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The Lipstick Jungle

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

22 Jul 2009 11:43 AM

Did you know that most lipsticks that are available in the stores are harmful both to people and the environment? It is true. Here are the dangerous ingredients that are in that common unassuming little package and how you can avoid them.

You may have heard how there are levels of lead in lipsticks and how they have been there for some time. I remember dressing up in my moms lipstick as a child. Little did I know that the ingredients could cause permanent brain damage and cancer.

Beside lead, there are two other ingredients in common lipstick that are at the top of the baddie list, D4 and D5 siloxanes. These chemicals have already been banned by the Canadian government. Unfortunately, our own Food and Drug Administration here in the USA aren't quite as protective. A typical brand name lipstick contains substances that have been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive issues, allergies, organ system toxicity and more. Pretty scary isn't it?

So what can you do?

Well, there are lipsticks out there that are all natural and safe. Your best bet is to check out the Skin Deep site. They have a cosmetics database (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php) that lists all sort of cosmetics and health and beauty products, showing the ingredients and how safe each product really is.

You could also choose to make your own cosmetics, so you know exactly what is in each one. Cranberries, for instance, are a natural product that can stain lips a nice shade of red.

When you are ready to toss your old toxic stuff, be careful how you do it. While ending up in the landfill is bad, flushing these products down the toilet or sink is worse because these chemicals are more likely to get into the water that way.

You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here!

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans
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Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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User Comments

Cat-Mom-of-3 (180) 27 Jul 2009 02:57 PM

It is very scary how many toxic ingredients are in common products that we use everyday. From shampoo and body wash to make-up. It has gotten to a point that I am wary of most things that come into the house. Worrisome that most of the rest of the western world bans many of these ingredients yet we are somehow the guniea pigs. Good post, thanks for reminding us to be aware.

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