Parabens, propylene or butylene glycols, petroleum, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, phthalates, GMO, silicones, pesticides, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. One way to avoid pesticides in beauty products is to buy certified organic products with the USDA seal or the Certified Organic Seal on the front of the box or product.

I’ve heard that there is quite a bit of research on the potential effects of all these unnecessary chemicals and additives in beauty products. Where can I find more information?

Some cosmetic companies are not in the business of health or environment; they are in the business of beauty. Beauty products in the United States are largely unregulated with the exception of two areas: SPF values Organic labeling in the State of California

The epidermis, the top most layer of skin, is only 0.1 to 1.5 millimeters thick. It is made up of five layers: the basal cell layer, the squamous cell layer, the stratum granulosum, the stratum lucidum, and the stratum corneum. Working together, these layers continually rebuild the surface of the skin from within, maintaining the skin’s strength and helping to thwart normal wear and tear and sun damage.

The stratum corneum is the outermost, visible layer of the epidermis. The stratum corneum is made up of 10 to 30 thin layers of dead cells. The thickness varies depending on health, age, and location on the body. The stratum corneum is protected by a thin layer (approximately 5 cells thick), the acid mantle, made up of water (perspiration) and oil (sebum).

As the outermost cells give way to wear and tear, they are replaced from within by new layers of strong, long-wearing cells. In the average adult, it takes nearly a month for the stratum corneum to be completely replaced. The replacement process generally slows with age.