8 Promising Healthy Makeup and Skin Care Companies
We are all aware of the bad effects of phthalates in hairsprays, lead in lipsticks, parabens in moisturizers, and countless other toxic chemicals in skin care and makeup lines that are harmful to the human body. Non-profit health organizations like The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have worked diligently to urge the cosmetic market to make full disclosures of ingredients, conduct pre-market safety tests and move away from harmful chemicals. Many leading brands have come up with their versions of eco-friendly lines. But we have to remember that since there is no government regulated authority to certify organic or natural products, there is no guarantee that the product line is 100% natural and safe. Here are eight promising eco-friendly skin care and makeup lines that I found recently that are worth looking into:
1) KaiaHouse.com
An online beauty retailer who carries products that are safe, animal and environmental friendly. It consults with the Environmental Working Group to verify the safety of every ingredient that goes into the products. Kaiahouse has a wide assortment of makeup, hair care, skin care, anti-aging and vegan products. Every bottle of its “Save Your World” product saves an acre of rain forest in one year. Another noteworthy product is “Speak Freely for Humanity” Vanilla lip balm (pictured above), every purchase of which contributes $1 to humanitarian organizations such as the Carter Center to help war and human rights victims around the world.
2) CosmeticsDatabase.com is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products compiled by researchers at the Environmental Working Group. It has a searchable database of cosmetic and skin care lines with scores of 1 to 10 for product safety and levels of toxicity. So we can either type in the name of the product we are interested in and verify it’s safety level it or simply search for a safe product line from the listed categories for hair, skin, nail etc.
3) TeensTurningGreen.com is a non-profit organization that educates young women to make healthy choices and commit to a healthy environment.
A division of the org called Teens for Safe Cosmetics works to bring about greener alternatives in cosmetics. They have been vociferously active in trying to ban the presence of lead in lipsticks which is associated with learning disabilities, miscarriages, low IQ and behavioral problems. Teens Turning Green collection of safe cosmetics consisting of facial masks, body butters, cleansers, toning mists etc is sold at Whole Foods Market (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/).
4) Kahina-GivingBeauty.com
Kahina Giving Beauty is a line of natural skin care whose main ingredient is argan oil, derived from the Argania Spinosa tree indigenous to Morocco. Argan oil has come into wide prominence recently for its anti-aging properties due to high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols, polyphenols, and vitamin E. Argan oil is even suggested to protect against skin cancer and improve the appearance of some skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. The ingredients of the Kahina line come from women’s cooperatives from around the world and 25% of the profits go toward initiatives that improve the lives of the women. The line includes serum, cleanser, lotion and plain argan oil which is said to be the secret weapon of Moroccan women to reverse signs of aging.
5) 100PercentPure.com
As the name suggests , 100% pure is a line of skin care and makeup derived from 100% pure, vegan ingredients without addition of any synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or unhealthy toxins. Their exhaustive collection includes tinted moisturizer with SPF 20, lengthening and conditioning mascara, caffeine eye cream, pure peach pigmented concealer to name a few and can be found at ULTA , Skin-One (with free shipping) or its website.
6) JosieMaranCosmetics.com
This line of pure, gentle but effective makeup founded by the well known model Josie Maran, claims to be different from other earth friendly lines in the sophistication and luxury that it delivers. It comes complete with bio-degradable packaging and is talc, paraben and petrochemical free. You can check out this collection at Sephora and Barneys.
7) IAmaPeacekeeper.com
Peacemaker Causemetics ‘s line of eco and health friendly cosmetics was founded in 2002 and has been featured in numerous magazines like Marie Claire, Teen Vogue and The Oprah Magazine. It is the first cosmetics line that donates 100% of its profits after taxes to women’s health and human rights advocacy organizations. Shipping is free on all their orders.
8) JuiceBeauty.com
Juice Beauty, offers organic beauty solutions created from an antioxidant rich organic juice base backed by age-defying technology. All its ingredients are 95% certified organic and are procured from sustainable and organic farms from around the globe. It offers a wide array of products including it’s best selling Apple Nutrient Eye Cream and SPF 30 Mineral Light Moisturizer. Featured in Allure, Vogue Japan, Elle and other top Magazines, Juice Beauty can be ordered online from the website or can be found at Sephora.
Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more organic makeup and organic skincare.
