In a dirty world it's important of course to get clean every day. We have so many choices for soaps, shampoo's and lotions and potions and most of us just buy what works or what smells good or what is on sale. I was that way until I had my eyes opened to the incredible amounts of  toxic chemicals that are allowed in our cosmetics!  The industry allows such words as "natural" and 'Eco" and it doesn't mean a thing as far as safety goes. Organic products mean that by law 95% of the ingredients are organic (of which there are very few products in this category) Most of us thought the FDA was there to protect us from harm. There is a check called GRAS which means that so far nobody has proven the ingredients are harmful. It doesn't mean that they have tested them.

Here is a list of ingredients that need to be avoided for our health:

Parabens (methyl-propyl-butyl) has been linked to cancer in animal studies including elevated estrogen levels in women and higher breast cancer rates

DEA which is linked to cancer, respiratory and skin difficulties.

Sodium Lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth, mercury (thimersol) petroleum, Phthalates are all known cancer causing and neurological disease causing chemicals, so I don't know about you but I will pass.

Options?

Avalon organics, Natures gate, Jason, Mill Creek, Shikai, Dr Bonners, Daisy Blue, Pangea organics, Trolley farm organic girl, Herbatint and Henna.

Make your own toothpaste with Baking soda and sea salt and peppermint oil. Using Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is excellent for gum disease. As is oil swishes. (Take a tablespoon of oil and swish it for 20 minutes spit into toilet only) the science behind this is amazing! Your teeth and gums will be much healthier and whiter for the time it takes!

Wash your hair with baking soda and rinse with vinegar about once a month. You will be amazed how soft and shiny your hair will look when you get all the junk off of it!

Perfumes are the worst for Phthalates which have been tested and proven to cause cancer and hormone disruption in mice and are implicated the same in people. Please hear me when I say "There are no safe perfumes!" It is far better to find an essential oil that you love and dilute it with water or oil (sesame or saflower or olive oil) use it in your bath, rub it on your skin in the shower, it will become your signature scent and the body loves it! (test first of course)

Lavender, Veviter, Rose, Jasmine, Vanilla, Bergamot, Lemon, Chamomile are all good options.

Important also is lipstick! Think about what happens with your lipstick. You eat it off right! Lipstick is made with petroleum and waxes and oils that contain artificial colors and flavors some of which are linked to cancer. They estimate that the average woman is eating up to 4 pounds of lipstick in their lifetime! Something to think about!!! Yikes!

Colorgenics organic lipsticks are made with hemp and organic coloring. Burts Bees lip colors are options.

Remember you can be healthy and beautiful at the same time. Do your homework and read the labels. Your health is worth it!