Although cosmetics found in department stores may seem harmless enough, their labels suggest otherwise.  Before dabbing on a touch of lipstick or brushing your face with a swipe of blush, check the products. 

Be sure that you are not applying products that contain chemicals that are hazardous to your health. There are many natural makeup alternatives that are chemical-free and safe to use.

According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit agency, most cosmetics lining department store shelves today are not safety tested. The government does not regulate cosmetics, allowing for the addition of questionable ingredients that may prove deadly over long-term use.

Some of the chemicals found in these cosmetics are stored in the body and accumulate in the fatty tissues. These chemicals can remain in the system for years and eventually result in cell damage.

In the Journal of Applied Toxicology’s January 2004 edition, a study showed that the common preservative paraben, which is found in most cosmetics, was found in large quantities in 18 of the 20 tumors biopsied from breast cancer patients.

Phthalates are known to cause both liver and kidney damage and have been shown to negatively affect the developing fetus. This chemical is commonly found in lipstick, as are polyethylene, butylated hydroxytoluene and dimethicone, which are artificial colors derived from coal tar.

Studies estimate that a woman who wears lipstick every day will ingest an average of 4-5 pounds of these toxic chemicals over her lifespan.

The manufacturers of natural cosmetic products have produced a variety of shades that work well with a number of skin tones, which are a vast improvement over the bright blue eye shadow and orange foundations available to consumers many years ago.

Thanks to new technology, shoppers can expect to find natural makeup products that are similar in quality to the large department store brands. With bases derived from jojoba oil and candelilla wax rather than harmful petrochemicals, these new products are safe and effective.

The addition of ingredients such as aloe, green tea and cucumber allow the product to double as a soothing anti-inflammatory with antioxidant properties.  All natural cosmetics can be found in the beauty section of most health food stores.