Photograph courtesy of Natural Body.

Style > Spas & Beauty > Natural Beauty

Getting a pedicure or massage should be relaxing, right?

But for some spagoers, it’s hard to relax knowing that most nail polish is made with formaldehyde, a possible carcinogen. Or that massage lotions may contain parabens, which have been known to cause allergic reactions.

More consumers are paying attention to what beauty products they put on their bodies and into the environment—and that extends beyond cosmetic counters to salons and spas.

“We’ve been open for three years, and in that time I’ve seen a huge change,” says Pilar DiVittorio, owner of Pilar’s Organic Skin Care in Vienna, which uses products that are certified organic and biodynamic. “Even just a few years ago, people were questioning what I do. Now 90 percent of the reason that people choose us is because they are looking for something healthier.”

In the past few years, the number of products claiming to be free of toxic ingredients has skyrocketed, says Julie Smalfelt, owner of Comfort & Joy Wellness Spa in Fairfax. So has the hype.

“You can now find endless products that have added the word ‘natural’ to their name, and all they have done is throw in a couple of ingredients from tree bark or plant leaves and changed nothing else about the otherwise dubious contents of their products,” says Smalfelt, whose spa carries organic products including nontoxic nail polish.

Because there are no official standards for “natural” products, DiVittorio says she created her own guidelines for what natural means at her spa: Products are free from genetically modified ingredients, petrochemicals, synthetics, and animal ingredients except for “cruelty-free” bee products. She also avoids products containing propane, paraben preservatives, triclosan, urea, and other ingredients that have been linked to health problems and even cancer.

The owners of natural spas are so passionate about what they do that they will not offer certain services—such as fake nails and hair coloring—because the products can be toxic or damaging to the environment.

Jacki Barnett, director of the Natural Body Spa & Shoppe in DC’s West End, suggests that when picking a spa, clients consider the entire experience, from product lines to the spa’s business practices.

“Look at the whole package,” says Barnett. “Do they have a recycling program? Is the spa involved in the community in a positive way? Does the spa carry natural and organic product lines?”

Some Natural Body spas use low-flow faucets, compact fluorescent bulbs, and a checkout counter made from recycled newspapers.

Concerned spagoers can ask what products will be used during a treatment. “Seek out a business that provides the research and information you need to make an informed decision,” says DiVittorio, “and don’t be afraid to ask for brochures and reading material on the product lines.”

That way, when you’re up to your neck in mud or kicking back getting a facial, you can focus on what going to a spa is all about—pampering and relaxation.

All-Natural Spas

More area salons are adding “natural” services to their menus. But these eight companies and spas have built their reputation on using the most natural and organic products available while taking a greener approach to business.