Looking good is nothing new. People have been big on being beautiful since we first walked out of a cave. Today that is matched only by the drive for being healthy and living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. We check our reflection in the mirror, but we also check our carbon footprint. Then we look at our cosmetics, glance at the ingredients list and realize that we can’t actually pronounce any of them and wonder if they are toxins we should be aware of. We all like the concept of “green,” but we also want to look great. Somewhere in the back of everyone’s mind is a question of whether both is possible.

Non-toxic beauty is something that is starting to creep into people’s minds. This is the impetus for this first post in an ongoing series about non-toxic beauty. There are some toxins that you should know to avoid that are used both in traditional cosmetics and too many so-called “all natural” products. You shouldn’t need a PhD in chemistry to know that you your moisturizer is safe.

If you have questions about safe cosmetics, check out the information at http://www.safecosmetics.org. As usual there is a wealth of information on the Internet, just make sure it comes from a trusted source.

Parabens

What are they?

Parabens are an inexpensive and generally effective preservative, commonly used in cosmetics and recognized for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, topical pharmaceuticals, spray tanning solution and toothpaste to name a few. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Less common parabens include isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben.

Why are they considered OK?

Historically, parabens were considered to be generally safe because of their low toxicity and long history of safe use. Currently there is no evidence that any cosmetics containing parabens pose a health risk.

Why should you avoid them?

While there has not yet been significant scientific research against parabens, there is enough anecdotal evidence and red flags to create concern about their estrogenic (mimic estrogen) and carcinogenic nature for Sibu to avoid them in our products. Further, in 2006, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) stated that the available data on parabens do not enable a decisive response to the question of whether any of them can be safely used in cosmetic products.

Phthalates

What are they?

Phthalates are a grouping of chemicals found in many things because they are so ubiquitous. While they are used in many products they also are added to plastics (primarily PVC) to increase flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. The phthalates then leach out of the plastics.

Why are they considered OK?

‘If they haven’t killed us yet they must be OK.’ This is the general logic behind groups supporting their use claiming that lack of data and research means phthalates are safe.

Why should you avoid them?

A lot of research, including labs in the US Environmental Protection Agency, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Centers For Disease Control, has been published linking even low doses of phthalates to reproductive disorders and fetal development problems on physical and neurological levels. The CDC has even warned about potential adverse effects to fetuses of pregnant mothers who use cosmetics containing phthalates.

Keep an eye out: Coming soon we will have a 10 day series post where you can hear from industry experts and what they have to say on everything ‘green’.