Friday, October 24, 2008

With Standing the Test of Time

For more than 140 years, Watkins, Incorporated has been America’s pioneer in natural living, utilizing only the finest natural ingredients.

Watkins provides quality brands to meet consumer’s needs for environmentally friendly and sustainable products — to help people feel better and live healthy lives. Lotions, pain-relieving liniment, organic spices and eco-friendly home cleaning products – all of it made by experts at Watkins who care about the decisions consumers have to make about everyday products, every day. In 2008, Watkins launched several new lines in the home care, home remedy, bath and body and gourmet pantry and food categories.




Moms Gain Clean-Conscience With Watkins’ Home Care

Mothers looking to clean their homes can now do so with a clean conscience with a new non-toxic plant-based product line called J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care.

Moms can breathe easier knowing that J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care products do not contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine and others commonly found in many household cleaners. Household products are known to be one of the largest contributors of health problems in the home, including respiratory irritation1. In the U.S., one in three people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis2. Watkins is committed to using only the finest natural ingredients and environmentally friendly processes so mothers can feel good knowing they are not adding chemicals and waste to the home or workplace.

  • J.R. Watkins All-Purpose Cleaner — quickly removes grease and grime from most household surfaces. This easy to use spray and wipe formula is available in aloe and green tea and lemon fragrances.
  • J.R. Watkins Liquid Dish Soap Concentrates — a small amount of these concentrated soaps leaves dishes beautifully clean and spotless while the scented suds provide a pleasant aroma. No phosphates, dyes or SLS and easy-to-use flip top containers avoid messy drips. Available in aloe and green tea and lemon scents.
  • J.R. Watkins Window Cleaners — this powerful streak-free formula gently lifts grime, dust and fingerprints away to leave glass surfaces looking crystal clear. The gentle coconut-based formula is ideal for tinted windows. Available in aloe and green tea and lavender fragrances.
  • J.R. Watkins Liquid Hand Soaps — naturally formulated with lavender, rosemary, coconut oils and palm leaf extracts, it leaves hands feeling soft and clean. These soaps are available in aloe and green tea and lemon.
  • J.R. Watkins All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes — these biodegradable and durable all-purpose wipes allow the homeowner to easily wipe away dirt and grime with no water or rinsing required compared to most wipes. Available in compact packaging for easy travel with an aloe and green tea fragrance.
  • J.R. Watkins Citrus Tub and Tile Cleaner — a light mist of this natural cleaner leaves the tub, tile and fixtures dirt and toxin free. It cleans away hard water stains and soap scum in an environmentally safe way that won’t harm your fixtures or septic system. Watkins recommends letting the product sit for 15 minutes for tough scum build up and then gently scrub away the stains. The cleaner is so gentle that rubber gloves are not needed.
  • J.R. Watkins Lemon Toilet Bowl Cleanser — the cedar-based formula is one of the least acidic or caustic cleaners on the market, but it’s strong enough to wash away the toughest water stains and will decalcify toilets naturally without harsh chemical fumes.

The line is made from renewable, plentiful ingredients from the natural world and created at the original Watkins facility (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) since the late 1800s located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River overlooking the small town of Winona, Minn.

For more than 140 years, Watkins, Incorporated has been America’s pioneer in natural living, utilizing only the finest natural ingredients. Watkins provides quality brands to meet consumer’s needs for environmentally friendly and sustainable products — to help people feel better and live healthy lives.


Watkins Natural Home Care


Did you know one in three people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis? And did you know household products are known to be one of the largest contributors of health problems in the home, including respiratory irritation? That makes decision-making tough when purchasing cleaning products for around the house. Committed to using only the finest all natural ingredients, Watkins’ natural cleaning line lets consumers feel good about choosing a home-cleaning product.

Having been in the natural home and beauty care business for more than 140 years, Watkins gets it when it comes to eco-friendly products. And now a new collection of refreshing fragrances available at Watkins Online.


When J.R. Watkins mixed his first batch of natural remedies in 1868, he probably had no idea his “green” philosophy would be more relevant today than ever with the launch of a new body care line called J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary.

The line, releasing this spring, is designed to be nearly 100 percent natural and eliminates certain ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, glycols and phthalates.

"Our new apothecary line represents more than 140 years of innovative natural product design," said Mark Jacobs, president of Watkins. "Although we have one of the oldest and most trusted brands in the country, we are excited about infusing that pioneering spirit with these contemporary products that will appeal to the most savvy of today’s environmentally conscience consumers. While other consumer product brands are just now focusing on ‘green’ practices – we can feel proud that this philosophy has been a part of our legacy since the turn of the century."

