Beauty Products: Make The Change

Your skin is an organ. It sucks up every little bit of lotion and lather you put on it…and it goes straight into your blood stream. For those of you who haven’t made the change to “healthy” soaps, lotions, lip balms, etc…please re-think your choice. I just cannot urge you enough to make these changes! It might be hard to switch out an item you’ve been using since Jr. High…but you just can’t afford to continue using these products. Why? The U.S. has a beauty industry that is largely unregulated. Don’t believe it? Check out “Not Just a Pretty Face” by Stacy Malkan. Here is a snippet from the book:

Lead in lipstick? 1,4 dioxane in baby soap? Coal tar in shampoo? How is this possible?Simple. The $35 billion cosmetics industry is so powerful that they’ve kept themselves unregulated for decades.Not one cosmetic product has to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration before hitting the market. Incredible? Consider this:

• The European Union has banned more than 1,100 chemicals from cosmetics. The United States has banned just 10.
• Only 11% of chemicals used in cosmetics in the US have been assessed for health and safety – leaving a staggering 89% with unknown or undisclosed effects.
• More than 70% of all personal care products may contain phthalates, which are linked to birth defects and infertility.
• Many baby soaps are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical 1,4 dioxane.

Go to Skin Deep before you purchase anything. Don’t assume that just because it’s on the shelf at the Target and it has a really cool “organic looking” package that it’s good for you and your children. Packaging is meant to be mesmerizing…they want you to buy their products. But don’t be fooled. Be a label reader! Look past the pretty bottle and really examine what you are buying.

I was looking for something tonight on the site and came across a few of these “favorites”. They might not be your favorites after you read on…

Bath and Body Works Cucumber Melon Anti-Bacterial Soap

Suave Men’s Shampoo

Blixtex Lip Balm

Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo

Do your research and choose items that have very few ingredients and that you can pronounce. That will narrow it down to just a few lines of products…so now your choices are much easier! Go for Aubrey Organics, or a line of locally homemade items (one of my favorites is Prairieland Herbs…check out their Cheek Gloss!). Better yet…learn how to make your own products and you’ll save money too!

Photo credit: Auntie P/Flickr Creative Commons

31 Responses to “Beauty Products: Make The Change”

1. Jun
   16
   2008
   At 7:06 am Safer Products « Giddy Goat says:

   […] what someone more eloquent than me has just posted about today, please take a few minutes and read this. I wish all Moms knew how important it was to use safe and gentle products on the little ones we […]
2. Jun
   16
   2008
   At 7:17 am Joy says:

   Thanks so much for the link to Rae’s blog-I meant to just stop work for a second to check it out and ended up reading most of June’s posts.

   Just want to let you know I find you both inspiring. AND I love the dreds!
3. Jun
   16
   2008
   At 10:10 am twofish4 says:

   Is there a store that sells beauty products that are face and eco-friendly?
4. Jun
   16
   2008

   At 12:31 pm Sara says:

   twofish4: :I would recommend checking out your local coop, Whole Foods Market, or something similar. But even then, you still need to be aware of ingredients and what they are trying to call organic/natural. The word “Natural” is not a regulated word on packagaing either…so it’s just a matter of research. Aubrey is really the only brand I trust. You can also get that online.
5. Jun
   16
   2008
   At 2:37 pm Lenae says:

   Wow- this was sobering. Thanks a lot for sharing the information!
6. Jun
   16
   2008
   At 3:48 pm kim says:

   Sara-thanks for once again reminding us of our natural options. There is a great video on Dr.Bronner’s website,(my new fave product line for the whole family and house)http://www.drbronner.com/punk_rock_soap_opera.html,
   that is both educational and entertaining! It shows us that there are so many products out there parading as natural and organic, soap for one, that have NO soap in them at all! Also, I’m inspired everyday from an old post of yours that reminds me I don’t have to “cover” my face w/unhealthy products. It is so much “simpler” this way……….
7. Jun
   17
   2008
   At 9:37 am Buffy says:

   I think you are right to highlight this, especially as there *are* so many responsible manufacturers around now who use non-harmful products. My favourites are Neal’s Yard, Neways and Liz Earle.
8. Jun
   17
   2008
   At 10:42 am flipflopmamma says:

