Turning a blind eye to your cosmetic hygiene? If you care about your health—and the health of the planet—it’s time to reprioritize. Beautifying yourself comes at the cost of harming yourself and the environment unless you’re implementing clean cosmetic practices. Skin is the body’s largest organ, and whatever we apply to it enters our bloodstream—which is a pretty scary thought when using toxic products. Not sure what ingredients to avoid and which practices to follow? We’ve compiled a beginner’s list of essential commandments for a clean cosmetic regimen which you should begin following today.
- Go Au Naturale
Your first step in going clean is to ditch as many chemicals as possible. Mother Nature offers an abundant amount of resources for beauty products, but too frequently we turn to large, name-brand companies who synthesize their products in labs. They’re cheaper to manufacture, and the cost savings are attractive to consumers, but they contribute to a large amount of waste and pollution. Search for natural and organic cosmetics with the least amount of additives possible.
- Avoid Toxic Ingredients
If it’s not within your budget to shop all-natural organic cosmetics, at least be sure to avoid these toxic ingredients at all costs.
- Oxybenzone—an ingredient frequently found in chemical sunscreens and known to disrupt the endocrine system when absorbed into skin. It has also been known to harm oceanic ecosystems when washed off in water, including coral reef death.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)—the Chemical Safety Card published by the World Health Organization in 1997 listed the foaming agent as toxic to aquatic organisms.
- Silcones—the research on the toxicity of silicone is controversial, but it’s best to avoid in general. Use ‘silicone-free’ hair products introduced by L’Oréal Paris instead.
- Endorse Sustainable Practices
If you purchase a product containing palm oil—such as soap, lotions, body oils, moisturizers and shampoos—make sure that it’s Certified Sustainable Palm Oil. Traditional palm oil production is directly linked to multiple environmental issues, including pollution and threatening endangered species. Shop cosmetic companies who pledge sustainable practices, or keep in mind the price the environment pays each time you apply that moisturizer. Your best bet for finding eco-friendly options is to support local and independent brands.
- Picky Packaging
A significant part of sustainability is product packaging. While there’s no perfect solution, there are better alternatives than the plastic that eventually finds its way into the ocean. Use products that come in recyclable glass bottles or shop companies such as Lush who offer in-store savings for returned pots.
- Fight Animal Cruelty
Prestigious studies have repeatedly shown that animal experimentation is not only cruel, but also wastes lives—both animal and human—and precious resources by trying to test animals for reactions they would normally never experience. These experiments are often ineffective due to faulty science which attempts to apply results to humans. Animal testing should be banned; show your allegiance by only purchasing cruelty-free products.
- Mindful Washing
Have you ever stopped to think about what happens when you wash your beauty products down the drain? The flushed chemicals are recycled into our lakes, streams, rivers and public water systems. Many of these chemical compositions don’t break down and instead accumulate within the ecosystem, harming delicate wildlife. The cosmetic preservatives BHA and BHT, for example, are synthetic antioxidants found in many lipsticks that can cause genetic mutations in amphibians and cause death to fish. Whether you’re using a brush cleaner or washing your hair, be mindful of the chemicals going down the drain.
No, you can’t expect your shampoo to soak up greenhouse gasses. However, you can do your best to minimize your footprint and contribute the least amount of pollution possible. When people think about “going green”, they generally refer to solar panels, electric cars, and energy-efficient appliances—but you don’t need to break the bank to be eco-friendly. Browse Certified B Corps who meet rigorous standards or social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. If you follow these easy commandments, you can feel (and look!) good while doing your part.