How to buy organic makeup brands

Those of us who strive to live natural, eco-friendly lifestyles generally only want to use products that are as pure, natural, and toxin-free as possible.

This quest inevitably extends to our makeup, skincare, and other personal care products.

It is pleasantly surprising that several companies, however small, make organic and toxin-free makeup and skin care products.

At the same time, however, some unscrupulous companies are labeling their products “organic” and even “natural” when a closer look at the ingredient list shows that their products still contained controversial chemicals.

How can we, conscientious shoppers, find truly safe makeup and other products?

The first step is to educate yourself. Find out which ingredients you should or want to avoid. Learn more about cosmetic industry practices and how other countries are regulating the use of these toxic ingredients.

Information like this will educate you on the ingredients to look out for when shopping for makeup and personal care products.

The second step is to think for yourself and be responsible for your own decisions. Many of the ingredients used in makeup are possible toxins, but research may not be able to confirm this. Or research has not determined what levels are safe or toxic for humans.

The absence of research does not mean that an ingredient is safe. It just means it hasn’t been studied. It is a red flag when countries begin to restrict or ban substances to protect animals. If something is bad for animals and the environment, it is probably bad for humans as well. And besides, protecting the environment should be reason enough to stop using something.

Third, be a proactive consumer. If you’re not sure about something, ask. Call the seller or manufacturer. I’ve done this a couple of times when I’m not sure about a particular ingredient in a product. If a business doesn’t respond to your call or email, that tells us something important about the business! I have learned a lot about different products and companies in the market by contacting them directly. Some even send me copies of research that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

Finally, keep trying and trying. Makeup and skin care are very personal products. What works for someone else may not work for you. The only way to find out is to try it. Look for products that offer samples of their products, usually for a very low price. Or, at least patronize companies that have a reasonable return policy. You should be able to return a product you are not happy with and get your money back.

Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your health and well-being. By being a conscientious and informed consumer, you are sending a message to manufacturers that they must continue to improve their products to be safe and effective.