There are a lot of people who are beginning to realize how important it is to shop organic and be careful about what kinds of foods and drinks they are putting in their bodies. They now realize that putting toxic food into your body is not healthy. However, most of these same people are still getting tremendous amounts of toxic chemicals in their bodies from an unknown source, even more than they were getting through their previous diets of processed and chemical laden foods. The source that is often overlooked is personal care products.  It is a fact that we absorb more toxic chemicals through the skin than through our mouths. The skin is the largest organ in the body and has the potential to absorb an even larger amount of  harmful toxins.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org), did research studies on personal care products, and found that over one-third of all personal care products contained at least one cancer causing ingredient.  In a survey they conducted, it was found that more than 25Many skin creams and lotions boast of having "deep moisturizing" qualities. In fact, 57 percent contain penetration-enhancing chemicals--these chemicals push the harmful toxins in the product faster and deeper into your skin and blood. A product survey conducted by the EWG in 2004 revealed that more than 25% of women and 1% of men use at least 15 products daily.  So what happens when lots of these chemicals are used daily?  You do the math.


The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics funded an independent laboratory test on 48 skin care products that are specifically for children, and the findings were astounding.  61% of all products tested contained two cancer causing chemicals in high levels, formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.

The Organic Consumers Association has a great list of the top ten cosmetic ingredients to avoid:





If you are interested in finding out if your shampoo, soap, deodorant, body wash, toothpaste, etc. is full of toxic chemicals, EWG has a great database where you can search products to find out.  This site also has suggestions for safer products that can be used.