Know Your Label - Ingredients to look for

Today I wanted to share with you natural alternative to the chemical offenders I mentioned in my previous post, click here to read it. I think there is no excuse for any manufacturer to use toxic chemicals when natural alternatives exist. Leading natural brands prove that you don't have to compromise your health in order to be beautiful.


Natural alternative:

- to Parabens are vitamins E (Alpha Tocopherol) and C (L Ascorbic Acid), citric acid, propolis and rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis).

- to Paraffinum Liquidum and Petrolatum are coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera), apricot seed oil (Prunus Armeniaca), almond oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis). Plant oils and butters, such as jojoba (Simmondsia Chinesis), avocado (Persea Gratissima), rosehip seed (Rosa Canina) and shea butter (Shea Butyrospermum Parkii).

- to Propylene Glycol, PEG and PPG are vegetable glycerine, lecitin and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5).

- to Emulsifiers, such as PEG compounds are Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Oliva, quince seed (Pyrus Cydonia), rice bran and plant waxes, such as candelilla (Euphorbia Antisyphillitica), carnauba (Copernica Cerefera), jojoba (Simmondsia Chinesis).

- to synthetic colours are mineral-based colours (denoted on the label as CI 75 or CI 77, indicating mineral or other naturally derived colours).

- to Parfum are essential oils or herbal and floral extracts.

Now you know what to look for when you shop for your toiletries. As I mentioned in my previous post, it is your decision what you buy and use. From my personal experience I know that not all natural products are good and not all of them work well, but it is important to choose right. Find natural beauty products which suit and work for you and try to reduce amount of artificial chemicals in your personal care.

I am looking forward to your comments on the matter. Share with me what do you think about natural alternatives and natural toiletries?

Marija

PS: this post was inspired by Beauty Book from Neal's Yard Remedies. A great source of natural beauty tips and DIY beauty recipes.