Makeup, toiletries, and feminine hygiene products get to know us intimately. But how safe are they? If you've ever had an allergic reaction to a moisturizer or eye shadow, you probably stopped using it and switched to a product that didn't irritate your skin. But what about the chemicals that result in side effects we can't see? How safe are they? Here are 10 tips for being a wise personal care shopper.

1. Your deodorant is not going to kill you. Remember that there may be small amounts of chemicals in personal care products, but you probably use many of them throughout the day. The idea is to be aware of what you're putting on and in your body because that exposure adds up overtime.
2. You don't necessarily have the government's protection. You should know that the US federal government doesn't require health studies or pre-market testing on personal care products, a category that includes a huge number of items from makeup and deodorant to shampoos and lotions. Don't buy products assuming they have been rigorously government tested.
3. Natural doesn't mean healthy. A "natural" label isn't regulated by the government, and just because a product contains natural ingredients doesn't mean that it doesn't also contain synthetic dyes and fragrances.
4. Look at ingredients. Chances are you can't pronounce many of them. But the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics lists what they consider to be the most harmful ingredients: Mercury, (often listed as thimerosal on ingredient labels) found in some eye drops, ointment and deodorants; lead acetate, found in some hair dyes and cleanser; formaldehyde and toluene, found in nail products; petrochemicals, found in some hair relaxers, shampoos, mascara, perfume, foundation, lipstick and lip balm; coal tar, found in dandruff shampoos, anti-itch creams and hair dyes; placenta, found in some hair relaxers, moisturizers and toners,; and phthalates, found in some nail polish, fragrances and hair spray.
5. Support companies who have joined the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The Campaign is asking manufacturers to sign a compact promising to replace harmful chemicals with safer alternatives within three years. You can find a list of companies who have done so on their website.
6. Choose organic. Certified organic personal care products contain organic ingredients. Though some might use synthetic chemicals to keep them fresh, so be sure to read the ingredients.
7. Get to know your toxins. These toxin fact sheets from the Environmental Protection Agency are clear and understandable. Learn about the chemicals in your products so you can avoid them.
8. Look for cruelty-free products. Even if you eat meat you probably don't want animals harmed in an effort to test your blush. The Humane Cosmetics Standard label ensures your product hasn't been tested on animals.
9. Go skin deep. The Environmental Working Group has published a Skin Deep study detailing chemicals present in personal care products and the risks associated with them. You can search by chemical or product.
10. Feminine hygiene. Tampons and sanitary napkins are whitened with chlorine bleach. Look for non-chlorinated and natural cotton products

Related Resources

Related Articles Top 10 Home Improvements for Energy Efficiency Top 10 Ways to Give Greener Gifts Top 10 Budget Eco-Travel Destinations See All Related Articles

Related Eco Categories Transportation & Travel Science & Technology Top 10s How to Guides

Topics Recycling Business Home Alternative Energy Gadgets & Products

Tip of the Day Avoid Individually Wrapped, Single-Serving Snack Products Slow Down Your Driving See All Tips

Glossary Veneer Radiant heat Carpet backing Cross-ventilation E-waste Full Glossary

Site Resources Directory Answers Quizzes