Organic Cosmetic, Organic Make Up, Organic Life

I thought it would be helpful to discuss people's favorite organic and chemical-free products. I've been reading some disturbing facts about some of the chemicals that are found in our everyday products and many of these chemicals haven't really been studied for long term use or for the effects that the multiple uses of different chemicals may have. I don't really want this to be a debate on a product review or something like that. It's your personal matter, right?

One helpful tip I have is to read ingredients. Just because something is labeled organic or looks like its natural doesn't mean that it is. For instance some of my favorite Lush products use chemicals that I'd rather not use.

Here is some info. from the burtbees website which I think is helpful. I've been trying quite a bit of their products.

All products that are labeled "Natural" must: NOTE this ONLY applies to Burt Bees products - there doesn't appear to be any regulated standard here.

• Be made with at least 95% truly natural ingredients
• Contain no ingredients with any potential suspected human health risks
• Use no processes that significantly or adversely alter the purity/effect of the natural ingredients

What "natural" is:

• Ingredients that come from a purposeful, renewable/plentiful source found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral)
• Processes that are minimal and don't use synthetic/harsh chemicals, or otherwise dilute purity

When a non-natural ingredient can be used:

• Only when there is no viable natural alternative ingredient available and
• Only when there are absolutely no suspected potential human health risks

Ingredients that we believe should never be used:

• Parabens — Synthetic preservatives that are potential toxins and endocrine disrupters
• Sulfates (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate) — Synthetic cleansing agents that potentially damage the lipid layer of your skin
• Chemical Sunscreens (parsol 1789/oxybenzone) — Synthetic sunscreens that get absorbed and potentially disrupt hormone balance
• Petro Chemicals (petrolatum/mineral oil/paraffin) — Non-renewable byproducts of crude oil with potentially dangerous impurities
• Glycols — Synthetic chemicals that potentially draw other chemicals into the bloodstream
• Phthalates — Synthetic fragrance components that are potential toxins
• PEGs or PPGs — Synthetic ingredients processed with ethylene oxide, a toxic residual impurity
• DEA/TEA — Synthetic stabilizers that can react with other ingredients in products and form nitrosamines, known carcinogens
• Formaldehyde Donors (DMDM hydantoin/ diazolidinyl urea/ methylisothiazolinone) — Potential effect of some preservatives degrading over time and releasing small amounts of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen
• 1, 4-Dioxanes — Accidental by-products from ethoxylation (common ingredient processing), which are not declared on ingredient labels and are classified as possible carcinogens

Processes that we believe should never be used:

• Ethoxylation, sulfonation, polymerization and unfavorable varieties of quaternization — Industrial processes using caustic solvents that leave residual compounds and impurities that may end up concealed in the final consumer product