Cosmetics are great allies of women because they help enhance the natural beauty and conceal imperfections, but can become enemies of health and the environment if not carefully chooses which one to use.
Many companies employ a large amount of harmful chemicals and preservatives in order to achieve and maintain the properties of their products, Oil-derived substances with titanium dioxide, dyes, tar or formaldehyde. When applied to clean skin, the pores are opened to absorb the toxic elements, and when washing the face, moving chemicals down the drain, affecting water and soil.
An aggravating factor is that these ingredients do not usually appear on labels and many are associated with cancer, breathing problems, neurological disorders and birth defects, among others. As if this were not enough, most cosmetics are not packaged with biodegradable materials, and many have been tested on animals before being released to the market.
There are some Tips to make more eco your cosmetics
1. Check ingredients.
When buying beauty products, check that the label does not appear petroleum compounds, dyes, or chemicals. Some of the toxic substances that you should avoid are:
Titanium dioxide: It is generally used in foundations, lipsticks and shadows. When mined and modified with chlorine, spews dioxins and carcinogenic in high concentrations, can damage the lungs if inhaled;
Tar Dye: Used generally in hair dye. You can build hives and skin rashes as well as being carcinogenic to animals;
Formaldehyde: Used in face databases, shadows and masks, is highly carcinogenic and is linked to asthma, Even in low doses, can trigger burns and breathing problems, allergic reactions and even birth defects.
Some brands of cosmetics use palm oil in their products and promoting with this the destruction of tropical forests, climate change and species extinction.
2. Rejection companies that tested on animals.
Many companies using animals as guinea pigs before launching their products to market, causing mass poisoning, physical and emotional harm. The international movement Cruelty Free (http://www.gocrueltyfree.org) provides information on companies and brands whose products are free of testing in animals. The association PETA’s leading advocate for ethical treatment of animals and through their site to list companies Caring Consumer not tested on animals by brand and category. The full list of companies and companies that test not tested on animals also can be downloaded in PDF.
3. Buy only the cosmetics that you need.
The next time you go shopping, take a list of what they need and not get carried away by the offers that will unnecessarily then stored in your closet. Try to choose cosmetics that serve to several actions, including a moisturizer that you can use in different parts of the body instead of five different. So you can reduce waste generated and avoid wasting natural resources will not be used then. Added to this, encourage saving energy production and transportation of products.
4. Use parts.
Maximize the use of your cosmetics to buy replacement parts instead of new packaging. Thus reduce the amount of waste generated. Also, remember to always choose creams, makeup and perfumes that are packaged with reusable or recyclable materials.
5. I chose responsible brands.
When finally you should buy new products, always choose brands that use organic or natural elements and no animal testing. Not only promote sustainable trade, but look after your body with the best nutrients.
6. Use organic or natural fragrances.
A Greenpeace study unveiled that there are toxic substances in perfumes of major brands: There is cosmetic contain chemicals and synthetic musk, which can cause lung disorders, kidney and hormonal system. The natural and organic fragrances, however, are composed of natural substances such as minerals and essential oils, and lack of chemicals, synthetic and petroleum products that damage your health and the environment, To find out if a fragrance has these components, look closely at the labels, or choose brand responsible (see the tip above to meet some business managers).
7. Recycle.
Reuse and recycle packaging of cosmetics you buy. For example, those that come packaged with cardboard, paper and glass, such as perfumes and creams.
8. Make your own cosmetics.
To go one step further, a good option is to make your own cosmetics. You can use natural elements you have in your house while avoiding chemicals, packaging and fossil fuel consumed in the manufacturing process and transportation of industrial products. Many sites offer recipes for products: soaps, lemon, orange cream for hands, natural and homemade masks flushes are some possibilities. You can even store them in bottles you’ve saved.