Tips for Safer Non-Toxic Cosmetics

My own personal research into the effects of chemicals on our health–decades of research into methods to effectively remove chemicals from our bodies, and thereby restore health–has only strengthened my resolve to find pure, effective, non-toxic cosmetics that are a good value for money. I’m tired of seeing $50 price tags on 2oz of “night serum” or “daily moisturizer” made from cheap and harmful chemicals just put in a pretty wrapper.

Cucumber & Watercress Organic Daily Face Moisturizer
“For centuries, shea nut trees have been harvested for their exotic, rich butters, which offer skin nutritional benefits and intense hydrating. Açai Oil, from the rainforest, protects skin with antioxidants, while Vitamin E and Zinc help heal breakouts, and enzymes in the cucumber refine skin and help keep pores clear.”

Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. government doesn’t regulate cosmetics for safety, long-term health impacts or environmental damage.

Açai Berry & Seabuckthorn Organic Nighttime Renewal Face Moisturizer
“Nourishes while you sleep, so you wake up to radiant skin. Helps reduce signs of aging and promotes fresh, healthy and youthful skin by incorporating antioxidants and intensive hydration. “

Many common cosmetics ingredients are harmful to people and the environment.  Just like in our food supply, there are the pretenders: labels say “all natural”, “infused with herbs” or even “made with organic” or worse yet simply stating “organic” on the label when this is a figment of the manufacturer’s imagination but is an allowable marketing ploy because cosmetics labels are not regulated. Consumer beware. A little more ethical are those body care companies that do include small amounts of organic ingredients, just enough to legitimately say non-toxic cosmetics, or organic on the label. But many also use chemicals–most of which are harmful.

Then there are those excellent companies who look beyond the profit margin to earn bona-fide certifications for being organic and/or free of animal cruelty and/or otherwise careful to use only non-toxic ingredients and kind manufacturing procedures.

There are two key ways to avoid toxic ingredients and other unethical practices:
1. read the ingredients labels; and
2. buy only those with the “badges” you find important, minimally the USDA Organic certification if you truly want non-toxic cosmetics.

Only when a 3rd party entity certifies the entire product, can you be sure of a genuine claim: If it carries the USDA Organic badge then it meets non-toxic cosmetic claims. Ingredients are grown in unadulterated soils, free of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, harvested cleanly, minimally processed without risk of contamination and stored correctly to maintain their nutrient value.

Some of the more reputable companies also refuse to test on animals. The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program administers an internationally recognized cruelty-free standard providing the best assurance of no animal testing used in any phase of product development.

The Recycled label ensures packaging made with at least 25% post-consumer recycled content, and the package is recyclable. I hope everyone makes a daily, conscious effort to recycle, re-use, and re-think the use of resources used in consumer products. Our planet likes non-toxic cosmetic practices too. 

The gluten free label is important to those who have Celiac’s disease or other gluten sensitivities or allergies. Gluten-containing, grain-based products may react when used on your skin.

The “vegan” logo identifies products that do not contain animal products or byproducts and that have not been tested on animals.   Decipher the labels to choose non-toxic cosmetics. Everything that applies to food applies to body care products:

1. The ingredients are listed by content: The first 3 to 4 ingredients listed on the ingredients label make up between 90% and 95% of the entire product (usually water and/or the cosmetic base). The last 3 to 5 ingredients on the label amount to approximately 1% to 3% of the entire product. Non-toxic cosmetics will not have bad chemicals. Period. Even if the product is probably 95% water, a small amount of a problematic chemical can defeat your search for non-toxic cosmetics.
2. Can you even read the label? If you can’t, if it is a bunch of biochemistry mumbo jumbo, then skip it and buy a truly non-toxic cosmetic. The organic primrose oil promoted on the pretty packaging is far overshadowed by the PEG, parabens, pthalates and other harsh chemicals that make up the bulk of the ingredients.

With this in mind, you can choose a really great brand that works for you. I don’t usually promote specific brands on this blog, but the one I use just went on sale–and who doesn’t love a sale? Thought you might like to know. Nourish Organic long ago met my non-toxic cosmetics standards including its high quality/low price; but through November get $20-30 off your order. And always, with any order over $50 shipping is free. Save $20 on $75 orders or Save $30 on $100 orders

Copyright © 2013. Marie Sternquist. All Rights Reserved.