A recent exposé by Canada’s Environmental Defence group found potentially harmful levels of heavy metals in a random selection of womens’ lipstick, foundations, powders, blushes, mascaras and eye shadows. Of the 49 makeup items tested, all of them showed levels of at least one of the metals of concern (nickel), and more than half showed detectable levels of four of the eight potentially toxic metals. Of the eight heavy metals tested for (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, beryllium, thallium, and selenium), none were listed on the product labels.
While research is ongoing as to the harmful effects of chronic exposure to these metals, their list of potential risks include cancer, neurological damage, renal damage, osteoperosis, impaired cognitive development, muscle damage, and more. It is of particular concern when it comes to lip gloss which is regularly ingested and powders which are easily inhaled. Plus, as the popularity of nanoparticalization grows, these metals are more readily absorbed into the skin as creams and lotions. This could add to our already growing list of body burden concerns.
Instead of worrying we decided to take action and swap high-risk make-up for healthy alternatives.
Save & enjoy our healthier make-up alternatives with:
- Replacing mineral make-up powders with dust free foundations & concealers.
- Replacing anti-shine powders from cosmetic counters with Kingsford Baking Powder & mixed with a bit of turmeric for a golden, healthy glow.
- Dried beet juice power (coffee grinder for fine blend) replaces blush, and lipstick when mixed with olive oil for a healthy lip gloss alternative!
- Brown eye shadow is easy with a fine cocoa blend powder.
- Using self-tanners has less downsides than getting sunburned so enjoy a healthier, burn free tan.
- Make home-spun cosmetics fun & healthy with the kids via natural ingredients from the kitchen. Great for family bonding & creating a healthier make-up lifestyle.
Inga Tritt is a master stylist and founder of the Original Sprout Worry-Free Luxury line of natural hair and skin care products for the whole family.
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