How to Find Safe Cosmetics in a Toxic World

The last time that you went shopping for cosmetics, what drew you to the product? Labels will often make promises for perfect skin and hair but contain harsh chemicals. It can be difficult to find toxin free cosmetics in today’s world.

However, you must take steps to protect yourself. How many different personal care items do you use in a day? Your skin is likely to absorb all of the ingredients in those cosmetics, so you want to ensure that they are healthy and not cause you harm.

We will be discussing how you can find safe cosmetics in a toxic world, so be sure to stick around if you want to learn more.

What is Body Burden?

This is the idea that toxins can build up in your body over time. A single ingredient is not harmful when you are exposed to it once. Still, the problem comes from using the product repeatedly.

That toxin will begin to build up in your system.

Chemicals can build up in fat or bone since they leave your body slowly than other substances. It can take a long time for the concentration of toxins from cosmetics to leave your body.

Different types of chemicals may even react with one another, so you must know what is in the products that you use every day. At least, if you want to lessen the burden on your body.

Always Read the Labels

If you want to find safe cosmetics, start making a habit out of reading the labels. It is important to know that “natural,” “non-toxic,” “physician-approved,” “hypoallergenic,” and similar phrases on packaging mean nothing.

Now, you will want to check out that ingredient list. The following are some of the worst chemicals, so you will want to avoid buying products that contain them:

  • BHA & BHT
  • Coal tar dyes
  • Dibutyl phthalate and toluene
  • Ethanolamines
  • Formaldehyde
  • Hydroquinone
  • Oxybenzone
  • PEGs
  • Parabens
  • Sodium lauryl or Laureth sulfate
  • Triclosan

Check for Certifications

There are certain certifications that you will want to find on products. If you see one, you can feel confident that the product met the requirements to be either natural, organic, toxin free- or what the seal states.

However, you will want to search for the certification quickly to ensure that it is legitimate. Some include USDA ORGANIC, MADE SAFE, NATURAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION, LEAPING BUNNY, and CERTIFIED VEGAN. Those are just a few of the most recognizable ones.

Keep in mind that a product can still be toxin free without the certification. The process to get verified is often rigorous and expensive, so not every brand will do it. However, it makes it much easier to identify safe products when many are on a shelf.

Check a Free Site or Use an App

Many websites have free databases that you can search, which will provide you with information on the product. They let you know what cosmetic items could contain harmful toxins and more. Skin Deep and The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics are two popular options.

You can also download an app. Doing so may be more convenient since you can check out product information while out at the store. Clearya and Think Dirty are two apps that many people use for finding safe cosmetics.

The apps offer a section titled “verified brands,” which will only show you products from verified companies to be safe.

Skin Deep Ratings

The rating system that Skin Deep offers is popular and makes it easy to choose safe cosmetics. The site will give you a safety rating, making it easier to shop quickly.

Current Thrive Market Promo:

The rating is a hazard score from one to ten, with ten being the most hazardous.

This service is very useful since you can also search by the product type, brand, or specific ingredient- instead of just by the product. If you can not find the cosmetic you are considering buying; then you can use it to check the ingredients.

Conclusion

There are many ways that you can start finding safe cosmetics today. The most important thing you can do right now is to learn to understand cosmetic ingredient labels. You will be able to determine what is safe to use and what can increase your body burden.

Apps and online databases will help do this, as they provide free information on products. You can also find sites online that specialize in healthy products like Thrive Market.