It seems that everything we put inside and outside of our bodies has a harmful effect. Makeup and skin care ingredients are no exceptions. As a former sales director for a major direct sales skin care company, I often wondered how safe my products were and try to buy “organic” brands to replace my other products as a precaution.
As we grow older and are more prone to diseases like cancer, why should we take chances? Still, the jury is out. We’ve been putting chemicals on our skin ever since we were teenagers. Has it jeopardized our health? We’ll probably never know for sure.
My former company’s sales pitch was that their products were safe because they were rigorously tested in a lab and were a combination of scientific and botanical ingredients. There’s nothing wrong with that and it doesn’t mean they aren’t safe. It’s a fact that more people have allergic reactions to “organic” skin care ingredients than with products that have the blessing of board-certified dermatologists. You have to be careful, no matter what you choose. Your best skin care program must be based on your individual skin chemistry.
Products made with high-quality organic skin care ingredients
Examples of truly organic skin care would be slathering your face with extra virgin olive oil or massaging it with the pit of an avocado. Both of these methods work and are dirt cheap. However, to make it legal to sell, “organic” skin care, each product must be formulated so it does not become rancid or develop harmful bacteria. So, don’t buy into the hype that a product is 100% organic just because the label says it is.
The companies below sell reputable and effective skin care products made with organic ingredients.
Biossance offers sustainable beauty through biotechnology. The ingredients in Biossance’s skincare products include Squalane which comes from 100% plant-based, renewable sugarcane. It is then bio-fermented to create a beautiful end result—a highly stable, totally sustainable squalane.
Squalane helps to lock in moisture in your skin to keep it hydrated. Biossance is diligent in its effort to offer clean skin care that will not cause cancer, unbalance your hormones or damage the environment. The company collaborates with the nonprofit Zagaya to eradicate Malaria in third-world countries and makes donations based on purchases.
Honey and Skin Care products from Manuka Doctor will visibly boost your skin’s glow. The honey alone is amazing and is made in New Zealand. Their skin care products are made from all-natural ingredients straight from the hive and address the signs of aging, combat blemishes, balance the skin and provide plump photo-ready skin in an instant. It’s made with Purified Bee Venom. (PBV™)
The research of Dr Sang Mi Han into Purified Bee Venom has proven that this potent combination of enzymes, peptides and amino acids works on all levels of the skin to encourage naturally occurring cell regeneration, boost collagen formation, prevent sun damage, accelerate the recovery of damaged skin cells and act as a natural alternative to antibiotic therapy for acne.
Philosophy is transforming skincare to instill confidence and wisdom for your wellbeing by keeping it simple. It’s an Arizona-based company that harnesses the power of science and nature for clinically proven and visible results. Skincare, fragrance, bath & body, and color. This company gives back to the Hope & Grace initiative to support community-based mental health efforts. You can also order minis to take when you are traveling.
Non-toxic hair products
Most hair color products contain toxic ingredients but Madison Reed’s does not. It’s ammonia and paraben-free. Instead, it uses ingredients like Argan and Ginsing. Instead of drying your hair out, it leaves it shiny and luxurious. Check out their color adviser and read my review.
The infographic below, shared by consumersafety.org, lists makeup and skin care ingredients, like formaldehyde and talc, that you should avoid. (Click on the image to view full-size and please share it on Pinterest)
As mentioned before, it’s important to find the best skin care products for your skin’s needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. But, the more natural you can go, the better for your skin, body, and the planet.
How do you feel about the skin care ingredients that are in the products you use? Please leave a comment below.
I’ve never tried Juice, but sure would like to! I agree that organic is the way to go.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, that’s for sure.
I have only used mineral make-up and skin care products for over 20 years. It pays off. I still don’t have many wrinkles at 70 and my body thanks me for not putting chemicals into my bloodstream. Thank you for bringing awareness to women through this post
That’s great to know Carol. Nice about not having many wrinkles either. You just don’t know how much chemicals permeate the skin.
Great info . Thank you
You’re very welcome Catherine!
I’m safe on everything else, but anti-aging creams linked to cancer? Oh, dear! Since I don’t do Botox, this is my last line of defense to keep me from looking like a piece of dried mystery fruit. xoxox, Brenda
As I mentioned Brenda, the jury is still out. It’s been a controversy for a while. I was very happy with the skin care I sold that wasn’t considered to be organic as well as several other brands that I promote. I believe you have to choose what works best for you. Some people are terribly allergic to certain organic ingredients. Glad you don’t do Botox. I can’t bring myself to do it either. I don’t like the idea of shooting bacteria into my face.
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for sharing the infographic. I always try to check the product’s label for harmful ingredients but with my very limited knowledge of what is harmful, makes me vulnerable to these dangerous things. I will get this printed out for sure. Thank you!
Thanks, Jenny. I hope it’s a help to you. You just never know.
Thanks for your reply, Rebecca! I went shopping yesterday, I brought the printed infographics with me, and I was reading all the labels like a madman haha! It was crazy, and I end up buying organic products, but I felt secure that I didn’t waste my money on things that will end up damaging me. Thanks again! 🙂
I love it, Jenny. Thanks for letting me know. I’m so glad the infographic was helpful. Enjoy your purchases and stay healthy!
Agreed! We need to get as familiar with personal care ingredient labels as we’re getting with nutrition facts labels. We absorb what we put on our skin! As a Dietitian I became an Arbonne Consultant for this reason – what we put ON our body is as important as what we out IN it! Happy to help anyone looking to make changes to their skincare & makeup – contact details at lyndaturton.arbonne.com
Hi Rebecca,
I always use natural and organic skin care products. Before buying, I always check the ingredients and compatibility of use. I am not aware of all the safe ingredients and I only take note of those harsh ingredients. That is why, if I find ingredients that are harsh and toxic, I ignore them.Thanks!
This is quite a revelation! To be honest, I’ve never paid that close attention to what’s in the makeup I use, but I will now. Thanks for the education!