Behind the scenes of Intelligent Nutrients

It's very important to me to break the rules in the cosmetic industry, because they need to be broken Horst Rechelbacher isn't your average guy. In addition to being a natural beauty pioneer (as the brains behind the creation of Aveda, one of the first and most famous plant-based brands), this Austrian-born genius is also an author, artist, award winning hairstylist, business mogul, environmentalist and organic farmer. Hardworking from the beginning, he started styling hair at 14. After a few awards were thrown his way he started his own salons and created his own product line.

Meanwhile, inspired by his herbalist mother, he decided to study aromatherapy, nutraceuticals and functional foods as alternative methods for healing. You'd think that was enough, but after selling Aveda it was time to reinvent natural beauty all over again with Intelligent Nutrients. Comprising of beauty, supplements and edible organic treats, his newest health-inspired venture is 100% non-toxic plant based, using organic certified ingredients.

"The difference between organic and certified organic is the whole point."

Disappointed in most beauty products that claim to be organic, but contain synthetics, chemicals and other unnatural, ingredients, Horst set out to prove that it's not just possible to be completely clean, but it's also truly beneficial and worthwhile. In an interview for The Rake, Horst says, "The word 'organic' is meaningless. It has no meaning in cosmetics." That's why certification is key. It cuts through the confusion most people associate with trying to buy organic products. Intelligent Nutrients products are certified organic by the USDA and UK Soil Association, two of the strictest certification agencies found globally.

"Everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe."

Most of us apply as many as 20 products to our bodies every day, yet most of the ones claiming to be all natural are anything but. Hair shampoos contain surfactants which are often times exthoxylated and may contain a by product 1,4 dioxane, a probable human carcinogen. Conventional hairsprays, which contain petrochemical resins and plasticizers, are especially dangerous because the toxic micro-particles are inhaled, enter the body, coat the lungs, and can cause potential health risks. Even if a fragrance sounds natural, it's probably made with synthetic ingredients such phthalates to mimic natural scents. These formulations aren't even properly inspected because a fragrance blend is considered a 'trade secret' and doesn't have to be fully disclosed on cosmetic ingredient listings.

Instead, Intelligent Nutrients makes products that are certified organic to the highest standards and are 100% non-toxic and safe. Every product is free of plastics, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicone, lead and other toxic petrochemicals. Horst and his team reinvented beauty by creating result-oriented products that work through natural, plant-based preservatives, fixatives and aromatics.

In every Intelligent Nutrients hair, skin and body product you'll find the signature and powerful Intellimune Seed Oil Complex. Full of some of the most powerful antioxidant-rich plant ingredients found in nature, the unique blend combines certified organic Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Grape, Red Raspberry and Cranberry Seed oils to help protect, heal and nurture every part of your body.

"If the body is healthy, then the body is beautiful."

Along with some of the most reputable food and cosmetic chemists around, Intelligent Nutrients also works with the world renowned Mayo Clinic and doctors and researchers from the University of Minnesota to research innovative new plant-based healing technologies. In addition, the brand is a compact signer with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and regularly consults with the Cancer Prevention Coalition and the Organic Consumers Association to stay up-to-date within the organic industry.

Since Intelligent Nutrients boasts that it's a brand that considers being environmentally friendly a first thought, instead of an afterthought, every part of the process is performed with a respect to the environment. It's the first professional quality brand in the industry to purchase Renewable Energy Credits toward the manufacturing of all of its products. Plus the company uses 100% wind energy for the corporate headquarters and farms using only certified organic methods. The spray containers are made from 100% post consumer recycled (PCR) PET and any cartons are made with a minimum of 55% PCR Forest Stewardship Council certified paperboard. All of the packaging is 100% recyclable (without any pump springs or other hidden, non-recyclable parts) and doesn't have to be taken to a special facility.

Don't stop here. Learn more about Intelligent Nutrients by downloading the brand's comprehensive Field Guide (PDF)