You have probably read or heard about the toxins lurking in your cosmetics and beauty products, but have you actually done anything about it? If not, it’s time!
Step 1: Peruse the list of options below for natural/organic beauty products and makeup.
Step 2: Do some research, choose what you like (ready-made or DIY), and order it or make it.
Step 3: Then, make a note for next weekend to take an empty bag with you to your cabinets and drawers and get rid of all the toxic products.
Step 4: Next, enjoy your new, toxin-free look…your body will thank you for it later.
Some top chemicals to avoid in cosmetic/beauty products include:
Parabens…Methyl, propyl, putyl, and ethyl parabens: Used to extend the shelf-life of products, they are highly toxic, carcinogenic, and cause skin conditions.
Synthetic colors: These colors go by names like FD&C or D&C followed by a number. They are known to cause cancer. Even toothpaste and toothbrushes contain these harmful ingredients. Yes, that toothbrush with the colored bristles that supposedly tells you when to throw out your toothbrush is a problem. The dye is readily absorbed through the mucus membranes in your mouth into your bloodstream. Choose products devoid of colors or ones that obtain their color from natural earth minerals and pigments.
Petrolatum: Mineral oil and jelly that promotes sun damage and leads to dry skin and chapping, as well as skin conditions. Products containing petrolatum usually claim to alleviate the very conditions they create. It is found in petroleum jelly products and even in baby oil.
Sodium laurel sulphates: Used in shampoo, body wash, and soap to cause lathering, it also causes skin conditions, hair loss (check out natural ways to boost hair growth), eye irritations, dandruff, and allergic reactions. Avoid products that contain this ingredient even if it is supposedly sourced from coconut.
Imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea (Germall II and Germall 115): Commonly used preservatives in many personal care products and cosmetics and cause skin conditions. The latter releases cancer-causing formaldehyde when it is above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
PVP/VA copolymer: A petrochemical used in hairspray, perm solutions, and many cosmetics. The particles may stay in the lungs, causing respiratory concerns.
Stearalkonium chloride: Used in hair conditioners and skin creams, it is a highly toxic ingredient developed by the fabric industry originally as a fabric softener (yes, that means fabric softeners are toxic too).
Fragrance: Any of over 400 ingredients, mostly derived from petrochemicals, “fragrance” causes hyperpigmentation of skin, headaches, asthma, joint pains, muscle pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, raised blood pressure, dizziness, rashes, skin irritation, and coughing, to name a few. Choose products that contain only essential oils (not “fragrance oils”) if you want a scent. Better yet, make your own perfume blend with essential oils.
Dioxin: A known carcinogen, dioxin is used in many feminine hygiene products such as tampons and pads. Dioxins absorb through the skin and are linked to immune disorders, endometriosis, and cancer of the reproductive system. Choose natural feminine products devoid of dioxin from your health food store.
Fluoride: Stay clear of toothpaste that contains fluoride. The average person is getting excessive amounts of fluoride from water. Fluoride does NOT protect teeth and excessive amounts of fluoride are linked to cancer.
Coal tar: Found in most hair dyes, coal tar is linked to numerous types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Choose natural hair colors or hennas if you must dye your hair.
Lead: A heavy metal linked to brain disease and many other illnesses, lead is commonly found in many cosmetics, particularly lipstick.
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Source: Care2.com/GreenLiving
and here are some more chemicals of concern to avoid in your cosmetics and beauty products…
Butyl acetate,
Butylated hydroxytoluene,
Cocamide DEA/lauramide DEA,
Ethyl acetate,
Formaldehyde,
Phthalates,
Propylene glycol,
Talc,
Toluene,
Triethanolamine
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Source: Safe Cosmetics Campaign of the Marin Cancer Project
Solution: Read the ingredients labels on all your personal care and beauty products. Replace those containing potentially harmful chemicals with toxin-free products you make yourself or pre-made natural and organic makeup and beauty products that specifically state they are free of chemicals of concern.
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Resources: Organic Beauty Products
Best Organic Skin Care | ConsumerAffairs
Buying Guide – Organic Consumers Association
https://www.organicbeautynow.com
https://www.wellwithinbeauty.com
organicauthority.com/delicious-beauty/skincare-organi
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Resources: DIY Organic/Natural Beauty Product Recipes
Homemade DIY Natural Beauty Recipes – Wellness Mama
Organic Beauty Recipes – DIY Body Butter – Homemade Lip Balm
Homemade Beauty Products – Natural Beauty Product Recipes
Homemade Beauty Recipes – All Natural Beauty
Recipes for Homemade Beauty Products – Real Simple
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Resources: Organic Makeup
“Organic” Cosmetics – Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Origins | Official Site | Skincare Powered by Nature
All Natural Makeup Brands, Organic Cosmetics & More – Sephora
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Resources: DIY Natural Makeup Recipes
How to Make Natural Makeup at Home | Wellness Mama
Homemade Foundation Powder – Live Simply
Homemade Beauty Recipes – Natural Beauty Remedies
Homemade Makeup Recipes: My All-Time Favorite Resource
How to Make DIY Natural Make-Up
10 All-Natural DIY Makeup Recipes
Easy DIY Cosmetics Recipes You Should Try
DIY: Organic Homemade Makeup Recipes
Chemical Free Life 