ecoFriendly Personal Care Products

There is an infinite selection of personal care products available. Here are a few choices you can make that will be better for both the environment and yourself.

Basic Hints

• Use fewer products. You will expose yourself to fewer chemicals.
• Buy in bulk and avoid what you don't need. It saves in packaging and money.
• Read the labels. Try to avoid the worst chemicals, which include:
  • Placenta extracts - can give off hormones
  • Mercury - found in mascaras and eye drops
  • Lead acetate - hair dyes
  • Animal parts - mink or emu oils, etc.
  • Hydroquinone skin lightener
  • Phthalates

Hair Dye

• Avoid dyes containing coal tar and ammonia
• Try to use henna-based dyes
• Avoid hair dyes during first trimester when pregnant
• Follow the instructions - don't leave on hair, any longer than recommended

Oral Care

• Don't swallow fluoride toothpaste
• Avoid fluoride toothpaste if your child is to young to spit properly, or if your municipality adds fluoride to the water.
• Look for "natural" toothpaste, often made with baking soda.
• Use a toothbrush made from recycled plastic
• Avoid conventional mouthwash

Deodorant and Antiperspirants

• Avoid products with parabens
• Avoid antiperspirants containing aluminum salts
• Look for a natural product. You made need to try a couple to find one that works well for you.

Nail Polish

• Avoid nail polish with dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde or toluene. If a nail polish is unlabelled, don't use it.
• Don't use nail polish if pregnant
• Don't use nail polish on kids
• If you must use nail polish, apply out of doors

Sun Protection

• Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and follow the directions - apply 20 minutes before going into the sun and reapply as directed.
• Avoid PABA if you have sensitive skin
• Don't use sun lamps or tanning booths
• Blocks with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide will provide some UVA and UVB protection
• Cover up from the sun. Don't rely on sunscreen alone.
• Limit exposure to sun during hottest part of the day
• Wear a hat with a brim
• wear sunglasses that block 99 % of UVA and VUB