WHAT IS THE FINISH OF YOUR FOUNDATION?

Our foundation is natural so the finish will have a lot to do with your skin condition and what type of moisturizer you use.  If you have naturally oily skin, it will have a dewy finish if you don't prep or set it with a powder.  If you have drier skin, it will set more matte for you.  

 

WHAT TYPE OF COVERAGE DOES YOUR FOUNDATION PROVIDE?

The foundation is a sheer to medium coverage on it's own depending on how you apply it.  It is not full coverage but can be close to full if used with the Prep & Set powder which is great for oily skin or someone wanting more coverage. It is buildable, which means you can start off with 1 pump for sheer coverage and layer up to medium by using a second pump.  Starting off with 2 pumps will cover the face with medium coverage.  3 pumps will not make it full coverage, it will just feel heavy.  For more coverage, use the Prep & Set powder so it will continue to feel weightless.  

 

IS YOUR FOUNDATION OIL OR WATER BASED?

It is has both properties because it has Aloe Vera and Water plus Squalene Oil and Shea Butter.  Aloe Vera has astringent properties that help absorb oil and moisturize skin.  Water is necessary for hydration. Squalene Oil & Shea Butter absorb into skin to soften and seal water in skin.  Squalene Oil & Shea Butter are emollients so they not only nourishes the top layer of skin but takes nutrients down to the bottom layer of the dermis.  Both are great for anti-aging and healing to help skin appear smoother and younger.  

Emollients attract water to the skin but Shea Butter is also occlusive.  Occlusive means it creates a barrier on the skin to keep water from evaporating from the skin. These key ingredients keep the foundation balanced without it being drying or oily.

People with oily skin should use a very light facial moisturizer with the foundation due to the emollients in the foundation.  We recommend a ones with aloe, rose water and/or witch hazel to use prior to foundation use with oily skin.  Dry skin can use a moisturizer without astringent properties.

 

DOES THE FOUNDATION SMEAR OR RUB OFF ON CLOTHES?

Due to it's sheer to medium coverage, it will not rub off as much as some foundations. The oiliness of your skin will depend on how much it will move.  Oily skin can benefit from using a Prep and/or Setting powder to hold any foundation in place. 

Dryer skin can benefit from a setting spray as it will not absorb like a setting powder.  Dryer skin will absorb the oils from the foundation thus causing less movement.   A setting powder is not recommended. 

 

 WHY ARE THERE SO FEW SHADES OF FOUNDATION?

Natural foundations are colored with a blend of minerals that absorb into skin allowing it to blend with multiple complexions.  Synthetically pigmented foundations are much like the pigments used in paint.  They do not adjust and blend with skin complexions, they cover and change the color of skin.

We are introducing 3 more neutral shades to help cover those complexions that are neither warm nor cool.  We certainly want to make sure we are catering to as many skin tones as we can.

 

DOES YOUR FOUNDATION HAVE SPF?

The foundation contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are natural minerals that provide excellent UVB & UVA protection.  

Safe, effective and broad spectrum, non-nano zinc oxide physically blocks harmful, damaging solar rays. The mineral deflects rays to help protect and prevent deterioration of the skin. 

They are not chemical sunscreens but physical sunscreens. They absorb and deflect sunlight so that UV radiation doesn’t penetrate the epidermis.  Physical sunscreen protects from the sun immediately without the waiting period of a chemical sunscreen.  Physical sunscreen last longer that chemical sunscreen so you have to apply less.  Lastly, they do not clog pores and are more gentle on sensitive skin than chemical sunscreens.  

 

DO YOU USE NANO PARTICLES?

We do not use nano-particles in any of our products.

To find your undertone,  look at the color of the veins near your wrist. 

COOL

If the color appears blue/purple, then you are a cool undertone.  Cool undertones tend to have a pink/reddish or bluish color to the skin.

WARM

If the color appears green, then you are a warm undertone.  Warm undertones tend to have an olive, golden or yellow color to the skin.

NEUTRAL

If you are having trouble telling which color your veins are then you are probably a neutral undertone.  This means you can use a foundation that is neither too warm or too cool.  They are usually created with a close to equal amounts of cool and warm coloring.

WHAT IS PREP & SET POWDER FOR?

Our Prep & Set Powder is a pressed powder that can be used 2 ways.  To prep the skin as a primer before foundation.  You heard correct!!! A powder to be used before the foundation.  It works great to absorb oil for people with oily skin and to help the foundation have fuller coverage.  It also helps to add a blurred airbrush look when used before foundation.

