There is a lot of hype in the beauty industry right now about so called "green" products. There are literally thousands of products on the market claiming to be green, environmentally friendly, natural, safe, organic, flower & plant based, pure, botanical, eco-friendly, etc - all undefined terms in a largely unregulated industry. So, how’s a savvy consumer to know what is truly “green”? Here are some helpful tips to navigate your way around these products and feel good about what you are putting on your skin.
Defining “Green” Beauty
Green products can be broken down into two basic categories:
- Products that have been manufactured and packaged using the cleanest and greenest energy, manufacturing practices, and packaging possible.
- Products that are manufactured with natural, organic, or biodegradable ingredients.
Since your skin is your body's largest organ, it makes sense that what you rub, lather and smooth into your skin should be made using ingredients that don't have any damaging side effects. Absorbing small amounts of toxins into your skin over a long period of time can have a cumulative, damaging effect.
Make sure that you read the ingredient list! While many products have a long list of "organic" and "natural" ingredients - they might still be using potentially harmful ingredients that could irritate your skin. Some products will be free from one or two bad ingredients, but include other potentially harmful ones. It is important to pay attention to what is in the product, as well as what isn't. Keep in mind that some potentially harmful ingredients do have a "natural origin" too.
What to Avoid
Here are a list of some of the potentially toxic agents commonly found in beauty products that you should avoid.
- Parabens: A group of chemical preservatives that is possibly carcinogenic. Linked to breast cancer, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption.
- Sulfates: Sulfur-based compounds that are found to be irritating and drying to skin and hair.
- DEA: A type of Ethanolamine which has been connected to Immunotoxicity and believed to cause harm to the brain and nervous system.
- Ethoxylates: Chemical compounds which are irritating to the skin and thought to be carcinogenic.
- Silicone: A synthetic additive which can be harmful and irritating.
- Phthalates: These compounds are commonly found in nail polish and fragrances. They are thought to be harmful to reproductive system, have been linked to developmental disorders in children, Immunotoxicity and Endocrine disruption.
- Petrolatum: Developed from Petroleum, it can be irritating to the skin, clog pores, and may be contaminated with toxic impurities.
This post was contributed by Christine White-Stanton, owner and founder of Scandle LLC, where she has specialized in the research & development of all natural and plant based massage candles and complimentary spa/beauty products for over a decade.