   I posted about this several times on my log too. Glad others are getting the word out. I’ve been selling organic ody butter and lotion bars at my etsy store, and will be making bars of soap and liquid hand soap soon! I’m thinking about researching how do make cleaning supplies as well!
   flipflopmamma.etsy.com

   
9. Jun
   17
   2008

   At 11:08 am Sara says:

   Flipflop…making your own cleaners is super easy and cheap. I just use white vinegar, Dr. Bronner’s, essential oils, and water. If you’re less inclined to making your own, I really like Shaklee’s line of green cleaners simply because they are more concentrated than 7th Generation, etc.
10. Jun
    17
    2008
    At 1:06 pm Tara says:

    I think beuaty products cause more problems than they aleviate. It wasn’t unti I stopped using everything but water and occasionally baking soda that my acne went away.

    In fact whether it’s home cleaning or body care, I generally use the same products - baking soda, vinegar (either white or ACV), olive oil, essential oils and water.

    I do enjoy Shaklee’s Basic H and laundry detergent too.
    I
11. Jun
    17
    2008
    At 8:34 pm Lizzie says:

    Thanks for the info! Now that it’s summer, I’d would encourage folks to check out UV Natural-fantastic sunblock w/o harsh chemicals :-).
12. Jun
    17
    2008
    At 9:47 pm Lori says:

    At our local farmers markets here in Nashville, we nearly always have vendors offering homemade beauty products that are all-natural and contain just a handful of pronounceable ingredients. My favorite skin (and face) cleanser is simply handmade soap. Go local! Woo Hoo!
13. Jun
    18
    2008
    At 11:03 am Denise says:

    Thanks for the reminder post. I use only the Aubrey for my hair, but I have never tried their face products. I am so “green” with most everything I do, but my face is where I have always made exceptions… and I have been exceptionally bad lately.
14. Jun
    18
    2008
    At 1:15 pm shaunamama says:

    Sara, Thank you for once again bringing knowledge and power to families through your written word. The subject of toxins in our cosmetics is overlooked far too often. I wanted to add that it is great to look for small family owned businesses to shop with, and also to stay local if possible. Coop America has a wealth of information on green businesses of all types, and they thoroughly check out each business before listing them. .
    Warmly,
    Shauna Spier
15. Jun
    18
    2008
    At 1:23 pm shaunamama says:

    Sara, Thank you for once again bringing knowledge and power to families through your written word. The subject of toxins in our cosmetics is overlooked far too often. I wanted to add that it is great to look for small family owned businesses to shop with, and also to stay local if possible. Coop America has a wealth of information on green businesses of all types, and they thoroughly check out each business before listing them. .
    Warmly,
    Shauna Spier
    MamasHerbalSoaps.com
16. Jun
    19
    2008
    At 9:23 am Sara says:

    Sara,
    Thanks so much for this post. I had no idea that the FDA doesn’t approve our body products!!! That idea is preposterous! Anyways, this morning I decided to do something different with my beauty routine and go “shampoo-less” by using baking soda and vinegar instead. Love it (so far)! I know you didn’t mention that concept in this post, but wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your blog and you truly inspire me to try something different. It’s really silly when you think about it, how us grown women (and men) always go about the usual, fearful of another’s method. What’s the worst that could happen??? In said case, rewashing my hair…big deal! Anyways, have a lovely!
17. Jun
    20
    2008
    At 7:20 pm Rachel says:

    Thanks so much for putting this on here! I’ve just been switching to using baking powder/vinegar rinse on us adults (going on 4 months), and found a shampoo bar for the older kids, but nothing for my little one year old. So glad you had some links to some that had baby products.
18. Jun
    20
    2008

    At 8:09 pm Sara says:

    Rachel…glad it was helpful! Personally, I never really used much shampoo or soap on Bella until she started in the dirtier toddler years. Even now, I rarely use them…and when we do, she just uses the Aubrey shampoo. We usually just do a hot washcloth and scrubbing…but will occasionally use a yummy natural soap.
19. Jun
    20
    2008
    At 10:10 pm Emme / Shasha says:

