Beauty Without Chemicals: Natural Products for Healthy Radiance

Sodium laureth sulfate, oxybenzone, triclosan. Do you have the faintest idea what any of these ingredients are? Neither do most consumers, yet we slather them on our bodies regularly. Here's a rundown of concerns associated with some of the most common chemical additives:

- BHT. Also known as butylated hydroxytoluene. Common preservative and fragrance aid found in cosmetics. Linked to cancer and impaired endocrine function. Banned from baby food in United States, but widely present in cosmetics.

- Cocamidopropyl betaine. Thickening agent potentially contaminated with nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer.

- Fragrance. This is a catch-all term for numerous synthetic and potentially dangerous compounds typically added to beauty products. Rated as equal to secondhand smoke in inducing asthma attacks, number one cause of product allergies.

- Hydroquinone. Rated ten out of ten on the Environmental Working Group's hazard scale. Linked to cancer, allergies, and skin irritations. Strong evidence of neurotoxic effects (damage to nervous system).

- Oxybenzone. Common sunscreen chemical associated with cell damage, allergies, hormonal imbalance, and low birth weights.

- Sodium laureth (or lauryl) sulfate. Common foaming agent. Corrosive substance and known skin irritant. Reacts with other common cosmetic ingredients to form carcinogenic nitrates.

- Triclosan. Disinfectant common in antibacterial products. Used widely, although little is known about its long-term health effects in humans. Linked to antibiotic resistance and incidence of allergies.

Examine the ingredients in your favorite beauty products more closely, and you're likely to want to head in a more natural direction. Fortunately, you don't have to accept chemical stews. Check out the many alternatives available in natural products stores and even in your own grocery store.

Looking for a lotion? Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta is a good bet. Free of synthetic fragrances commonly found in other moisturizers, Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta lotion is scented with essential oils. The base is a very safe coconut fatty acid. Aubrey's special preservative blend contains nontoxic citrus seed extract. This lotion is excellent for sensitive or dry skin and eczema.

Ah, there's nothing like easing into a bath full of steaming sodium laureth sulfate. If you would rather pass, try California Baby's fragrant, gentler bubble bath formulations. Scented naturally with essential oils and chock full of organically grown ingredients, you can relax and soak in the goodness.

Weleda toothpastes are tasty, ultra-safe and very gentle. While other brands often contain cocamidopropyl betaine, you'll be able to understand the Weleda's ingredient lists without a chemistry textbook. In alignment with their motto, "In harmony with nature and the human being," Weleda provides a comprehensive online glossary of all their ingredients. Weleda's Plant Gel Toothpaste is especially soothing to those with sensitive gums.

Badger SPF 30 Sunscreen provides zinc-based sun protection without oxybenzone. Badger's sunscreen conditions your skin with organic jojoba oil and shea butter while it prevents skin damage. Safe enough for kids, it has a pleasant lavender scent.

Let's face it. Whatever is in your lip balm, you're eating it. Better make sure it's actually good for you. Merry Hempsters lip balm fits the bill. While your lip balm may contain BHT or other iffy ingredients, the Merry Hempsters ingredient list is simple and clear. If you haven't yet experienced the conditioning benefits of hemp seed oil, you're in for a treat. Merry Hempsters lip balms are long-lasting and do not require the frequent reapplication you may have experienced with other brands. Check out their organic lemon lime balm for a delicious scent.

Dr. Bronner's castile soap is a wonderful alternative to many standard hand and body soaps that contain triclosan. Made from fair trade and organic olive and hemp oils, the soaps are ultra-gentle and will never dry your skin. It's well worth checking out Dr. Bronner's full product line to find safe and natural lotions, shampoos, and conditioners.

Does your deodorant contain hydroquinone? Try a deodorant stone instead. Simply wet the crystal and rub under your arms. The active compound in deodorant stones is a safe potassium alum that has been used for hundreds of years. Deodorant stones are so gentle that hospitals have recommended them for post-chemotherapy patients. Thai Crystal products come in the original stone, roll-on, powder, and spray versions.

Aubrey Natural Baby and Kids Shampoo works well for kids or adults. Look at a standard baby shampoo label, and you're likely to see fragrance, cocamidopropyl betaine, or sodium laureth sulfate. Somehow Aubrey's has managed to mimic that nostalgic Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo fragrance without the synthetic chemicals. With fennel, hops, mint, almond and vanilla, Aubrey's is definitely more yummy than yucky.

It's easier than you think to pamper without the poison. Start with a few basics, and gradually explore the wide variety of natural products until you find favorites of your own.

Sources:

Andrea DesJardins, "Sweet Poison: The Dangers of Perfume", medicine.org

"CDC Report Says Sunscreen Chemical Oxybenzone in Most of Us", eNewsUSA

Ginger Patterson, "Daily Dose: BHA, BHT Raise Concerns About Safety", news-press.com

"Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database", Environmental Working Group

"Sodium Laureth Sulfate: What it Is, Where to Find it, and How to Avoid it", Natural-health-information-centre.com

Stelley R. Kramer, "Dangers of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate", Healthy-Communications.com

"Triclosan", Human Toxome Project