Written by Maia, President
Over the last few years, many of you have asked for my thoughts on Ava Anderson products, and I’ve always replied honestly that while I have a knee-jerk negative reaction to multi-level marketing (“pyramid scheme”) companies, the ingredients in Ava’s skincare and cleaning products are fine, and I’ve enjoyed the samples I’d been sent over the years.
As it turns out, Ava Anderson products were the worst kind of Sneaky Stuff–because the company didn’t list all ingredients on their label. 
It recently came to light that Ava’s line contains undisclosed ingredients, including fragrance oils (as in, not organic essential oils as stated on the label, but instead synthetic blends that contain dozens of chemicals). The next day, Ava Anderson announced they were shutting down, citing online bullying as the reason.
What’s Better Than Ava Anderson
This scandal is a good reminder of why my very favorite products are from tiny manufacturers, preferably people who make their Good Stuff in-house, thus avoiding the possibility of contamination. It’s why I love Sierra Sage and Farmaesthetics for skincare, and Tandi’s Naturals tallow-based laundry soap.
Very few large companies take the extra step of testing their products for purity before putting them on the shelves, which means that consumers have to trust what’s on the label. One brand that’s been a leader in this space is Beautycounter, which happens to be another multi-level marketing company, but one that I feel is different. Beautycounter tests their cosmetics for impurities when they come out of production and although their stuff isn’t always natural or organic, it is legitimately nontoxic, with nothing getting more than a 2 on Skin Deep.
We’re getting involved with Beautycounter so that we can offer it to our readership–I won’t recommend every single product, but I think their makeup is the safest stuff out there right now, and it’s all that my mom and I have been using for the last year. You’ll also learn about other brands of Good Stuff makeup in the coming months when we roll out our Safe Makeup Guides!
Stay sane,
P.S.: The makeup product I am asked about most often is lipstick. This is the one I wear, in Twig. 
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Kelly says
Hello! Have you put your safe makeup guide up yet? I wasn’t able to find it. Thanks for all your hard work and info!
Maia James says
Not yet, Kelly! It’ll be out this spring, though, and thanks for your patience!
Mandi Elmore says
You might want to do a little more research. MLM companies are not pyramid schemes. Pyramid schemes are illegal. Very unfortunate that you would put such a falsity in print.
Maia James says
I am sorry if I’m using the wrong term! When I say “pyramid,” I simply mean a structure where the people at the bottom (the first people to sign on) earn the most. I didn’t realize that this structure was illegal!
Tiffany says
Thank you Mandi! Yes, a true pyramid scheme is illegal and didn’t exchange goods or a service for money. Corporate America is more like a pyramid with the people at the bottom only moving up when a spot at the top becomes available. And those upper level spots are few and far between! The business model of the MLM industry is a brilliant one; allowing people to advance at any rate and creating a lucrative source of income that most people would never be able to attain in corporate job. And yes, not all MLM companies are reputable but many are!
Thank you for your article on Ava Anderson. I am late to the game and just now researching this scandal as I was recently invited to a Pure Haven class.
Dorothy says
Do you know anything about Pure Haven products?
Jenna says
Yes, I would love to hear your thoughts on Pure Haven products. I am currently a consultant, but I was introduced to your site a year ago and have used it as a guide for my family and I. I would really like to believe Ava Anderson didn’t know about the unknown ingredients in her products. I do know Pure Haven has really changed everything about the way their business was run and since it is local to me, currently live right over the boarder in MA, I would love to hear your thoughts on the company an their products.
Stephanie says
Wondering if you’ve done an update since Pure Haven launched vs Ava Anderson? I too have used the products – and want to believe the “revamp” is all positive, but, wonder your thoughts. Thank you!!!