Books:
• Drop Dead Gorgeous: Protecting Yourself from the Hidden Dangers of Cosmetics, by Kim Erickson
• Mother Nature’s Guide to Vibrant Beauty & Health, by Myra Cameron
• The Truth About Beauty: Transform Your Looks and Life from the Inside Out, by Kat James and Oz Garcia
“Hemp oil’s high and balanced EFA content also makes it an ideal ingredient in body care products. The EFAs soothe and restore skin in salves and creams and give excellent emolliency and smooth after-feel to lotions, lip balms, conditioners, shampoos, soaps, shaving products, and massage oils. Recent Canadian research shows that hemp oil has potential as a broad-spectrum ultraviolet skin protector.”
– Hemp Industries Association, 2005; HIA.org
Did you know that many of the skin, hair, and oral care products sold in stores today contain toxins that can cause cancer and that also poison our lakes, rivers and oceans; and can cause birth deformities, miscarriages, and learning disabilities in both humans and wildlife?
Many of these products contain petroleum-derived parabens. These are known carcinogens and are used as preservatives in the products. Parabens are known to mimic estrogen and disrupt testosterone levels. Many of the same chemicals used on insecticides are often used in body scents and other cosmetics. Other chemicals used on the most popular cosmetic products include coal tar coloring, labeled as D&C and FD&C colors; formaldehyde, a known carcinogen; lead, phthalates; and nonylphenols, chemicals that disrupt hormonal balance and that are contained in many shampoos, shaving creams, and hair dyes.
Avoid cosmetics that contain any of the following:
• Benzoic acid – derived from vertebrates, unless the label states it is derived
from plants
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Butyl paraben
• Carbomer 941
• Carmine, carminic acid, or cochineal – a red color derived from crushed cochineal beetles
• Cetyle alcohol – unless the label states that it is derived from coconut or a vegetable source, assume that it is derived from murdered dolphins or sperm whales
• Diazolidinyl Urea – a preservative that causes cancer
• Dimethicone
• DMDM hydantoin
• FD & C yellow no. 6
• Ethyl paraben
• Glycerin – if the label doesn’t say it is “vegetable glycerin,” it is likely to be
• Glycerin – if the label doesn’t say it is “vegetable glycerin,” it is likely to be
derived from the fat of slaughtered animals
• Hydrolized animal protein, also called hydrolyzed collagen – it is derived
from the tendons and bones of slaughtered animals, and also from pets killed
in animal shelters as well as from roadkill sold to rendering companies.
• Imidiazolidinyl urea
• Imidazolidinyland diazolidinyl urea
• Keratin – this is often an ingredient in shampoos. It is derived from the feather, hair, hooves, horns, and quills of killed animals.
• Lanolin – an emollient used as an ingredient in skin care products, it is
derived from sheep wool
• Laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl – a surfactant that is an irritant
• Methyl paraben
• Mineral oil – refined liquid hydrocarbon
• Padimate-O – found in sunscreens and can damage DNA
• Parabens
• PEG-50 almond glycerides
• Phthalates – a chemical that is known to cause birth defects
• Propolyn glycol – petrochemical derivative solvent that is harsh and an allergen
• Royal jelly – if you are opposed to using bee products, you willwant to avoid this. It is a form of concentrated honey fed to queen bees.
• Silk powder – a secretion of the silkworm
• Stearalkonium chloride – used in creams and conditioners, this chemical is a known carcinogen
• Stearic acid – derived from the fat of slaughtered animals, from pets killed in animal shelters, and from roadkill collected by cities, towns, and counties and then sold to rendering plants
• Synthetic colors – often consisting of cancer-causing chemicals that are bad for people, animals, and wildlife
• Synthetic fragrances – often consisting of chemicals that are neurotoxins, can trigger asthma attacks, and may cause birth defects as well as other serious health problems
• Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS)
• Triethanolamine (TEA) – often contains nitrosamines, is toxic and irritates the skin
• Urea – derived from the urine and body fluids of animals
http://www.AllForAnimals.com
Lists cosmetic companies that do not test on animals.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, http://www.SafeCosmetics.org
http://www.ChooseCrueltyFree.org.AU
The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, Washington, DC; http://www.LeapingBunny.org
This organization is a partnership of animal rights groups that has established a “cruelty free” standard for cosmetics and toiletries. The leaping bunny logo found on products from companies that don’t test on animals (vivisection) is from this organization.
Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Escondido, CA; http://www.DrBronner.com
Hemp-based soaps in recycled plastic bottles.
The Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC; http://www.EWG.org
Source for information on phthalates.
http://www.FlourideAlert.org
The Fluoride Education Project, http://www.Bruha.com
Green Products Alliance, Middlebury, VT; http://www.GreenProductsAlliance.com
Cosmetics manufacturers working for socially responsible business practices. The members have agreed to avoid animal testing, animal by-products, petrochemicals, and other harmful chemicals. They also agree to use organic ingredients and recycled or reusable packaging.
Hemp Organics, San Francisco, CA; http://www.ColOrganics.net
Lip colors that don’t contain mineral oil, FD&C colors, parabens, or other coal tar or petroleum derivatives.