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Toxic Awareness Tips

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There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.

– Lady Blessington




 HOW TO READ A LABEL

Most people are unaware that the Cosmetics Industry is unregulated by the government. The FDA doesn't regulate the industry because the products are not considered "foods" or "drugs".

A company is not required to tell the consumer what ingredients are in their products. They can list any portion of the ingredients, or they can skip the official, complete ingredient list altogether.

Personal care ingredients usually represent a complicated list of chemical names that don't mean anything to people anyway. Here are a few pointers, however, as you begin to learn and decipher labels to become an informed consumer.

Skin care products are typically listed in descending order of their quantity in the product. A good rule of thumb is to divide the ingredient list into thirds: the top third usually makes up 90-95% of the product, the middle third usually comprises 5-8% and the bottom third, 1-3%.

  1. "Active ingredients" are what make the product effective.
  2. The International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary defines and lists many of the over 5000 ingredients used in cosmetics today.
  3. Cosmetics labeled 'natural' might have only 10% natural ingredients. Natural doesn't have any legally defined meaning.
  4. Organic is another problem, as a manufacturer can use almost any ingredient in any amount and describe it as organic. Personal care products don't follow the rules of the food industry for what is deemed to be 'organic'.
  5. "Hypoallergenic" may still provoke a reaction in some people. This term merely means that the manufacturer believes the product is unlikely to cause a reaction.
  6. You have a RIGHT to KNOW that the ingredients in your products have been proven safe, or if they are UNSAFE. Until that time, read the labels, become informed, and don't assume anything.
The Toxic Alarm Guide, published by the Toxic Free Foundation, is a handy guide for learning more about the chemicals to avoid on your labels. You can order one for $8 plus shipping by calling 800-471-8654, ext. 9 or by contacting us.
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