Safe Cosmetics

You can find safe cosmetics but you have to do a little detective work. Whenever you shop for cosmetics or personal care products, check the label for ingredients like these:

Phthalates – these chemicals disrupt endocrine glands where hormones are secreted and can be toxic to reproductive health in women and men. Also been known to cause liver, kidney and lung damage. Commonly used in nail polish, deodorant, fragrances, hair products and lotions. You’ll recognize them by these chemical names: diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

Parabens - these are widely used as preservatives in skin creams, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, foundations, even baby lotions. Parabens have been found in samples of breast tumors and they mimic estrogen which can wreak havoc with reproductive health. Look for anything that’s listed as methyl-, butyl-, ethyl-, and propyl-.

Coal Tar - you will find it in hair dyes, shampoos, cosmetics. Listed as “FD & C” or “D & C” colors. It’s banned in the European Union (EU) but you can still find it in many products in North America.

Lead Acetate - this is also commonly used in hair dye. Banned in the EU but at least the FDA requires a warning on any product that contains this ingredient.

Safe Ingredient List

Avoid cosmetics that say “fragrance” because that simply means it can have any ingredient in it, safe or otherwise, and it usually contains phthalates. Even “unscented” and “fragrance free” products are a problem because they put a fragrance in it to hide the fragrance!

Remember This...

If it’s safe enough to eat, it’s safe enough to put on your skin. Now, you probably won’t want to eat your cosmetics but if it’s a recognizable ingredient from nature, like olive oil, avocado oil, or witch hazel, then you can consider it pretty safe to put on your skin.

Watch this video..."What is Fragrance?" from EWG.


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