Natural, clean beauty. For some, that might mean a fresh, no makeup look. But today, cosmetic companies and those that are passionate about looking their best are taking it a step further.

Many cosmetic and skin care companies sell beauty products with ingredients that are potentially harmful to the environment, the skin and the body. They’re usually easier to come by and less expensive for companies to use.  Fortunately, awareness is being raised and conscientious companies are changing their formulas to provide products with high quality ingredients you can trust – ones that won’t harm you or the environment.

Read on to find out more about the harmful chemicals that are in some beauty products and what you can do to make sure the products you are using have natural ingredients.

What Ingredients Should I Be Avoiding?

There are many ingredients that are present in cosmetic products that should be avoided. These include the following:

Parabens: Parabens are preservatives that work to keep products like soaps and lotions from growing bacteria. They are known to be endocrine disruptors, meaning they mimic estrogen in the body. This can lead to hormonal imbalances and even breast cancer.

Phthalates: Phthalates are added to plastic to keep it from becoming brittle. It can be found in products like hairspray and nail polish. Like parabens, phthalates are also endocrine disruptors and they have been found to potentially cause hormonal and reproductive problems.

Sulfates: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are foaming agents that can be found in skin care products, shampoo and toothpaste. They can irritate skin and trigger allergies. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

Products with Animal Derivatives or Animal Testing:  Many companies include some ingredients derived from animals and/or tested on animals.  Even beeswax comes from animals! To avoid using those products, Look for companies that are Leaping Bunny certified and on PETA’s no test list.  That way you can ensure the products you use are 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free.

What Products Contain Ingredients from Nature?

To make sure you are avoiding cosmetics with harmful ingredients, it is best to check the label before making a purchase. You can also look out for brands that are brought to you by the Earthly Body company.

Earthly Body is a company that is committed to providing their customers with high quality, naturally derived products that are kind to animals and the environment. All their products are on the PETA no test list and are Leaping Bunny Certified which means they are cruelty free and do not use any animal testing.

Here are two Earthly Body brands we recommend.

Marrakesh: Marrakesh is a hair and skin care company that provides products that are carefully crafted with all-natural ingredients including argan oil and hempseed oil.  They pride themselves in using practices that are sustainable and empower local communities. Best of all, their products are formulated to unleash clean beauty in their customers.

EMERA: EMERA is a hair care brand that provides CBD infused products that are meant to unlock your hair’s natural beauty. CBD is rich in amino acids and essential fatty acids that moisturize and protect hair from environmental damage. Try out EMERA’s full range of products including shampoo, conditioner, serum, detangler plus, and scalp therapy, to find out how you  can get your hair looking its best.

Some people will pay a high price tag when it comes to looking their best. But if you are risking your health by using products with harmful ingredients, a line needs to be drawn.

Fortunately, there are plenty of products available that use all-natural ingredients and give you a natural and healthy look you will love. Which will you be using to get yourself looking and feeling your best?