Natural Beauty: What Does Your Face Say About Your Ethics?

Post submitted by the very fabulous EcoDiva guest blogger Amanda Quraishi

By now you should be aware that the majority of cosmetics and toiletries on the market today contain enormous amounts of toxic chemicals and materials which have never been tested for safety for human use by the FDA.

Some of the most common of these undesirable ingredients include:

• Foaming agents such as sodium laureth sulphate, ammonium lauryl sulphate and 1,4-dioxane.
• Synthetic colors and fragrances which are not always labeled or identified completely on labels and may be an amalgam of hundreds of chemicals.
• Parabens, which are often used as preservatives and have been linked to breast cancer.
• Propylene Glycol which can cause liver and kidney damage.

There are several excellent websites which list the dangerous ingredients in today’s beauty products, including The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics which has one of the largest databases of products and ingredients you’ll find anywhere online.

So, does this mean you have to go around looking haggard if you want to enjoy good health for yourself and the planet?  Absolutely not!  In fact, today’s health-conscious and green divas have more choices than ever when it comes to cosmetics and beauty products.  There are, however, four things you must take in to consideration before buying any beauty products:

Ingredients

Your cosmetics, hair care products, and toiletries should be free of parabens , phthalates, synthetic fragrances and colors, and other unpronounceable  chemicals.  There are over 500 chemicals used in modern beauty products, and only a small fraction has been tested for safety.  You simply can’t rely on companies that are bottom-line driven to look out for your best interest.

Stop, read labels, and know what you’re buying.

Packaging

Eco-friendly companies aren’t just concerned with making a pure product; they’re also concerned with how it is packaged.  Recycled plastic and paper can be used for all kinds of beauty products from lipstick tubes to eye shadow compacts.  Another solution is selling refills rather than making consumers buy an entirely new compact or kit.  Other companies have recycling programs and will either credit you for sending back their packaging or will provide you with the postage to do so.

Overall Commitment

One way to tell the difference between a company that is making and selling eco-friendly cosmetics and one that is green-washing their products is by taking a look at their overall commitment to eco-friendly values.  Companies that are serious about going green usually have built their entire company including manufacturing and business operations on these principles.  They may also donate a percentage of their revenues to green organizations or do other kinds of community work.

One of the hallmarks of companies that care for the environment is that they value the natural world in all its forms, and that includes animal life.  The bottom line is this:  If you’re not using toxic chemicals you don’t need to do extensive laboratory tests on innocent creatures just to make sure you won’t get sued by your customers.

If you’re not sure about where a company stands on any of these criteria, send them an email or a letter and inquire.  If they are really committed to making a green product they will be more than happy to tell you about their manufacturing, policies and other practices.

My picks for the best eco-friendly, “green” and cruelty-free cosmetics include Josie Maran, Tarte, and Suki.  What about you?  Do you have a favorite brand or product?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Amanda Quraishi is a freelance writer and blogger with her own eco fashion blog:  Fashion, Evolved.