Rich in essential fatty acids and dripping with vitamin E, phenols and carotenes, Argan Oil has been hydrating the skin, hair and nails of women for centuries in Morocco, where it's exclusively grown and harvested by the Berber tribe. Argan oil is found in many products including Josie Maran Cosmetics Mascara, $22, which is thimerosal-free.
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Avoid: Phthalates
Diethyl Phthalate is a reproductive toxin that has been known to affect the development of children, yet is so prevalent that repeated studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found phthalates in the urine of nearly every test subject. Unfortunately, phthalates aren't always included in ingredient lists; typically they're referred to as "fragrance" in perfume, hair spray and deodorant.
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Look for: Essential Oil
A safer source for perfume is an essential oil derived by chemical-free steam distillation, cold-pressing or the labor-intensive enfleurage method used with delicate jasmine or tuberose flowers. Scents like Aveda Energizing Composition, $21, which are created by blending essential oils, may not last as long as synthetic perfumes, but they're just as sexy and can be repeatedly applied without giving you a chemical headache. Plus, essential oils haven't been linked to infertility like phthalates. Bonus!
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Avoid: Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP, Toulene, Formaldehyde
Look for nail polishes that are free of Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP, a reproductive toxin that is banned in Europe because of its links to birth defects, Toulene, which affects the central nervous system and can cause headaches and Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that's also responsible for staining your nails yellow. Even popular brands like OPI and Sally Hansen are now "big three-free." If your favorite nail salon is still using toxic polish, just remember to BYOB!
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Avoid: Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea
Now that you've been warned about formaldehyde, know that many common chemical preservatives release the stuff over time, so also avoid the words Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea on your labels. Better to be safe than sorry.
"Pure" and "natural" might be the buzzwords of today's hottest products, but don't believe everything you read, says Stacy Malkan, author of "Not Just A Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry". In fact, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, because the personal care industry is unregulated, even the word "organic" can be slapped on products chock-full of chemicals that can be dangerous to your health and the environment. But who has the time to read through the laundry list of ingredients on the back of your products? If you do -- great. If not, use this cheat sheet to know what ingredients to avoid, and what ones are the best earth-friendly alternatives.
