Truthfulness. Originality. Harmony.
These words define what you should look for when shopping for eco-friendly beauty products. If your beauty regimen consists of cosmetics with unrecognizable ingredients and strong, unnatural scents, it might be time to rethink what you’re using on your body.
When perusing the aisles of the drug store looking for your next green find, take these three tips into consideration before you head to the checkout line.
Truthfulness. If you are feeling a shopping spree coming on, do a little homework and read up about the products you plan to buy–before you pull out your wallet or credit card. Does the bottle say 100% natural but has the words “fragrance” or “parfum” listed as an ingredient? Not only are artificial fragrances not natural, they could put your health at risk if you have an allergy. If you have sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to test the product on a small patch of skin. Some people are even allergic to natural ingredients.
A few ingredients to avoid if you really want your personal care to be all-natural are sulfates, parabens, and alcohols. Replace those not-so-green additives with alternatives such as avocado, argan and coconut oils and plant botanicals.
Originality. So many oils we use in the kitchen are now being used in natural personal care products. One of the original ingredients used today is unrefined, unbleached coconut oil. It’s a wonderful beauty alternative to moisturizers whose ingredient lists you can’t read. It also works wonders for your unpredicted frizzy hair days. Furthermore, a container of coconut oil is great in the kitchen and on the cosmetic shelf. One spoonful for your skin and hair, and another for your curry sauce.
Harmony. There are combinations of natural ingredients that just happen to work well together, giving a plethora of benefits to your skin and hair. Many natural moisturizing cleansers contain a beautiful balance of essential oil blends such as geranium and rosewood oils or lavender and lemongrass. When a product is closer to nature the benefits from the vitamins and minerals inherent in the ingredients are endless.
Even though our grandmothers may not have known the science behind tea tree or geranium oils, they knew blended together the combined ingredients had soothing abilities and created a delicious scent.
Lastly, look for a company that focuses on minimizing the carbon footprint of its packaging in addition to the products’ natural integrity. It shows a brands passion towards an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Shopping for eco-friendly beauty products doesn’t need to be frightening. Do your research, read the labels and try out different products until you find your match.
Guest post by Tawana Weicker
Tawana Weicker is a former English teacher who has a passion for learning, taking risks and green living. At a teaching conference, a speaker uttered the words: “We need risk-takers, teachers who are ready to jump.” It was then Weicker submerged herself in all things science such as biofuels, glycerin, age-old ingredients and how natural ingredients work together effectively. On top of teaching, she was now developing her first line of industrial and home products for Warhorse Solutions
In 2012 she left the classroom to continue working on the Warhorse brand. In 2014, she introduced personal care line Sweet Salvage Skincare. In addition to ensuring each solution is made to the highest standards, Tawana involves local schools, universities and research groups to help further the study and awareness of environmental sustainability.
Currently, Tawana Weicker manufactures several all-natural, plant-based product lines, including an eco-friendly pet shampoo, and is developing more innovative home and beauty products. Find out more on her website.