When used first, the powder will fill the pores to act as a barrier between foundation and pores which is how it helps control oil, add a airbrush look and allow foundation to lay with more coverage.  

When used to set makeup it is applied onto face on top of foundation and concealer.  Highlighter or luminizer is best applied after setting powder to not matte the shimmer.  

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HIGHLIGHTER AND A LUMINIZER?

Our highlighter is a pressed powder with more intense shimmer.  The luminizer is cream product with a more subtle shimmer and can be used with or without additional makeup.  The look is a personal preference. 

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BLUSH AND THE CHEEK TINT STICKS?

Our blush is a pressed powder.  The cheek tint stick is a cream cheek color that is easy to apply on the go.  The look is a personal preference. 

For people with deep tan to dark complexions, the check tint can be a better option for a more natural looking cheek color.  

ARE YOUR LIPSTICKS MATTE?

We have 3 matte lipstick colors: Pink Chai, Blushing Bride and Black Cherry  

We have 4 satin (not matte or glossy) finish lipstick colors: Precious Pink, Purely Plum, Radiant Rose & Red Wine

We have 1 satin finish with shimmer: Hibiscus

 

ARE YOUR LIP GLOSSES HEAVILY TINTED?

We have 1 clear gloss: It's Clear to Me

We have 3 lightly tinted glosses: Tickled, Nude With Attitude, & Kiss My Tulips 

We have 4 moderately tinted glosses: Embellished, Drama Queen, Wild Orchid & Ti Amo

We have 3 shimmer glosses: Kiss My Tulips, Embellished, & Wild Orchid

DO YOUR EYESHADOWS HAVE A LOT OF FALLOUT?

No, they do not have a lot of fall out.  They are nicely pigmented and do not require lots of rubbing or digging you brush into the product.  All eyeshadows hold best with a primed eye (moisturizer, primer, foundation) before application.

 

CAN YOUR EYESHADOWS BE USED WET OR DRY?

Yes, they can be used wet or dry.  Wet will create the most intense color.  Wet does not mean tap water.  Water is the giver of life so you don't want bacteria growing in eye products.  You can use water if it is distilled.  Lightly spray brush with distilled water or setting spray and then use brush on eyeshadow to pick up product.

Do not use tap water.

Do not dip the brush in the liquid as it will be too wet.

Do not spray the actual eyeshadow as it will be too wet, can change the composition of the eyeshadow upon drying, create bacteria growth.

WHY DO YOU ONLY HAVE A CREAM EYELINER?

Cream Eyeliner is very forgiving and works well with many types of eye issues. Many people have zigzag eyelashes and the use of a brush with the cream liner allows you to create even lines despite the line of the eyelashes.  It also allows you to get close to the waterline without pressing or pushing too hard.  Also, people that wear glasses often have trouble with putting objects, especially pointed objects like a pencil close to the eye.  Using a brush often works better on people that frequently blink when objects come close to the eye.  

1,4-dioxane is generated through a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide, a known breast carcinogen, is added to other chemicals to make them less harsh. This process creates 1,4-dioxane.

For example, sodium laurel sulfate, a chemical that is harsh on the skin, is often converted to the less-harsh chemical sodium laureth sulfate (the “eth” denotes ethoxylation). The conversion process can lead to contamination of this ingredient with 1,4-dioxane.

FOUND IN: 

Products that create suds such as shampoo, liquid soap, bubble bath, hair relaxers, etc.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: 

Sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth

 

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Cancer: Research shows that 1,4-dioxane readily penetrates the skin. 1,4-dioxane is considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is listed as an animal carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. It is included on California’s Proposition 65 list of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer or birth defects.

 

REGULATIONS: 

Banned/found unsafe for use in cosmetics in Canada

 

HOW TO AVOID: 

Organic standards do not allow ethoxylation at all.

The best wasy consumers can avoid products that contain sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, and chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth.WHAT IS 1,4 DIOXANE?

1,4-dioxane is generated through a process called ethoxylation, in which ethylene oxide, a known breast carcinogen, is added to other chemicals to make them less harsh. This process creates 1,4-dioxane.

For example, sodium laurel sulfate, a chemical that is harsh on the skin, is often converted to the less-harsh chemical sodium laureth sulfate (the “eth” denotes ethoxylation). The conversion process can lead to contamination of this ingredient with 1,4-dioxane.

