When I started my business in 2009, I wanted to create the highest quality, most effective skin care products that were also safe and non-toxic. This meant carefully choosing each ingredient and ensuring it was not only pure and of high quality, but that it was also safe for both myself and my clients.

It was a challenge at first. I had to learn what all the ingredients were, where they came from and how they were made. It took me years to understand all of the different processes used to make these ingredients and that the same ingredient could be made differently depending on its application (i.e., whether it’s an ingredient in a food, a drug or a cosmetic).

I also learned that not all “natural” ingredients are safe; some can even be harmful! And that some synthetic ingredients are safe when manufactured properly.

To ensure my products are as safe as possible, I chose to formulate with only natural ingredients whenever possible. This means using plant oils, extracts, butters and waxes instead of synthetic oils and waxes whenever possible.

Relying on the FDA to keep your skin care safe is like relying on the fox to guard the henhouse.

See, the FDA doesn’t really regulate skin care products. It all started with a really, really big loophole called the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Passed in 1976, this law made it legal for any cosmetic company to use any ingredient without testing or approval from the FDA. The only catch? The companies had to notify the FDA they were using these ingredients … but they didn’t have to prove that they were safe.

Fast forward 40 years, and now there are 12,500 chemicals used in personal care products that have never been tested for safety. And if you live in Europe, you’re even worse off: there are no restrictions on chemicals at all over there!

The good news is, you’ve got options. You can choose to avoid these toxic ingredients by using natural skin care products that contain ingredients Mother Nature grew herself! But it’s not always easy to tell what’s good and what’s bad for your skin. That’s why I’m going to share my top 5 tips for picking good-for-you skin care products today!

The thought of an ingredient being toxic may immediately conjure up images of a chemical spill or nuclear factory, but toxic ingredients are found in our everyday products. When it comes to skin care, many products contain ingredients that can be harmful and even toxic to our health. The facts are alarming, but by exploring the different types of toxins and learning about the product label, we can ensure that we know what we’re putting on our body.

Skincare products can contain ingredients that are toxic to the immune system and cause endocrine disruption or cancer. Many product labels include confusing or misleading ingredient names or vague claims that don’t mean anything at all. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was enacted in 1976 and requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor chemicals used in commerce and determine whether they pose an “unreasonable risk” to human health or the environment. Under this Act, EPA is given the authority to require reports from manufacturers on any chemical substance produced in amounts exceeding 25,000 pounds per year as well as perform testing on chemical substances. However, there is a loophole for new chemicals introduced after 1979: There is no requirement for companies to submit safety data on their products before they are marketed! In fact, according to the EWG Skin Deep Database

We all want to look our best, but at what cost? The average woman uses 12 personal care products a day, with an average of 168 different ingredients. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), many of these ingredients are linked to health problems ranging from skin irritation to cancer. The good news is that many safe, non-toxic beauty options are available. Do your research and read labels carefully. I’ve rounded up a few helpful tips on how to choose safe beauty products.

1. Look for the label “non-toxic” or “organic”

2. Avoid products with the following ingredients: parabens, fragrance, phthalates, oxybenzone and triclosan

3. Don’t be afraid of sunscreen; just check the label before you buy!

4. Don’t believe everything you hear about “hypoallergenic” and “natural” products; these terms mean nothing in terms of toxicity or safety

5. If you have had bad reactions to skin care products in the past, be sure to talk with your dermatologist about what specific ingredients may be causing your reaction

If you are like me, you might have an interest in natural products and skin care. But if you don’t work in the industry, it can be hard to know what to look for when picking out products. The goal of this article is to make it easy!

Here are the ingredients to avoid and some suggestions on how to replace them with safe alternatives.

First off, here is a list of ingredients you should avoid in your skin care products:

Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)

Fragrance/perfume/parfum

Oxybenzone

Retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate)

Triclosan

Diethanolamine (DEA)

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

If you are looking for skin care products, you may want to consider the ingredients in your products. When choosing a skin care product, there are many things to consider; the price, whether it works or not, and if it is safe. Most people don’t think twice about what they are putting on their skin. The skin is the largest organ of your body and absorbs whatever is put on it. Below are some of the most important things to look for when selecting a skin care product.

Ingredients to Look For: When purchasing a skin care product, look for these ingredients that keep your skin healthy and clean:

1. Allantoin

2. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (Lactic Acid)

3. Aloe Vera Gel

4. Bentonite Clay

5. Canola Oil (GMO)

6. Cellulose Gum (Plant Based)

7. Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut Derivative)

8. Citric Acid (Plant Based)

9. Coconut Oil

10. Dimethicone (Silicone Oil)

11. Glycerin (Vegetable Based)

12. Hyaluronic Acid

13. Jo

Belle’s “Main Squeeze” Cleanser is an all-in-one cleanser and makeup remover that leaves skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed. Its gentle, soothing formula removes dirt, oil and makeup while hydrating the skin. Belle’s Main Squeeze is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients including:

Aloe Vera – one of nature’s best moisturizers

Coconut Oil – provides deep moisture

Green Tea Extract – provides antioxidant benefits to protect your skin from environmental stressors