We use nearly 10 cosmetic and personal care products daily, but many of us don’t realize they could be a risk to our health. The products promised to make you look more beautiful contain dangerous chemicals that are absorbed through the skin. On average, people apply 126 chemical ingredients on their skin daily. Once absorbed, the chemicals enter the bloodstream and can adversely affect organs. However, the cause for concern is not only directed towards our personal health, but towards the environment as well. After these products are consumed, they end up in our waterways by being rinsed down the sink or being flushed down the toilet in human excretions. If you are using products without a second thought, you might be putting your health and the environment at risk.
Although the government does not require health studies on cosmetic products, there are companies that are listening to the consumer demand for safer products. However, the safest products are not always easy to find. Look for natural or organic products and avoid the following chemical ingredients: Parabens, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Oxbenzone, Triclosan, Nitro- and Polycyclic Musks and Phthalates. These chemicals are found in common cosmetic products and can be extremely dangerous to your health.
To find cosmetic and personal care products that are safe for you and the environment, visit Skin Deep, a cosmetic database brought to you by researchers at Environmental Working Group. For safe shopping get the Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics, a print out guide to help easily identify dangerous products. Find out what’s hiding in your cosmetics and be on your way to a more beautiful you. Watch the video on this page and learn more.
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