We have always been conscious about what we put in our bodies, but do you ever think twice about what you put on them?

The scary truth behind cosmetics is that scientists are finding traces of toxic chemicals in cosmetics that are not listed on the labels as an ingredient. Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry, and co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics says that these chemicals “unintentionally end up in the product.” Furthermore, Malkan explains that cosmetics, “only have partial labeling…Companies aren’t required to safety-test products…And it’s legal to use nearly any ingredient.”

The disturbing truth behind this is that we have been exposed to these products since infancy and on a daily basis, which could lead to problems in the future. It is said that exposure to a small amount of toxins here and there will not cause severe side effects, but it is the fact that chemicals have been traced in everything from baby products, toothpaste, shaving cream and other personal care products. Many popular companies such as Victoria Jackson, Clinique, Eucerin, Rodan and Fields, Philosophy all carry cosmetic products that are in the “red zone,” meaning hazardous.

Environmental Working Group created a database with information about more than 25,000 products. You can search your product by name or company to check if your product is safe or not at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

[Photo from Pinkiedahlia via Flickr]

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