How Clean Is Sei Bella Makeup?

Final week I wrote about why ingredients used in cosmetics, 80% in fact, are untested and well-nigh unregulated. Our federal laws on toxic chemicals are conspicuously broken, but there are many companies making non-toxic beauty products. Here's a brief overview of the issue and most of import, what can we buy that's safer?

Are at that place hazardous chemicals institute in cosmetics?

Aye.

Some preservatives like parabens take been linked to breast cancer and hormone-disruption.
Phthalates are a course of chemicals, some of which are establish in fragrances and perfumes and are linked to hormone-disruption.
Heavy metals like pb have been found in lipstick, colored blushes and some mineral powders.
The "toxic trio" have been institute in nail polish and include problematic chemicals like formaldehyde.
Triclosan is a pesticide and is found in anti-bacterial manus soaps, toothpaste and yoga mats. (Minnesota was the first country to ban triclosan!)

Are men's products safe?

This isn't just a "women's issue". Men'southward products like deodorant, aftershave and cologne fall under this same broken statue and may incorporate harmful chemicals. Some of the about notorious toxic chemicals are linked to decreased sperm quality, undescended testes and birth defects of the male reproductive system. Heavy stuff I know… there'due south practiced news coming, promise.

What about perfumes, colognes & other fragrances?

For those that are paying attention to toxic chemicals in consumer products, "fragrance" has get a muddied give-and-take. Hither'due south why: fragrance tin can be listed on an ingredient listing for a production, only the visitor doesn't need to let the public know what chemicals are used to create that fragrance. Here's the kicker, lots of nasty toxic chemicals are used to make things smell dainty, particularly when we're talking nigh synthetic fragrance. Women's Voices for the Earth found that many perfumes, colognes and scents contain allergens. And the chemicals used to bind the scent to our bodies and dress – phthalates – are linked to hormone-disruption.

Are there safer products on the market?

Yes! The good news is there are some companies making safer products. Information technology's a minefield notwithstanding, "greenwashing" is rampant and many companies make lavish claims about the rubber of their products by putting things similar "non-toxic" and "all natural". I trust companies that are committed to 100% transparency, fifty-fifty if that ways highlighting the pitfalls of making safer products. Even amidst the "greener" companies, when you use this criteria the list becomes pretty short.

non-toxic beauty products

I have fell in love with a company making safer and beautiful products: Beautycounter. (UPDATE: I at present work for the company :))

One thing y'all'll notice that sets Beautycounter apart from other companies is they not only restrict a list of over 1,800 ingredients from their production line, they also screen each ingredient for condom before using them in their products. To top information technology all off, the products work, proving that you don't demand to compromise performance for safety. You can view the production line here.

Resource to find safer products:

My Daily Beauty Routine
Safer Sunscreens
Safer Nail Polish Brands
Constructive Exfoliators
Pare Care Routine for Acne-Prone Skin
Non-Toxic Tampons

The trouble of chemicals in our consumer products and food is vast. We need to break it down into bite size pieces. First nosotros need to know most the problem, 2nd we must accept action and third, we can slowly innovate safer products into our homes and lives.

Transitioning away from toxic products is a lot of work. In my mind, work that nosotros shouldn't accept to add together to our daily to-exercise list. I encourage everyone to ship a clear message to Congress that nosotros need strong regulations of toxic chemicals in cosmetics and consumer products. And in the meantime we can support companies that are doing the right thing!

Want to learn more? Read Part I of the series: "The Ugly Truth About Harmful Chemicals in Cosmetics".