Written by Tracy Hepler, Image via gogreeninstyle.com

The Skinny >>

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and what you put on it is directly absorbed into it.  That’s pretty scary when many conventional cosmetic products from major brands have harmful ingredients that are derivatives of petroleum (oil), vinyl and plastic.

Here is a quick review of common personal care ingredients that are known, or suspected to be, toxic (via safecosmetics.org):

•    Mercury (often listed as “thimerosal”): possible human carcinogen and reproductive toxin. Found in some eye drops, ointments & mascaras.

•    Placenta: Produces progesterone, estrogen and other hormones that can interfere with the body’s normal hormone functions and can lead to health problems like breast cancer. Found in some hair relaxers, moisturizers and toners.

•    Lead Acetate: Known human reproductive and developmental toxin. Found in some hair dyes and cleansers.

•    Petrochemicals (petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin): May contain human carcinogens, as well as 1,4-Dioxane (which is not listed on ingredient labels). Found in some hair relaxers, anti-aging creams, foundation, lipsticks and more.

•    Phthalates (such as dibutyl and diethylhexyl): Probable developmental toxins and endocrine disruptors. Found in some nail polishes, hair sprays and fragrances (which are then used in most other products like soaps, shampoos, etc.)

Why are these items allowed in cosmetics? Loopholes in federal law prevent the FDA from governing cosmetics safety.  Compared to the European Union, which has banned 1,100 chemicals from personal use, the US has only banned 10.  The 50 billion dollar cosmetic industry also lobbies against laws that regulate chemical content.  And so far these lobbying efforts are successful and chemicals that are known to be toxic are still in our products.

If looking at this list makes you feel woozy, have no fear.  There are so many high-quality, chemical-free skin care products out there.  To keep it simple, check out our “Going Green Starter Kit” which includes Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap.  Or to get into the nitty gritty, keep reading…

Work It >>

The government isn’t protecting us, so we’ve got to protect ourselves:  Take a look at the ingredients in each of your cosmetic products.  If any of them look unfamiliar, go to www.cosmeticdatabase.com.  There you can plug in the name of your product, or the specific ingredient, and get the details on how safe it is (or isn’t) for you to use on a scale of 0-10 (0 being the safest) .

Download the EWG’s free shopper’s guide to safe cosmetics PDF: You’ll can always know what ingredients to avoid (common ones include, DMDM hydantoin, Fragrance, Methylcholorisothianzolinone, parabens, PEG, sodium lauryl, laurerth sulfate and formaldehyde).

Simplify your skin care routine: I used to have a bathroom full of needless products; now I keep it really simple with organic shampoo, conditioner, essential-oil based soaps, cleansers, lotions and face crèmes.  Both my hair and skin have never looked better (and I’m getting older!).  Plus even though some of these products cost a little more money, since I’m buying less stuff, I’m actually saving money.  We’ve got a great round up of our team’s favorite natural beauty products.

Make up is going green too. Check out earth-friendly lines like Jane Erdale, Josie Maran, Cargo, Tarte and others.  More and more brands are popping up all the time.

Earn Your Stripes >>

Get creative and trying making some of your own skin care products DIY style.  We’ve got some great skin care recipes from the kitchen cabinet here.

My favorite DIY recipe is a simple sugar scrub that I make with three ingredients, organic coconut oil, fair trade raw sugar, and lavender essential oil.  Combine all three and bam, you’ve got something really special and nourishing at a fraction of the cost.

Get Your Green Starter Kit >>

Don’t have all the tools to get you into eco-action?  Our going green starter kit can kick-start your routine with basic eco-goodies …and with a special boot camp discount too.

Related Content >>

• Cosmetic Database

• “What Does Social Activism have to do with Cosmetics?”

• “The YDT Team’s Top Natural Beauty Picks”

• “Fab and Affordable Eco Beauty Picks for the Winter Season”

• “What is so Essential about Oils?  The Skinny on Essential and Fragrance Oils”

Missed a Few Boot Camps?  Catch Up Here >>

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