Lets face it we are all intrigued by the claims made by beauty products that they will make us look smoother, more toned, younger or brighter. The ingredients lists are hard to decipher, so how do we work out which products are best for our body and the environment? We have been investigating what to look out for when buying beauty products and what you can do to go green and look great.
Ingredient lists are often as long as your arm, with numerous unpronounceable terms. There are some ingredients that are a regular feature of soaps, perfumes and deodorants. Ingredients such as pthalates, parabens, sodium laureth sulphate and triclosan are currently subject to some controversy.
Pthalates, chemicals used in fragrances and parabens derived from petrochemicals are widely used in cosmetics and deodorants. These are hormone disrupters. Switch to a natural deodorant without these chemicals.
Bubbles and foam is created by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulphate (SLES). SLS and SLES have a negative impact on the layers of skin cells, so avoiding products with SLS or SLES will benefit your skin.
Triclosan and triclocarbon is an antibacterial agent used in many hand washes and lotions. It is a pesticide and part of a class of chemicals suspected of causing cancer in humans. It is also a persistent bioaccumulatory organic pollutant. Animal tests have also shown that it is an endocrine disrupter affecting thyroid hormone metabolism.
The Environmental Working Group identifies specific ingredients and products to avoid to minimise the impact to your health. You can download their quick guide.
What about the impact of our beauty choices on the environment? We’ve come up with our own quick guide to reduce the price to the environment.
Packaging – many products are double packaged, make sure it is reusable (choose products from companies that take back the empties e.g. Origins), recycled or recyclable.
Reusables – use a bamboo facecloth or ordinary flannels instead of disposable wipes, and get hold of a reusable razor.
Ingredients – look for products containing natural or local ingredients.
Company – support companies that actively consider the environment, such as BodyShop, Burts Bees etc.
Essential oils – don’t underestimate these natural fragrances that can be applied to clothes, bodies, laundry, in the home, and more.
