Did you know that everything that you put on your skin eventually gets into your blood stream…including your makeup? For most people that comes as a surprise because we rarely think about skin products as affecting anything other than our skin. However, skin products, including our creams, lotions, and make up, penetrate our skin and affect our whole bodies as their ingredients become part of our blood stream.
There are several definitions for organic cosmetics. One says that organic makeup is made from ingredients found in plant materials, implying that all plants are naturally free of pesticides and chemicals. Another definition says that organic make up may contain any organic or other natural compounds. We know neither of these is an accurate statement because plants often contain natural toxins and carcinogens which can be as harmful for us as human-made chemicals.
Definitions aside, the easiest way to be sure you’re getting organic make up is to purchase “certified organic” make up, and even then it is wise to check the ingredients to be sure that the make up does not contain carcinogens or toxins. Take extra care to look for artificial ingredients as well as any ingredients to which you might be allergic.
It is interesting and disappointing to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website states only that: “Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives.”
The answer as to whether it’s worth the bother and possible extra expense to look for and purchase organic rather than ordinary make up is to ask yourself what your health is worth. If you’re someone who believes in eating organic foods, it is likely that you would be interested in the health benefits that organic makeup provides. Just as you take care of what you eat and drink, allowing only organic products on your skin and face can have equal health advantages.