Beauty is actually something much more than skin deep.

We are what we eat as the old adage states but more importantly we are what we put on our bodies!

There are a dizzying amount of ingredients on the back of products like sunscreen, shampoo, and makeup – many of which the average person hasn’t heard of or can’t pronounce.

Additional warnings about toxic ingredients would deter sales, so companies are happy to settle for a list of long words that few people will read. On top of that, the cosmetic industry is shockingly unregulated.

Our skin is like one big sponge, absorbing about 60% of what we put on it (children absorb even more). That’s why it’s so important to stick with organic products.

This is a list of ingredients to avoid:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• MEA and TEA
• Sunscreen chemicals
• FD&C color
• PEG
• Phthalates
• Dioxin
• DMDM Hydantoin and Urea
• Parabens
• Propylene Glycol & Butylene Glycol
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Combinations of the above chemicals have been linked to cancer, skin dermatitis, ADD, asthma, behavioral issues including autism, type II diabetes, birth defects, altered reproductive development, infertility, and other problems.

These chemicals impact on the environment is even more distressing!

The chemical substances used in makeup and other cosmetics do not break down. They accumulate in the world’s ecosystems, slowly poisoning the planet. When washed down our drains, personal care products get recycled into rivers, lakes, and public water systems. Here are a few of the cosmetic industry’s most damaging chemicals

• P-phenylenediamine is a dangerous chemical derived from coal tar.
• Found in lipsticks and hair dye
• Kills animal plankton and other aquatic species

• BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives.
• Found in moisturizers and lipsticks
• Kills fish and shellfish
• Causes mutations in amphibians

• Dioxane is an endocrine disruptive chemical that contaminates other ingredients. There are ways to remove this carcinogenic chemical, but companies typically avoid doing so due to time and cost.
• Found in creamy products like shampoo and bubble bath
• Kills insects and animal plankton

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a plasticizer used in nail polish and PVC pipe.
• Affects a variety of aquatic species
• Causes mutations in amphibians
• Alters fish behavior and reproductive cycle
• In large amounts, can decimate an entire ecosystem

• Triclocan is an antibacterial chemical found in deodorant, hand-sanitizers, and laundry detergent.
• Alters biochemistry of amphibians, aquatic plants, and fish
• Causes mutations in amphibians
• Alters fish behavior and reproductive cycle
• In large amounts, can decimate an entire ecosystem

• Diethanolamine (DEA) is a ph adjuster found in nearly every personal care product.
• Reacts with nitrates to create nitrosamines (which are highly carcinogenic to animals and humans)
• Toxic to fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life

When these and other chemicals entire Earth’s water cycle, everything and everyone is affected. Chemicals from cosmetics have been found not only in rivers, oceans, and public water supplies, but in agricultural soil and household dust as well.

When exposed to these chemicals, livestock can suffer genetic, reproductive, and developmental problems as well as cancer.

As consumers, we can take steps to keep these harmful chemicals out of the environment. Wide ranging demand has already convinced some companies to remove dangerous substances from their products.

Consumers should consult online ingredients/products lists as well as educate themselves about sustainability and ingredients. Products like aloe vera and coconut oil are easily renewable.

Consider the type of products you buy. Do they use excess packaging? Look for simple paper wrapping, recyclable containers, and reusable glass to minimize waste.
With responsible habits and education, consumers have the power to minimize the pollution caused by the cosmetics industry.

It all comes down to logical and sustainable choices that will improve your personal health and that of our planet.