Chemicals in Beauty Products

No chems about it
The beauty world is expanding fast and there are more people relying on beauty products to make them look and feel beautiful. Some of these products contain harsh chemicals, and we absorb 60% of what we put on our skin according to the Green Girl Guide.

Now, can we find a balance of products that are good for us and the environment? Believe it or not, there are several companies thinking the same thing. The beauty industry is going green; they are wising up to these chemicals by now trying to make products that are eco-friendly and good for you.

Be aware
So far, almost all of the products that have been on the market contain harsh chemicals such as:

• Phthalates
• Parabens
• Lead
• Petrolatum

These chemicals can be found in your products along with nearly 9,000 untested ingredients, according to Caution at the Counter. Scientists do not know the long-term affects of these products, and even worse - the chemicals within multiple products may not mix well together. You could be putting a nasty poison in your body on a daily basis and not even know it.

Get smart, go green
So, what is a person to do? You don't have to stop using beauty products all together and fear looking like Frankenstein's monster. You can switch to organic products, which are hitting the beauty market in droves. In fact, you might see more companies ditch the chemicals and go with the green. Companies that go green aren't only making better choices for the environment; they are getting the added bonus of profiting from the trend.

According to MarketReseach.com, consumers spent $4.3 billion on natural and organic skin care. And the Organic Trade Association predicts that the market will grow to $12 billion in sales by 2011. People are realizing that these chemical-infused products are not only bad for them, but also for the planet.

Read your labels
Be careful when selecting your products. Just because it says all natural, doesn't always mean it. Since there are no regulations on 'natural' products, anyone can claim that their product is just that: natural! A good rule of thumb is: If you can't pronounce the ingredients, think twice before you buy it! Not every natural ingredient has a simple name, though, so if you're serious about using all-natural products, make sure to do your research.

Beauty schools take notice
Salons and cosmetology training schools are following suit in going green. Many salons and schools have realized that their efforts need to go beyond using green products to be eco-friendly. Some salons have installed energy efficient light bulbs as well as water sensors on the sinks, and some even participate in recycling programs. These methods are in place to help curb the carbon footprint that salons and spas are leaving on the planet.

Cosmetology schools are also practicing greener habits. Students can use a lot of energy to practice the techniques and methods of the beauty business. Some schools are educating their students about those habits and are advising them to be more eco-aware in order to cut down on the waste produced. These schools are even adopting green policies in the classrooms. They have programs that can help reduce the use of energy and water, and promote the use organic or natural products.