Back in May 2011, after years of seeking out organic grown foods, followed by more recent months of wondering exactly what was in the cosmetics I was consuming via my skin – I read a rather timely (and eye-opening) Canadian study about the level of toxins in our daily cosmetics. This lead to a bit of research and list making in terms of chemicals to avoid (thank you David Suzuki) and a massive clean out of cosmetics I had previously favoured in the naive belief that “natural” meant natural and “hypo-allergetic” mean toxin free. I was horrified to find many of them full of (dangerous but legal levels of) chemicals proven to interfere with hormone function and/or contribute to incidents of breast cancer, brain disorders and Alzheimer’s, among other things. It was scary and infuriating.

Compiled below are some of my favourite alternatives – each of which avoid most or all 12 of the “dirty dozen” chemicals commonly found in cosmetics today.

Anyone with a heads up about other options and/or your own safe(r) favourites – I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

  1. John Masters Organics  – Unscented Shampoo / Citrus & Neroli Detangler (the most amazing hair products ever and admittedly a splurge when I buy them): Made with 17 certified-organic ingredients.
2. SAVE Nourishing Shampoo. 99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. 14 % of the total ingredients are from organic farming.
3. Dr. Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Classic Soaps (a long time favourite that I stock up on whenever I’m back in Canada): completely biodegradable and vegetable based. Made with Certified Fair Trade and Organic Oils. The text plastered all over the bottle makes for some rather interesting reading while you’re in the bath as well.
4. Urtekram Toothpaste (I’m not crazy about the chalkiness but being flouride free – I’ll choose this over Colgate any day). Does not contain SLS/SLES or foam ingredients that can be harmful according to ‘the list’.
5. Dr. Scheller 24hr Moisturizing Body Milk (addicted to this cream): Dr. Scheller products bear the NaTrue seal for natural cosmetics: fulfilling the highest ethical and ecological requirements.
6. Estelle & Thild Ecorganic Face Cream (also available in fragrance free): Swedish Organic Skin Care. Free from Parabens, mineral oils, sodium laurel/laureth sulphate (SLS), perfume, propylene glycol, silicone, urea, diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), synthetic emulsifiers (e.g. polyethylene glycol or PEG), dyes.
7. Dr. Scheller Pomegranite Face Toner
8. Urtekram No Perfume Liquid Hand Soap: 100% of the the ingredients are of natural origin. 10% of the ingredients are derived from Organic Agriculture.
9. Weleda Deodorant (this one holds up to a good workout): super fresh smell of organic sage and tea tree leaf oil. With no risky antiperspirants such as aluminum salts, your body’s natural detoxification process is supported while bacteria that cause unpleasant odors are neutralized. The citrus version is great too.
10. LUSH Natural Aluminum Free Deodorants (I love love love Aromaco and stock up whenever I’m in a country with a local LUSH shop): Microfine sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate and lovely fragrances combat unfriendly smells, without using unhealthy aluminums.
11. Maison Belle cleaning products (do not fall under the category of cosmetics but their frequent use at home warrant mention here): Maison Belle’s effective and non-toxic household cleaners can be used on stoves, sinks, tiles, floors, fridges and cabinets. Scented with essential oils. Their Orange and Rosemary Kitchen cleaner is fantastic and (almost) makes me want to clean every day.

 12. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil (I LOVE this oil with its high levels of Omega 3, 6 and 9 – and at 9 months pregnant, can happily attest to it’s effectiveness in combatting stretch marks in any way shape or form): Every Mama Mio product is paraben free, petroleum free, phthalates free, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulphate free, colourant free, synthetic fragrance free and xenoestrogen free. If it is nasty, it is a no-no. Even their fragrances are natural. They also have an impressive variety of face creams, moisturizers and serums that are worth checking out.
13. Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Nourishing Oil: uses sweet almond oil instead of mineral oil (which is a petro chemical with potential human health risks and unfortunately often used in baby products). 100% natural preservatives instead of parabens.
14. Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash: all-in-one, tear-free wash combines a natural plant-based cleansing complex with sweet orange and lemon oils instead of chemicals.
15. Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm (another one I’ve been addicted to for years):  100% natural and a great source of (super) moisturizing colour in the face of dry nordic winter weather. I couldn’t do without it and probably have about 5 floating around.
16. Nilens Jord Mascara: paraben and perfume free, this mascara was a great find after trying (and hating) Dr. Hauschka’s mascara – which left me looking like a raccoon after a short bike ride in foggy weather or the slightest misty-eye moment.
17. Nilens Jord Eye Shadow: also paraben and perfume free, made with 100% natural minerals. Again – beat out Dr. Hauschka’s.
18. Bare Minerals Blush (one container lasts ages): Free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, sythetic dyes, petro-chemicals or phalates.

{Just came across a new danish make-up line called Organiqs. Haven’t tried it yet, but their principles sound sensible so I’ll have a closer look and might give it a go when it’s time to restock}

Articles, Blogs and Other Resources:

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics [Website] – or follow on Facebook
David Suzuki’s Queen of Green [Website] – or follow her on Facebook
The Good Guide [Website]
Safe Cosmetic Brands Uncovered [Article]
Bloomberg: The Ten Most Toxic Cosmetics [Article]
Hair dyes: how to reduce your toxic exposure [Article]