Personal Care | The Canary Report

Happy Birthday to The Story of Cosmetics video, one year educating the public!

Posted by Susie

Jul 212011

Please watch the video and share with everyone you know!

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics reports that the video The Story of Cosmetics has been circulating around the internet for one year, educating the public about the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo. Produced by Free Range Studios and hosted by Annie Leonard, the 7-minute film reveals the implications for consumer and worker health and the environment, and outlines ways we can move the industry away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer alternatives. The film concludes with a call for viewers to support legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of cosmetics and personal care products.

Annie Leonard hosts The Story of Cosmetics.

Can you believe that it’s been one year to the day since the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released The Story of Cosmetics with our friends at The Story of Stuff Project?

Since then, more than 775,000 people have watched the hard-hitting short video explaining that under our current broken regulatory system, it’s perfectly legal to use toxic chemicals in personal care products (like baby shampoo and lipstick) and in salon products (like nail and hair-straightening products).

The Story of Cosmetics outlines the solution to this problem, too: We need responsible companies to make truly safe products, and legislation that will empower the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate the $50 billion cosmetics industry. Can we get there? Totally – we’re well on the way!

We’re thrilled to also announce the re-introduction of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 – a very smart piece of legislation that will eliminate the most harmful chemicals from cosmetics (as Europe and other countries are already doing!), and ensure that personal care products are reviewed for safety, while at the same time protecting and enhancing small businesses opportunities. The Campaign is working with true leaders in the beauty industry, including cosmetics companies, retailers, salons, makeup artists and others committed to protecting consumers, workers and the environment from unnecessary exposure to toxics. How about that!

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has so much to be proud of, and since you’re a part of this Campaign, so do you. Please celebrate with us by encouraging everyone you know to watch The Story of Cosmetics, and to in turn share it with their communities by hosting viewing parties, sending it to friends or posting it on their Facebook pages (see below for a sample status update!).

Thanks for all you do!

Be well,

Mia, Stacy, Lisa, Janet, Marisa and all of us at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

P.S. Here is a sample Facebook update you can simply copy and paste to your Facebook page: “The Story of Cosmetics is one year old! Please watch this surprising 8-minute video and share it with everyone you know! Together, we’ll make sure cosmetics are safe for everyone. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfq000AF1i8”

P.P.S. And here’s a tweet! “Happy Birthday, Story of Cosmetics! Pls watch the video & share w/ everyone you know! #SafeCosmetics http://bit.ly/aFSPwJ“

Bronner’s soaps and fair trade

Posted by Susie

Nov 152009

A video about Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, fair trade, and organic olive oil from the Holy Land.

I was fascinated with this video about the olive oil used in Dr. Bronner’s magic soaps. I use Bronner’s USDA Certified Organic liquid soaps head to toe, usually the lavender. Dr. Bronner soaps are not safe for everyone who has Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, so always proceed with caution when trying a new product. I have heard some complaints about cross contamination with mint in the non-mint soaps, and I occasionally detect mint in the lavender liquid soap (I do not like mint in soap!). But many peeps with MCS use Bronner’s for bathing and housecleaning with great success, so if you are looking for safe soap you might like to give it a try. I like the liquid because it rinses better than the bar soaps, and I can use it for a household cleanser.

My favorite all-round nontoxic cleaning solution is:

2 gallons hot water
1/4 cup borax
1/4 cup vinegar
A squirt of Bronner’s liquid lavender soap

I use it for everything: counter tops, floors, tub, toilet, walls, garbage pails, kitty litter pan, porch floor, mudroom, muddy shoes, everything. It rinses off very easily. You’ll be amazed at what that solution can clean!

Link to Bronner’s website.

Organic cotton tampons

Posted by Susie

Nov 012009

Dr. Alan Green discusses organic cotton tampons.

Sex and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Safe sex

Posted by Contributor

Oct 122009

When it comes to MCS, “safe sex” has a whole new meaning!

Post by Kimberly Shaw.

Part I: Safe Sex.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity experts recommend your bedroom be the safest room in your house. Sleep experts strongly suggest your bedroom only be used for sleep and sex. When we are overwhelmed or over stimulated by our surroundings, we are not in a receptive place to enjoy sexual intimacy or a good night’s sleep. It’s important the bedroom be a safe place, a place for your body to rest, be nurtured and enjoy pleasure. This may mean purchasing an air purifier, an organic bed, organic sheets and organic pillows. It also means keeping anything toxic far away from the bedroom. Not just chemicals, but emotionally toxic conversations or attitudes. Consider your bedroom your healing sanctuary and only allow items into it that are essential, nurturing, healing and lovely.

