Consumers are increasingly aware of the chemical ingredients in the food they eat. But, what about exposure to chemicals through the skin, the body’s largest organ? Terressentials is helping to bring this issue to light and find a solution. “It’s becoming easier to find organic food, but it’s hard to keep your body clean without using chemicals,” explains Terressentials co-founder Diana Kaye.

When research showed that products claiming to be “organic” or “natural” were not, Terressentials discovered a market niche. The company uses only ingredients permitted by the USDA in certified organic foods. They also don’t use any animal-based products, with the exception of organic beeswax.

Terressentials’ offerings include Flower Therapy facial care products: wash, lotion and acid masque. Body cremes and balms come in scents like Seductive Spice, Luscious Lemon, Passionate Lavender and Peppermint Fantasy. Pure Earth Hair Wash boasts natural ingredients that leave hair “clean, full, soft and shiny.”

Body washes are designed specifically to not wash away natural oils, preventing dry skin. And, the company doesn’t leave out the smallest family members with a line of baby wash, lotion, massage oil and Terrific Tush Treatment to pamper baby’s bottom.

Some basic facts about Terressentials:

• The company was founded in 1992
• Products are available online and in select stores
• The company has two stores of its own in both Middletown and Frederick, Maryland

Along with providing natural products, Terresentials sees itself as having a greater responsibility. Educating consumers about the products they’re using is part of its mission, and the company successfully lobbied for a federal law that defines the term “organic.” Operating within the restrictions of the organic label is a vital element of the company’s brand.

Terressentials has grown successfully through word of mouth, but it has also faced what it views as unfair competition from companies that falsely claim organic status. With estimated annual sales of “natural” personal care products at $9 billion, this Challenger is determined to grab its share. Co-founder Kaye advises other Challenger Brands: “Have a mission and be totally true to yourself and that mission. Be persistent and believe in what you’re doing.”

The company has employed a variety of tactics to bring awareness to issues related to organic products. Appearing before the National Organic Standards Board and at a Washington, DC press conference, the founders have gone as far as to eat their products to highlight their natural, safe ingredients. They have also produced a rap video praising organic personal care products. Carrying its tune to a consumer market, Terressentials is aiming to serve a market hungry for personal care products, naturally.