Are you wondering which skincare products are truly “all natural”?  Have you been a little overwhelmed lately with all of the anti-aging products on the market?

They all claim to be “natural” and “safe.” But are they really what they say?

The answer is: PROBABLY NOT! Did you know that in the US major loopholes in federal law allow the cosmetics industry to put thousands of synthetic chemicals into personal care products even if those chemicals are linked to cancer, infertility or birth defects. At the same time as untested chemicals have been steadily introduced into our environment, breast cancer incidence has risen dramatically. 

Here are a few crazy facts for you that will get your head spinning:

1. 11% of 10,500 chemicals in cosmetics have been tested for safety! Just 11%!! What about the other 9,345 chemicals?
2. Safe Cosmetics reports that there are NO LEGAL STANDARDS for organic or natural personal care products sold in the United States. One top-selling shampoo in the US offers an “organic experience”—it contains more than a DOZEN synthetic petrochemicals!
3. By the time a woman has spritzed and sprayed in her daily ritual, she has exposed herself to more than 200 synthetic chemicals before breakfast.
4. The average woman absorbs 5 lbs of make-up chemicals PER YEAR. Want to lose 5 lbs fast? 🙂
5. Even “unscented” products may contain masking fragrances, which are chemicals used to cover up the odor of other chemicals. 
6. According to The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, “As far back as 1986, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences identified fragrance ingredients as one of six categories of neurotoxins (chemicals that are toxic to the brain) that should be thoroughly investigated for impacts on human health. However, this research has not been demanded or funded. The FDA has taken no action on a petition submitted to the agency in 1999 requesting fragrance components to be listed on labels.” 

Chemicals to Watch Out for:

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) –  found in over 90% of personal care products, shampoos, soaps, conditioners, cleansers and toothpastes. It is BANNED in Europe and Canada. It causes hair loss, cataracts, rashes. It affects the brain, heart, and liver
2. Fragrance or Parfum–Most fragrances don’t list phthalates on the label, but hide them under the term, “fragrance.”  Fragrances are considered to be among the top five known allergens and are known to both cause and trigger asthma attacks. Product tests conducted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in 2010 revealed an average of 10 sensitizers in each fragrance tested.
3. 1,4-Dioxane is a carcinogen (hidden in ingredients such as PEG, polysorbates, laureth, ethoxylated alcohols) and a by-product of the cancer-causing petrochemical Ethylene Oxide. The California EPA lists it as a kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant. . Check the ingredients on your products!
4. Ethylene Oxide –  found in cosmetics, shampoos, also used to sterilize surgical instruments. It is a know human carcinogen linked to cancer.
5. Parabens – implicated with cancer because of their hormone-disrupting qualities and traces of them have been found in breast tumor samples.
6. Mineral Oil, Paraffin, and Petrolatum coat the skin like plastic—clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins. They slow cellular development creating earlier signs of aging. They disrupt hormonal activity.

So, what is the solution?

Young Living essential oil infused skincare products have a natural fragrance that actually serves a purpose and toxic-free ingredients to create the perfect medium for maximum absorption and results. Different essential oils provide benefits for the 5 skin types listed below:

• Normal Skin Type–Maintain a balance of firm and supple skin: Lavender, Geranium, Rosewood, Neroli, Sandalwood
• Dry Skin Type–Soothe and hydrate skin: Sandalwood, Rose, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Myrrh
• Oily Skin Type–Clean skin and close pores: Cedarwood, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree), Geranium
• Combination Skin Type–Clean and hydrate both dry and oily areas: Frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender
• Mature Skin Type–Moisturize and nourish problem areas: Lavender, Sandalwood, Rose, Neroli, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Myrrh

Young Living carries a line of skincare products for all skin types–without the toxic chemicals that may actually contribute to premature aging.

In the video below my friend Kelly and I talk about and demonstrate the Young Living skincare products we use and recommend.

I am a “trust but verify” kind of person. Even though I was passionate about Young Living essential oils, I still needed to spot check the ingredients to make sure they were truly safe for me to use. I also needed to learn more about them and try them out myself before I shared with you. I’ve been using the ART Skincare line for 3 months and added additional products in the last few weeks with great results.

I am now confident in the products and willing to share with all of you! You can learn more about how to get your hands on these awesome products here. 

Photo credit: pashapixel