Cosmetics and Body Care Products
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This article includes research that was conducted for the Guide Acheter Vert, a green buyer's guide developed by ethiquette and
Protégez-Vous, a guide currently on sale at newstands across Quebec. |
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Beauty and body care products are big business. Unfortunately, many of these products contain toxic ingredients. These toxins are harmful to the environment, especially the aquatic ecosystems where many of them wind up.
Eco-friendly cosmetics and body care products have become increasingly available. Currently, only two credible certification systems exist for cosmetics and body care products: Eco Logo and ECOCERT.
Because very few cosmetics and body care products are certified, here are some basic tips to apply when you buy: |
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- Select products containing a majority of ingredients derived from certified organic plants or plants that have been harvested from the wild in a controlled manner.
- Select body care products that have not been tested on animals and that do not contain ingredients derived from dead animals.
- Select cosmetics that use a minimal amount of packaging. Packaging should be either reusable or made from recycled materials.
- Select products that are biodegradable (they compost quickly and safely), as defined by the OECD.
The Black List of Ingredients to Avoid
Before buying a product, it is always a good idea to read the list of ingredients. Remember that ingredients are always listed in descending order of predominance.
The following is a list of ingredients that are potentially toxic to aquatic ecosystems, or whose manufacturing process causes environmental damage. Brands and products containing these ingredients should be avoided.
- Aluminium Chlorhydrate
- Dimethicone
- Methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl parabens
- Mineral Oil
- Sulfites
- Phtalates
- EDTA - ethylene diaminetetracetic acid
- Silicones
- Phosphates
- NTA
- APEOs
- Halogenated Organic Solvents or butoxy-ethanol
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For your information, the following is a list of several brands of eco-friendly body care products that we have reviewed for compliance with the criteria cited above. |
Écocert certified shower gels by Druide
Druide offers an extensive line of shower gels for daily use that appeal to a range of different moods: sensual, tonifying, refreshing, or energizing.
Green Beaver Skin Care Products
Green Beaver's Après Ski line includes creams, lotions and balms for winter skin care all derived from natural substances.
Nu nature Body Creams and Butters
Available in Proxim pharmacies, these personal care products are made largely from natural ingredients.
Nu nature Shower Cream
Available in Proxim pharmacies, these personal care products are made largely from natural ingredients.
Nu nature moisturizing cream for feet
Available in Proxim pharmacies, these personal care products are made largely from natural ingredients.
Savon Populaire
Environmentally-friendly hand-made, biodegradable soap products made from raw, food-grade ingredients, that are often organic, fairly traded and scented only with essential oils and plant extracts.
If you have difficulty finding eco-friendly makeup - quite a challenge, actually - consider buying Aveda.
One of the biggest brand names in the industry, Aveda has made significant efforts to offer eco-friendly cosmetics. They are one of the biggest buyers of organic ingredients in the body care industry, and work actively with their other suppliers to support them in their transition towards organic production. They have developed refillable lipsticks and makeup powders (eye shadow and blush). Aveda's production facilities run on wind power alone. Through their Earth Month campaign, Aveda has given over 6 million dollars to environmental causes since 1999.
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