pure as the food you
eat because ultimately
they both end up
in the same place:
your body. Look for
lipsticks
and
other
cosmetics that actually
list their ingredients, and
then accept only those
with items you recognize.
seed
extract or antioxidant vitamins (A,
C and E), which come with all the
benefits of a preservative, but none of
the dangerous side effects.
Lipstick, For Example
It was found in studies conducted
several years ago that more than half
of 33 name-brand lipsticks contained
detectable lead levels. These were not
brands from a discount store, either.
When it comes to toxins, lead is
certainly at the top of the list. There
is no safe level of lead, and since it
does not break down in your body,
it can accumulate for a lifetime. Lead
is a proven neurotoxin that can cause
learning, language, and behavioral
problems. This toxic substance is also
linked to infertility and miscarriage.
Lead in your lipstick may come
from one of two places: colorants,
which may contain lead, or as
byproducts from ingredients obtained
from raw materials like petrolatum,
mineral oil, and paraffin. The only
limit that the FDA has established is
for color additives that are sometimes
used to color lipstick, and these are
allowed to contain 10-20 ppm of lead!
What exactly is the point of having
a “Food and Drug Administration”
if they are not going to make sure
that toxic substances are kept out of
products like lipstick?
Your cosmetics should be just as
36
THE ENGLISH UPDATE
Do - It-Yourself
The easiest way to ensure that you’re
not being exposed to potentially
hazardous agents is to make your own
personal care products, using simple
all-natural ingredients that many of
you may already have in your home.
Here are a few suggestions:
A l l - n a tur a l
moisturizers – Pure coconut
oil is a great alternative to facial
moisturizers and lotions. It’s a potent
source of the beneficial fat lauric acid.
All- natural acne fighter
-- Rubbing just a drop of oregano
oil on a breakout can speed up the
healing and prevent unsightly scarring
without resorting to harsh commercial
acne medication (remember to wash
your hands thoroughly afterwards).
All- natural deodorant –
I advise stopping ALL antiperspirants.
Common soap and water works
fine. If you still need further help,
then try a pinch of baking soda mixed
into water as an effective allday deodorant. If you want
something that looks and
feels more like a roll-on
deodorant, then try the
recipe below.
A l l- n atura l
shampoo and
soaps – You can
find clean, non-
Natural Deodorant
Ingredients:
6 Tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) baking
soda
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp)
arrowroot or cornstarch
Essential oils (optional)
What to Do:
Mix baking soda and
arrowroot together in a
medium sized bowl.
Mash in coconut oil with a
fork until well mixed.
Add oils if desired.
Store in small glass jar or old
deodorant container for easy use.
chemical soaps at many health food
stores.
It’s possible to find recipes for
your own homemade beauty
products. I recommend looking at
the Environmental Working Group’s
Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database
for many healthy alternatives.
One of