THE DIRT
Cosmetic Chemical Cocktails
- There are approximately 10,500 chemicals in cosmetic products, with only 11% tested for safety and health impacts
- About 90% of beauty and cosmetic ingredients are based on petrochemicals and other synthetics, which are harmful to human health and require unsustainable resources, particularly oil
What is Mineral Make-up?
- There is no specific definition for mineral make-up as the cosmetics industry is self regulated, so reading product labels carefully is important to make sure you get the right product
- Mineral make-up products usually consist of naturally occurring inorganic minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, iron oxide and titanium dioxide (natural sun block)
- These minerals are less likely to initiate allergic reactions, and can be used on almost all skin types, including sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin
- Mineral make-up is also non-comedongenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and some mineral make-ups also have anti-inflammatory properties, depending on the ingredients
Particle sizes - why size does count
- There is some concern among scientists about the size of particles in mineral make-up, which can determine whether or not the particles are absorbed into the body
- This is because when some non-toxic molecules are reduced to the size of nanoparticles, they behave differently and develop toxic properties
- Micro-sized particles do not penetrate the skin, whereas nano-scale particles do
- It is best to avoid mineral make-up with nano-scale particles as they are small enough to be absorbed through the skin and into the blood stream, and may even be able to cross the blood-brain barrier
- Nano-scale particles are also dangerous as they can be rapidly absorbed and are believed to be toxic to a number of different cells
What to avoid
- Truly natural mineral make-up should be free of talc (unless it is certified asbestos free), synthetic dyes, fragrances and preservatives, as these can all irritate the skin
- It is also best to avoid inhaling mineral particles and using mineral make-up on damaged skin, as this increases absorption
- For more information on ingredients to avoid, head to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
G SPOT
A top brand foundation from a designer department store in NYC was the start of some seriously bad skin for Gina, since going natural she's never looked back and her skin looks better than ever!
Need some winter reading ideas? Check out Gina's tips on this weeks BLOG entry.
COME CLEAN Try some of our favourite make-up products for a healthy glow that is truly natural....
LOGONA Naturkosmetik have created a truly stunning range of certified natural makeup using only organic botanicals, vitamins and natural earth minerals. Free from synthetic colours, fragrances, preservatives and animal testing, every product fully complies with the rigorous European criteria for Certified Natural Cosmetics. This superior quality range of makeup is proudly distributed in Australia by JOI PURE aromatherapy products. www.joipure.com
Minerelle is a versatile mineral makeup combining foundation, powder and concealer all in one. This product is ideal for acne sufferers as it covers blemishes and redness caused by inflammation as well as reducing the look of large pores and helping control oil. A pressed powder, Minerelle is a professional mineral make up designed to be non-irritating, non-comedogenic and allows the skin to breathe. Using natural ingredients and earth pigments, Minerelle contains no talc or bismuth oxychloride. Available at www.vitalenatural.com.au
Miessence also offer a great range of cosmetic options including mineral foundations and blushes with a lovely little shimmer.
Inika are a carbon neutral Australian company offering mineral cosmetics in a range of flamboyant hues. Their products are certified vegan and cruelty free. In Perth contact agent Megan Barnett on 0431 672 039 for National enquiries visit the website
Looking for more information on all things eco-friendly, organic and non-toxic?Visit the CleanLife Directory
References
Blue, A. 2008. Help or Hype? Environmental Working Group. http://www.ewg.org/node/26443 (accessed May 19, 2008).
Bouchez, C. 2007. The lowdown on mineral make-up. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/the-lowdown-on-mineral-makeup (accessed May 20, 2008).
Hill, A. 2007. This year resolve to update cosmetics to eco-friendly brands. Environmental Working Group. http://www.ewg.org/node/25834 (accessed May 19, 2008).
Laumer, P. 2006. Question on organic mineral-based make-up. Treehugger. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/03/questions_on_or. php (accessed May 20, 2008).
Noll, E. 2006. Makeup makeover. Environmental Working Group. http://www.ewg.org/node/18357 (accessed May 19, 2008).
Soref, A. 2005. Beautiful you: natural makeup goes high-end. Environmental Working Group. http://www.ewg.org/node/16954 (accessed May 19, 2008).
Stryker, L. n.d. Titanium Dioxide: Toxic or Safe? The Organic Make-up Company. http://www.theorganicmakeupcompany.com/CA/titaniumdioxide.asp (accessed May 19, 2008).
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