Why shop natural?

I am committed to informing the public about the common ingredients used in most cosmetics bought at stores. The laws governing cosmetics and personal care products are so limited that known cancer-causing chemicals, or carcinogens, are legally allowed in personal care products. Some carcinogens, such as formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, are common in personal care products, while others are less common, but still occasionally present.

Petrolatum (Petroleum) -  When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns. However, with an incomplete refining history, petrolatum could potentially be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. There is no way to confirm proper refinement unless a complete refining history is provided. The US sets no requirements on refinement and the PAH content in the petrolatum used in personal care products. A study on Long Island, NY, found that those women with high levels of PAH-DNA adducts had a 50 percent greater risk of breast cancer. 

Parabens - Applying personal care product containing parabens—especially methylparaben—which an lead to skin cancer. Parabens are most common in personal care products that contain significant amounts of water such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions and facial and shower cleansers and scrubs. 

Silica - Respirable crystalline silica is an airborne contaminant that can penetrate the lung when it is inhaled. Crystalline silica is widely used in lipsticks, lip gloss, eye shadow, eye liner, foundation, sunscreen, lotion and shampoo.

Mineral Oil - Untreated and mildly treated mineral oils as a known human carcinogen (cancer causing agent)

How to avoid

Avoid products with petrolatum, unless the company clearly indicates petrolatum is fully refined as white petrolatum (on the label or their company website). Look for products that are made iwth real oils and butters like Shea butter, Cocoa Butter, Kokum Butter, Safflower Oil, Castor Oil, ect. If you are in doubt download an app called Yuka, a mobile app that tells you how safe a product is just by scanning the barcode.