How do I award the leaves to the products? To start with, I check the formulation and see how it
relates to the latest scientific research about synthetic and natural cosmetic ingredients and their
effects on skin. If a product contains an active ingredient, I usually check how much is actually in the
product, and if it contains potent plant extracts and essential oils, I will mention the possible risks of
allergic reactions or increased sun sensitivity.
To see whether a product lives up to its green claims, I take a look at other products in the line. Do
they contain questionable ingredients? Does the company make a genuine effort to educate its
consumers? If it does, then the green claim is authentic, not hype.
I never base my recommendations simply on my own personal experience. I will not recommend
something just because I like the way a cosmetic product feels on my skin. I understand that thousands
of other women may feel differently about it. During my years of cosmetic reviewing and reporting, I
have tried hundreds of products, but there’s nothing like the opinion of a highly independent and
discerning panel of dedicated cosmetic junkies, also known as relatives, friends, colleagues, and
readers of my websites who offered their help to evaluate and review cosmetic products for this
book.
When you see a product guide, simply choose the product that suits your needs most or mix and
match as you feel. Whether it’s a cure for limp locks or split nails, you will find green and safe
solutions for all of your beauty needs.
Only products that fit these criteria are recommended for use in this book. Sadly, many brands that
support the green movement and send a strong green message did not make it to the Green Product
Guides. Such brands include The Body Shop, most products by Tom’s of Maine, Kiss My Face,
Derma-E, Jason Naturals, Alba Botanica, and others. As much as I respect the fact that they support
fair trade, don’t test on animals, or don’t use colorants, their “organic” or “natural” products are still
loaded with synthetic ingredients with questionable safety records. Some of these ingredients are
further discussed in Chapter 5.
Fortunately, many brands reformulate their products to remove synthetic, potentially harmful
ingredients, and I look forward to including more green creations in Green Product Guides in the
future.
GREEN BEAUTY CRITERIA
The green beauty product should not contain any ingredient, of natural or synthetic origin, that can
poison the environment and cause harm to human health. This includes ingredients that have been
proven toxic and mutagenic in animal studies. These include:
- Petrochemicals, including mineral oil and various silicones
- Sodium laureth/lauryl sulfates and other sulfate-based detergents
- Propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and various ingredients formulated with PEGs and PGs
- Formaldehyde and paraben preservatives
- Synthetic (FD&C and other) dyes and colorants
- Artificial fragrances of any sort