The best organic cosmetics for better health

As our nation is to make healthier choices in foods organically grown, we still have a long way to go. One area that is still very high in the U.S. is the cosmetics industry. It is important to know how to choose the best organic cosmetics and what to avoid.

Many cosmetics and personal care products in the U.S. very harmful ingredients that are known or probable links to cancer, birth defects and other serious health problems. Not only are manufacturers of cosmetics and care products can use almost any ingredient they choose in their products, but these products are minimally regulated in any case.

Currently there is a strong market trend of "natural" cosmetics, including everything from items for baby care deodorant and toothpaste. But do not be fooled by this label ambiguous. "Natural" can mean simply that the product contains a small amount of ingredients derived from a natural source, organic or not.

Even an "organic" products may contain harmful toxic ingredients. A product labeled "certified organic" must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients and a product "organic" label must be at least 70% organic ingredients. The problem lies in the remaining 5% -30%, which are basically left to the discretion of the manufacturer. A product may contain lavender and aloe organic farming, but also contain synthetic preservatives. Therefore, unless a product is labeled "100% organic" is better know what to look for on the label.

But reading the label itself is a tricky business. Most chemicals have many names. A good starting point is to avoid artificial / synthetic preservatives (parabens), artificial colors and fragrances, genetically modified ingredients, sodium lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), and Vaseline.

Some people in the U.S. working for safer cosmetics. Among them is the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of environmental and public health work toward a compromise by cosmetics manufacturers to eliminate toxins from their products. In July 2006, more than 300 companies have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, agreeing to meet the standards set by the European Union Cosmetics Directive, which prohibits the ingredients that are known or strongly suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutations and birth defects. For a compact list of signatories go to http://www.safecosmetics.org

Another victory in the fight for safe cosmetics came in October 2005 when the California Safe Cosmetics Bill became law. The bill requires cosmetics manufacturers to disclose to the California Department of Health Services ingredients linked to cancer, mutations or birth defects. Cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes Association (CTFA) have spent over half a million dollars in an attempt to defeat the bill.

Our country is certainly new and significant strides in the direction of safe cosmetics. For the moment, it is important to do what I can for the use of products that you know is free of toxins. Your best bet is to stick with manufacturers who are dedicated to safety in cosmetics and the environment.