3 Tips for Buying Green Products

These days, more and more consumers are realizing the importance of shopping for “green” products. Not only are they better for the earth, but they are also much better for you and your family’s health. In order to choose truly green products, it is important to understand what to look for. Following are three tips to help you when you are shopping for green personal care and beauty products:

1)  Read the label carefully

It’s ironic that so many of the products we use to cleanse our bodies, improve our appearance, and slow the effects of aging often contain harmful ingredients which often do just the opposite over time. Cosmetics and personal care products such as hairspray, deodorant, skin cleansers and makeup contain many harsh and potentially harmful ingredients. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate, a common ingredient in shampoo and toothpaste, is also used in floor cleaners and engine degreasers! 

When shopping for green personal care and beauty products, look for products which contain primarily, if not all, natural ingredients. As you read the label, be wary of a long list of ingredients with multiple syllables which you can’t even begin to pronounce. Those products are full of chemicals and are best to avoid. Don’t just assume the ingredients are “natural” just because the word is on the package. You must read the list of ingredients. 

2)  Choose “certified organic” products

More and more companies are using organic ingredients in their products. Organic typically means that the ingredients were grown or produced without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, and were not radiated or genetically modified. In animal products it means no antibiotics or hormones were given to the animals. 

You must be careful to look for either the USDA Organic seal or the Eco-Cert label. These seals ensure that the product meets strict criteria with regards to being truly organic. Many brands state they are “organic” but really aren’t. This is why reading the label is very important.  Organic products are much better for your health, because your skin is not exposed to and thus absorbing dangerous chemicals or chemical residues. 

Also, many organic products are cruelty-free, which means they did not engage in animal testing. 

3)    Avoid products containing petroleum

Many people don’t realize how many personal care and beauty products contain petroleum or petroleum derivatives. These ingredients often contain carcinogenic substances such as 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde. Not only do many types of makeup contain petroleum, such as lipstick and lip gloss, but even some feminine hygiene products do as well.

Petroleum-based ingredients to watch for include propylene glycol, paraffin, and mineral oil. These substances coat your skin and clog your pores, thus preventing your skin from breathing or releasing toxins. Ironically, many anti-aging creams and lotions contain petroleum in one form or another!

These are just a few things to watch for when it comes to shopping for green products for your personal care and beauty needs. Make it a point to educate yourself about the ingredients in the products you use regularly. As you learn more, consider choosing green products which are safer and healthier. Not only will your body benefit from these products, but this planet we all call home will benefit as well!