Cosmetics to AvoidWritten by Lori Stryker
Many cosmetics we use every day are made from ingredients that may have adverse effects on our health. These may be derived from animals, microbes or are by-products of petroleum production. They may cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, or you may simply have ethical reasons prohibiting their use. When deciding on a cosmetic purchase, consider if your desired purchase has an all-natural alternative. The Organic Make-up Company has excellent, high quality alternatives to skin care and make-up cosmetics, which are free from all ingredients listed below. Please visit our glossary for more information on our products' ingredients and this topic.Chemical Ingredients: Animal or Microbial Ingredient Aluminum Albumin Ammonium glycolate Artificial colours Cl 77267 (bone charcoal) Cl 77268 (black bone charcoal) Benzoates: sodium benzoate, benzoic acid BHT, BHA Ceresin Collagen
| | Why Switch To All Natural CosmeticsWritten by Lori Stryker
The human skin wraps and protects our bodies. It constitutes a living, dynamic tissue system. It has remarkable ability to absorb applied products, partially or completely, into bloodstream. In fact, up to 60% of products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited into circulatory system (Fairley, 2001). For instance, average woman absorbs 30 pounds of ingredients contained in moisturizers over sixty years (Dr.Hauschka).These new understandings of how skin functions reveal concerns about possible long term effects due to combination of chemicals used in cosmetics, often termed "chemical cocktail effect". Several chemicals which are used in common, popular cosmetics are known irritants and carcinogens. Concern stems from knowledge that most of these ingredients are derived synthetically or from petroleum. Avoiding these substances serve to decrease overall exposure to harmful or irritating cosmetic ingredients. In Canada, not all cosmetics list their ingredients on their labels, but most have toll free telephone numbers which link you to their customer service departments, where inquiries about ingredient lists can be made. Reading labels and recognizing problematic ingredients are necessary skills for a consumer who intends to choose products that are completely natural. The cost of a cosmetic is not a reliable indicator of either its quality or natural characteristics. Most cosmetics, from lowest priced, to most costly brands, are composed of identical base ingredients (Begoun, 1991). Cosmetics do not stay on surface of skin without penetrating to some degree. Lipstick wearers, for example, consume 1.5 to 4 tubes in a lifetime (Aveda). If one considers ingredients being internalized by body, absorbing plant oils and waxes, mineral pigments or essential oils is a healthier alternative than absorbing petroleum by-products and synthetic chemicals. The ability to choose right cosmetics for you depends on accurate ingredient knowledge, personal needs and market choices. Caring for one's whole body includes skin care choices that support and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
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