Safe, Healthful, Non-Toxic Cosmetics / Beauty Grocery List

We all want to look our best. Many of the beauty treatments, products and supplies we use are unsafe and some can be toxic. Cosmetics can contain allergens, harsh chemicals and unsafe pigments. Here is a comprehensive list of products, additives and ingredients to look out for and avoid when selecting beauty care items. I've also listed a definitive list of common household ingredients with which you can create your own entirely non-allergenic, safe skin, hair and beauty care recipes.

When choosing products watch out for and avoid these additives:

mineral oil(baby oil)- Mineral oil is used in creams, lotions and most skin care formulas as a softener, lubricant and protectant. It is a petroleum product (notice the root word 'petrol' or gas). Mineral oil is harmful to skin overtime and can cause allergic reactions. Mineral oil also clogs pores.

alcohol- Alcohol is an antiseptic and is very good for sanitizing. Because it dries quickly alcohol is often used in lotions, creams, acne and skin care products. Alcohol is frequently used in products labeled 'greaseless' or 'non-greasy''. But as a skin care product, alcohol is very drying and harsh to skin and hair.

talc- Talc is a very soft rock. It is used in powders to absorb moisture. Talc is not good to breathe and can cause respiratory issues.

petroleum jelly- Again notice the term 'petroleum'; petroleum jelly (vaseline) is a fossil product which, as with mineral oil, will clog pores.

triclosan- This popular is commonly used in acne preparations and hand sanitizer. Triclosan is a harsh chemical. If you suffer from acne, benzoil peroxide is a safer choice.

fluoride- Fluoride was added to toothpaste in the mid 1960's to help prevent tooth decay. But our water is fluoridated as well. Fluoride is a metal listed on the elements chart. Fluoride accumulates in the body systems and can cause cellular dysfunction.

aluminum- Aluminum is the active ingredient in most anti-perspirants and deodorants. As a metal it is toxic to the system. Look for Adidas 0% aluminum for effective anti-perspirant/deodorant usage.

Safe ingredients to keep in your beauty shelf: