A rainbow of colors and strong fragrances lure you to the cosmetic counters at retail stores. While the displays look pretty, many are hiding some very ugly facts. Underneath the glossy packaging, certain cosmetics are hiding synthetic dyes and fragrances!
Synthetic colors are used to make cosmetics more eye-catching. You know there’s a problem when you see the color labeled with a letter and number such as FD&C Red No. 6. Synthetic dyes are found in makeup, lipstick, hair dyes and even body products such as moisturizers. While the colors might appear vibrant, they could be cancer-causing agents. This sounds misleading and super crappy to us and we think they should be avoided!
Synthetic fragrances might be more difficult to spot. There are hundreds of ingredients that are considered synthetic fragrances. A good indication a product has one or more of these smelly culprits is when the label simply reads “fragrance.” Fake fragrances can cause nausea, skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, coughing and vomiting. This sickening stuff sounds (and smells) quite poopy!
Certain basic ingredients are used to give natural skin care products and makeup color. Often these cosmetics are labeled as organic. Natural elements used to add color to cosmetics and hair dyes include fruit and vegetable juices, henna, clay, carrot oil and beet extract. Sometimes non-chemical colorants are used in mineral makeup. These non-toxic beauty solutions sound like much better shit to us!
While synthetic fragrances often smell heavy and unnatural, essential oils and hydrosols have a pleasantly rich scent with aromatherapy benefits. Cosmetics, bath products, perfumes and skin care with natural scent typically indicate they contain botanical or pure essential oils. Examples of popular essential oils used in a variety of skin care,hair care and beauty products include neroli, lavender, patchouli, frankincense and neroli.
We don’t smell trouble here!
