Why Should You Care About Cosmetic Ingredients!

Are your cosmetic ingredients safe?

If I were to ask you what ingredients are in your cleanser or foundation would you know? The reality is most of you don't care but let me tell you why you should!

The Wrong Cosmetic Ingredients...

• Can clog pores
• Cause sensitivity
• Over-stimulate oil production
• Cause acne or breakouts
• Over-dry and cause skin to look dehydrated
• Cause a skin condition you've never had before

There are so many cosmetic companies out there and each has their own idea about ingredients that are the worst and best. The key is how active are the ingredients in the product as to chance irritation or toxicity.

What are the Active Ingredients?

When you look at ingredients on your packaging, do you pay attention to the "active ingredients" list? The first five are the most important - they are the ones that are most active.

Just in case you didn't know, you can have a reaction to any product. The key is not getting worked up from articles you read on ingredients. Remember, everyone has their own opinion and you need to form yours about which ingredients you want to stay away from.

Just because an ingredient may be "deemed" to have a low toxicity or probable cause for dermatitis doesn't mean it can't be used in trace amounts. It would take a lot of that ingredient to be absorbed into your blood before it would reach toxic levels.

Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics

Ingredients I tend to shy away from especially if they are listed in the product's top five:

• Bismuth oxychloride
• Methylparaben
• Proplyparaben
• Butylparaben
• Fatty acids (stearic acids)
• Mineral oil
• Colorants (FD&C)
• Alcohol denat. (denatured alcohol)

Many cosmetics and skincare products can contain any one of these ingredients but the key is to see if the ingredient is listed in the top five.

Safer Ingredients to Look for

Some of the ingredients I have found to be safe are plant based ingredients such as green tea, rosemary and chamomile as well as fragrances that are chemical free.

For those of you who want a more complete list I would recommend the book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" by Paula Begoun.

Some favorable ingredients for cosmetics are:

• Titanium dioxide
• Kaolin
• Jojoba esters
• St. John's Wort
• Green tea extract
• Vitamin C & E

• Mineral Makeup
• CTNaturals Skincare

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