Earth Day Cosmetics

    Today is not only my oldest daughter’s 17^th Birthday, but it is also Earth Day. I was asked to be on our local NBC morning show Live on Lakeside to talk about “green” cosmetics. I know about some of these products because I have allergies but while researching for the show it opened my eyes to so much more. Cosmetic companies are not regulated by the FDA unless it has a color additive added. On the packaging it might state organic, vegan or natural on it. To an average consumer this is confusing. Here is what I learned. To be organic it has to be made by certified organic growers. The crops need to be free of pesticides. Any vegan product means there is no animal testing done or animal byproducts included. For natural products no preservatives are added and only a few ingredients included come from the Earth.

   Here are the products I  featured; Juice Beauty; it is manufactured in a solar power plant and uses recyclable paper and soy ink for packaging. Fruit juices, seeds and essential oils make up their products. 100% Pure; it is vegan and gluten free. California Baby;  products  are all organic, vegan, soy, dairy, oat and gluten free. Burt’s Bees;  more of a natural cosmetic. No preservatives are in it and no animal testing is done. London Butter; is a nail polish free of formaldehyde and other carcinogens. EcoTools;  are makeup brushes that have cruelty free synthetic bristles and recycled aluminum bamboo handles.

   When buying a “green” product it is best to narrow down what is important to you. Some companies such as Aveda, Origins and Paul Mitchell will give back proceeds to charities that help the environment. Some retailers such as the Body Shop will give you a discount if you bring back in your bottles to refill them. At MAC cosmetics they offer a free lipstick for six glass, plastic or metal containers you return to their store. My best advice is to read the package, it will give you insight into what you are buying and if it fits your needs and beliefs. If you have access to the Internet look up the company and see how the product is made and if money is donated to a charity for the environment.