One of my favorite movies when I was growing up was Lily Tomlin’s Incredible Shrinking Woman . In the movie Pat Kramer is a typical suburban wife and mother until she gets exposed to a strange mixture of household chemicals, including “Galaxy Glue”, a new product from her husband’s advertising agency. Soon after using this product, she begins to shrink. Eventually, she is less than a foot tall, making her a doll to her children.
Then, Pat is kidnapped by a group of mad scientists, who deviously plan to shrink everyone in the world. With the help of the lab custodian and uber-intelligent gorilla, she escapes. Pat then continues to shrink to microscopic size and falls into a puddle of spilled household product chemicals – which makes her return to normal size! The truth is, many chemical used in skincare products have dubious origins…
What Is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition characterized by adverse and variable effects from exposure to low levels of chemicals or other substances in modern human environments. Suspected substances include smoke, pesticides, plastics, synthetic fabrics, scented products, petroleum products, and paints.
“Only 11 percent of the 10,500 chemical ingredients used in personal-care products (a category that includes deodorant, toothpaste, and makeup) have been tested for safety, and those tests were not overseen by the feds, but rather by an industry scientific review board.” [From Grist Magazine, June 9, 2004]
3 Great Green Alternatives
1. Dr. Alkaitis Skin Care – Certified Organic: Only living ingredients are used, so naturally all chemicals, synthetics, “plant derived products”, trans-fats and GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) are rigorously excluded. 100% certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel is the Base of our products. (Not water).
EcoDiva Heather reported: This was fun to use. I loved mixing up the powders to make the masks…unfortunately I found that my skin broke out after I used them. I have very sensitive and acne prone skin, so that often happens with many masks. My skin overall though felt smooth and fresh after using all of these products. I especially liked the toner. I could use that instead of any moisturizer, which was nice. The smell isn’t exactly “yummy”, but it isn’t bad either. Smells natural, not chemically. The creams were a little too heavy for my skin, but everything else worked nicely.
2. Juice Beauty – The Organic Solution – Certified Organic:
Yes:
- Organic ingredients in a base of organic fruit juices, making our total organic content up to 95%
- Powerful antioxidant technology, including alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10
- DMAE, peptides, fat soluble vitamin C and essential fatty acids for optimum age-defying results
- Certified organic ingredients packed with age-defying potency…powerful antioxidants and polyphenols, essential vitamins, vital phytonutrients and age-defying hydroxy acids
- Met the strict USDA organic guidelines for all of our certified organic ingredients
- A strict no animal testing policy
- A 100% vegetarian ingredients policy
No:
- Pesticides
- Petroleum or petroleum derivatives (propylene, butylene glycol)
- Toxic preservatives (parabens – methyl, butyl, or ethylparaben; dizaolidinyl or imadazolidinyl urea; formaldehyde)
- Harsh surfactants or sulfates (sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate; cocamide dea/lauramide dea)
- Artificial colors or dyes
- Synthetic fragrances
- Phthalates or dibutyl phthalate
- Toluene
EcoDiva Elena Reported: I began my routine of testing a new product, smell, touch, and yes even taste. I went through regimen of cleansing gel, toner and oil-free lotion. During the day, I tried the mineral SPF lotion which was pretty affective at creating a glow and staying light on my skin. I loved the smell instantly and the clean feeling after a cold rinse of face wash and water. They also added the little tip ‘Apply lotions in an upward motion’. This is a great little trick that aestheticians will tell you save your skin from any more sagging than gravity will already do with time. Plus, it’s great for your circulation. After a few days of my Juice Beauty regimen, I walked downstairs, and my hubby stopped my and said, you look pretty. Now, it’s not unusual for him to compliment my overall, but he was distinctly looking at my face and skin. I was actually glowing. I love Juice Beauty, and just ordered my set of cleanser, lotion and mask so I can continue glowing.
Look for the full review at TheEcoDiva.com
3. Liz Earle – Naturally Active Skincare – No animal testing, No animal ingredients, No chemical sunscreens (except beeswax, propolis and manuka honey), No mineral oils, No genetically engineered ingredients.
EcoDiva Heather reported: Good color matching. I also like the bottle design—the bottom seems to come up with use and so you won’t be left trying to scrape any last bits out. Lightweight moisturizer—not enough for me to use on it’s own but a good addition to my other moisturizer. Helps even my skin tone, but on some areas, I would prefer a little heavier coverage, but it is good for a tinted moisturizer. It is fine when I supplement with powder or cover-up. It would be great on even/clear skin too. Not greasy at all, feels good all day and doesn’t cause me to break out. It feels really clean on.
Over the last year, my EcoDiva review team, a group of extraordinary and beautiful guinea pigs, has been testing out new organic and natural products head to toe. Watch for their input over the coming months as we travel from shampoo to foot cream exploring this new landscape of organic luxury in the land of beauty.
{This article was originally published by author Elena Lipson in 2008 @ CarrieandDanielle.com}
{Image Credit: healthserviceglasses}
Enjoy!
Signing off…EcoDiva
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