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.

You will see numerous products ranging from cosmetics to deodorants, hair color, sun protection, feminine products, and much more! Each item’s ingredients are clearly listed. Best of all, the ingredients are natural! Some things to keep in mind to help the environment

• Shampoo and Conditioner: Use the 2-in-1 and save on plastic, time, water and money.
• Deodorant: Avoid anti-perspirants as they use aluminum salts to seal your pores, a toxin to the body.
• Eyeliner: Use eyeliner contained within wood chips versus encased in plastic.
• Foundation: Use foundation in recyclable glass containers.
• Lipstick: Make sure your lipstick is made from plants instead of from paraffin waxes, synthetic oils and toxic coal tar dyes.
• Hair Dye: Choose semi- or semi-permanent dyes made from plants versus synthetic dyes.
• Mascara: Choose mascara made from plants and minerals versus petroleum.
• Perfumes/Colognes: Switch to natural botanical perfumes and colognes. Most perfumes and colognes are derived from petroleum.

Read more about Beauty Products and Skin Care:

• Spray Lotion Mist from Ola Hawaii
  
• Green Myth-Busting: “Natural” Beauty Products
• All I Have to Do is “Neem” — Organic Neem Oil Provides Care for Dry Skin

“lemon-lime margarita shampoo adds shine and body to fine hair… It’s this saucy, sassy, salty shampoo! BIG combines shine-enhancing citrus juices with the beautifying, hair-buffing impact of sea salt and genuine sea water for a body-building regimen your fine hair won’t sweat over…”

Now I have friends overseas calling me for this stuff. As if they don’t already deliver everywhere on earth! I must say this is the most amazing shampoo anyone has ever tipped me on, and now, my dears, I must pass this tip along to you as it is almost too good to be true.

Read Green Option: Shampoo Skipping

Source: New Scientist

Photo: shaaditimes.com

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)