Thank you for joining our class aimed at helping you navigate the world of beauty products more safely and healthily. As we age, our skin becomes more sensitive, making it important to choose products that are gentle yet effective. In this class, we covered how to identify harmful ingredients in beauty products and find safer alternatives that nurture your skin.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Reliable Resources:

Use trusted resources to research products before purchasing. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) offers an extensive database that rates the safety of cosmetics and skincare products. Similarly, the Yuka or Think Dirty app allows you to scan product barcodes in-store to review their safety ratings instantly.

Understanding Harmful Ingredients:

Familiarize yourself with potentially harmful chemicals often found in beauty products, such as parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde releasers. These substances can irritate the skin or have more serious health implications. Look for products that clearly state "paraben-free" or "sulfate-free."

Seeking Safer Alternatives:

Shift towards products formulated with natural or organic ingredients that are less likely to cause skin irritation. Products labeled "hypoallergenic" are specifically designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and are often suitable for sensitive skin.

Learning to Read Labels Effectively:

Understanding product labels can be challenging but is crucial for making safe choices. Remember, ingredients are listed in descending order by volume; this means the first few ingredients are the most predominant. Be wary of labels with long lists of unrecognizable chemicals and opt for products with simpler, clearer ingredient lists.

References:

Good Housekeeping Recommended Brands

Best Clean Skincare and Hair Brand: Alaffia
Best Value Clean Beauty Brand: Love Beauty & Planet
Best Drugstore Clean Beauty Brand: Garnier Whole Blends
Best Luxury Clean Beauty Brand: L'Occitane
Best Luxury Clean Skincare Brand: Babor
Best Anti-Aging Clean Beauty Brand: BL+
Best Innovative Clean Beauty Brand: Grove Collaborative Peach

Research Articles

New York Times “The Dirt on Clean Beauty”
Oprah Daily “What is Clean Beauty and Why is it Important”