The Toxic Mess You are Shmearing on your Face Before Your Bagel
I have come across this statistic several times now and decided to see how I compare to the so-called “average” woman.
“On average, women use 12 personal care products a day, exposing themselves to 168 chemical ingredients.”
- Environmental Working Group
On some days, I literally wake up, brush my teeth, pull my hair into a ponytail, throw on some clothes, and run out the door. But today I was a bit more civilized and while getting ready this morning, I wrote down every personal care product I used. I think of myself as somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to personal care products – not because I don’t want to use them, but because I don’t make the time to have a lengthy, luxurious self-care regimen every day.
Here is what I used:
- Hair Oil
- Hairspray
- Concealer
- Foundation
- Eyebrow Pencil
- Bronzer
- Blush
- Eye Shadow
- Eye Liner
- Lip Liner
- Mascara
- Lipliner
- Lipstick
- Lip Gloss
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Scalp oil to treat eczema
- Shave soap
- Facial Cleanser or Exfoliator
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Dental Floss
- Deoderant
- Face Toner
- Face Moisturizer
- Eye Cream
- Body Lotion
- Cuticle Oil/Hand Cream
- Hair Styling Product
Oh wow. 27 personal care products before breakfast!? And I thought I was a minimalist! I have to admit, I am shocked I use THIS MANY products on an average morning. More than DOUBLE the amount the average woman uses in her entire day?
And why is the Environmental Working Group even studying this issue? Because our everyday personal care products often contain carcinogenic ingredients, phthalates (which may be linked to breast cancer and may be toxic to our reproductive, immune, and neurological systems) and parabens (which mimic estrogen in the body and may be linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues). One time use is not the problem – it is the cumulative use, product after product, day after day, that poses a health risk.
That’s the bad news.
Now for the good news.
There are some terrific companies out there that manufacture terrific products without synthetic chemicals or dangerous toxins. They may be more difficult to find – but we have found them and we are so excited to share them with you. I have swapped (almost) every one of the products above for an equally effective or MORE effective safe swap.
Purchase from our favorite safer beauty brands right in our shop.
For help detoxing your cosmetics, check out our CleerBeauty service, or for skin care, check out CleerBody.
We will make your transition to safer products quick and easy – and everything is completely personalized.