FOUND IN: 

Products that create suds such as shampoo, liquid soap, bubble bath, hair relaxers, etc.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: 

Sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth

 

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Cancer: Research shows that 1,4-dioxane readily penetrates the skin. 1,4-dioxane is considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is listed as an animal carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. It is included on California’s Proposition 65 list of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer or birth defects.

 

REGULATIONS: 

Banned/found unsafe for use in cosmetics in Canada

 

HOW TO AVOID: 

Organic standards do not allow ethoxylation at all.

The best wasy consumers can avoid products that contain sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, and chemicals that include the clauses xynol, ceteareth and oleth.

BHA is primarily used as an antioxidant and preservative in food, cosmetics, food packaging and animal feed. 

It also serves as a preservative and antioxidant in pharmaceutical preparations and cosmetic formulations that contain oils and fats. Dermal exposure to BHA occurs from its use as an antioxidant in commercial products, especially lipstick and eye shadow. ^[1] BHT is a toluene-base ingredient that is used as a preservative in both food and personal care products. 

 

FOUND IN: 

Lip products, hair products, makeup, sunscreen, antiperspirant/deodorant, fragrance, creams.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: 

BHA, BHT

 

HEALTH CONCERNS: 

Endocrine disruption: The European Commission on Endocrine Disruption has determined that there is strong evidence that BHA is a human endocrine disruptor.

Organ-system toxicity: Environment Canada Domestic Substance List has classified BHA as a high human health priority. A study carried out in normal mammalian kidney cells found that exposure to BHA caused specific damage at the cellular level and was found to exert a significant cytotoxic effect even at low doses. ^[4] The Environment Canada Domestic Substance List has classified BHT as expected to be toxic or harmful. ^[2] A safety assessment of BHT reported that BHT applied to the skin of rats was associated with toxic effects in lung tissue but judged that the low concentrations used in cosmetics were safe. 

Developmental and reproductive toxicity: Studies carried out in rats found that exposure to high doses of BHA resulted in weak dysfunction and underdevelopment of the reproductive systems of both male and female rats. Changes in testosterone levels, sex weight organs and sexual maturation were also observed. 

Cancer: The National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on Carcinogens, 12th Edition, reports that BHA is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from animal studies. The California EPA’s Proposition 65 list also identifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen and requires labeling for products that are used on the lips, while the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that there was only limited evidence of carcinogenicity for products used on the lips.  One study found that dietary exposure to BHA caused both benign and malignant tumors in the stomachs of rats, mice and hamsters. ^{[1] [7]} However another study determined that typical dietary levels of BHA did not result in an increase in incidence of stomach cancer.

Irritation: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has determined that there is moderate evidence that BHT is a human respiratory irritant. 

HOW TO AVOID: 

Read labels and avoid products that contain BHA or BHT.

WHAT IS CARBON BLACK?

Carbon black is a dark black powder used as a pigment in cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. It is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based products such as coal tar, and has been linked to increased incidence of cancer and negative effects on organs

 

Commercial carbon black, in particular, has organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been identified as human carcinogens.  

 

PAHs damage DNA,  and exposure to PAHs can lead to tumors on lungs, bladder and skin; and PAHs can also cause non-cancer toxicities like reproductive and developmental toxicity.  PAHs bind tightly to the surface of carbon black and can only be removed with the use of solvents such as toluene at high temperatures.  People can be exposed to carbon black through inhalation, skin or eye contact, and food and beverages. 

 

FOUND IN: 

Eyeliner, mascara, nail polish, eye shadow, brush-on-brow, lipstick, blushers, rouge, makeup, and foundation.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: 

Carbon black, D & C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black.

 

HEALTH CONCERNS: 

Cancer: California EPA’s Proposition 65 list identifies carbon black (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size) as a carcinogen.  The International Agency for research on cancer classifies carbon black as a possible human carcinogen.  NIOSH raises concerns about lymphatic cancer among workers exposed to carbon black, largely due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in carbon black.  Furthermore, carbon black containing PAHs may lead to skin cancer.  Long-term exposure to carbon black can lead pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis and lung tumors in rats. 

Organ System Toxicity: Several human studies indicate carbon black exposure may increase the risk of lung disease.  Carbon black exposure is a possible concern for workers, particularly exposures to the respiratory system and eyes when it is in powder form.  Early research suggests carbon black may increase the incidence of cardiovascular disease. 

