Do You Check The Labels

On your beauty products? Well, you should. Just like the food we put into our bodies, the products that we put onto our skin can affect our health. The average woman uses 20 personal care products containing  hundreds of ingredients. What many women don't know is that many of the ingredients are highly toxic.

What You Need To Know:

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent known to cause DNA damage and liver cancer, and is considered to be one of the most toxic ingredients allowed in cosmetics. It is also banned in some countries. Hydroquinone works by reducing melanin in the skin, and therefore increases exposure to UVA and UVB rays of the sun.


Instead of using products with this possible dangerous ingredient, look for Kojic acid, licorice extract and soy proteins to gradually lightening dark spots.

TRY: Origins, Dermalogica

Toluene is a solvent found in nail polish that suspend colour and helps create a smooth application. Unfortunately, inhaling toluene can irritate the respiratory tract, cause headaches, fatigue and nausea. Because it gets stored in fat tissue, it may lead to developmental delays or attention deficit disorder in children of women who are constantly exposed to it.

Instead of using this toxic inhalant look for Toluene, formaldehyde or DB-free brands of nail polish.

TRY: Zoya, OPI


Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfates are harsh lathering agents and detergents that are present in many commercial shampoos, bubble baths, skin creams and toothpastes. Even in low concentration, sulfates can cause skin and eye irritation. For people with curly hair, they are very drying to the hair.

Instead of using products with this possible skin irritant, look for Castile soap, yucca extract, and coco glucoside.

TRY: AG Hair Cosmetics, Yarok Hair

FD&C, D&C or C.I. are colors made from coal tar derivatives and heavy salts. The EPA has labeled them as human respiratory toxins. They are also considered skin irritants and allergens. Many people experience contact dermatitis when they come in contact with it. Animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic.

Instead of using these allergens look for natural sources like beets, carrot, annatto, chlorophyll, and minerals like iron and mica.

TRY: Tea Maria Blushes, Zosimos Botanicals Eye Pencils

Always read the labels, ladies. Hope this helps.