by Audrina Kingston

Created on: August 08, 2008   Last Updated: December 19, 2009

Women love to look beautiful. Unfortunately, many conventional products used to achieve a youthful, radiant appearance are more hazardous than beautifying.

Cosmetics companies have taken advantage of the 'organic' and 'green living' phenomenon and are cleverly marketing makeup as natural, organic, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free. These claims are often misleading and confusing. As a result, skin care manufacturers are now required to list (label) every ingredient on their packaging. That's very good news for consumers because it empowers them to make better choices.

Labeling packages, however, is a good start but labels alone aren't enough. Consumers must read labels carefully to determine which products possess dangerous chemicals. If ingredients are difficult to pronounce or require a scientist to interpret their meaning, it's wise to leave those items on the shelf.

When reading labels, you want to look for ingredients that you know and can trust. Safe products include botanical ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, goat's milk and honey, aloe vera, beeswax, and vitamin E. Also look for essential oils of lavender, jojoba, rose, orange, and sweet almond.

Safe and low-hazard products includes witch hazel, virgin coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, and rosewater. These ingredients must be organic and display the USDA Certified Organic seal. Without the seal, it is likely that the cosmetics were made with synthetics extracts.

Consider mineral makeup as an alternative to traditional makeup. Top makeup artists like Jane Iredale, of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, prefers mineral makeup because it safe for the skin, and it gives clients a flawless complexion. Mineral makeup is also highly rated because the few ingredients within are loaded with high quality vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. Organic mineral makeup lines are free of artificial preservatives and synthetics.

By reducing the amount of chemicals used, you also reduce the harmful impact of toxins ending up in landfills. Truly certified organic products are eco-friendly and have biodegradable packaging made from recycled materials. Containers, tubes, and jars are deliberately manufactured for consumers to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Dr. Hauschka and Neil's Yard Remedies are highly recommended skin care companies that carry a few cosmetic products. Regrettably, the high price tags tend to motivate consumers to seek out more reasonable priced brands. Model and actress Josie Maran, well know for being

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