 

REGULATIONS: 

Restricted in cosmetics in United States and EU. 

 

HOW TO AVOID: 

Read labels and avoid cosmetics and personal care products containing carbon black, D & C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black.

 

WHAT IS COAL TAR? 

Coal tar is a known carcinogen derived from burning coal. It is a complex mixture of hundreds of compounds, many of which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Coal tar is used in food, textiles, cosmetics and personal care products. Experimental studies have found that application of and exposure to coal tar produce skin tumors and neurological damage.

 

Coal tar is also in a number of suspected and known carcinogens, such as benzene, toluene, naphthalene, anthracene, xylene, creosote oils and benzo[a]pyrene, which is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). PAHs are a large class of chemical that are reasonably considered to cause cancer. 

 

FOUND IN: 

Shampoos and scalp treatments, soaps, hair dyes, and lotions

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: 

Coal tar solution, tar, coal, carbo-cort, coal tar solution, coal tar solution USP, crude coal tar, estar, impervotar, KC 261, lavatar, picis carbonis, naphtha, high solvent naphtha, naphtha distillate, benzin B70, petroleum benzin 

 

HEALTH CONCERNS: 

Cancer: Experimental studies have found that exposure to and application of coal tar produce skin tumors. Coal tar has also been associated with cancer of the lung, bladder, kidney and digestive tract.  Benzo[a]pyrene, a constituent of coal tar, has been found to be carcinogenic through skin exposure. There have been many reports of skin cancer among patients using therapeutic coal-tar preparations.

Organ System Toxicity: Pyridine, a coal tar constituent, has been linked to neurological damage. Effects include emotional and sleep disturbances, as well as loss of coordination. 

 

REGULATIONS: 

According to the FDA, any drug products containing coal tar at levels of 0.5% to 5% (the level deemed effective and safe) must specify on a label the concentration of coal tar. Hair dye and certain skin products must display a warning label if they contain coal tar and must indicate specific precautions for that product

 

 

Read labels and avoid cosmetics and personal care products containing coal tar or synonyms. Be especially vigilant about hair dyes.

Exposure to metals has been linked to health concerns including reproductive, immune and nervous system toxicity. Some metals play important roles in normal functions of the body. For instance, iron is necessary for blood oxygenation. Other metals, such as lead and mercury, do not have normal physical functions in the body.

 

While some metals are contaminants of the chemical combining process, others serve as colorants. In addition, some color additives may be contaminated by heavy metals, such as D&C Red 6, which can be contaminated by arsenic, lead and mercury.

 

FOUND IN: 

Lip products, whitening toothpaste, eyeliner, nail color, foundations, sunscreens, eye shadows, blush, concealer, moisturizers, eye drops

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: 

Lead acetate, chromium, thimerosal, hydrogenated cotton seed oil, sodium hexametaphosphate. Note: products that contain contaminant metals will not list them on ingredient labels

 

HEALTH CONCERNS: 

Cancerous breast biopsies show higher accumulations of iron, nickel, chromium, zinc, cadmium, mercury and lead than non-cancerous biopsies. In addition, several metals act like estrogen in the presence of some breast cancer cells 

Lead: Lead is a potential impurity in many color cosmetics, including lipstick. Lead is a well-known and proven neurotoxin that has been linked to learning, language and behavioral problems. Because of this, lead has been eliminated from gasoline and paint in the United States, which has resulted in considerably reduced exposures in the past several decades. Lead has been linked to reduced fertility in both men and women, hormonal changes and menstrual irregularities. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable because lead crosses the placenta and may enter the fetal brain and has also been linked to miscarriage. Pre-adolescents are also at risk as lead has been linked to a delay in the onset of puberty in girls, and the development of testes in boys.

Mercury: Mercury is linked to nervous system toxicity, as well as reproductive, immune and respiratory toxicity, and is a recognized environmental health concern by numerous national and international government bodies. A 2013 study suggested mercury may also disrupt thyroid hormones. Mercury is found in thimerosal, which is a mercury-based preservative. Mercury is particularly hazardous during fetal development and is readily absorbed by the skin. Neither mercury nor thimerosal is common as a direct ingredient or impurity, but the high toxicity of this metal means that the presence of mercury in any cosmetics is a concern.

