L'Occitane uses ingredients including olive oil, grape-seed oil and soy milk in its products.

"A lot of wonderful things come from nature," says Hollis Hillhouse, international director of education for L'Occitane. "There's a perception that it's safer, tried and true."

But she notes that "food-type" ingredients do not always mean safer ingredients. Allergies, for instance, are a potential hazard.

Caudalie's Thomas also espouses the benefits of natural ingredients -- especially grapes -- to make products including a Grape-Seed Purifying Mask and a Grape-Seed Body Exfoliating Scrub.

Thomas says the products have antioxidant properties that fight "free radicals."

Dr. Howard Sobel, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York, says when the skin is bombarded by the sun and the environment, free radicals are formed in the body that attack the cells, contributing to the look of aging. Common antioxidants are vitamin C and zinc.

Even with most pampering products, it might take a bit of forethought to turn your bathroom into a great escape. So before you start slathering on the mud mask, you should set the mood.

Thomas suggests lighting some candles to get relaxed. But he adds that nothing can replace the luxury of getting away from home and being fussed over.

"Everybody wants to do it at the spa," Thomas says.

Kim Findlay agrees. The 34-year-old, who was browsing the racks at a posh Manhattan store, says she would much rather go to a spa than use the products at home.

"It's so pampering. I like to get away, get into the atmosphere." She also says she feels more comfortable having a trained aesthetician do her facial.

Safety is an important consideration, but Mondoro says common sense will curtail any dangers.

"Read the directions," he advises, "and don't eat your hot salt scrub."

3- From nature