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There are so many reasons to go green with your makeup and cosmetics. It may seem as though all is gloom and doom about the environment, but things are changing for the better all the time and the cosmetics industry is definitely doing their part.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The Environmental Protection Agency states that every year, packaging makes up more than one quarter of landfill waste. Ecologically friendly beauty products use packaging that is sustainable. Some companies, such as Lush and Nothing Nasty, allow you to refill your own personal tub from larger containers at the store. These companies also encourage reusing or recycling the packages their products come in.
Save Your Skin
Those with sensitive skin may really notice a difference after switching to naturally made cosmetics. Products that use sodium laureth sulphate, formaldehyde, lead and other heavy metals, synthetic dyes and scents can cause red skin, inflammation, dermatitis, chapping, even burning, doing just what you don't want your makeup to do - make you not look good at all! It seems to be a circular loop that many consumers find themselves in; they have skin problems, so they use cosmetics. Many find that after switching to natural, ecologically friendly beauty products, these allergies and skin problems simply disappear. Lavera, Alima Pure and Pellenova use minerals that are great for sensitive skin.
Save Your Health
Unbelievably, up to 60% of what you put on your skin will end up in your bloodstream. Scary thought, right? Those ingredients that we often can't pronounce very well may be posing serious threats to your health. Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics, but they have hormone-like qualities and may be carcinogens. Phalates and dibutyl phthalate have been found to have an adverse effect on the reproductive systems of laboratory animals. Aluminum may cause Alzheimer's disease, toluene, found in many nail polishes and nail polish removers, may do damage to the nervous system and many synthetic fragrances cause dizziness. When you make the switch to natural cosmetics, you may notice fewer headaches and more energy, too! Supermodel Josie Maran created her own line of luxurious makeup with no harmful ingredients that has been gaining popularity since she began in 2006.
Save the Earth
It's not only small businesses that are taking ecological responsibility seriously. Larger companies are getting into the game as well. Certain cosmetics companies are taking this so seriously, they are making sure that even the trees that make up eyeliner pencils and makeup brushes are sustainably harvested. Some of the more strict requirements for environmentally friendly makeup requires that all of the ingredients are natural, plant-based and without silicone, parabens or other similar harmful ingredients. Even better yet, the ingredients should be organically grown and should not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Always read labels and check ingredients since the word "natural" technically doesn't mean much. Physicians Formula, Plant Love , Ecco Bella and Living Nature are just a few companies who are taking this challenge seriously. With the abundance of ecologically friendly cosmetics available today, it's prudent to be on the safe side and shop green. Whether you're in the market for lipsticks, lip glosses, eye shadow, mascara, deodorant, after shave or tooth paste, you can be certain that the eco-friendly version is available. You'll be healthier for it, and the earth will thank you, too.
Cindi Lewis writes for glossy.com a natural skincare and beauty products online retailer.
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