Let's be honest: When it comes to eco-friendly beauty, many of us scoff. Green products melt faster, you may say, or they don't hold hair well, you may worry. Well, doubt the powers of natural ingredients no more.
The fact is that many products are touted as "natural" or "environmentally-friendly" but are far from it. And, unfortunately, there are also the all-natural products that aren't as effective as we may want. So how do you find the best picks for you? Pay attention to the ingredients list! If you want to be more conscious about what you put on your body and, subsequently, out into the world, here's what you need to know.
Phthalate: Huh? PH balance? Pilates? Nope, phthalates are chemicals that some researchers have called endocrine disrupters, meaning they might eff up your hormones. You'll see this ingredient mostly in perfumes and nail polishes. Luckily, we picked out a phthalate-free option in the gallery below.
Parabens: There's a lot of controversy surrounding this ingredient. Some researchers say these preservatives are linked to cancer but there is also no concrete proof to back up this claim. Typically, parabens help fight against bacteria growth, and currently, it's being used in 85 percent of cosmetics, according to Real Simple.
Sulfates: Do you love a good shower session where you lather yourself in soap and, subsequently, suds? Those tiny bubbles and foam are the outcome of sulfates, which can irritate skin and even make the color in hair fade.
Triclosan: Great as an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient but also could possibly be harmful to your hormone regulation. Though it's often used in toothpaste and soaps, some research shows it can have adverse effects on the environment too. Bummer!
Microbeads: We know this ingredient as great exfoliators, but when discarded down the drain, these tiny beads can absorb toxins, which then can be eaten by marine life. And guess who has appetite for fish and crustaceans? Circle of life.
So what can you actually use? For beauty products with good-for-you natural ingredients that we've tried and tested ourselves, click though here.