Other metals: Aluminum-based compounds vary in their toxicity, but some are linked to neurotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer. Chromium is strongly linked to immune and respiratory toxicity, as well as systemic toxicity.

Some metals or metal compounds, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, show little evidence of toxicity in their natural forms.

REGULATIONS: 

Banned/found unsafe for use in cosmetics in Canada, Japan and the European Union, restricted in cosmetics in the U.S.

 

HOW TO AVOID: 

Despite much attention to the issue of lead in cosmetics, the metal continues to be detected in some products. Heavy metals can be difficult to avoid as they are not always listed on the label, so the best strategy is to save color cosmetics for special occasion or look for organic cosmetics with limited use of preservatives. 

WHAT ARE PARABENS? 

Parabens are several distinct chemicals with a similar molecular structure. Methylparaben and propylparaben are the most common of these.

 

Parabens are most common in personal care products that contain significant amounts of water such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions and facial and shower cleansers and scrubs because they discourage the growth of microbes.

 

Parabens are not water soluble and can penetrate the skin. As a result, repeated application of a product or multiple products containing parabens could mean almost continuous exposure. The universal presence of parabens in personal care products makes this a reasonable scenario.

 

FOUND IN: 

Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, facial and shower cleansers and scrubs.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:  

Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, other ingredients ending in –paraben

 

HEALTH CONCERNS: 

Parabens are found in nearly all urine samples from U.S. adults regardless of ethnic, socioeconomic or geographic backgrounds. In one biomonitoring study, adolescents and adult females had higher levels of methylparaben and propylparaben in their urine than did males of similar ages.

A 2004 UK study detected traces of five parabens in the breast tumors of 19 out of 20 women studied. This small study does not prove a causal relationship between parabens and breast cancer, but it is important because it detected the presence of intact parabens—unaltered by the body’s metabolism—which is an indication of the chemical’s ability to penetrate skin and remain in breast tissue.

Endocrine disruption: Parabens are potential endocrine disruptors due to their ability to mimic estrogen. In cell studies, parabens have been found to weakly bind to estrogen receptors. Studies demonstrate that at sufficient concentrations, parabens can increase cell growth rate in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, which are often used as a sensitive measure of estrogenic activity.

The so-called “long chain” parabens^[14]  (butylparaben and its alternative form, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben and propylparaben) have the strongest estrogenic activity among those widely used in personal care products. In addition to direct estrogenic effects, parabens can block  testosterone and inhibit enzymes that metabolize estrogen.

Skin Cancer: Applying personal care products containing parabens—especially methylparaben—can lead to UV-induced damage of skin cells and disruption of cell growth rate. Daily application, in particular, can lead to increased concentrations of methylparaben because it does not completely metabolize. Parabens combined with other estrogenic chemicals may potentially influence the development of malignant melanoma, one form of skin cancer, through their estrogenic and genotoxic activities.

Developmental and Reproductive toxicity: Propyl and butyl parabens appear to reduce sperm production and lead to reduced testosterone levels. In addition, one study found that maternal exposure to butylparaben during gestation and lactation alters the development of the reproductive organs and sperm production. In general, propyl- and butylparabens, specifically, appear to disrupt male reproductive system and affect the reproductive organs. This is consistent with their estrogenic activity noted above.

Laboratory evidence suggests that maternal exposure to isobutylparaben during gestation can lead to anxiety and behavioral changes in offspring.

REGULATIONS: 

Some forms of parabens are banned in Denmark in cosmetics products for children up to 3 years.

 

HOW TO AVOID: 

Look for products labeled “paraben-free” and read ingredient lists on labels to avoid products with parabens. Many natural and organic cosmetics manufacturers have found effective alternatives to parabens to prevent microbial growth in personal care products. Some companies have created preservative-free products that have shorter shelf lives than conventional products. 

 

WHAT IS PETROLATUM:

Petrolatum is a semisolid byproduct mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum refining. With a melting point close to body temperature, petrolatum softens upon application and forms a water-repellant film around the applied area, creating an effective barrier against the evaporation of the skin’s natural moisture and foreign particles or microorganisms that may cause infection. Petrolatum is odorless, colorless to pale yellow, and it has an inherently long shelf life. These qualities make petrolatum a popular ingredient in skincare products and cosmetics.

 

When properly refined, petrolatum has no known health concerns. However, with an incomplete refining history, petrolatum could potentially be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. PAHs are byproducts of organic material combustion, commonly stored in fats upon exposure due to its lipophilic properties. There is no way to confirm proper refinement unless a complete refining history is provided.

