Ecco Bella

Ecco Bella covers a whole range of natural lifestyle products, including skin and hair care, color cosmetics, home fragrance, bath and body, personal fragrance, and of course, chocolate. Some of these products include: Night Rebuilder cream, Herbal Body Lotion, Better Bones chocolate bar, FlowerColor Lipstick, Vanilla Moisturizing Shampoo, Ecco Mists, and Age Antidote Day Cream.

Ecco Bella’s skin care line was formulated by a dermatologist and naturopath, and is designed to combat the signs of aging and reveal skin that is smoother and suppler. Night Rebuilder cream was formulated to work during sleep, when the body regenerates itself. It also claims to replace ceramides that may be washed away during washing.

Although ceramides are important for maintaining moisture on skin’s outer-most layer, the body is capable of synthesizing these compounds on its own. Collagen synthesis, on the other hand, tends to decline with age, causing the skin to sag and crease. For this reason, many anti-aging products include advanced peptides to stimulate collagen production, which can actually help to restore the firm appearance of youth.

Ecco Bella opts for essential oils in place of artificial fragrances, but the fact is that these oils can irritate sensitive skin just as much as certain chemicals. Consumers should not assume that just because a company claims to use “natural” ingredients that its products are necessarily gentler.

Unlike many manufacturers of skin care products, Ecco Bella provides a complete list of ingredients for all of its toners, cleansers and creams. This information may be helpful to those with a working knowledge of commercial chemistry, but for most consumers, it doesn’t provide much insight into how the products will actually affect their skin. For this reason, many manufacturers post descriptions of each active ingredient and its function. This helps to inform consumers as they attempt to select the regimen that is right for them

Although Ecco Bella’s price point is not quite as high as some of the luxury brands found in department stores, it is still high enough that consumers want to know what they’re getting before they make a financial commitment. However, the return and exchange policy does not seem to be posted on the company’s web site. Since Ecco Bella does not offer free trial samples, consumers may find that they have to invest $40 or more to try these products.

• Does not test on animals
• Offers volume discounts on certain products

• No free trial sample available
• Does not clearly post return and exchange policies
• Does not post clear descriptions of ingredients

Those who have a weakness for chocolate are likely to embrace Ecco Bella’s “Health by Chocolate” line with open arms. Others who prefer a more natural, holistic approach to personal care may also see this company as a welcome change from other manufacturers that rely on artificial colors and fragrances.

However, as discussed earlier, so-called “natural” products can still contain irritating ingredients, so those with sensitive skin may want to proceed slowly before applying a cream containing essential oils. Be advised Ecco Bella does not offer free trial samples.