AID YOUR BODY BY CHOOSING NON-TOXIC PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Just as you use caution when making choices about the foods you put into your body, you’ll also want to consider what you’re putting on your body. That's why one great way to implement a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle is by choosing non-toxic personal care products.

According to a survey by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the average adult uses about 9 personal care products daily. These products are applied and absorbed into the skin. This absorption allows them to enter your bloodstream and impact the way your body functions. We’re talking about products with ingredients that have the potential to cause cancer, disrupt hormone production, and lead to reproductive or developmental impairments. The frightening reality is that many of us are being exposed every single day.

4 TIPS ON HOW TO SELECT NON-TOXIC PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

Choosing personal care products can be confusing, especially with so many companies offering unsupported claims. But you can approach your next shopping trip armed with knowledge.

1. EXAMINE INGREDIENTS LISTS CAREFULLY

The distinction between toxic and non-toxic products lies in the ingredients list. Check out EWG Skin Deep database to learn both safe and unsafe ingredients for infants, teens, and adults. This comprehensive database provides ingredients lists for thousands of popular products. You'll find notes on which ingredients in particular raise red flags in terms of their toxicity, regulatory status, and data from research studies. It's also a good idea to purchase products that have been EWG Verified, which means the product is free from chemicals of concern and meets the group’s rigorous standards.

2. LOOK FOR THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATIONS

Checking whether a product has third-party certifications is another way to determine its safety. Evaluate the products in your beauty cabinet to see if they have been awarded independent certifications that require manufacturers to undergo evaluations to verify that certain ingredient standards are met. For example, Ecocert awards the Cosmos Cosmetics Standard to verify whether a product actually contains superior-quality natural and organic ingredients as advertised. They also set standards regarding where a product came from (whether sustainable practices were used in farming and manufacture), what it contains (being free from toxic chemicals), and how it is packaged.

3. STICK WITH BRANDS COMMITTED TO HIGH STANDARDS

The standards and philosophies of a company can tell you a lot about the kinds of products they manufacture. In addition to certifications, when a brand proudly broadcasts organic, vegan, and sustainable principles and practices on their website, you can feel more comfortable about using their products. Aim to use products from companies with an across-the-board philosophy of sustainability in everything they do, rather than those who only produce a few non-toxic products because it’s “trendy.”

4. DON’T BE MISLED BY “GREEN-WASHING”

Terms like “natural,” “organic,” or “pure” can be misleading. It's all too easy for consumers to pick up these products and believe their claims. In reality, personal care products are not heavily regulated, so brands can make these claims without actually living up to them. Never buy strictly from claims on the label. Be sure to browse the “free-from” lists, look for third-party certifications, and select products that actually back up their claims with non-toxic ingredients lists.