Skin Care: It Doesn’t Have to be Hazardous
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Despite the fact that the Safety in Cosmetics Act of 2010 didn’t get traction, there are still plenty of products available for those who want to go the “natural” route.
For a month, I sampled three different skin care lines that have no toxic chemicals. All of them are rated at the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, and are listed in the PETA “cruelty-free” shopping guide. I focused on a triad of items that women of all ages use: eye cream, daytime moisturizer, and nighttime moisturizer. Each manufacturer had a story of evolution. However, they were unanimous in their desire to offer consumers alternative options for their needs.
Linda Stein, formerly a trademark attorney, started Zosimos Botanicals because she had been searching for a personal care system that would not harm her sister — who has a challenged immune system. Located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Stein started in 2004 as a one-woman operation. As she continued to build her line, she branched out from private customers to include small stores, make-up artists, and the Internet.
Believing in a “green” lifestyle, Stein sees herself as part of a community that has a specific belief system.
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It is reassuring to find other like minded people attempting to remove synthetic chemicals from their skin care product choices. I choose certified organics and free reports at nochemicalcosmetics.com make it easier to recognise and avoid chemicals in cosmetics.
April 5, 2011 - 5:31amThis Comment
Excellent piece - really practical and inspiring!
April 6, 2011 - 4:12pmI'm so pleased to see our voices become more and more to tell companies we don't want their toxins in our bodies any more! People tend to think that if millions of people use sth, it must be OK, or if you can't see any immediate terrible damage, it's fine.
April 7, 2011 - 1:29pmI don't know in the states, but in Latin America it is quite an economic sacrifice to embrace organic and natural products. I know it's worth it, but I am afraid not everybody can afford it. I hope they will become a bit more affordable with time as more consumers start choosing them.
Thanks for enlightening more people on this topic!