of artificial preservatives, colors, sweeteners, flavors, fragrances, and other additives
- Free of animal ingredients
- Made of high-quality ingredients
- Subject to limited processing
- Purposeful in the system of ingredients
- Promote organically grown ingredients wherever possible and practical
- Our standards for sustainable
- Contribute to environmental and economic sustainability
- Socially conscious
- Environmentally friendly products and packaging
- Establish safety and efficacy in our products and ingredients without testing on animals
- Renewable and recyclable resources
- Biodegradability
- Promote sustainable harvesting practices
- Respectful of basic human rights
- Respectful of the rights of indigenous people
- Accountable to present and future generations
- Our standards for responsible
- Safety
- Effectiveness
- Sufficient research conducted
- Honesty about where and how ingredient, product, and packaging was sourced
- Honesty about claims related to product/ingredient/formulation
- Affordable for consumer
- Affordable for company
- Build value and equity for company
- Respect for the standards of the Food and Drug Administration
- Respect for the standards of the Federal Trade Commission
- Respect for the standards of organizations (American Dental Association) with whom we have chosen to partner
The only points that concern me are at the end here. Respecting the standards of the FDA and the American Dental Association. I’m not sure that the standards set by these associations always have our wellbeing in mind.
Tom’s of Maine makes quality products and appears to be a company worth supporting.
Also see – Burt’s Bees
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