    Sara, thanks for the post. We have been using baking soda and vinegar to go “no poo” for a while and simply haven’t taken the leap to make our own facial/body lotions. It’s time for me to start - thank you for the post!
20. Jun
    21
    2008
    At 1:30 pm David@The Good Human says:

    I actually enjoy going through that list and seeing the things we used to use on our bodies - it is quite scary. I can only imagine how many people (The majority, I am guessing) still use the toxic stuff!
21. Jun
    22
    2008
    At 5:54 pm anon says:

    about your list — johnson and johnson tests on animals, FYI. To me, at least, that is quite an important consideration.
22. Jun
    24
    2008
    At 1:22 pm Brianna says:

    I totally agree and I just wanted to add that it’s not much different in Canada–the term “natural” is not regulated, for example, nor is “hypo-allergenci.” I try to stick to Dr. Bronner’s, some Aubrey and Alba/Avalon products, and other simple or homemade things. I found that when I washed my face with just a hot washcloth, my complexion improved a lot. I do use witch hazel on my face as a toner sometimes and plain oils (olive/castor/etc.) as makeup remover. For those who do like to wear some makeup, I highly recommend everydayminerals.com. Cheaper than the drugstore stuff, perfectly safe, and beautiful. Their free starter kit is awesome and gives you a lot of makeup. I also like the brand “Gabriel” for mascara.
23. Jun
    28
    2008
    At 9:07 am Sarah says:

    Hi Sara,

    Great post. It is surprising to me how many people dunk themselves in product and never think twice about what it might be doing to them.

    I used to be a heavy skin product user. In the last year, I have left behind: shampoo, conditioner, facial cleansers, creams and moisturizers, sunscreens and all makeup except for a bit of mineral makeup eyeliner a few times a week.

    My skin has never looked or felt better (and I have horrible skin)!
24. Jul
    1
    2008
    At 10:24 am Dalyn says:

    I totally agree. When I found out what was in commercial products, I started making my own with my oldest daughter…our stuff got noticed, and has now become a little home-based business. All natural is a lifestyle. *U*
25. Jul
    1
    2008
    At 6:23 pm joan says:

    I stumbled across your blog from someone else’s link. I can’t remember who! Anyway it’s great. I’ve read a lot of the archives. A timely post, my husband and I were having a discussion tonight about starting to use healthier bath/body products.
26. Jul
    5
    2008
    At 9:03 am Danielle says:

    Thanks for the info! We are pretty particular what we put on (and in ) ourselves here. It’s true that most of the products out there are pretty scary! Just found your site via Emily, looks awesome!
27. Jul
    12
    2008
    At 5:05 pm Lady in the Making says:

    This is unbelieveable and Skin Deep has changed my outlook. I’m going organic. I had no idea I was using so many products that cause cancer. I thought the FDA had to approve personal products and cosmetics!!!!!!!! >:(
28. Jul
    21
    2008
    At 4:38 pm Carol says:

    Thanks for this book recommendation Sara!
    I borrowed a copy through interlibrary loan and finished it last night. I’ll be changing some of my “natural” products and urging friends to read the book too.
29. Jul
    22
    2008
    At 8:12 pm Laura LaMie says:

    I work in a health food store and recently read about an at home experiment. Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub it several times across the ball of your foot. In about 15 min. you should be able to taste it. “Food” for thought! You are what you eat, also you are what you wear!
30. Jul
    24
    2008
    At 11:23 am Lacey says:

    I recently switched to no shampooing, and I am slowly weaning myself off of make up. I have resorted to only a bronzer by Everyday minerals. They use only true minerals and zinc and silica. I love their stuff but have decided that make up and beauty products are unnecessary and it’s just one more container that will be thrown away. It is amazing what garbage is allowed in our beauty products though! I also found another line that I enjoy called Miessense. They’re Australian based and their products are wonderful bt pricey.
31. Jul
    25
    2008
    At 10:04 am Clearwater says:

    Wonderful information! I made me stop and really look at the labels. I have tried to use more natural stuff over the years but it is amazing how many item labeled “natural” are anything but. I got the shampoo bars from Prairieland Herds and love them. Thank you! The day after we got them my youngest walked into the bathroom and inhaled deeply then asked what that smell was. The bars give off a pleasing aroma. : )

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