what's in your toiletry bag?

ever wonder what, exactly, is in your favvy shampoo, antisperspirant, lotion or other toiletries? ever wonder if there’s something in there that might (gasp!) not be in your best interest? while you're probably not surprised by ingredients such as petroleum – what about lead; mercury; or my personal gag-o-rama, cow and/or human placenta? (you think i kid?)

Enter skin deep, the environmental working group’s database of cosmetic safety.

according the website, “major gaps in public health laws allow cosmetics companies to use almost any ingredient they choose in everything from sunscreen and mascara to deodorant and baby shampoo, with no restrictions and no requirement for safety testing….”

skin deep allows you to search by company and product type and/or name and gives a 0-10 score (with 0 being best and a 10 meaning you might as well be drinking the run-off water from a nuclear plant). in addition, entries include other information such as packaging ingredients, ingredient concerns, ingredient breakdowns, and disease and toxicity concerns.

one of the best features is the “what not to buy” button at the top right. if nothing else, steer clear of these nasties. some are just flippin’ scary, not to mention downtown ewww-sville.

and, take note! just because it’s organic or natural doesn’t mean its all that safe (believe me, i have a few beloved cosmetics that will be making a quick exit from my daily routine… pout).

check it out… unless, of course, you really love the way cow after-birth makes your hair shine.

moooooooo....