Opting for natural cosmetics not only benefits your health but also supports environmental sustainability. However, these products do require additional attention due to their lack of chemical preservatives.
The following guidelines will assist you in maximizing the lifespan of your preferred cosmetics.
Dispose of It
Similar to food items, cosmetics also have a defined shelf life. Some products come with expiration dates, while others utilize the European “period after opening” system, featuring a symbol of an open jar accompanied by a number and the letter M. For instance, “6M” indicates optimal use within six months.
If your product does not bear an expiration date or icon, there’s no need for concern! A general rule of thumb for most natural cosmetics is six months, except for mascara, which typically remains effective for about three months due to the risk of eye infections. Should you experience an eye infection, it’s crucial to dispose of all eye makeup used during that time.
If a product undergoes a change in color, texture, or scent, it should be discarded regardless of its expiration date.
Maintain Cleanliness
Maintaining cleanliness is essential when using natural cosmetics. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup, ensure that all containers remain clean, and avoid allowing applicators to touch unclean surfaces.
Make it a point to clean your makeup brushes at least once a month using a natural brush cleaner available at specialty beauty and health food stores.
For liquid products, reconsider your choice of applicators: While disposable applicators offer hygienic use, single-use plastics and foam materials are detrimental to the environment. Instead, opt for biodegradable disposable applicators made from organic cotton, which can be found at beauty and natural health food stores.
Tip: Avoid pumping your mascara, as this introduces air and accelerates drying. Never attempt to moisten it with saliva or water if it becomes dry.
Avoid Sharing
Sharing makeup and applicators heightens the risk of transferring bacteria between products.
Exercise caution when using testers at makeup counters, as their cleanliness and how long they’ve been out may be questionable. If testing is unavoidable, do so on the back of your hand with a clean (and biodegradable) disposable applicator.
Traveling Tips
Since it can be challenging to wash your hands while on the go, consider avoiding products that require direct contact. Instead, choose lip glosses with applicator wands and hand creams that come in tubes rather than jars.
Makeup storage should not exceed temperatures of 85°F (29°C), meaning you should never leave your lip gloss in a hot vehicle!
Lastly, while it might seem efficient to apply makeup during your commute, it’s advisable against doing so, as sudden movements can result in eye makeup accidents, increasing the risk of injury or infection.
What Ingredients Are in Natural Cosmetics?
Natural alternatives commonly replace preservatives, antiseptics, and antibacterials with ingredients like:
- borax
- citric acid derived from orange and lemon peels
- honey
- lavender
- rosemary
- rose oil
- peppermint
Why Choose Natural?
The extended longevity of conventional cosmetic formulations often comes with significant drawbacks, as various components can be potential endocrine disruptors and carcinogens. The David Suzuki Foundation identifies a “dirty dozen” of harmful cosmetic ingredients, which include:
- BHA and BHT
- coal tar dyes
- DEA (along with MEA and TEA)
- dibutyl phthalate
- formaldehyde-releasing agents such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, and quarternium-15
- parabens
- parfum or “fragrance”
- PEG compounds
- petrolatum
- siloxanes
- sodium laureth sulfate
- triclosan
For more information on these ingredients, visit davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/.
To evaluate your current cosmetic line, check out the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database at ewg.org/skindeep.
