How to Avoid Toxic Chemicals in Beauty Products

The skin is the largest organ in the body and skin is pretty sensitive about absorbing chemicals. Did you know that 95 percent of all products marketed for skin, hair, personal care or beauty contain chemicals linked to cancer or skin disorders? Many people aren't aware that the FDA doesn't monitor the marketing or manufacture of beauty products in any way. Short of moving to Europe where rules are stricter, here's some steps you can take to protect your health.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Since one of the most toxic activities women do every day is taking a shower (yes, literally), consider installing a shower filter. Avoid all that benzene, toluene and the myriad of other chemicals that lurk in our tap water. You'll find that your skin and hair are softer.
2. Switch to mineral makeup. You'll have less trouble with breakouts and irritation, as the skin breathes better with the fine powder or liquid foundation brands like Physician's Formula (available at Target) provide. Avoid talc in your makeup; it's been linked to cancer and is a respiratory toxin.
3. Avoid petrochemicals in the products you purchase. These include ingredients like Denatured Alcohol (causes dermatitis), Benzyl Alcohol (severe irritant for eyes, skin, respiratory system), Coal Tar (a carcinogen--look for cade tar or pine tar instead), 1-4 Dioxane--found in baby bath products, a known carcinogen and Parabens--the methyl-,
   propyl paraben family of preservatives have been implicated in a multitude of serious health problems. And of course mineral oil and Vaseline are acne-producing, skin-drying and may be carcinogenic.
4. Avoid the sodium lauryl sulfate family. They are essentially harsh detergents that are acne-producing and are considered mutagens. And yes, it's possible to find shampoos without them.
5. Avoid phthalates. They're found in most mainstream cosmetics, glues, nail polish, plastics and vinyl shower curtains. They're showing up in the blood of pregnant mothers and infants, suspected as causing birth defects.
6. Also avoid, wherever possible, carcinogenic Benzoates and DEA ingredients like Cocamide DEA.
7. You'll find the beauty product section of health stores is an excellent resource for clean and green care products like shampoos, lotions, moisturizers, soaps and toothpaste. Have fun. Look for labels like Giovanni, Aubrey Organics, Toms of Maine, Alba Botanica, Nature's Gate and Desert Essence.

Tips & Warnings

• Revlon brand nail polish does NOT contain phthlates.