With the latest outcry about lead in lipstick, it’s hard to know what cosmetic company or product is relatively safe to use. I’ve made some changes to my personal toiletries arsenal but not enough.

Even though the Skin Deep: Cosmetics Safety Database contains nearly 25,000 products by company and product name, cosmetic companies formulate new products each season so you may not find a specific product. In order to simplify the process, I resorted to the following guidelines:

  1. Company signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, part of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  
  2. Product was rated 0 -3 hazard out of 10, the lower the better.
  3. Company does not perform animal testing, as listed in the Cosmetics Safety Database. Google “animal testing” videos. Most of them are so horrific I can’t even watch them.
  4. Product is fragrance free. Phthalates routinely masquerade as fragrance. Many years ago I used some cheapie eye makeup and ended up with burning, itching skin. A dermatologist did numerous patch tests and discovered I’m allergic to Balsam of Peru, a carrying agent for fragrance. Not once have I ever seen it listed as an ingredient in a cosmetic. I just have to avoid fragrance.
  5. Sunscreen product containing Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
  6. I can purchase multiple cosmetics from the same company and multiple products from one store. For example, I can buy Alba Hawaiian shampoo and conditioner as well as Kiss My Face Olive Oil fragrance-free soap at the same store. I want to be mindful of the cost in terms of time and resources to get it.

The following lists are invaluable:

  • The list of companies that have signed on is here. L’Oreal, Avon and Revlon aren’t on the list but then some are missing that surprise me, for example, Tom’s of Maine and Beauty Without Cruelty.
  • Top 20 brands of concern - L’Oreal’s products (Dark & Lovely, Bioterm, Garnier and L’Oreal), make 4 of the 20. St. Ives, Revlon, Coppertone, Nivea, Banana Boat, Avon, Clairol - all product lines I’ve used in the past.
  • Top 20 companies of concern - L’Occitane is #1

These companies are fighting regulation tooth and nail, because it will cost them money. It’s so much cheaper to continue to poison us. Just remember, if you don’t buy it, they won’t make it.

If you don’t see your favorite product or company in the database, use the Breast Cancer Fund’s product safety tip card - a wallet-sized guide listing cosmetic ingredients to avoid.