 

That the great majority of consumer products used worldwide, including plastic bottles and ink pens to automobile tires, telephones, and fabrics are all prepared from petroleum. 

 

FOUND IN:

Lotions, Cosmetics

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:

Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, Mineral Oil and White Petrolatum (refined and safe for use).

 

HEALTH CONCERN:

Petrolatum is one of the main treatments dermatologists recommend for dry skin. The primary concern with petrolatum is the potential contamination with PAHs. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) considers PAHs as a class to contain reasonably anticipated carcinogens; the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists 14 PAHs as probable or possible carcinogens and one PAH as a known carcinogen.  A study on Long Island, NY, found that those women with high levels of PAH-DNA adducts had a 50 percent greater risk of breast cancer. The formation of PAH-DNA adducts, an indicator of PAH exposure, is linked to cancer development.

 

REGULATIONS:

The EU mandates that for cosmetic use, the full refining history of the petrolatum must be known and proven to be non-carcinogenic. The US sets no requirements on refinement and the PAH content in the petrolatum used in personal care products.

 

HOW TO AVOID:

Avoid products with petrolatum, unless the company clearly indicates petrolatum is fully refined as white petrolatum (on the label or their company website).

 

WHAT IS PHENOXYETHANOL?

Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative in cosmetic products to limit bacterial growth. Phenoxyethanol is also used as to stabilize components found in perfumes and soaps.

Phenoxyethanol is usually synthesized for commercial use but it can also be found naturally in materials such as green tea, which is often used to preserve products labeled as “natural.”  Daily use in percentages up to 1% can be relatively safe but it is bioaccumulative and people are often exposed to much more than that considering it is in so many cosmetic products. It can be accutely toxic in large amounts.

FOUND IN:

Moisturizer, eye shadow, foundation, sunscreen, conditioner, mascara, eye liner, shampoo, lip gloss, concealer, body wash, hand cream, blush, hair color, hair spray, lip balm, lotion, nail polish, baby wipes, baby lotions and soaps, soap (liquid and bar), shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, fragrance, hair removal waxes, hand sanitizer and ultrasound gel.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:

Phenoxyethanol, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Euxyl K® 400 (mixture of Phenoxyethanol and 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane), PhE

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function.

Skin exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to allergic reactions ranging from eczema and hives to anaphylaxis.  Eczema is also a common allergic reaction to skin exposure of products containing one percent or more phenoxyethanol. Reactions only occur in the area of application and eczema subsides after avoidance of the product causing irritation.

Infant Exposure: Phenoxyethanol, found in the some nipple creams, were depressing the central nervous system and causing vomiting and diarrhea in breast feeding infants.  Symptoms of a depressed nervous system include a decrease in infant’s appetite, difficulty waking the infant, limpness of extremities and change in skin color.

 

HOW TO AVOID:

Infants should not be exposed to cosmetic products containing Phenoxyethanol. If you are allergic, read labels and avoid personal care products and vaccines with phenoxyethanol and since parabens may enhance the allergic effects of phenoxyethanol, skip products containing both chemicals. If you are not allergic, phenoxyethanol is a relatively safe preservative in regard to chronic health effects.

 

WHAT IS TALC?

Talc is a mineral in clay mined from underground deposits. It’s the softest mineral known to man. Talc is a mineral substance used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products from baby powders to eye shadows. It is added to absorb moisture, smooth or soften products, prevent caking, and make makeup opaque.

Talc is also used as an anti-sticking substance in food products and dispersing agent in animal feed and fertilizers. Talc-containing feminine hygiene products are widely distributed and commonly used in the United States.

Talc can be mined from the earth or produced industrially. Some talc is contaminated with asbestos, a mineral substance linked to cancer. Testing talc samples for asbestos is the only way to identify contamination. However, one type of asbestos known as tremolite was found in cosmetic talcum powders labeled “tremolite-free,” suggesting that this approach is not foolproof.

FOUND IN:

Baby powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, deodorants and face masks.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:

Talc, Talcum powder, Cosmetic talc

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Irritation: Case studies of infants inhaling talc-containing baby powder showed severe respiratory distress.

