It recently came to my attention that there are still a huge number of us who are not sure what ingredients are particularly toxic in our personal care products. Given that there is very little oversight or regulation within the industry, we owe it to ourselves to get armed with how to make well-informed buying decisions. Learn this checklist and eliminate these 25 toxic chemicals from your beauty arsenal, and you’ll be off to a flying start with making safer, healthier choices.
1. ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM and OTHER ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS
Function: Used to control sweat and odor in the underarms by slowing down the production of sweat.
Present in: Antiperspirants. Banned by EU.
Health concerns: Linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease; may be linked to breast cancer; probable neurotoxin; possible nervous system, respiratory, and developmental toxin.
2. BENZYL ACETATE
Function: Solvent; hidden within “fragrance.”
Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.
Health concerns: Linked to pancreatic cancer; easily absorbs into skin causing quick systemic effects; animal studies show hyperemia of the lungs; possible gastrointestinal, liver, and respiratory toxicant; possible neurotoxin.
3. BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE and BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE
Function: Antimicrobial agent, deodorant, preservative, biocide.
Present in: Moisturizer, sunscreen, facial cleanser, acne treatment, pain relief. Restricted in Japan and Canada.
Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; may trigger asthma; possible organ system toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and brain, nervous system, respiratory and blood effects; possible carcinogen.
4. BRONOPOL
Function: Preservative.
Present in: Moisturizer, body wash, facial cleanser, makeup remover, anti-aging products. Restricted in Canada.
Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; lung and skin toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and gastrointestinal, brain and nervous system effects; irritant.
5. BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT)/ BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE (BHA)
Function: Anti-Oxidant; slows down the rate at which product ingredients change in color.
Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.
Banned by EU.
Health Concerns: Immune system toxicant; endocrine disruptor; probable human carcinogen; animal studies show brain, liver, neurotoxin, reproductive and respiratory toxicant.

The fashion industry is in hyper drive with the lead up to Fashion’s Night Out (September 10th) and the whole industry is buzzing with excitement and anticipation, but let’s not forget… it’s Beauty’s Night Out too!
For anyone who lives in NYC or is flying in for the big event, Josie Maran will be making a live appearance at the Sephora 5th Avenue boutique. From 7-9 PM the former supermodel and founder of Josie Maran Cosmetics, will be hosting her own in-store photo shoot, giving consumers mini-makeovers and pointers on how to pose like a pro before they step in front of the camera, where they’ll have their picture taken and walk away with a signed copy of their best shot with Josie.
The first 100 consumers who make a purchase that evening will receive a limited edition, created specifically for FNO, Argan Oil Color Stick in Cherry Popsicle.
And get this, if it’s you, you’ll be one of the first to try this amazing new item because it doesn’t officially launch until 2011.
I’m often asked: When is the right age to start using anti-ageing products?
The way I like to think of it is: When is the right age to start looking after the skin?
The answer to that is that you are never too young. The care you give yourself and your skin from a young age will benefit you as you age, holding back the effects of the ageing process.
Of course, we can’t hold it back completely. There are 2 types of ageing: external and intrinsic.
Intrinsic ageing is the natural process that we inherit in our genes, we can’t stop this. External ageing is down to us and our lifestyle choices.
“They say that age is all in your mind. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body” ~Author Unknown
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Image courtesy of Cobalt 123 at Flickr
The new Fall face seen all over the runways this year makes a return to fuss-free and low maintenance with neutrals, earth tones, and a light-handed approach to application dominating. Creating a no makeup look using organic & natural cosmetics, without looking like you’re wearing nothing, isn’t quite as simple as it sounds, so here’s what you’ll need…
RMS Beauty – Uncoverup #22: The start of any great looking face is flawless skin. Uncoverup melds beautifully with skin to give you a smooth, radiant finish that looks like your skin, only better. Use as concealer or foundation – this is all you need for the perfect base.
Vapour Organic Beauty Mesmerize Eyeliner – Black: The best way to wear eyeliner so it looks barely there is to draw a very fine line as close to the base of lashes as you can; you get definition without the drama.
Tarte Cosmetics Natural Cheek Stain – Natural Beauty: This award-winning blush is renowned for giving a sheer, natural looking flush, now in a completely natural formula.
Alima Eyeshadow – Perfectly Tailored Collection: Go from denim to your favorite wool suit with this versatile quartet of eyeshadows that has everything you need to define, line and shade.
Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara: The hydrating formula can be applied lightly for natural or layered for dramatic and it dries quickly without being ‘crunchy’.
Aveda Uruku Color Gloss – Peony: All the shine of a gloss with the pigment of lipstick, this brand new color gloss is a gorgeous every day pink to work with any outfit.
Writer :: Emma Pezzack – www.futurenatural.com: the best organic beauty products in the world.
Image :: Jeffrey Fiterman – Photographer / Julianne Kaye – Makeup

An Etsy team is a group of sellers that share a common goal, passion, or craft. The artists support each other, share tips and tricks, and help promote each others’ shops. (Full disclosure: I’m a member of Team Eco Etsy and Team EtsyVeg.)
That all sounds great for crafters, but what about for shoppers? For eco-friendly shoppers, the team tags can help narrow your Etsy searches to find just what you’re after! There are tons of teams on Etsy dedicated to environmental issues. By including a team’s tag in your search, you’ll find results just from those members.
For example, if I was looking for Earth friendly purses, I could search purses and then scour through all of the results looking for recycled, upcycled, and organic finds. It makes the search much easier if I add “teamecoetsy” to my search. The results are all for purses by Eco Etsy members, who strive to run green businesses and produce environmentally friendly products.
Etsy has hundreds of teams, and navigating them all can be tricky. Here are a few teams and their tags to help you search smarter!
Do you guys shop for eco-friendly fashions and beauty supplies on Etsy? I’d love to hear about your favorite sellers and teams in the comments!
Image Credit: Photo via psarokokalo