 Living a sustainable lifestyle includes using things that are not toxic to the environment, which also means that you will benefit from this, too. Cosmetics are one of the things that are not as regulated by the government as other products. It can be hard to sort fact from fiction in this industry. Here is a list of ingredient to avoid in cosmetics so that you can find something that works well for you without posing harmful to your health or the environment.
Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. They can be found in moisturizers, cleansers and more. Parabens have been found to cause irritation, dermatitis or allergic reactions. There was also a study showing parabens present in breast cancer tissue samples, though a link hasn't been completely proven yet. Look for these labeled as: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben or butylparaben.
This group of industrial chemicals called phthalates, is linked to birth defects and is used in many cosmetics. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) learned that the FDA has completed a study on the safety of phthalates in cosmetics but the findings have remained confidential so far. Two of the most toxic phthalates, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have been banned from cosmetic products sold in the European Union but are still used in the U.S.
Thousands of different chemicals are permitted to be used in perfume and do not have to be listed on the label. Fragrances have been linked to breathing difficulties and allergies. A typical cosmetic can contain up to 100 chemicals in just one scent. 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are derived from petroleum. It is usually best to go for no fragrance or to only use the ones from essential oils and plants.
Mineral oil and petroleum are the basic ingredients in many cosmetic products today. Both mineral oil and petroleum have the same origins in fossils fuels. Cosmetics such as foundations, cleansers and moisturizers often contain mineral oil. By locking moisture against the skin, mineral oil sits on the skin's surface, which can cause pimples because it doesn't allow the skin to breathe. Instead, try beeswax or vegetable-derived substitutes.
The Environmental Working Group found that many hair dye products contain ingredients derived from carcinogenic coal tar. Coal tar hair dyes have been advised against as a way to reduce the risk of cancer.
The above information might seem scary and cast all sorts of doubts over the products you are currently using, but there are plenty of products that are not only cruelty-free, but certified organic as well. Look for the Eco-Cert label as well as the USDA Organic seal.
EnviroCitizen.org has found that you can also give yourself peace of mind by knowing everything that has gone into your cosmetics by making your own. There are numerous recipes available online with all kinds of healthy ingredients. They are inexpensive and eco-friendly, so it definitely worth trying.
Check out EnviroCitizen.org's non-toxic, eco-friendly cosmetics.
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