We all want to look our best. Many of the beauty treatments, products and supplies we use are unsafe and some can be toxic. Cosmetics can contain allergens, harsh chemicals and unsafe pigments. Here is a comprehensive list of products, additives and ingredients to look out for and avoid when selecting beauty care items. I’ve also listed a definitive list of common household ingredients with which you can create your own entirely non-allergenic, safe skin, hair and beauty care recipes.
When choosing products watch out for and avoid these additives:
mineral oil(baby oil)- Mineral oil is used in creams, lotions and most skin care formulas as a softener, lubricant and protectant. It is a petroleum product (notice the root word ‘petrol’ or gas). Mineral oil is harmful to skin overtime and can cause allergic reactions. Mineral oil also clogs pores.
alcohol- Alcohol is an antiseptic and is very good for sanitizing. Because it dries quickly alcohol is often used in lotions, creams, acne and skin care products. Alcohol is frequently used in products labeled ‘greaseless’ or ‘non-greasy”. But as a skin care product, alcohol is very drying and harsh to skin and hair.
talc- Talc is a very soft rock. It is used in powders to absorb moisture. Talc is not good to breathe and can cause respiratory issues.
petroleum jelly- Again notice the term ‘petroleum’; petroleum jelly (vaseline) is a fossil product which, as with mineral oil, will clog pores.
triclosan- This popular is commonly used in acne preparations and hand sanitizer. Triclosan is a harsh chemical. If you suffer from acne, benzoil peroxide is a safer choice.
fluoride- Fluoride was added to toothpaste in the mid 1960’s to help prevent tooth decay. But our water is fluoridated as well. Fluoride is a metal listed on the elements chart. Fluoride accumulates in the body systems and can cause cellular dysfunction.
aluminum- Aluminum is the active ingredient in most anti-perspirants and deodorants. As a metal it is toxic to the system. Look for Adidas 0% aluminum for effective anti-perspirant/deodorant usage.
Safe ingredients to keep in your beauty shelf:
olive, jojoba and almond oil: olive oil is a safe natural lubricant, softener and protectant for skin. These oil make the perfect lip balm and gloss.
baking soda: baking soda makes a great deodorant/anti-perspirant, acne astringent, shoe/foot powder, tooth polish and breath freshener.
salt: Salt makes a great skin scrub, skin softener and callous remover. It has anti-septic and disinfectant properties for acne. Mix salt with honey for a massaging scrub.
cider vinegar Cider vinegar makes a great astringent. It will soften hair and make it shine. Drinking water mixed with cider vinegar will purifies your system. Cider vinegar is a great anti-oxidant. It soothes sunburn as well.
lemon juice: skip the toxins in hair color. Spray your hair with a lemon juice and sit in the sun until your hair dries. Lemon juice will safely and naturally bring out golden highlights or lighten hair.
nail buffer: Instead of polishing nails with acrylics, buff them with a nail buffer. It will strengthen nails, prevent chipping and prevent cuticles. Rub a little olive oil on nails to protect.
Keep your skin glowing, your hair healthy and your system clean with these safe, natural beauty ingredients.
