It seems that everything we put in 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. I’ve since started buying “organic” brands to replace some of 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.
Our company convinced us our product was safe because it was rigorously tested in a lab and was a combination of scientific and botanical ingredients. However, it’s also a fact that there are more allergic reactions to “organic” skin care ingredients than with products that have the blessing of board-certified dermatologists. A skin care program, in order to be effective, must be based on individual skin chemistry.
Play it safe with organic skin care ingredients
An example of a “truly” organic skin care program would be to slather your face daily with extra virgin olive oil or massage it with the pit of an avocado. It works and it’s cheap. To be legal to sell, an “organic” skin care product must be formulated so it does not become rancid or develop harmful bacteria. Even refrigerated products go bad in a short amount of time. Don’t buy into the hype that a product is organic just because the label says it is.
These are some fabulous companies that sell reputable and effective skin care products made with organic skin care ingredients.
One cool company is Just Natural Skin Care. They have a full line of skin care, hair products, tanning and pet products made of all natural ingredients.
Biossance – Sustainable beauty through biotechnology. The ingredients in Biossance’s skincare products include Squalane which comes from comes from 100% plant-based, renewable sugarcane. It is then bio-fermented to create a beautiful end result—highly stable, totally sustainable squalane. It 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.
Manuka Doctor – Honey and Skin Care products that visibly boosts your skin’s glow. The honey alone is amazing and is made with 100% New Zealand honey. The skin care products are made from all-natural ingredients straight from the hive. They 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 – Transforming skincare that instills confidence and wisdom for wellbeing by keeping it simple. 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 mini’s to take when you are traveling.
Non-toxic hair products
For non-toxic hair color and other hair products, Madison Reed is awesome. 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)
How do you feel about the skin care ingredients that are in the products you use? Please leave a comment below.
Carol A Cassara says
February 20, 2017 at 10:44 amI’ve never tried Juice, but sure would like to! I agree that organic is the way to go.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
February 20, 2017 at 10:57 amIt’s always better to be safe than sorry, that’s for sure.
Carol Graham says
February 20, 2017 at 11:52 amI 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
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
February 20, 2017 at 12:33 pmThat’s great to know Carol. Nice about not having many wrinkles either. You just don’t know how much chemicals permeate the skin.
catherine curry-williams says
February 23, 2017 at 9:50 amGreat info . Thank you
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
February 23, 2017 at 2:17 pmYou’re very welcome Catherine!
1010ParkPlace says
March 3, 2017 at 8:16 amI’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
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
March 3, 2017 at 9:24 amAs 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.
Jenny says
March 27, 2017 at 4:16 amHi 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!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
March 27, 2017 at 7:07 amThanks, Jenny. I hope it’s a help to you. You just never know.
Jenny says
April 1, 2017 at 5:37 amThanks 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! 🙂
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski says
April 1, 2017 at 8:00 amI love it, Jenny. Thanks for letting me know. I’m so glad the infographic was helpful. Enjoy your purchases and stay healthy!
Lyn says
June 20, 2017 at 10:50 amAgreed! 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
Wendy C. says
September 2, 2017 at 1:15 amHi 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!
Debbie D. says
May 8, 2018 at 8:21 amThis 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!