It seems that everything we put inside and outside of our bodies has a harmful effect. Makeup and skincare ingredients are no exceptions. As a former sales director for a major direct sales skincare company, I often wondered how safe my products were and had concerns about the chemicals used to formulate them.
As we grow older and are more prone to diseases like cancer, it is best not to take chances. However, we’ve been putting chemicals on our skin since we were teenagers. Has it jeopardized our health? We’ll probably never know for sure.
My former company’s sales pitch was that their products were safe because they were rigorously tested in a lab and were a combination of scientific and botanical ingredients. It’s a fact that more people have allergic reactions to “organic” skincare ingredients than to products that have the blessing of board-certified dermatologists. You have to be careful, no matter what you choose.
Your best skin care program must be based on your skin’s chemistry.
Are products that claim to be organic telling the truth?
If you want true organic skincare slather extra virgin olive oil on your face or massage it with the pit of an avocado. To make organic skincare legal to sell it must be formulated so it does not become rancid or develop harmful bacteria. Don’t buy into the hype that a product is 100% organic just because the label says it is.
Biossance is a brand that offers sustainable beauty through biotechnology. The ingredients in Biossance’s skincare products include Squalane which comes from 100% plant-based, renewable sugarcane. It is then bio-fermented to create a beautiful end result—a highly stable, totally sustainable squalane.
Squalane helps to lock moisture in your skin to hydrate it. Biossance is diligent in formulating clean skincare that will not cause cancer, unbalance your hormones, or damage the environment. The company collaborates with the nonprofit Zagaya to eradicate Malaria in third-world countries and makes donations based on purchases.
Non-toxic hair products
Most hair color products contain toxic ingredients but Madison Reed’s does not. It’s ammonia and paraben-free. Instead, it uses ingredients like Argan oil and Ginsing. Instead of drying your hair out, it leaves it shiny and luxurious. Read my review.
Skin Ingredient infographic
The infographic below, shared by consumersafety.org, lists makeup and skincare ingredients, like formaldehyde and talc, that you should avoid. (Click on the image to view full-size and please share it on Pinterest)
It is important to find the best skincare products for your individual needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. But, the more natural you can go, the better for your skin, body, and the planet.
How do you feel about the skincare ingredients that are in the products you use? Please leave a comment below.
I’ve never tried Juice, but sure would like to! I agree that organic is the way to go.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, that’s for sure.
I have only used mineral make-up and skin care products for over 20 years. It pays off. I still don’t have many wrinkles at 70 and my body thanks me for not putting chemicals into my bloodstream. Thank you for bringing awareness to women through this post
That’s great to know Carol. Nice about not having many wrinkles either. You just don’t know how much chemicals permeate the skin.
Great info . Thank you
You’re very welcome Catherine!
I’m safe on everything else, but anti-aging creams linked to cancer? Oh, dear! Since I don’t do Botox, this is my last line of defense to keep me from looking like a piece of dried mystery fruit. xoxox, Brenda
As I mentioned Brenda, the jury is still out. It’s been a controversy for a while. I was very happy with the skin care I sold that wasn’t considered to be organic as well as several other brands that I promote. I believe you have to choose what works best for you. Some people are terribly allergic to certain organic ingredients. Glad you don’t do Botox. I can’t bring myself to do it either. I don’t like the idea of shooting bacteria into my face.
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for sharing the infographic. I always try to check the product’s label for harmful ingredients but with my very limited knowledge of what is harmful, makes me vulnerable to these dangerous things. I will get this printed out for sure. Thank you!
Thanks, Jenny. I hope it’s a help to you. You just never know.
Thanks for your reply, Rebecca! I went shopping yesterday, I brought the printed infographics with me, and I was reading all the labels like a madman haha! It was crazy, and I end up buying organic products, but I felt secure that I didn’t waste my money on things that will end up damaging me. Thanks again! 🙂
I love it, Jenny. Thanks for letting me know. I’m so glad the infographic was helpful. Enjoy your purchases and stay healthy!
Agreed! We need to get as familiar with personal care ingredient labels as we’re getting with nutrition facts labels. We absorb what we put on our skin! As a Dietitian I became an Arbonne Consultant for this reason – what we put ON our body is as important as what we out IN it! Happy to help anyone looking to make changes to their skincare & makeup – contact details at lyndaturton.arbonne.com
Hi Rebecca,
I always use natural and organic skin care products. Before buying, I always check the ingredients and compatibility of use. I am not aware of all the safe ingredients and I only take note of those harsh ingredients. That is why, if I find ingredients that are harsh and toxic, I ignore them.Thanks!
This is quite a revelation! To be honest, I’ve never paid that close attention to what’s in the makeup I use, but I will now. Thanks for the education!