Great Green Idea: Green Cosmetics: "Green" Cosmetics: What Makes them "Green"?

"Green" Cosmetics: What Makes them "Green"?

The daily use of cosmetics dates back to early civilization when they were used by men and women to enhance appearance and make statements regarding social status. The creative use of henna and other natural ingredients could be said to be the origin of green makeup. Although the desire to enhance appearance has not changed, today the need to exercise caution and use nontoxic products has become much more important as more dangers of chemicals are revealed every day.

Q: What factors make the use of nontoxic cosmetics important?

A: The pores in human skin absorb toxins in the environment and elements applied to the skin at an alarming rate. These toxins are quickly drawn into the body and create negative health consequences. Unhealthy elements can also enter the body through ingestion and inhalation. Harmful chemicals are found in products like hair dye, lotion and even toothpaste. The average person uses some sort of cosmetic or grooming product up to nine times a day, which increases the amount of possible exposure to toxins through the skin or other means.

Q: Why consider using green makeup be a consideration when cosmetics companies are required to keep their products safe?

A: Cosmetics companies reason that minute traces of chemicals do not cause harm to consumers. However, it is the build up of these chemicals over a time that is harmful to health. The Food and Drug Administration and other entities are legally prevented from determining the safety of cosmetics before they are sold. This loophole prevents strict monitoring of ingredients that go into cosmetics.

Q: What chemicals found in cosmetics are most harmful?

A: The extensive list of harmful chemicals grows as more research is conducted. A few harmful ingredients that head the list include mercury, which has been known to cause brain damage. The green cosmetics industry has warned of the dangers of lead in cosmetics for many years. Human and cow placenta have resulted in the absorption of dangerous levels of hormones. Petroleum and petroleum by-products have known carcinogenic properties. In fact, the same companies that manufacture automobile petroleum distribute this ingredient to many cosmetics lines for use in their products.

Q: How can consumers identify whether they are purchasing green cosmetics?

A: Some products that state they are non toxic, natural or organic may actually contain chemicals. Carefully reading the labels before purchasing a product will reveal if it is all natural. Green cosmetics clearly list the ingredients; which are usually components found in nature. It is said that the purest green makeup or other cosmetic should just as safe to eat as it is to use. Natural cosmetics list food products like butter, berries, lemon and coffee among their ingredients. Herbs and minerals like rose hips and mica are common in non toxic health and beauty products.

Q: Can consumers make their own green makeup?

A: For health as well as economic reasons, countless men and women make cosmetics for their own use from ingredients found in their local supermarket. Health food stores carry a vast array of ingredients to use in to make natural cosmetics. Minerals are sold online in small quantities for as little as $2.00. Tips and recipes to learn how to make cosmetics can be found online, in bookstores and libraries. All over the world, entrepreneurs have turned the natural health and beauty market into successful businesses. Since 33% of personal care products have at least one ingredient that has been linked to cancer, more consumers are choosing safer, less toxic alternatives for the health and beauty regimens.