LiveGreenNOW

By Traci L. Claussen

Don’t believe everything you read on cosmetic labels. While some products claim to be “all natural” or “organic”, it doesn’t necessarily mean the product is 100% free of chemically derived ingredients. Unless the word organic has the USDA Organic label (which certifies that the product contains at least 95% organic ingredients) or OASIS label (which requires 85% certified organic content), the word is useless and unregulated by the FDA for cosmetics or personal care products. The word natural has no legal meaning for personal care products, either. Look for the Natural Products Association label, created specifically for the US market as a seal of approval for natural body care, and feel good knowing that those products must be made from at least 95% truly natural ingredients, none with any potential human health risk are allowed (certain synthetic ingredients are allowed when a non-natural substitute is unavailable).

One-two-three-four-five for Baby:

Less is more. Babies really don’t need those trendy, fragrant body lotions or powders. Sweet almond oil actually works great for infant massage or in treating cradle cap. Zinc oxide provides the safest barrier to wetness, instead of boric acid, sodium borate and petrolatum diaper creams. Look for products made from high-quality plant-based and organic ingredients. Best brands: Baby Avalon Organics, Burt’s Bees, Nature’s Baby Organics, TruKid, Earth Mama Angel Baby.

From Toddlers to Tweens:

Blast the novelty bath products (they contain the worst quality, most-harmful ingredients), and create your own fizzy bath balls instead (get the recipe HERE). Double check that bubble bath is made from biodegradable, plant-based ingredients, NOT sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate and paraben preservatives. Playing make-up? Be armed with knowledge that play make-up is made from cheap, petrochemical ingredients. Double check that any play make up you buy for your kids contains plant-based ingredients.  Instead of lipstick, try tinted lip balm. Best brands: Burt’s Bees, Kiss My Face Kids, Little Earth’s Beauty (play makeup), TruKid.

TEENS:

If your teen isn’t already inspired by the advocacy group Teens for Safe Cosmetics, then introduce them. Their goal is to raise awareness about potentially harmful ingredients found in many beauty and personal care products that directly effect teen health.  Makeup derived from 100% pure minerals, or made with plant-based ingredients and tinted with natural pigments without preservatives or fragrances are always a good choice. With the cold weather, choose a lip balm that doesn’t contain alcohol, which can actually dry out lips. Try tea tree oil or zinc to zap zits, instead of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic or alpha hydroxyl acids and alcohol. Best brands: Alba*, Ecco Bella Cosmetics*, Giovanni Organic Hair Care*, Jason Natural Products*, Teen’s Turning Green (facial care from Whole Foods), Nature’s Gate Organics*, Terra Firma Cosmetics (*TLC likes these brands for adults, too).

If the idea of tossing out everything in your personal care cabinet and starting over with more eco-friendly choices is a bit overwhelming, then replace each as you run out until all the products in your family’s personal care are greener, safer versions.  Be smart and buy products that can cover every age. Go for almond or grapeseed oil, or shea butter for body care instead of mineral oil or petroleum-based products. Avoid the disposable facial cleansing pads and cloths. Get your hair paraben-free: make the switch to mild, plant-based cleansers and wash your hair less frequently ~ it’s actually better for both your hair and the environment. DON’T buy sunscreen that contains oxy-benzone and benzophenon-3, and stop the sprays with fine mists that are easily inhaled. Crystal deodorants are growing in popularity and made from 100% mineral salts. Avoid antiperspirants that contain aluminum, which has been linked to breast cancer. Best brands: Nica Naturals is a New Orleans-based company, Tom’s of Maine, Aveda, Desert Essence.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 at 7:39 pm and is filed under Green Room, Live Green Picks. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.