Yes, we still want you to wash your armpits and brush your teeth, but beauty can be a time-consuming (although still necessary) process.
But according to The Environmental Working Group, sometimes even the cleanliest of bathroom products can be harming your body while helping you scrub-a-dub-dub.
We’re talking coal tar – a known carcinogen – in dandruff shampoos and aluminum in your favorite eye shadow.
So, what beauty products can a guy or gal lean on while maintaining a green, albeit well-groomed, image? Check out this list to learn how to preen and keep your eco-friendly eyebrows (hair gel, lipstick, body lotion) intact.
1.) Watch out for isopropyl alcohol, an oft-used ingredient in cosmetics. But this drying chemical can also strip layers of skin, causing bacteria and several other toxins to seep into the body.
2.) When in doubt, throw it out – or check out The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics where you can learn about your favorite products.
3.) Check out organic, natural companies that produce body products that are safe for your insides, too. For example, Suki Pure Skin Care has developed a line that is free of synthetics, petrochemicals, fragrances and all of that other nasty stuff. You can also take a peek at Dr. Hauschka, Juice Beauty and Pangea Organics.
4.) Get a scalp massage. Green experts say a regular rub can increase oxygen that makes its way to your brain, in addition to encouraging the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, a factor that can improve brain development and relax muscles.
5.) Not a natural blonde? Tints of Nature and Eco Colors are two companies that have created hair dyes that do not include chemicals and icky toxins.
6.) Your pearly whites deserve more than being brushed with harmful ingredients and earth-unfriendly toothbrushes. Tom’s of Maine and White Glo create eco-friendly toothpastes, and old toothbrushes can be recycled through sites like, Preserve Toothbrush. One more thing: Don’t forget to turn off the water while you are brushing!
7.) Have a green baby in your life? Try Jason body wash, which can also be used as kids’ shampoo, and Target’s Erba Organics line to soap you little one s down.
8.) If you thought sunburn was the only damage too much sunshine can do your skin, think again. It turns out that the lotion you use to protect your skin can also be harmful. Check out Aubrey Organics for au naturel sunscreen or UV Natural.
9.) Your favorite red nailpolish may look pretty, but it also contains chemicals that can cause birth defects and cancer – not so pretty. Try PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics or No Miss for polished, organic fingertips.
10.) Need a cheat sheet for quick shopping trips? Try this one from Gorgeously Green and be educated when you hit the grocery aisles.
Now, rock on with your green self and go get organically sexy!
[Source: Gorgeously Green]
–Caroline S.
