Transparency over greenwashing: our promise.

Welcome back to the blog!

Today, I want to chat with you about something that’s close to my heart and central to Belle Regali naturale’s philosophy – transparency.

With so many wellness products claiming to be “natural” or “eco-friendly,” it’s essential to cut through the noise and be upfront about what goes into the products you use. Transparency isn’t just a trend for us, it’s the backbone of everything we do and create. And that brings me to today’s hot topic – GREENWASHING.

Before I explain how Belle Regali naturale is committed to transparency, let’s talk about greenwashing, where the term came from and why it’s something you should be very aware of.

The term greenwashing was coined back in the 1980s by environmentalist Jay Westerveld. It’s a clever play on the term “whitewashing,” which means covering up something unsavoury with a misleading front. In the case of greenwashing, some companies make their products appear more environmentally friendly than they really are. It’s all about creating the illusion of sustainability without the substance to back it up.

Westerveld first used the term when he noticed that hotels were encouraging guests to reuse towels to “save the environment” while they were still engaging in highly wasteful practices elsewhere. This wasn’t about true environmental responsibility, it was marketing. And unfortunately, this tactic is still used today by many brands across various industries, including the wellness sector.

Greenwashing can be as simple as putting “natural” on a label when there are still synthetic chemicals lurking in the ingredients, or using earthy branding colours and eco-friendly packaging without actually ensuring the product itself is made with sustainable, safe, or ethical practices.

The first time I ever went to a clairvoyant medium (I’ve been to loads over the years, actually), I’ll never forget the first words she said to me: “You’re either for me, or against me, there’s no in-between with you. Black is black, white is white, there’s no grey areas.” And she was bang on. I’ve carried that throughout my life. It’s why I’m so passionate about transparency at Belle Regali naturale – what you see is what you get, with no hidden agendas or half-truths. We believe in total transparency, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we want you to feel confident in the choices you make for your well-being. We want to ensure you know exactly what’s in our products and why you can trust them:

• Ingredients you can see and trust: We don’t believe in keeping you guessing. On our website, we’ve created a dedicated Ingredients section where you can see every single ingredient that goes into our products. Whether it’s our aromatherapy candles, wax melts, artisan soaps, bath salts, or yoga accessories like aromatic eye pillows, everything is laid out for you to explore. No hidden chemicals, synthetic fragrances or materials – just pure, natural ingredients.
• Ethical sourcing: The ingredients we use don’t just come from anywhere. We partner with trusted suppliers who share our values around sustainability and responsible sourcing. From essential oils to clays, butters to oils, even down to our packaging, every element in our product range is carefully selected for its quality and impact on the environment.
• Clear, honest communication: We avoid using buzzwords or vague claims. When we say something is natural, you can be sure it is. We don’t rely on catchy labels and descriptors to sell our products; our priority is ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting. Whether it’s a luxurious bath salt blend or a soothing aromatherapy candle, you’ll always find full transparency in our product descriptions. By the way, there’s nothing wrong with marketing descriptors, it’s just not for us.

Along with greenwashing, there are plenty of myths floating around the aromatherapy world. Some of these come from good intentions, but others can be misleading. Let’s bust a few of them, shall we?

• Myth 1: “All essential oils are the same”
  Not true! Just because something is labelled as “essential oil” doesn’t mean it’s of high quality or pure. Some brands dilute their oils with cheaper carrier oils or even add synthetic fragrances. At Belle Regali naturale, we use only 100% pure, undiluted essential oils in our product blends. Whether you’re blending your own or using one of our products, make sure you’re getting the highest quality. With our products we can guarantee it.
• Myth 2: “More is better”
  While essential oils are incredibly potent and beneficial, using more isn’t always better. These oils are highly concentrated, so even a few drops can make a big difference. Overusing them can sometimes lead to irritation or adverse reactions. It’s all about quality, not quantity!
• Myth 3: “Blending essential oils is easy”
  Blending essential oils can be a beautiful and creative process, but it does take some practice to get it right. It’s not just about mixing random oils together; there’s a bit of science behind understanding how oils work together and the best ways to create synergy, and of course, a long lasting blend. That’s why I created my free ebooklet, Blend Like a Boss! which walks you through mastering your own blends in 10 easy steps. You can grab it for free in our Lab naturale section – it’s a perfect guide for anyone looking to create their own custom blends with confidence! I just want to point out that if you wish to be qualified in Aromatherapy, you’ll need to undertake formal study, just like all of us certified Aromatherapists, because it’s about so much more than just blending essential oils. But if you just want to learn how to blend effectively and well, then this is for you!

Now, our commitment to transparency doesn’t stop at aromatherapy and essential oils. Whether you’re buying our handcrafted artisan soaps, aromatherapy candles, mineral rich bath salts, a sustainable bamboo travel soap box, yoga bag or aromatic eye pillows, every product is made with the same care and integrity. You’ll always know what you’re putting on your skin or into your home.

It’s well known amongst those who know me very well, that I can always be found with a stick of Palo Santo burning in the background while I meditate, practice Yoga and, also when i’m formulating to create these wellness goodies! Basically, I love a good smudge! For those curious, we only sell 100% sustainably harvested, premium AA grade Palo Santo wood, certified by the National Forest Service and Wildlife of Peru (SERFOR). Every product is designed to support your natural, non-toxic lifestyle, from your yoga practice to your self-care rituals.

Transparency is so important and isn’t just about being honest for the sake of it, it’s about empowering you. We want you to feel confident and educated about the products you’re using. Whether it’s choosing the right aromatherapy product or picking up one of our accessories, you deserve to know exactly what’s in it, how it’s made and how it supports your wellness journey.

So, have you spotted greenwashing while shopping for wellness products? Or maybe you have thoughts or questions about how to approach natural living and honest ingredients? I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email anytime or DM us on social media – we’re always up for a chat and happy to connect over all things wellness.

Until next time, stay grounded, stay informed, and remember – nature knows best.

With love,
Belinda x