Green, Mean Cleansing Machine or the Magic of Face Cleansing Grains

As promised in my last post, I'm bringing you the best in non-toxic personal care products. But first, a quick note: non-toxic beauty (ie, cosmetics free from toxic chemicals) has a ripple-in-the-pond effect. Not only do your smart beauty choices save your body from harmful chemicals, but they also save the planet and your neighbor from the cumulative effects that these chemicals have.

When you use a shampoo or body wash or facial cleanser--or any other products, for that matter--the chemicals from these seemingly innocuous items get washed down the drain and accumulate in our water supply. In the not-too-distant future, I'll discuss some of the scary scientific research on the effects of the products we use on our population, including decreased sperm count in men. Yeah, like I said, scary.

But in an attempt to keep this post light, I'll fill you in on a great way to clean AND exfoliate the delicate skin on your face without spending too much money. Two words:

CLEANSING GRAINS

What they are: Cleansing grains can be composed of a variety of materials, but the important thing is that they come in powder form. In other words, cleansing grains are dry. You sprinkle some into the palm of your hand, add water, and scrub away!

Why they're great: When water is introduced to any formula, cosmetics producers generally add lots of chemicals to stabilize the ingredients and preserve them. By leaving water out of the picture, many innovative creators of skin care can leave out the nasty chemicals that act as preservatives. All you get is pure, unadulterated green bliss.

Where to get them: For those of you who aren't diy-ers, here are some great, inexpensive options.



MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS CLEANSING GRAINS

I love this product for the gentle whiff of rose petals that greets me every time I unscrew the lid and for the way it makes my skin feel baby soft. Mountain Rose Herbs designed these grains to tighten the skin, remove dead skin cells, and unclog pores--all of which are essential for clear, radiant skin.

Price: 2 oz. for $4.95 (and believe me, a little goes a very long way)

Bonus: Mountain Rose Herbs is a Zero Waste Company, meaning that they take extra steps to reduce their footprint on our precious planet. The company also became the first U.S. supplier of Fair Trade Certified medicinal herbs and has converted its entire operation to 100% renewable energy. To find out more about this amazing company's efforts at sustainability, visit www.mountainroseherbs.com.




ANGEL FACE BOTANICALS ORGANIC FACIAL CLEANSING GRAINS


Angel Face Botanicals (aka, Spa Goddess), another one of those amazing etsy shops, offers three types of organic facial cleansing grains.

The Organic Adzuki and Green Tea Cleansing Grains gently exfoliate, soothe, and rejuvenate, all with the added benefit of the antioxidants from green tea.

The Organic Ambrosia Cleaning Grains contain a mix of softening fruit extracts and detoxifying clays to cleanse pores.

Finally, the Organic Ayurvedic Cleansing Grains blend sandalwood, ashwagandha, citrus, and rose for healing, astringent, and antiseptic properties.

You can purchase a sample of all three for $6.00 on etsy. What a great way to discover which formula works best for your skin type!

For all of you resourceful green divas, stay tuned for my next post on diy cleansing grains. For those of you who've decided to take the plunge and purchase your own grains, enjoy!

The Make-up Talk

Our education in personal care products is about as lacking as your average sex ed for elementary children: we get most of our information by word of mouth or, worse yet, magazines.

And just like some parents spread the myth that babies are delivered via stork to mysterious cabbage patches, cosmetics companies would have you believe that the chemicals in their products are 100% safe and effective.

Thanks to an astounding lack of information, we never wise up to the fact that maybe, just maybe, companies lie, twist the truth, and practice deception to get us to do the one thing they need to survive in this rough economy--buy their products, of course.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that many chemicals commonly used in popular cosmetic brands are not only toxic but also ineffective. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) keeps track of these chemicals, and which companies are using them, on its website. But just to spread the wealth of information now available on the web, I've compiled a list of some of the worst offenders in the beauty industry. Questions? Check the EWG website for extensive information on each chemical and lists of medical references OR leave me a comment.


1.BHA - A fragrance and antioxidant ingredient used in cosmetics and personal care products, BHA received a 10 on the EWG's hazard rating and earns the dubious distinction of one of the most toxic ingredients. Most unsettling is that the EU banned this fragrance due to its toxicity.

2. Parabens - Often listed as methylparaben, butylparaben, and other variations, parabens have been linked to breast cancers in numerous studies. Aware of consumer concerns, many companies now list their products as "Paraben Free," but make sure you read the label to check for other nasties.

3. Coal Tar - The EU has banned coal tar since 2004--and for good reason. Used to stop itching and control eczema, coal tar is, according to cancer research, a carcinogen to humans. Look for it in shampoos and hair dyes.

4. Anything that has a DEA at the end - Common in all sorts of personal care products, this chemical can be absorbed through the skin and create carcinogenic compounds post-absorption.

5. Formaldehyde - Yep, you got it. This stuff preserves dead bodies. But live ones? This lovely chemical is considered a possible human carcinogen, may trigger asthma, irritates eyes and the upper respiratory tract, can damage DNA, and is banned by the European Union. If you've ever dissected a critter in science, you've probably smelled the stuff. Might explain why they add toxic (but very strong) fragrances to so many products. Something has to combat that odor...

6. Talc - Watch out for this one, ladies. Women from the 1950s powdered their unmentionable parts with this powder-like substance. Today, we know it to be a proven carcinogen linked to ovarian cancer. Chemically, it resembles asbestos. Make sure to let new mommies know that they should check their baby powder for safe ingredients (cornstarch works beautifully), and beware of products that claim to be healthy and organic but contain talc!

7. Petrolatum - Just because I hate the petrochemical industry, I'm listing this particular variety of petrochemical, often added to lipsticks and glosses to make lips shine and facial creams to "soften" the skin. It's also linked to cancer and was banned by the EU.

8. Sodium Laureth/Sodium Laurel Sulfate - I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair...Wait a second, where did all of those suds come from? Sulfates are the dandies that make products like shampoo and bath gel suds up when you're in the shower. For some reason, Americans equate suds with cleanliness. Unfortunately, sulfates also strip the hair and skin of the protective, moisturizing oils it produces naturally and also allows dangerous chemicals to penetrate more readily and reach the bloodstream. Yikes.

That's all for now, folks. The best way to find out which of your cosmetics are toxic is to research your favorite brands on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. It takes practice, but reading labels is one of the best ways to become an expert in ingredients and an important skill for shopping expeditions.

In the meantime, I'll be posting articles on some safe, green, organic products that I've tested as well as cleansers and moisturizers you can make yourself on a budget!