Then I started reading. Do you know what they put in cosmetics? No, of course you don't - because they have no obligation to tell you! They can put anything in them and get by with it. There are no government standards for safety and for testing of cosmetics. Toxic ingredients used in many cosmetics, even ones that are labeled "natural". The argument is that they only have minute quantities in them. Think about how much women use over their lifetimes. It is a huge amount. And they are absorbed through the skin. They accumulate in our systems. They are passed on to our unborn or nursing children. At a time when untested chemicals are on the rise, so is breast cancer, reproductive disorders, endocrine disruption, and neurological disorders.
The worst toxic ingredients found in personal care products are:
Mercury - often listed as thimerosal
Placenta and placental extracts - can be from animal sources
Lead Acetate
Petrochemicals
Phthalates
Hydroquinone
Nanoparticles
Acrylamide
Ethylene Oxide
These are used in everything from lipstick, mascara, lotions, shampoo, shaving cream, hair remover, hair dyes, relaxants, cosmetic sponges, nail polish and remover, children's bath products, fragrance, ointments, hair sprays, sunscreens, soaps, mineral makeups, mousse, gels, and foundations.
I recommend checking all of your beauty products and the products your family uses at:
http://www.safecosmetics.org
and for information on products linked to breast cancer:
http://www.breastcancerfund.org
I know it is really time-consuming, to research all of the choices, or to stand in the store and read every label, but BEFORE YOU BUY IT - READ WHAT IT IS!! Most of the products in the big box stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Macy's, etc.) should just be avoided. Unfortunately, the more well-known the brand, the more likely they use toxic ingredients in them.
There are a few products to be found in health-food stores, and in the "Natural Food" section of the grocery store, but they are really hard to find. You really have to pick and choose. Some of them use tricky ingredient labeling. Just because it lists "Natural Soy" as an ingredient (sounds nice, right?)doesn't mean it doesn't also have some of the highest rated toxic chemicals in them. There are websites you can order from. I may be forced to do that, but I like to smell, touch and test before I buy. So, as I find good products, I will let you know. If you find something you like, please check it on the safe cosmetics website and let me know!
Feng Shui Connection:
As I have said before- Clear the Clutter. Use less, buy less. This goes for faces as well as homes. Gentler, purer and safer products are better for us and for our "energies". The safer products may be a little more expensive, but you don't have to buy 20 kinds of shampoos. One gets the job done. Your kids don't need fancy bubbles to keep them entertained in a tub of water. A couple of toys or even safe containers will do. And No More Clutter in the bathroom! Very good Feng Shui!
Green Stuff:
Pay attention to the packaging your beauty products come in too. Less is definitely more here. Packaging from 100% post consumer recycled products is best, plastic is worst. And bring your reusable bag shopping too! On this topic, if you want a really cute and fashionable bag to take to the mall, try out the bags from: www.thegreenloop.com. They have adorable ones for $8.50 each, or in 5-packs too. Somehow, I just don't want to take my reusable grocery bags when I'm shopping for clothes, CD's or shoes!
Happy Shopping!
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