According to the Skin Deep Database, "people apply an average of 126 unique ingredients on their skin daily, [and] these chemicals are raising concerns,

For their potential impacts to human health and the environment." In an effort to help the public make informed decisions about the perosnal products we use, Skin Deep provides an online safety guide for cosmetics and personal care products.

 

Consumers can enter the names of the products they use, or are considering buying, in a search engine, and get a toxicity rating from 1-10. It also reveals the ingredients used in these products, and what potential or studied side effects they can create in their users. We were shocked to learn that even some baby products rate in the "high hazard" category. Product Categories contained on the site include:

• Makeup
• Skin Care
• Hair Care
• Eye Care
• Nail Care
• Baby Care
• Oral Care
• Fragrance 

This website is maintained by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization made up of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers, and computer programmers. They use a wide range of information sources, such as government data, legal documents, scientific studies and independent laboratory tests to discover and expose threats to the public health and the environment. In addition to Skin Deep, they run many programs and sites, including the

Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce.

The group is based in the United States, but the information is useful to Canadians, as we consume so many American made and formulated products - including food products. 

Just in time for the sunny days of summer, Skin Deep includes the new 2009 Sunscreen Guide, which states that three out of five brands on the store shelves contain hazardous chemicals, or don't protect against sun damage. We need to educate ourselves and make sure we are making smart purchasing decisions that protect ourselves and our families.

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