I often wonder why our beauty products do not come with warning labels; most of them are filled with toxins harmful to our bodies and our environment. Ingredients such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, germall, coal tar derivatives, urea, phthalates, toluene, formaldehyde, mineral oil, propylene glycol, triclosan, DEA, TEA, MEA, synthetic fragrances, PEG, BHA, and petroleum. Many of these ingredients have been confirmed to cause a wide range of cancers, reproductive concerns, allergies, and a sizeable list of health problems. Furthermore the ingredients which pollute our bodies also pollute the environment.To see the health effects of your current cosmetics check out the Environment Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. In the search field of the website, type your brand of cosmetics, or simply type one of its ingredients. Information will appear using a 1–10 ratio scale; 10 being the most harmful brand or ingredient.Your skin is your largest organ. It is porous; everything you apply on your body seeps into your pores. Therefore, what you put on your body is as important as what you put in it. Why not use beauty products kind to animals, kind to the planet, and kind to you?

What’s the solution?After much research concerning cosmetics which are safe, yet provide the desired results, I’ve found a great website to share: Holistic Beauty.

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This is one of those win-win-win tips. Many people have the kind of hair that just looks and feels better when it's not washed everyday. (Win #1) By skipping a day, you are saving water, product packaging, and energy. (Win #2) And, as usual, it will also save you money. (Win #3)

Now, if you're looking for an eco-friendly product to put in that hair when you DO wash it, check out the Cosmetics Database for ideas. We like the looks of Terressentials Pure Earth Hair Wash - this company only uses ingredients in their products that the USDA allows in certified organic food. Additionally, Korres Aloe & Soapwort Shampoo scores well in the database, using naturally occurring detergents and conditioning agents found in wheat, potato starch, and sunflower.

Rebecca says: I have friends that have the best hair - but if they were to wash it everyday it would getsstripped of all of its glory. Heck, one of my best friends only washes her hair once a week (which is a good thing considering the amount of it and how long it takes to dry it.) I'm not that way, however and do require a daily washaroo. If you've never tried it, it's definitely worth a shot. Do you think it will work for you?