Having a safe partner is also very important. Hopefully, they understand MCS and are well aware of the need to be fragrance- and chemical-free. If you have any severe food allergies, your partner should also avoid eating them. Kissing someone who recently ate something you are severely allergic to may cause reactions.

Birth control is a difficult topic for those with MCS. Hormonal contraception, spermicidal methods, intrauterine contraceptives, condoms and other barrier methods all can cause issues for someone with sensitivities. There are some alternatives like natural family planning, natural lambskin condoms, vasectomy and, of course, menopause. This topic is something you want to discuss with your medical care provider if you are in a situation where birth control is an issue.

Unless you are in a monogamous relationship where you know both of you are free of sexually transmitted disease (STD), you need to consider how to protect yourself. Latex condoms often cause severe reactions. Some people do better with natural latex condoms verses synthetic latex. Lambskin condoms may not protect against STDs. Non-latex condoms are generally made out of polyurethane or polyisoprene. Again, another area you want to discuss carefully with a medical care professional that understands MCS. The last thing you want with MCS is to also have to deal with an STD!

There are many natural and/or organic lubricants on the market, but most contain some type of preservative. Read labels carefully! Many people with chemical sensitivities enjoy using organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, organic aloe vera, organic cocoa butter, organic almond oil, organic apricot oil, Vitamin E oil or organic plain yogurt, but proceed with caution when using for the first time. You might want to test first for any sensitivity by applying a small amount to the inside of your arm for a few days. (Note: Do not use these oils with condoms.) If you are a female and have trouble with vaginal dryness, you might also consider changes to your diet. Adding more essential fatty acids (EFAs), organic vegetable and fruit oils (like olive) to your diet, drinking more water, supplementing with vitamin E and vitamin A help many women.

Sex toys can enhance your sexual experience. In recent years, they started making vibrators and other sexual enhancement items out of safer materials. For example, you can now find vibrators made out of glass. Earth Erotics is one company that sells glass sex toys. They also sell organic bedroom linens and other safer products. (Many of their items would not be safe for people with MCS though.)

Practice sex safe, MCS style!

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Watch for more upcoming blogs on sex and MCS. I plan to cover health and sexuality in relation to MCS, dealing with disabilities in a sexual relationship, how to handle sex with a non-MCS partner, being single and other topics we with MCS deal with in our sexual lives.

I also blog at Serendipity, come visit!

Disclaimer: None of this information is meant to replace medical advice. Your sexual life is very important and any decisions that could affect your health need to be discussed with your health care provider.

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10/18/09 Editor’s Note: This post is now translated into Spanish at Eva Caballé’s blog NO FUN. Thanks, Eva!

The pampered canary

Posted by Contributor

Sep 032009

“There’s no better way to energize your body, mind, and spirit than by taking care of yourself.” ~Stephanie Tourles

Post by Kimberly Shaw.

One of the ways I take care of myself is to make time to pamper myself with my own homemade organic personal care products. When I make something myself, I know exactly what goes into it and can use ingredients that work for me.

The recipes below include a basic unscented version and also variations with organic essential oils. If you have very severe Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, are currently in a “universal reacting” stage and/or are recovering from a recent exposure, I’d strongly suggest NOT trying the essential oil variations. Even natural and organic scents can and often will trigger reactions. Some with MCS can tolerate organic essential oils in moderation and even find they have aromatherapy benefits. For many years, I could only use unscented products. After much recovery and studying aromatherapy, I find that some essential oils in moderation work well for me.

If you have extremely sensitive reactive skin, keep things very simple. When my MCS was really severe I cleaned my face with just organic jojoba oil.

Feel free to omit any ingredients you are sensitive to or substitute for another ingredient. You are welcome to email me, if you need help tailoring a recipe to work for you.

Due to the nature of these ingredients, products should be used within six months. Before trying something new on your face or large parts of your body, you might want to do a small skin test on the inside of your arm. As with any skin care products, discontinue use if any skin reaction or rash appears.

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Relaxing Bath Salts

¼ to ½ cup Epsom salt
¼ to ½ cup Dead Sea Salt or any type of sea salt
¼ to ½ teaspoon organic jojoba oil

For a regular size bath, use ¼ measurements, for a larger bath use ½ measurements. Add salts and oils to running bath water. Soak and relax for at least 20 minutes.