Cancer: The International Agency for Research on Cancer lists talc containing asbestos as carcinogenic to humans while perineal use of talc is classified as possibly carcinogenic.  Cosmetic talc applied to the pelvic area, from feminine hygiene products or diaper changes, enters the body and can reach distant organs. This may explain why talc has been found in women’s ovaries and pelvic lymph nodes. Genital talc use increases risk of endometrial cancer among postmenopausal women.

Talc exposure is associated with mesothelioma, a tumor of tissue lining organs such as the lungs, stomach, and heart. Previous talcum exposure is involved in the development and pathogenesis of lung cancer. Workers in the New York talc industry were more likely to develop mesothelioma, which was attributed to inhalation of dust.

Organ system toxicity: Talc elevates lung burden. Talc inhalation can interfere with mechanisms that clean lungs and mitigate inflammation thereby damaging cells and potentially leading to cancer. Asbestos was found in the lung tissue and lymph nodes of women using cosmetic powders containing talc. Talc exposure, especially via personal care products, can also lead to a diseased respiratory tract as characterized by labored breathing and coughing.

Talc adversely affects the female genital system resulting in infection and inflammation.

 

REGULATIONS:

Talc is restricted in the European Union.

HOW TO AVOID:

Avoid personal care and cosmetic products that contain talc if used in the pelvic area. Choose companies that certify their talc is free of asbestos.

 

WHAT IS TRICLOSAN?

Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial used as an active ingredient in skin and oral care over-the-counter (OTC) drug products and as a preservative in water-based consumer products. Triclocarban was first introduced in the market in 1957.  It was initially developed as a surgical scrub for medical professionals, but in recent years it has been added to a host of consumer products, from kitchen cutting boards to shoes, clothing, carpets, plastics, toys, and more in order to kill bacteria and fungus and prevent odors. 

 

Triclosan and triclocarban have proved to be both dangerous and unnecessary. In 2005 the FDA found no evidence that antibacterial washes containing either triclosan or triclocarban were superior to plain soap and water for protecting consumers from bacteria, and in 2013 the FDA announced a draft rulemaking process that would require manufacturers to demonstrate their safety and efficacy for use in soaps and body washes. This process does not include hospital-based use. As more evidence mounts for triclosan and triclocarban’s toxicity, efforts have begun to diminish their inclusion in consumer products.

 

FOUND IN:

Antibacterial soaps and detergents, toothpaste and tooth whitening products, antiperspirants/deodorants, shaving products, creams, color cosmetics.

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL:

Triclosan (TSC) and triclocarban (TCC)

 

HEALTH CONCERNS:

Endocrine disruption: There is evidence that triclosan is an endocrine disruptor and impacts thyroid function and thyroid balance.

A 2009 study found that triclosan decreased thyroid hormone concentrations, and another showed that triclosan enhanced the expression of androgen(male hormones) and estrogen(female hormones) sensitive genes.

Several studies report triclocarban as a unique type of endocrine disrupting compound that amplifies endocrine activity when paired with naturally occurring hormones in the human body.

Hormone sensitive breast cancer cells treated with triclocarban demonstrated increased cell growth and increased hormone response.

Triclosan-resistant bacteria: Since 2000, a number of studies uncovered triclosan-resistant micro-organisms, and there is mounting evidence linking the use of triclosan with the promotion of bacteria that are resistant to both antibiotic medications and antibacterial products. For instance, triclosan-resistant strains of microorganisms such as E. coli and salmonella have been identified. Studies indicate that use of triclosan provides a suitable environment for the emergence of antimicrobial drug-resistant bacteria, even at the low concentrations found in products and cosmetics.

Bioaccumulation/Environmental Toxicity: Triclosan is lipophilic, meaning that it accumulates in fatty tissues. Studies have found concentrations of triclosan in three out of five human milk samples. Triclosan has also been found in the umbilical cord blood of infants.  These results raise concerns for the fetus during vulnerable periods of development and make the bioaccumulative and endocrine-disruptive potential of triclosan even more alarming.

 

Although touted as effective microbe-killing agents, triclosan and triclocarban are actually many times more likely to kill algae, crustaceans, and fish. Large quantities of these two chemicals often end up in sewage systems, persisting in forestry and non-agricultural settings which can lead to decade long exposure of plants, soil-dwelling biota, and their predators over multiple generations.

 

Biosolids (nutrient-rich organic materials extracted from sewage sludge) are important for crop plant cultivation. Biosolids derived from triclocarban and triclosan have adverse effects on these crops; a study observed a significant decrease in shoot mass for lettuce plants exposed to triclocarban. 

