The skin can absorb as much as 60 percent of what we put on it. So it's important to know what you're exposing yourself to. Three culprit beauty chemical types are parabens, phthalates, and retinols.
Parabens: These are the most popular synthetic preservatives in products like shampoo, makeup, lotions, scrubs, and deodorants and are estimated to be in 75 to 90 percent of products. They're to be avoided because, like BPA, parabens mimic estrogen.
Phthalates: If your product has a scent, it probably has phthalates. They're a class of chemicals that include suspected carcinogens and known hormone disruptors and that can interfere with fetal development. They're especially dangerous for moms of boys, as phthalates have been linked to genitalia development disorders and autism.
Retinols: Commonly found in wrinkle creams, retinols have been linked to facial abnormalities, heart defects, nervous system abnormalities, and cleft lips. Though Retin-A is the only topical form that's been linked to severe berth defects, it's certainly better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your beauty regimen.
Watch out for:
1. BHA and BHT
2. Coal tar dyes: p-phenylenediamine and colours listed as "CI" followed by a five digit number
3. DEA-related ingredients
4. Dibutyl phthalate
5. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
6. Parabens
7. Parfum (a.k.a. fragrance)
8. PEG compounds
9. Petrolatum
10. Siloxanes
11. Sodium laureth sulfate
12. Triclosan
Coconut Oil for many uses!
- Face wash - Rub coconut oil on dry face. Using hot water, wet a face cloth and place on face for a few seconds until it cools. This will open up the pores. Then wipe your face with the cloth. The oil wipes away the dirt and makeup. I used to suffer from acne, but with switching to coconut oil and cleaning up my diet I no longer get acne. Helps with wrinkles as well.
- Face and body moisturizer
- Make-up remover
Shampoo and Conditioner
- I currently use the Jason brand for shampoo and conditioner.
- The main things you want to avoid are phthalates, Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) and Parabens.
- I have tried the vinegar and baking soda method with not great results. But many find it works well, so maybe it depends on hair type. More infohere if you are interested in trying it.
Make-Up
Pure Anada - a local company (based out of Morden). I buy this at my local health food store in Steinbach. I use their foundation and mascara. Both are quality products and go on nicely. I also love the quality of the foundation brush!
Earth Lab Cosmetics - a canadian company. My naturopath recommended this to me when I was dealing with a skin rash a couple years ago. Great products! Their mascara is very popular.
I use these safer, more natural products for my everyday makeup. I do, however, still have some regular drug store cosmetics that I use rarely for special occasions.
Lip Balm and Lip Stick
- I like Burts Bee's or this Go Natural (local Manitoba company) for lip balm
- I'm not a lip stick wearer so I don't have a recommendation but I do know you have to be careful with what you choose, especially if you wear it on a daily basis. Many lipsticks contain lead and I've read the average woman consumes 6 lbs of lipstick in their lifetime.
Toothpaste
Deoderant
Man Stink Killer Deodorant
- baking soda (Where to buy natural baking soda)
- arrowroot powder or non-GMO cornstarch (where to buy arrowroot powder , where to buy non-GMO cornstarch)
- coconut oil (where to buy coconut oil)
- essential oils, optional (tea tree, patchouli, rosemary, lavender or bergamot essential oil would work well)
- Mix equal parts baking soda and either arrowroot powder or GMO-free cornstarch. I use about ½ cup baking soda and 1/2 cup arrowroot.
- Blend with coconut oil until moist and then store in a jar.
- Seriously. That’s it.
- If you want to get fancy, though, add a little essential oil for scent.
Bath
Body Wash
Do you have a natural brand you love?