About us
About Maitri
Maitri (Pronounced my-tree) is a Sanskrit term that means unlimited friendliness toward ourselves, with the clear implication that this leads naturally to unlimited friendliness toward others. Maitri also has the meaning of trusting oneself—trusting that we have what it takes to know ourselves thoroughly and completely without feeling hopeless, without turning against ourselves because of what we see.
The philosophy at Maitri Works™ is that of self-compassion that leads to the radical self-care necessary to live the vibrant, energetic, joy-filled lives we were all meant to lead.
Our goal at Maitri Works™ is to guide you and your family to an optimal state of health and well-being through the Maitri concept, nutrition, movement, gratitude and connection.
Maitri SPA is our new line of personal care products that follow the Maitri principles.
Our secret ingredient?........INGREDIENTS!!!
I remember reading, when I was a kid, about how a fast food milkshake is made with 20 ounces of water, only one tablespoon of milk and 1/2 teaspoon of a thickening agent called Xanthan gum. The result somewhat resembles a milkshake, but it's really an empty shell.
Unfortunately, the same is true for many personal care products. For example, here's the ingredient list for a very popular hair care product I was very excited about; until, that is, I looked at the ingredients. (tip: ingredients are listed in descending order of percentage of total product contents).
"Product X literature: Get the silky, shiny and healthy hair you've always wanted. X is the product that pioneered oil-infused hair care and created the worldwide buzz on argan oil. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and shine-boosting vitamins, this completely transformative hair treatment detangles, speeds up drying time and boosts shine—leaving you with nourished, manageable and smooth hair with each use. Outshine the rest.
Product X ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Butylphenyl Methyl Propional, Argania Spinoza Kernel Oil (Argan Oil), Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed ) Extract, D&C Yellow-11, D&C Red-17, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone"
Looking at the ingredients listing, you can see that Argan oil is listed after Butylphenyl Methyl Propional (a fragrance). That means that there is less Argan oil than perfume in this product!
Where does the 'silky, shiny' hair in the description come from? The first three ingredients are polymers of silicone (the slippery, shiny and dead stuff you might want to lubricate a machine with, but not your body).
This mystery product is not alone in the cosmetics world. For example, a product's preservative is typically used at a concentration of 0.5 - 1%. That means any ingredient listed after the preservative contributes even less towards the final product. That amazing lotion 'with hydrating shea'? Take a look, and I'll bet there's less than 1% Shea oil in it. The obvious conclusion is that many personal care products are also empty shells.
The final straw, for me, was when our daughter, Allison, developed a rash from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in her shampoo and toothpaste. After several months of study, trial and error, I formulated a line of personal care products for my family.
Our daughter's rash disappeared (no sulfates, no silicones and no petroleum based ingredients at Maitri SPA!), and since my products are highly substantial (no watered down milkshakes at Maitri SPA!) our hair and skin have never felt silkier, shiner and healthier.
Along the way, I developed a set of principles to guide my choice of ingredients; I call these principles "Nature First Luxury."
Nature First Luxury
The idea behind nature first luxury is that all natural products are preferred in my formulations. I will occasionally use a 'chemical' ingredient, but in doing so I always choose ingredients that are derived from natural products (an example is Ethylhexyl Palmitate (derived from Palm oil); this ingredient provides lubricity (slip) to my products, and is a great alternative to silicones (dimethicone, cyclomethicone, etc.).
In short, while human chemists are very clever, nature has been around longer. I provide a list of not only ingredients, but their purpose, for each product in our line. You'll know what you're buying, and why.
maitri SPA three stage system
The maitri concept begins with the understanding that your body instinctively knows when it is exposed to natural ingredients with nutritive value; you know quality when you feel it, and the results it can provide.
Our ever expanding line of products can seem daunting at first, but the following break down will hopefully simplify the various considerations when choosing an appropriate maitri SPA product.
Stage 1: Clean, Restore, Protect
The first stage focuses on routine maintenance of your skin and hair.
An unfortunate side-effect of the industrial, mass produced cosmetic and body care industry has been the use of harsh detergents that leave your skin and hair vulnerable to external factors. Inexpensive detergents (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) have found their way into daily use soaps and shampoos. A major problem with the extended use of such harsh detergents is the 'de-fatting' of the skin and hair.
Your body is not a countertop that needs to be sterilized and squeaky clean. The natural moisturization factor (NMF) of your skin needs to be replenished as well as re-introducing oils and emollients. Without this crucial step, your skin and hair will become brittle, dry, cracked and flaky at best, and inflammed, stressed and damaged at worst.
A good stage 1 product will not only remove soil and rancid oils, but will also replensih your skins NMF, help prevent water loss and protect against damage.
Enter maitri SPA stage 1 products: Our body wash, micellar water and clarifying shampoo may be all you body needs to remain a healthy barrier between you and the elements.
Stage 2: Intensive moisturization
maitri SPA stage 2 products: Our irresistible conditioner, hydrating body butter and hydrating body lotion provide intensive moisturization and protection from the elements.
Stage 3: Targeted repair
maitri SPA stage 3 products: Our facial serum, clarifying facial mask, healing balm and chi restoring night creme address specific issues that can prevent your body's skin and hair from functioning properly.
Richard G. Pecoraro
Maitri SPA Product Formulator
nature • science • luxury