This is, without a shred of doubt, the most important video you will see this year. Produced and narrated by consumer advocate Annie Leonard, “The Story of Cosmetics” paints a terrifyingly ugly picture: men and women use on a daily basis a variety of personal care products and cosmetics that contain toxic chemicals linked to cancer.
- Herbal Essences shampoo? Check. (It contains petroleum)
- Lipstick? Check. (Most lipsticks contain lead)
- Nail polish? Check. (Nail polish contains the trifecta of toxic ingredients linked to cancer: phthalates, toluene, and formaldehyde)
- Deodorant? Check. (Nearly all antiperspirants contain aluminum).
The website of Story of Cosmetics is an excellent resource for information related to this topic. I strongly advise you to check it out.
Another excellent resource is the website of the non-profit organization Campaign for Safe Cosmetics – they have a database that allows you to verify whether or not the cosmetics and personal care products that you use are toxic. Chances are – they are. I set about doing just that about a year ago and I had to throw out 95% of the items in my bathroom – from shampoos to shower gels, makeup remover… you name it.
This past Christmas, a friend offered me this book: Natural Beauty at Home. It contains amazing recipes for personal care products. The easiest thing to do, though, is probably to go to your nearest organic foods/beauty store and stock up on natural products.
Please share this video with all the people you know!