“Did you know Mussolini’s mistress absolutely refused to wear pearls after she heard about the Nazi experiments to coat the things with poison chemicals? The poison would be absorbed through the skin.”
~General Bo
“Dying for Chocolate” by Diane Mott Davidson.
This had me thinking. We consider what goes in our bodies, but what goes on our bodies? – not so much.
The personal care industry is effectively unregulated. Our government hasn’t made industry regulations since 1938. Not only is premarket safety testing not required, companies are virtually free to use toxic ingredients in products that we use daily. This freedom in effect allows labels to use deceiving adjectives to market the product. Trust me, “harmful” is not a word you’ll spot on a label.
For example, be cautious with the ingredients named “Fragrance” and “Parfum”. This is an elusive group of almost 3,000 unlisted chemicals (most of which are derived from petroleum). Many scientists believe that synthetic fragrance may be the cause of mild dermatitis to more serious problems such as migraines, asthma, birth defects (including autism), miscarriage, hormone imbalance and cancer.
The FDA has banned 19 toxins found in antibacterial soap, but regular soap still needs to be vetted. Try Pure Bliss Artisan Soap. A company started by a family friend desiring natural products for their 10 children. Why use off the shelf products loaded with toxins when you can get pure ingredients? Everything from bar soap (where else can you find Frankincense & Myrrh scented soap?) to diaper rash creams and unique shaving bars are available there.
My friend Emily experienced allergic reactions to chemicals contained in over-the counter hair color. Not ok. Her solution? Madison Reed. This hair dye offers a smarter way to color at home. It is handcrafted in Italy, under the strictest EU health and safety standards. The result? See for yourself:
Avoid toxins in cleansers and makeup removers by switching to Norwex Makeup Remover Cloths or Makeup Eraser, both found on Amazon.
Anti-aging creams and moisturizers can contain Propylene Glycol. I’m guessing you don’t want to put antifreeze on your face., so try Goop
Even nail polish has been targeted. It’s ranked as 3-Free through 9-Free. The “free” number indicates how many carcinogens have been left out. So, the higher the number, the safer the product.
Everything we put on our face, eyes and lips is a chance to add toxins to the biggest organ we have, our skin. Here are a few options:
Beautycounter is one brand working to put safe products into our hands. Check out their safe, beautiful and elegant products.
Thrive Causemetics is safe beauty with a purpose: for every product purchased, they donate one to a woman in need.
Coastal Classic Creations make their products, including makeup, perfume and skincare with the best ingredients nature has to offer.
If these price points are a bit high, try Physicians Formula or e.l.f. products.
What if you’re “brand loyal”? I won’t stop using my Younique BB Flawless Complexion Enhancer. Good news. With the little research I did, the ingredients seem safe enough to continue use.
I’m kind of a lazy person and not inclined to read a long-ish list of foreign-sounding chemicals that I won’t remember. Generally we know to avoid products that contain lead, mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde, parabens and any ingredients using alphabet short cuts (BHA, PABA, EDTA, MEA, etc.). I don’t enjoy struggling to read the tiny text on ingredients labels. Nor do I have the energy to start a hash tag # campaign or drum up support for a boycott. If you share these characteristics, at least research before you buy. Before going shopping, check out EWG’s Skin Deep Database to help you decide what’s safe(r) to buy.
If you prefer an app (and who doesn’t?) download the free app “Think Dirty”. You can easily scan a product to learn if it’s “dirty” or “clean”. Got a “dirty” rating? A safer alternative is also provided.
Doesn’t all of this make you want to say bye. bye. bye. to health robbing products?
Very interesting Irene. I guess we could all stop bathing, using deodorant, body lotion, body spray, shampoo & makeup, but no one could stand to be around us!!! I’m too lazy to change everything I use!! 🙂
I understand, Karen. I’m not willing to give up my “dirty” mascara, yet. Maybe a bit at a time…like those products with “beads” in them. That can’t be good, right?
We need to read labels & check for the most natural products we can get. Not only are we affecting ourselves but we are polluting the earth.
I hadn’t thought about that aspect….but, yes! You’re right!
Very informative. And very depressing considering what I have in my make up drawer!!
ANDDDDD – Emily is so pretty!!!
Yes, Emily is very pretty…we hate her, right?
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate
to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and
adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook
group. Chat soon!
thank you!