Like many women, I spend much of my working day wearing a variety of cosmetic and personal care products on my skin and hair.
While I try to avoid toxic ingredients like parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals, I like to dig deeper into the contents of these beauty staples.
After all, in many cases, we are actually absorbing, inhaling or even ingesting these products every day (sometimes I think lip gloss should be considered a condiment!)
There are also environmental and social factors to consider in the choices we make.
Where did the ingredients originate? How were they harvested? How are the products tested?
Check out three of my favorite products and resources for Eco Chic readers who want to do a deeper dive into their beauty products' pedigrees.
1. Amala Detoxifying Body Oil: This all-natural body oil is lightweight and leaves the skin feeling silky soft. It's the perfect all-over body moisturizer!
Plus, it's packed with organic ingredients like myrtle, fig fruit and apricot kernal oil help to nourish, hydrate and soften the skin, while also cleansing and awakening the body and mind from stress, jet lag and environmental aggressors.
2. Bear Naked Wipes by Josie Maran: These wipes are my favorite way to take off my makeup on the go. They are vegan, biodegradable, fragrance-free and paraban-free.
Proceeds from sales even benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council's Polar Bear SOS, helping to protect these beautiful and endangered species.
3. butter LONDON Nail Polish: I am in love with the lilac nail color from this cool brand. Not only do they have dozens and dozens of fabulous shades, but all products are formulated without the use of harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, DBP or parabens.
And finally, I leave you with some of my favorite resources like the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep product guide, which has in-depth information and guidelines, as well as a function that searches and rates thousands of products.
Additionally, the motivated young women and men of Teens Turning Green have pulled together the Dirty Thirty, a comprehensive list of ingredients to avoid in a variety of personal care and household products; and there's also EcoStiletto, a fun and informative site featuring the latest in eco-friendly beauty and fashion.