Although you won’t see antifreeze or formaldehyde in the ingredients list of your favourite cosmetic product, you will likely see Propylene Glycol or polyoxymethylene urea somewhere on the label.
Why don’t you want these and other chemicals in your cosmetics?
1. Human skin is extremely permeable. That’s why many medications and now being delivered through the ‘patch’. Children and infant’s skins absorb even more than adults do. And, think about those cosmetics and creams that you leave on all day and even over night. What you put on your skin will wind up in your body, and what washes off will find its way into the groundwater and earth.
2. All of the chemicals that don’t flush out will begin to accumulate in your tissues and organs.
3. Even low doses of many of the ingredients are incredibly toxic, are linked to various forms of cancer, birth defects, and infertility.
4. With the growing problem of toxins found in our drinking water and bottled water, there is increasing evidence that chemical interactions are taking place between these chemicals in our bodies, and we are the test tubes for those toxic cocktails.
What can you do?
1. Go natural. When I first learned about the toxins in cosmetics I was blown away. I had my morning and evening regimen using a very popular product line. Needless to say I have removed all cosmetic products from our home. It was a bit strange at first not wearing any makeup or using any manufactured lotions, however, after coming to a comfort level with just looking at myself in the mirror (it took a few months), I discovered a newfound confidence. I came to accept the crow’s feet I’m getting, and the little lines around my mouth, etc. It is who I am. I do use olive oil as a moisturizer in the evenings, and by morning my skin looks fresh and healthy and the ‘greasy’ sheen is gone.
2. Make your own. It is actually fairly easy and inexpensive to make your own makeup and cleansers. Check out Essential Wholesale for some great recipes and resources. See the “Essential U” section (follow the recipes link above and then look at the left-menu on the page).
3. If you want to use non-home made cosmetic products there are a lot out there, however, some claiming to be mineral based or natural are not! Read the labels to be sure.
Look for things like: fluoride free, phthalate free, sulphate free, Vegan Friendly, Mineral oil free, Certified Organic, no synthetic chemicals added, no colours, not Genetically Modified, non Toxic, no Additives, no artificial preservatives, no synthetic fragrances, no artificial emulsifiers, no animal ingredients, not tested on animals.
Chances are if a manufacturer has made it clear they do not animal test, or have gone through certification process, their products are safer.
What else should you know about reading cosmetics labels?
- All ingredients should be listed on the label. If you don’t see both inactive and active ingredients listed don’t buy the product.
- Most household products can be labeled natural or even organic, and still contain a percentage of whatever else the manufacturer chooses. The most ‘abundant’ ingredient in the product should be listed on top and the least used, at the bottom. Often the most toxic ingredients are listed at the bottom so start there. Many of the most dangerous chemicals are potent to humans in large quantities, therefore they use minuscule amounts in the products to stay within the regulations, however, the safe exposure level is based on a one-time use, not once or twice daily for the rest of your adult life! Look for ‘certified organic”. Note: this means that at least 95% of the ingredients have been grown and processed organically. Please remember to look to see what the ingredients that make up that 5% are.
- Avoid any product that has parabens (methyl, butyl, propyl), paraffins, and petroleum (petrolatum) products. Otherwise you are technically just putting a form of petroleum (e.g. gasoline) on your skin.
- Some cosmetic companies are sliding in ‘natural’ oils and extracts such as coconut oil but they combine them with Diethanolamine (DEA), a known carcinogen. If you see DEA on the label put the product back on the shelf.
- Many mascaras, eye shadows and darker make-ups contain coal tar. No explanation necessary. Other artificial colouring and synthetic fragrances are not necessary either.
What else can you use?
One of my goals was to provide you with a list of safe cosmetics and quite honestly, I haven’t found one I would support yet completely. These are products I have supported in the past; however, I am evaluating them with new filters based on some of my research:
o Burt’s Bees
o Jason
o Kiss My Face
o Eco Bella
Many of you also highly recommended:
o Miessence
o Nicole Miller (thanks Deanna)
o MyChelle, Juice Organics, Aubrey and Korres (thanks Amy)
I love supporting the local providers. I find them now and then at Farmer’s Markets or Green expos. One I just ran across is SunCoat. Although they aren’t certified organic, the ingredients appear to be safer than most. If you feel the need to wear makeup, this might be a good option. Another is Origins,
I get numerous emails asking about Physician’s Formula. Based on the research findings of their original line, I wouldn’t use it. (source) However, they have recently released a completely organic certified line and are promoting: 100% Free of Harsh Chemicals. 100% Free of Synthetic Preservatives. 100% Free of Parabens. 100% Free of GMO's. 100% Free of Synthetic Colors. 100% Free of Synthetic Fragrances. 100% Cruelty Free. And, they claim to use environmentally conscious packaging. (source)
Feeling lost and overwhelmed? Try going natural! It may take a few weeks or months to get used to it, but it feels really great not to have to worry about smudged eyeliner or lipstick on my teeth, and knowing that I am not polluting myself or the environment is very gratifying!
Please note: The cosmetic/perfume industry is a multi million dollar industry because women are taught through advertising that in order to look and feel good, you MUST use these products. Some alternative ways to looking better and feeling good are: baths, eating well, rest, lots of sleep, taking classes, traveling, appreciating music, interests that take the focus off “me and how I look”, becoming a more interesting and a more complete and balanced person.
