OK. Everyone loved the list of toxin-free cosmetics I posted recently. Since then, I’ve come across more experts with tried and tested suggestions and some of you guys have shared, too. So, a listicle Part ll. And just a shower thought I had: I really want to emphasise that making the switch to safer and cleaner shouldn’t be about getting draconian and consumerist. That is, getting pious and buying more stuff. It’s about making a slow, gradual, informed switch as products run out. That’s just my thoughts…now enjoy these generous suggestions from others…
photo via pinterest.com
Stacy Malkan is the author of the award-winning “Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry” , Communications Director for Health Care Without Harm, and is part of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. A legend in this field. She emailed to share these:
- Dr. Bronner’s Soap – I love the soaps and love that the company supports strong organic standards and is willing to fight for what’s right.
- Weleda lotions – Excellent biodynamic products and they also support and train organic rose farmers around the world!
- Jane Iredale make-up – Great colors and excellent performance without the toxins.
- Grateful Body face cream – A local company in my community (Berkeley) that makes products with the utmost love and care.
Nicole Bijlsma is an accomplished naturopath, acupuncturist and building biologist. She is also the founder of the Australian College of Environmental Studies, established to educate people about the health hazards in the built environment. Check out more information relating to what to avoid in a product in future here.
- Biologika Evening Bliss organic deodorant
- Lariese cold pressed organic rosehip oil (this is my face moisturiser which I apply the night before -I use it twice weekly)
- FOOD for your skin Face and Body Scrub. These products are made from food! And last a month or so. They are handmade by a mother-daughter team – and are available at markets and online.
- Alchemy, Dr Hauschka and Weleda shampoo and conditioner – I alternate.
Trudy Joyce is a Melbourne-based makeup artist who recently used some of these products on my face for filming (hoorah! a makeup artists who’s into this stuff….we had a GREAT day working with Adam Zwar – Wilfred, Lowdown – for a new ABC show):
- Kosmea organic Rose hip oil
- Arbonne for skin care and makeup
- Re9 range is an active skin care range. My favourite is their tinted moisturiser, & mineral makeup .
- David Babaii hair/grooming products are fab also, not organic but they have less nasties than others and are cruelty free.
- Ere Perez has a beautiful almond oil based mascara, the more natural mascaras don’t seem to last as long.
I like this tip from Trudy: I put a drop of Rose hip oil in the tube or brush to give ’em a bit more life.
Carla Oates has been researching and writing about natural beauty and health for the last ten years and is a great advocate for the organic industry. I know Carla from my magazine days and she has a new book out (see below).
- Inner Beauty Powder (certified organic) Rich in bio-activated ingredients; this is a superfood/probiotic in one! Pure nutrition for the skin.
- Coco Balm (certified organic) – it’s rich in fermented young coconut water, virgin coconut oil and a fermented essence of spirulina, grains, lemon, ginger and other nutrient rich foods. A handbag favourite.
- Nui Coconut oil: I don’t use soap as it disrupts the acid mantle of the skin. Coconut oil cleanses and moisturises at the same time. Its rich in fatty acids that moisturise the skin and in lauric acid that is anti-bacterial. I also use coconut oil as a brilliant hair treatment oil. Massage it into wet hair, leave for twenty minutes and then shampoo as normal.
- Inika mineral foundation: it’s natural, protective and also allows the skin to breath and gives you a great airbrushed appearance as opposed to cake on your face appearance.
- DIY fresh skincare recipes: My book ‘Feeding Your Skin’ shows women how to make super fresh skincare using herbs, fruits and foods from your kitchen and cupboard. Also my blog gives you lots of great tips and information.
Here’s what some of you recommended:
- Check out http://www.beautipedia.com before buying anything. They will review a product: checking if it does what it claims to, is good/bad for you based on ingredients, whether the packaging keeps
active ingredients stable and is worth the price based on the cost of ingredients. They also provide a list of what companies test on animals, etc. - MV organic range
- Endota
- John Masters Organics. A U.S. based line, but they ship anywhere. (a reader said “I’m studying Molecular Biology and their ingredient list is 100% a-ok”)
- Phyt’s organic skincare range
- Tinderbox skincare products – sold through a local health food store in Kings Cross, but you can also order it online
active ingredients stable and is worth the price based on the cost of ingredients. They also provide a list of what companies test on animals, etc.Some extra stuff:
For those who asked about toxin-free tampons/pads – good news! TOMs are organic, Australian made tampons. So there you go, a healthy plug…and you can buy online and have them delivered to your door!
Here is a study that identified 13 hormone-disrupting cosmetic chemicals in the urine of teenage girls – to give you an idea of what you might look for. http://www.ewg.org/reports/teens
Here is another study by Harvard researchers that found that a single use of cologne markedly increased phthalates in the urine of adult men. (many young boys these days are using multiple fragrance containing products that probably contain phthalates!)
Adorn Mineral Cosmetics is an Australian made company. They have a product called the Toxic Free Beauty Bag. They are all about freeing yourself of unnecessary badies and helping the environment. They are Melbourne based and run workshops for women educating them on this important issue. Check them out if you’re in the area.