Variations:

Add several drops of an organic essential oil such as lavender or vanilla.

Add some green tea (or your favorite herbal tea) to the bath. I tend to use about 6-8 tea bags or about 6 teaspoons loose tea in a cheesecloth bag or stainless steel tea infuser.

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Body Scrub

2 cups organic sugar or sea salt
¾ to 1-cup organic oil (jojoba, olive, grapeseed, sunflower, and/or other organic oil of your choice)

Variations:

10-30 drops organic essential oils, if desired. Tangerine or grapefruit work well.

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If you can use essential oils, here is one of my favorite recipes:

Kimberly’s Mojito Sugar Scrub

2 cups organic sugar
¾ cups grapeseed oil (I use it because it is naturally green in color)
20 drops organic lime essential oil
10 drops organic spearmint essential oil

(When I make it for gifts for friends and relatives, I add a dash of rum.)

Mix well and store in a glass container. Use in the bath or shower. Be careful may make surfaces slippery. Do not use on face or sensitive areas.

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Face and Body Wash

8 oz. organic unscented castile soap
8 oz. distilled water
1 tsp organic jojoba oil

Variation:

8 oz. organic unscented castile soap
4 oz. organic hydrosol* (I often use calendula hydrosol)
4 oz. distilled water
1 tsp organic jojoba oil
(10-20 drops organic essential oils, if desired)

*I find since most hydrosols contain less than 5% essential oil they are mild and subtle and some with MCS can tolerate them.

I put this recipe in glass pump dispenser bottles and use as a basic liquid hand and body soap for the whole family.

If you have really dry skin, add extra jojoba oil to the mixture.

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Organic Eye Butter

3 Tablespoons organic shea butter
2 Tablespoons organic avocado oil
2 Tablespoons organic coconut oil
¼ teaspoon organic rosehip oil
¼ teaspoon organic calendula oil
2 drops organic carrot seed oil (optional)

Gently melt shea butter in a double boiler. Add all oils and blend well. Store in glass container. If storing in warmer environment, keep in refrigerator. Use within three months.

Apply a small amount around eye to help hydrate and soften wrinkles. It also works great on lips!

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There are many places to get organic ingredients, one of my favorite places is Mountain Rose Herbs.

In the coming months, I’ll be sharing more organic body care recipes!

Enjoy!

Come visit me at Serendipity.

Choosing better body care products

Posted by Susie

Jun 262009

Under-regulated chemicals are causing concerns for human health and the environment, whether they seep through your skin or wash down your drain.

The Environmental Working Group continues its Healthy Home Tip series with “Choosing Better Body Care Products”:

Dear Supporter,

Most people use around 10 personal care products every day with an average of 126 unique ingredients. We’d like to believe that the government is policing the safety of all of these mixtures we’re putting on our bodies, but they’re not. Instead, these under-regulated chemicals are causing concerns for human health and the environment – whether they seep through your skin or wash down your drain.

We think you deserve better than that. So we’re sending you our Healthy Home Tip Series to make it easier to safeguard your family’s health. This month’s tip is: Choose better body care products.

What makes a body care product “better”?

Better products meet their claims and are free of ingredients that could harm our health or the environment. Labels might claim that a product is “gentle” or “natural,” but with no required safety testing, companies that make personal care products can use almost any chemical they want, regardless of risks. So, always read product labels – especially the ingredient list – before you buy.

Learn how to choose better body care products

We make these choices as simple as possible on our Healthy Home Tips page, where you’ll learn:

How to read a label

How to shop for the grown-ups in the house

How to find the safest body care products for your kids

Tell your friends about our Healthy Home Tips

We know you’re not the only one who wants to choose better body care products. Tell your friends about our Healthy Home Tip Series so they, too, can be informed when faced with rows of under-regulated products at the store.

Talk to you in a month when we discuss our next Healthy Home Tip: going organic and eating fresh foods.

Thanks for reading,

Lisa Frack
EWG Online Organizer

PS: Last month we introduced this Healthy Home Tips Series. Click here to read about it.

Detergent-free hair wash

Posted by Susie

May 072009

100% natural, chemical-free, detergent-free hair cleanser.

Miss Molly, who blogs at I learned something today, wrote on April 29 about this interesting hair wash she’s using. “I’ve been washing my hair with salt, baking soda, or this funky super-organic clay-based wash,” she writes. “Salt is good for not-too-stinky hair, baking soda is pretty good for grocery-store hair and minor greasiness, and the clay stuff is really good for everything.”

