Make sure you are using healthy cosmetics, baby wipes, shampoos, toothpaste and more!

Want to use healthy cosmetics, shampoos, baby wipes and other beauty aids for your family? Below is a list of ingredients often found in beauty products that have not been proven safe for humans, but have not yet been banned in the US due to lack of evidence that they are harmful.

According to the Evironmental Working Group's Website "Due to gaping loopholes in Federal Law, companies can put virtually any ingredient into personal care products. Even worse, the government does not require pre-market safety tests for any of them."

(Sound confusing? It is! These chemicals haven't been proven safe, but they haven't been proven harmful either. I like to error on the side of caution myself when it comes to healthy cosmetics and beauty aids for my family.)

Check the labels on your bottles and see if any of these chemicals are used in your everyday routine. I found them in nearly everything I use!

1. Paraben: found in cleansers, hand soap, moisturizers and toothpaste

Also called: methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben

2. Phthalates: found in hairspray, nail polish and perfumes

Also called: Di-phthalate, diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate

3. Toluene- found in nail polish and nail polish remover

Also called: methylbenzene and phenylmethane

The Environmental Working Group has a great site that allows you to see where the products you use rate as far as hazardous chemicals. They also list good alternatives to consider buying instead. (Although I have found that some "better" brands are difficult to find!) To see how your favorite cosmetics rate on the healthy cosmetics chart go to the Environmental Working Group's website!

Also, if you are looking for natural make-up that is as high of quality as your regular make-up, try one of these brands: Bare Escentuals (Bare Minerals), Cargo Cosmetics, or Suki Color. Or try Physicians Formula "Organic Wear" brand from your local drugstore. Not only is it organic, nothing costs over $15!

Finally, here are a few practical hygiene tips no matter what cosmetics you decide to use:

1. Always wash your hands before applying make-up. Bacteria from your hands can transfer to the eye and cause an infection.

2. Never share make-up!

3. Replace cosmetics every 6 months.

4. Discard make-up if the color changes or it develops an odor.

5. Don't add water or saliva to a tube of mascara. Your saliva contains bacteria that can grow in the tube and water can dilute the perservatives that protect against microbial growth.

6. Wash brushes regularly.