As consumers, we often believe what we read. And although we’ve become more aware of the foods we eat and the water we drink, we tend not to consider what is included in other products that make up our daily regimes. We are drawn to those labeled 'natural' as a better, healthier alternative. But do you know what ingredients are included in these products? Do you know the potential risks to your health and that of your family of these ingredients? Look beyond the pretty packaging, the catchy, popular phrase and you'll be more than a little surprised.
In fact, you are likely to be as shocked as I when I began researching ingredients of products that I had been using for years and discovered, for example, that my natural lipstick contains...hold on...lead?! Yep. Lead, in lipstick.
What came from years of research was a resolve to learn the names of those ingredients which are proven to be harmful. You know the ones: those six syllable words impossible to pronounce? I’ve become an avid label reader of everything. I also started a campaign of letter writing to companies asking why they include ingredients in their manufacturing that have been proven to jeopardize the health of their customers. The replies were mostly defensive and protective of their oh-so-important marketing image. Some even offered free product!
This is upsetting information. After getting over the initial shock, I became infuriated with the fact that I had come to trust companies that cared about little more than their profit margin. Skin care products that I grew up with and those whose marketing image projected benefits to my skin, my hair, my body and purchased at the higher-end cosmetic counters, I discovered, included toxic ingredients or, at minimum, not so natural.
Did you know that American companies manufacturing personal care products, including skin care products, can include any ingredient and that the US government does not require safety tests? I kid you not. The FDA website states: "The regulatory requirements governing the sale of cosmetics are not as stringent as those that apply to other FDA-regulated products... Manufacturers may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, to market a product without a government review or approval." Over the years I have expanded my research to bottled waters, perceived health foods (cereal!), over-the-counter vitamin and supplements. What I discovered is that much of what is produced for mass consumption harbors negative components, many with serious health risks. Even those listed as natural. No wonder there's so much illness and disease; we are definitely what we ingest and, just as alarming, what we place on our skin.
But there is good news associated with all this sobering reality and that is this: there are companies operating with a good conscience and a strong commitment to utilizing only healthy, beneficial ingredients into their manufacturing be it natural skin care, vitamin or supplements. These products might not be sitting on the shelves of your favorite department, grocery or drug store, but they are available. Oh, and you just might want to start reading labels a little more closely...for your natural skin care health.
Heather Fields is a researcher and proponent of companies and organizations diligently working to educate consumers regarding product ingredients. If you’re curious about common ingredients included in many natural skin care products, Visit her website and the links therein.
