Did I 'Slag Off' the NATIO cosmetics brand?

Did I 'slag off' the NATIO cosmetics brand in a previous article on this blog? One person seems to think so.

Here's the transcript of a conversation carried out online between myself and a NATIO employee who took issue with an article I wrote last year, entitled: "NATIO's Paraben Hypocrisy."

Read the original article here.

Did I go too far? Am I, in my self-given mission of education women about the beauty industry, 'slagging off' cosmetic companies? I won't say any more for now, but will let you in on our conversation, so you can join it. Please comment at the end.  Note: Name of correspondent removed. Text otherwise unedited.

START

21 August at 09:48

Hello

Just a quick email to you re a web site you have written about the australian natio products.

http://abeautifuleducation.blogspot.com/2009/03/natios-paraben-hypocrisy.html

After reading your blog I checked to what you had written and I think you've made a mistake. There are disclaimers stating that 'no parabens' are used in conjuction with... MINERAL MAKEUP.... NOT SKINCARE! Your web site details I believe need ammending.

False accusations can cause problems... its not worth it :)

Just thought I'd mention before the company find your site... your easily traced back to here with your link :)

Lillybeth Melmoth 21 August at 11:12

That's correct [name].

I was stating it is misleading to market one product on the merits of it not containing parabens, when other products they make do contain parabens. By claiming their mineral makeup is paraben-free they are misleading consumers into:

1) believing there is something wrong/unsafe about parabens (of which there is no conclusive evidence, they are playing on a fear largely provoked by media hype perpetuated by the cosmetic industry)

and

2) the consumers may assume that if the company is declaring parabens unsafe or undesirable, their other items would also be paraben free, which they are not.

So it's not a false accusation - it's my opinion that their marketing in this way leads the customer to assume two untruths.

Does that change your response to the article now?

Warmest regards,

Lillybeth

Lillybeth Melmoth 21 August at 11:13

And if you wish you can add comments to the blog or to the posts here on facebook and I'll respond in public. :-)

22 August at 06:36

i dont mind and dont need to publicise my notes to you. you do however need to re jog your working. You show me one piece of information WRITTEN on th products or the natio website styating ALL products are baraben free... your wording is in accurate, i do understand now what you were trying to say.. but its not come across correctly :)

22 August at 06:37

iv looked again and no where on their site state that they say parabens are unsafe.

Lillybeth Melmoth 22 August at 09:12

I never state they explicitly STATE parabens are not safe. I've already explained it is IMPLIED. It's not against any laws to advertise like this, I'm just saying it's a little hypocritical.

However, some people do have a reaction to parabens and would seek out paraben-free products, but to the average consumer the claim of being paraben-free is a subtle scare tactic. A real paraben-free seeker would check the label.

It's my blog. I can write anything I like without false accusing, which I do not do. If you choose to interpret incorrectly that is not my error. I'm confident there's nothing illegal or worthy of prosecution on my blog. Take it to your bosses in Australia. Maybe then they'd changed the wording.

All the best,

Lillybeth.

22 August at 09:19

You are very arrogant, even though you know your wrong howeve not admiting the fact ..i wont be messaging you again, but will be keeping a little eye on you, informing ALL compnaies you' slag off' from now on.

END