 

REGULATIONS:

Triclosan is restricted in cosmetics in Canada and Japan; triclocarban is restricted in cosmetics use in the European Union and is classified to be toxic or harmful by the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List. The EPA regulates triclosan as a pesticide and is currently updating its assessment of the effects of triclosan as a pesticide.

 

HOW TO AVOID:

Avoid products that indicate triclosan and triclocarban on the label. Stick with plain soap and water—the FDA found no evidence that antibacterial washes containing triclosan are any more effective at protecting against bacteria.

 

Freedom Naturally Beautiful Cosmetics is a skincare and wellness company that caters to the needs of people with sensitive skin by providing makeup, face and body care products. Our products allows the user to improve skin health with natural ingredients that also help them reconnect to Self through intentional self care. We are also looking to expand by providing products help sooth, manage and heal the spirit because as humans, our physical health is directly affected by the mental and spiritual health. For us, Freedom is Naturally Beautiful!!!F.N.B.C. started with the simple decision to live a healthier life inside and out. Sometimes people hear "Natural" and think flowers and granola.  That can be a part of it, but that's not all it is.  Being "Natural" means you choose to have fewer artificial chemicals in your life.  You can be "Natural" and still be sexy, playful, bold, sensual, classy, eclectic, serene or any adjective you choose.  Having the ability to choose is the beauty of Freedom, and there's always a choice.  Every day you wake up is another opportunity to choose who and what you want to be.  FNBC is about embracing that very concept.  Accepting who and what you are, then displaying that beauty in all its forms.  Knowing that the story you accept for yourself is the one you will live.                             Don't let anyone else write your story!. 

ABOUT THE OWNER

  Tracy S. Allen, a native of Chicago, IL, and is the owner of Freedom Naturally Beautiful Cosmetics.  She received her B.A in Merchandising Management, and for 15 years, she pursued careers in hospitality & retail management.  Throughout her career, she also served as a product manager for Victoria’s Secret, which is where she grew to love makeup and become a makeup artist.  Allen was born with a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis/psoriasis, which leaves her with sensitive and flaky skin over her scalp and face.  This condition challenged her love for makeup as her skin was irritated continuously from daily makeup use. Her skin condition, family medical history, and concerning symptoms, such as hair loss, led her to seek medical advice.  A doctor recommended Allen seek relief through lifestyle changes and clean eating, and as a result, she became very interested in holistic approaches to wellness. Allen’s mother died in 2014 during a surgery to remove a faulty defibrillator.  Allen would later learn that her mother’s congestive heart failure could have been regulated with lifestyle changes.  After this, Allen became a DIY queen and found much success creating her own natural and vegan-based beauty products - such as her own hair care and facial products, deodorant, toothpaste, body scrub, and lotions - which alleviated her skin condition, helped her hair grow back, and caused her other symptoms to subside.   In 2016, Allen decided to create a company as an homage to her mother by developing her own makeup line.  Her mother was always photo ready and often preached to Tracy about why it’s important to be “put together.” Also, She was unable to find makeup brands that were free of the chemicals that caused her irritation.  Allen figured if she was having this much trouble, then others were as well. Allen began trying to create products through the DIY approach, but her efforts proved inconsistent.  She then decided to approach a manufacturer, but after having much trouble finding a suitable company to meet her needs, she almost gave up. However, Allen persevered and in 2019, launched her non-toxic makeup line, Freedom Naturally Beautiful Cosmetics, for sensitive skin.  The line is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful synthetic chemicals like parabens, petroleum, and by-products such as lead, talc, artificial dyes, and colors.With Freedom Naturally Beautiful Cosmetics, Allen hopes women, regardless of having a skin condition or not, will find freedom in having access to a natural beauty product line that is gentle to their skin.  She wants to also expand the company to include all everyday cosmetics that will give people a safe option that they can trust.  Being a Black Owned Brand isn't easy but with the spirit of such cosmetic greats like A. Malone, C.J. Walker and E. Johnson she wants to create a brand that will inspire other women of color as she was inspired by these great women.  Lastly, she wants her mom to be proud of her because none of this could happen without her love, teachings and inspiration.  "The skin and body care products are recipes that I have used on myself, family and friends for years.  I hope you feel the positive intent, purpose and love that goes into every product."  Tracy S. Allen