The line will contain a range of pure products from head to toe, including:

  • Hand & Body Lotions (99 percent natural), Contains more than 10 natural oils and extracts to protect sensitive skin with deep, long-lasting moisture. This non-greasy formula is available in essences of aloe & green tea, lemon, lavender, mango and vanilla.
  • Body Creams (97.50 percent natural), Natural shea and cocoa butters are whipped together with more than 10 natural oils and extracts including apricot, coconut, avocado, babassu, jojoba and safflower oil that soothe and condition the skin. Available in essences of aloe & green tea, lemon cream, lavender, mango and vanilla.
  • Hand & Cuticle Salves (99 percent natural), Formulated from a premium beeswax base, these salves use natural oils to moisturize, nourish and condition hard-working hands and come in aloe & green tea, lemon cream, lavender and mango essences.
  • Foot Care (100 percent natural), Made with pure peppermint oil, this non-greasy formula contains vitamin B5 and natural shea and cocoa butters that tingle and revive dry, aching feet.
  • Lip Balm (100 percent natural), These lightweight formulas contain premium beeswax, oils and other nourishing natural ingredients.
  • Body Oils (99.50 percent natural), Regarded for anti-aging qualities and made from grapeseed, macadamia, apricot, avocado and safflower oil, these oils include the essences of aloe & green tea, lemon, lavender and mango.
  • Head to Toe Kit, Great for traveling and gifting, this sampling includes: Mango Hand & Body Lotion (1 fl. oz.), Peppermint Foot Cream (1 fl. oz.), Aloe & Green Tea Body Cream (.70 oz.), Lemon Cream Body Cream (.70 oz.), Lavender Hand & Cuticle Salve (.25 oz.), Lemon Hand & Cuticle Salve (.25 oz.) and Natural Beeswax Lip Balm (.14 oz.).
  • Lip Tints These lightweight formulas contain premium beeswax, oils and other nourishing natural ingredients and are available in four attractive shades.
  • On the Go Kit! Provides must-haves for individuals on the go and small enough to fit in a purse. This sampling includes: Lavender Hand & Body Lotion (1 fl. oz.), Lemon Cream Hand & Body Lotion (1 fl. oz.), Aloe & Green Tea Hand & Cuticle Salve (.25 oz.) and Natural Beeswax Lip Balm (.14 oz.).
  • Manicure Pack , Includes everything needed to complete an in-home manicure. This sampling includes: Aloe & Green Tea Body Cream (3 fl. oz.), Lavender Hand & Cuticle Salve (2 oz.), nail buffer and file.

The line is made from renewable, plentiful ingredients from nature and created at the original Watkins facility (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) since the late 1800s — located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River overlooking the small town of Winona, Minn

For more than 140 years, Watkins, Incorporated has been America’s pioneer in natural living, utilizing only the finest natural ingredients. Watkins provides quality brands to meet consumer’s needs for environmentally friendly and sustainable products — to help people feel better and live healthy lives.


Organic. Natural. What’s the Difference?

Why Care? And, Why Watkins?

When referring to products as natural or all-natural, generally the product does not contain artificial or synthetic material and has sustained very minimal processing. Organic on the other hand signifies the way a product is actually grown and processed.

Organically grown products are farmed using only natural processing methods, free from pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. For a product to be labeled organic, it must pass a certification process, with national standards set forth by The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Whether domestic or international, individual farms and manufacturing facilities are supervised by USDA agencies that carefully scrutinize each step before passing certification.

Trends in America today show the consumer’s demand for natural and organic products is on the rise. According to the Organic Trade Association, sales in the organic category will increase 18 percent annually through 2008. Mainstream supermarkets are expanding their natural and organic selections to include fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry to accommodate this growing need.

It is clear consumers are looking for ways to introduce more natural, healthy and organic products into their lifestyles. Consumers take more time to educate themselves on what they put into or on their bodies.

And as many are now looking to add organic foods to their daily meals, often times they find organics to be costlier than traditional foods. Watkins offers a full line of spices at every day prices to add to that effort. Giving the consumer the comfort of adding organics to their diet, without denting their pocket book.

But gourmet pantry items are just one aspect. Household products are one of the largest contributors of health problems in homes. Cleaners containing ammonia, chlorine and other chemical ingredients have been known to cause respiratory irritation. In North America, one in three people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics).

Today, the new J.R. Watkins Natural Cleaning Products feature non-toxic plant-based formulas that are both biodegradable and phosphate free. These ultra concentrated cleaners are naturally derived so they are easy on the environment, your home and your loved ones. Here’s our brand commitment:

  • Ammonia Free
  • Animal Ingredient Free
  • Boron Free
  • Butyl/Ethyl Free
  • Chlorine Free
  • Diethylene Ether Free
  • Dye Free
  • Formaldehyde Free
  • Isopropanol Free
  • Kerosene Free
  • Benzene Free
  • Biodegradable
  • Mineral Spirit Free
  • Non-toxic
  • Petrochemical Free
  • Phosphate Free
  • Phosphoric Acid Free
  • Propylene Glycol Free
  • SLS Free
  • Sulfuric Acid Free

Similarly, Watkins is dedicated to providing personal care that is truly natural. Watkins’ formulas are 95% natural and above, with many at 99% natural and higher. Using renewable, plentiful ingredients from mother earth, we offer a luxurious line of personal care for every day use, free of synthetic or irritating chemicals. And as always, our products are never tested on animals.

In the new J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary line, consumers can count on products that are:

  • 95% natural and above
  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate free
  • Sodium Laureth Sulfate free
  • Paraben free
  • Phthalate free
  • Mineral Oil, Petrolatum free
  • Dye free

What products and ingredients touch consumers’ skin is important. See what other ingredients are not found in J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary line.

The same environmentally-safe and good-for-you philosphies apply with the home remedy line. During a time when there are record numbers of over-the-counter medical prescriptions, Watkins liniment, salves, burn cream, camphor ointment and more become must-haves in every home medicine cabinet. Consumers feel good about the Watkins home remedies because they are more than just effective, they’re natural and safe.