Benefits of Organic Make-Up: For You and the Earth

So, you’ve heard about the benefits that eating organically has on your health and the environment. Organic foods have more flavor. Organic foods have no pesticides. Organic foods are pure the way nature intended for them to be. Organic foods, being not made with chemicals, are better for the environment than inorganic foods.

Then, why, if you only eat organic foods, would you hurt the environment and yourself by purchasing inorganic make-up products? Make-up is something we use to look our best and healthiest, so why harm ourselves in the process? Make-up is specifically made to blend into your skin as much as possible to give a natural look. This means that your skin absorbs what chemicals are in your foundation and you swallow small amounts of what chemicals are in your lipstick. These chemicals, overtime, will actually make you look less healthy and older than you are. Organic make-up not only prevents harm to your skin, but many have antioxidants and vitamins that actually make your skin healthier and reduce signs of aging.

Harmful Products in Inorganic Make-up:

Mercury– WHAT TO LOOK FOR: “mercury,” “mercurio,” “calomel,” and “mercurous chloride” Mostly found in skin-lightening creams. HARM TO YOU: Can damage major organs such as the brain and kidneys as well as the immune system. Mercury can cause skin rashes and vision problems. It is especially harmful to developing fetuses. HARM TO ENVIRONMENT: Mercury effects increase as it moves up the food chain, mercury pollution in the water has little effect on the fish, but a huge health effect on any animal that eats fish.

Dioxane– WHAT TO LOOK FOR: “ethoxylated surfactants,” “1,4 dioxane” Closely related to dioxin, one of the most toxic chemicals known to science. Mostly found in lotions and also used to reduce the harshness of cleaning products. HARM TO YOU: Can cause headaches, dizziness, coma or unconsciousness. If inhaled, can cause harm to kidneys, liver, and blood. HARM TO ENVIRONMENT: changes the polarity of water.

Nitrosamines– WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Because they are impurities, they are not listed on product labels. Common in all beauty products including mascara, concealer, conditioner, baby shampoo, pain relief salve, and sunless-tanner. Banned from cosmetics by the Canada and European Union. HARM TO YOU: Carcinogen. HARM TO ENVIRONMENT: More toxic in more animal species than any other category of chemical carcinogen.

Diethanolamine– WHAT TO LOOK FOR: “DEA,” “Cocamide DEA,” “MEA,” and “TEA” Mostly found in shampoos and body washes. Also found in laundry and dish-washing detergents. HARM TO YOU:  Carcinogen. HARM TO ENVIRONMENT: Affects drinking water and air quality.

Cyclomethicone- WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Mostly found in hair-care products. As a silicon product it is used as lubrication in hair and body products because it is not greasy or tacky also as water repellant in waterproof make-up (sunscreen, moisturizers, foundation, shampoo, conditioner, body spray, deodorant, concealer, hair dye, eye cream). HARM TO YOU: There is actually not much harm to the human body, because it easily washes out. HARM TO THE ENVIRONMENT: Really affects marine life by coating their skin and not allowing them to absorb what they need from the water.

Ammonium Laureth Sulfate– see Diethanolamine.

Natural and Organic Make-up Companies To Try:

Burt’s Bees: www.burtsbees.com

The Organic Pharmacy: www.theorganicpharmacy.com

Saffron Rouge: www.saffronrouge.com

Care by Stella McCartney: www.stellamccartneycare.com

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic: http://www.avaandersonnontoxic.com

Thanks!

Caroline 🙂