Great Green Idea: Green Cosmetics: Eco Cosmetics: Green, Healthy and Beautiful

Eco Cosmetics: Green, Healthy and Beautiful

In recent years there has been great concern about the hazards that some of the ingredients in cosmetics. Over the years, makeup has been tested and found to contain lead and other ingredients that pose health threats to users. The methods that are used including animal testing, has also drawn attention to the need for action. New legislation has been offered to address these concerns and improve regulation in the cosmetics industry. Recent news highlights stories of more eco cosmetics are being manufactured and sold in stores and boutiques around the globe. Many of these companies donate all or part of the profits from sales to worthy environmental organizations and causes.

Lush Cosmetics

Lush is a well known UK based company that sells healthy, fresh makeup and other beauty products. One reason for its popularity is the unique way in which their green cosmetics are packaged, or rather, not packaged. Sixty five percent of the cosmetics they sell are offered naked, or without packaging. The rest of their products are packaged exclusively with recycled waste. Lush regularly runs campaigns to speak out against packing which is not eco friendly and unnecessary. The company uses popcorn rather than polystyrene beads for packing their products. All of the products that Lush offers are vegetarian and company policy opposes animal testing. One hundred percent of the profits from a popular conditioner, called Jungle, are donated to Rainforest Foundation.

Eco Cosmetics for Children

In 2007 a mother of two from Bellevue, Washington began green a Halloween movement to find healthier alternatives for kids during this season. Her concern birthed a local store, Clementine Art, which sells all natural art supplies. Among these supplies are paints that can be safely used as face paint. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics tested ten children's face paints and discovered traces of lead in all of them and several allergens in most. The owner of Clementine Art advises parents to not overuse face paints on children even when using green cosmetics because of the high sensitivity of children's skin.

Planet First Now Offers Green Cosmetics to its Customers

Planet First, a Portage, Michigan retailer, is a store that sells full range of earth friendly clothing, jewelry and other products like biodegradable diapers. Recently, the owners have added green beauty products to their inventory as an alternative to unhealthy make up sold in drug stores and supermarkets. The price of the cosmetics is in line with other quality cosmetics and they actually last longer, the store owner reports. They are mineral based and are not absorbed by the skin.

Green in the UK

A leading eco friendly retailer is now offering their wide range of products for sale online. The website, www.ecocentric.co.uk has over 1,000 products that encourage people to use their money to support sustainability. One of the newer products to join their line is natural cosmetics. These green beauty products are sold at affordable prices and have been met with enthusiasm. Other inventory includes eco toys, home accessories and an eco wedding list.