This tip is a simple one that I think is really important. So often as Americans, we buy products based on the commercials that promise any array of imperfection correction.

But have you ever thought about what you are washing with? What exactly is in that mascara that gets in your eyes?

Skin Deep (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/), a website run by the Environmental Working Group, lists various cosmetics and rates their toxicity hazard on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high). They are very clear that their research is not the be all and end all of toxic hazards in cosmetics, but I say it’s an excellent place to start.

Some personal examples:

I thought I was eliminating my hazard risk by going with Burt’s Bees Carrot Nutritive Night Cream until I saw the 4/10 moderate risk hazard rating. But why moderate? Turns out allergies to many of the ingredients are common, which can cause toxicity and irritation. But hey! I’m not allergic to any of the ingredients, so I still feel great using this product that works and is plant-based.

Turns out my toothpaste is a total winner! I use Tom’s of Maine Natural Antiplaque plus Whitening Gel Toothpaste in Peppermint, which rates at a 1/10 hazard! Makes me feel good that only 4% of toothpastes in their database have lower concerns. Brush away, I say!

However, my Pantene Pro-V Color Revival Conditioner didn’t fare so well at 6/10 hazard rating. Why so high? Ingredients in the conditioner are linked to developmental and reproductivity toxicity, allergies and immunotoxicity, including “Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous, Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes” and “Violations, Restrictions & Warnings”.

Now my shampoo is a generic Trader Joe’s Essential brand, which Skin Deep doesn’t list. But you can also look up ingredients! The top ingredients in this shampoo are “aqueous extracts of calendula officinalis folower and hydrastis canadensis {Golden seal}, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, cocamidopropyl betaine” and “cocamide dea”. They have 0/10,  2/10, 4/10, 5/10 and 6/10 hazard ratings respectively. Hm… maybe Burt’s Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar would be a better choice with a 1/10 rating.

So today’s tip is to check your cosmetic routine out on Skin Deep and see how toxic (or clean!) your hygiene routine really is.

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Like the tips but have an even better one? Leave it in a comment!