The issue of choosing safer cosmetics can sound complicated. In fact, it isn't. Like any other skill, it needs some practice, but it's doable and really enjoyable once you get to realize that your diligence with regard to reading product labels can actually protect your health.
Chemists and beauty shops might seem full of choice, but it's most likely only an illusory appearance. The truth is that, in most cases, only the containers bear some difference; the actual beauty products beneath the shiny plastic bottles are all mixtures of synthetic chemicals created in order to make them smell, look, feel, absorb better. Hence, the real choice is limited to how many synthetic chemicals we want in our product. The essence of the product is to sell well, last long and get the job done.I'm sorry if I'm going to disillusion you, but your health rates very low on manufacturers' list of priorities.
Here is my simple advice:
*Read labels
*Buy healthier alternatives (I mention many on my blog)
*Use Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Database to research your beauty products. Cosmetics Database is here. Just a click away ;)
*Use fewer products
*Do not trust claims such as 'dermatologist-tested', 'natural', 'gentle'.
TOP TIPS on safer beauty products from The Environmental Working Group
Your body
Getting clean
No { triclocarban (bar soap) or triclosan (liquid soap) }
Yes { hand sanitizers with ethanol/ethyl alcohol }
Moisturizing
No { retinyl palmitate or retinol in daytime skin products }
No { triclosan in toothpaste }
No { retinyl palmitate or retinol }
Very few sunscreens provide adequate sun protection and are free of harmful ingredients.
No
SPF above 50
Retinyl palmitate
Aerosol spray and powder sunscreen
Oxybenzone
Insect repellent
SPF above 50
Retinyl palmitate
Aerosol spray and powder sunscreen
Oxybenzone
Insect repellent
Yes
Hats and shade in mid-day sun.
Zinc or Titanium are the best active ingredients, otherwise Avobenzone at 3%
SPF 30 for intense sun
Use a lot and reapply frequently
Hats and shade in mid-day sun.
Zinc or Titanium are the best active ingredients, otherwise Avobenzone at 3%
SPF 30 for intense sun
Use a lot and reapply frequently
No
Fragrance
PEGs, ceteareths and polyethylene
Parabens: propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl
DMDM hydantoin
Fragrance
PEGs, ceteareths and polyethylene
Parabens: propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl
DMDM hydantoin
No
Formaldehyde or formalin in polish, hardeners or other nail products.
Toluene
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Formaldehyde or formalin in polish, hardeners or other nail products.
Toluene
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Pregnant? Skip polish.
Kids are sensitive. Use few products and pick them carefully.
Diaper Cream
No Boric Acid
Baby Wipes
No 2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bronopol)
Toothpaste
LIMIT fluoride toothpaste for kids who might swallow it (none for kids under 2)
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