TOP CLEAN BEAUTY SWAPS: OUT WITH THE TOXIC IN WITH THE GREEN
To look for toxic substances in our cosmetics and personal skincare might seem ridiculous, these products pass rigorous inspections and are safe for us, right? Wrong! Cosmetics sold in the United States can contain 29 ingredients banned in Canada, 70 ingredients banned in Europe and 11 ingredients known to the state of California to cause cancer or developmental problems. There are some things we should worry about, but products that go on to our face and body shouldn't be one of them.
We want to look beautiful and young, and we don't want to smell, have oily hair or have dry wrinkled skin. So, we purchase the best in bodycare, use the most expensive shampoos, conditioners and lotions, shower gel and make-up, but at what expense? We aren't talking monetary expense, at what cost is this hurting your body?
Unlike natural skin care products, chemical-based skin care products are made up of different kinds of chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Sometimes these chemicals make them more effective, but typically they increase the probability of developing skin allergies, irritations, side effects and sometimes much much worse. As a result, more harm is often done than good.
We know it can be overwhelming to make "the change" to a green routine, so in case this is a whole new world for you, we started small with our TOP 5 SWAPS and we used EWG's SKIN DEEP Cosmetic Database, an online tool to look up popular products and compare them to some of our favorite clean products and see how they measure up.
DEODORANT
Company: LOVEFRESH
Product pick: Mandarin Lime Deodorant
What it is: This all-natural deodorant will keep you smelling fresh all day long, we promise! By using this wonderful deodorant you will feel comfortable that you are not putting any harsh chemicals under a very vulnerable part of your body. Plus, it really works. Ingredients include Fair Trade Shea Butter, Coconut Oil*, Kaolin Clay, Sodium Bicarbonate (aluminum-free), Natural Beeswax and natural organic essential oils*. That's it!
Skin Concerns: Sensitive skin, sweating, odor.
Price: $24 (3.7 oz)
-VS-
Company: Lady Speed Stick by Mennen
Product: 24/7 Antiperspirant & Deodorant, Fresh Fusion
Concerns: Allergies/immunotoxicity, Miscellaneous, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Ecotoxicology, Enhanced skin absorption, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Cancer, Contamination concerns (BRUCINE, T-BUTYL ALCOHOL, BRUCINE SULFATE, QUASSIN)
Price: $2.99 (1.4 oz)
SUN PROTECTION
Company: COOLA
Product pick: Mineral Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish Moisturizer
What it is: Naturally shield and nourish skin everyday with this antioxidant-infused, mineral matte SPF 30 sunscreen. Offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB plus environmental protection, this light, natural cucumber scented formula gives skin an immediate line-smoothing finish. Rosehip Oil fights free radicals, Evening Primrose helps calm skin and Omega-3 and Gamma-Linolenic Acid improve elasticity and help skin retain moisture. This sunscreen is formulated for all skin types.
Skin Concerns: Sun protection.
Price: $36 each (1.7 oz)
-VS-
Company: Coppertone
Product: Sport High Performance Clear Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
(ACTIVE INGREDIENT)
Price: $7.24 (6 oz)
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Company: Josh Rosebrook
Product pick: Balance Shampoo & Conditioner
What it is: A balancing shampoo formulated for All Hair Textures with normal to oily scalp conditions to offset excessive oiliness and create volume. Aloe vera, gentle natural cleansers and advanced herbal infusions work in unique synergy to cleanse impurities and balance overly sebaceous scalp conditions for effortless volume and manageability. Rich natural plant oils and herbal actives effectively soften, add shine, treat scalp and stimulate follicle circulation to increase flow of nourishment, encouraging strong, continued hair growth. A light, volumizing conditioner formulated for All Hair Textures with normal to oily scalp conditions. Pure plant oils and active herbal infusions work in harmony to effectively soften and increase volume. Aloe vera and rich fatty acids seal in moisture, smooth, add shine and protect the hair shaft, scalp and follicle.
Skin Concerns: Oily and dry hair.
Price: $32 each (8 oz)
-VS-
Company: Dove
Product: Dove Daily Moisture 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner
Price: $4.88 (20.4 oz)
SERUM
Company: Pai Skincare
Product pick: Back to Life Hydration Serum
What it is: Specifically formulated for sensitive and Eczema-prone skin, our Back To Life Hydrating Serum is carefully designed to provide hydration without irritation. Using a combination of natural ingredients, this Serum helps skin to retain water, for a complexion that feels comforted and looks full of life.
Skin Concerns: Eczema, dry/dehydrated, dull/uneven skin.
Price: $78 (1.01 oz)
-VS-
Company: Neutrogena
Product: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum
Concerns: Use restrictions, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Ecotoxicology
Price: $21.99 (1 oz)
FACE WASH
Company: Ursa Major
Product: Fantastic Face Wash
What it is: This concentrated foaming gel cleanser delivers a thorough and invigorating cleanse, plus a hit of AHA/BHA exfoliation, without stripping your skin of moisture or messing with its pH balance. Oh, and did we mention it smells fantastic? The result is clear, healthy-looking skin and a kick in your step. Never any petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance or color, glycols, silicones or PEGs. This product is 99.5% naturally-derived and contains 51% organic ingredients.
Skin Concerns: Dull and dry skin.
Price: $28 (8 fl oz)
-VS-
Company: Philosophy
Product: Purity Made Simple One-step facial cleanser
TOP Ingredient issues*: PROPYLPARABEN, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA (FORMALDEHYDE RELEASER)
Concerns: Use restrictions, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Ecotoxicology, Cancer, Use restrictions, Contamination concerns (FORMALDEHYDE)
Price: $36 (16 fl oz)
** for a full list of ingredient concerns, head to EWG's SKIN DEEP Cosmetic Database for a full list, we only mentioned the top ingredient concerns in 5-10 range moderate to high.