The product is called Pure Earth Hair Wash by Terressentials.

Many scientists are concerned about the toxic chemicals in shampoos, such as dyes and detergents, being absorbed through the skin and scrambling hormone signals. The US EPA concluded in 1997 that hormone-disrupting chemicals like these can lead to disturbing health effects, including cancer, sterility and developmental problems. What can you do?

Let us introduce you to a whole new concept in hair washing: 100% natural, chemical-free hair cleansing.

TERRESSENTIALS Pure Earth Hair Washes are most definitely not shampoos – most shampoos are made from the same detergents used for washing dishes!

According to the dictionary, natural; means existing in or formed by nature without human intervention. That means ingredients like naturally-occurring minerals and organic plant extracts – not ammonium laureth sulfate, decyl polyglucose and cyclopolymethicone. And yet, some companies will tell you that natural means anything that originated somewhere on earth – no matter what they did to it afterwards.

TERRESSENTIALS Pure Earth Hair Washes are made from gentle, detergent-free, naturally-occurring clay minerals with organic botanical extracts and organic essential oils. Our special hair wash is made from an exotic clay that has been used for many centuries as a treasured hair and body cleanser. Our clay is found in only one place in the world – Morocco. It is a unique non-lathering colloidal clay which, when mixed with water, forms a gel that attracts impurities, dirt and oil, washing them down the drain!

A truly natural hair cleanser does not contain the suspected carcinogen cocamide DEA, lauramide DEA, sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate, cocoamidopropyl betaine, olefin sulfonate, disodium cocoamphodi- acetate, PVP copolymer (polyVINYLpyrrolidone, a petrochemical liquid plastic known to cause kidney damage and thesaurosis – damaging foreign bodies in the lungs), EDTA, soy, wheat or oat (hydrolyzed) proteins, MSG, methyl, propyl or butyl parabens, diazolidinyl urea, triclosan, quaternarium 15, sodium benzoate, FD&C colors or synthetic fragrance.

Be sure to drop in on Miss Molly frequently: she’s smart, observant, brutally honest and wicked hilarious about her Environmental Illness and other life adventures.

Thanks, Miss Molly!

Canary Candy: Organic personal care products, vodka, and seeds

Posted by Susie

Mar 072009

The Organic Consumers Association has drawn up a list of body care companies with one or more products meeting USDA Organic Standards. The lists notes Organic Essence as one of the few companies where the entire product line is USDA Certified Organic (with biodegradable packaging!).

The Organic Consumers Association also reports President Barack Obama has chosen Kathleen Merrigan, a professor who worked on the original organic labeling rules under the Clinton Administration, as the No. 2 at the US Department of Agriculture. OCA says progressive and sustainable agriculture advocates are so far delighted with the selection.

Citizen Times reports two women in Asheville, North Carolina, who used to work at a beauty salon using toxic products, open up a wellness salon where they promote and use only all-natural and organic products for hair, skin and nails.

Mike Binder at Green Home Guide has some tips on buying a nontoxic lingerie chest, including info on particleboard, MDF, and veneer, and the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of various finishes.

Blue Ice launches an organic wheat vodka this week. It’s kosher, USDA Certified Organic, and blends pure Idaho water and locally harvested winter wheat to create a crisp, lightly spicy vodka. The wheat is harvested without pesticides or fertilizer, and Master Distiller Bill Scott uses a “proprietary certified organic fermentation process that uses no chemical additives of any kind,” according to the company’s info.

Thinking about growing your own veggies this spring? Park Seed offers USDA Certified Organic seed.

Thanks, Linda, for contributions to this post!

How to use the Skin Deep database

Posted by Susie

Dec 042008

The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database is a simple and easy way to check if your cosmetics are safe. Here’s a vid that explains how to use the site.

Be a smart cosmetic shopper

Posted by Susie

Nov 042008

Yesterday’s post in Enviroblog entitled “Tips from the make-up artist” makes a good point about the importance of paying attention to the ingredients in our personal care products. Those of us with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity are probably more concientious than the average shopper, but I have to admit that up until very recently, I relied more on what my nose and body told me than what was on the label.

But now, I not only do the sniff test for all my cosmetics and personal care products, I also check labels and consult the Environmental Working Group‘s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, the bible of concientious shoppers. I do this because it’s not just the toxic chemicals that trigger MCS symptoms that I need to eliminate from my life, it’s all toxic chemicals and products.

Here are some practical shopping tips from Skin Deep, most of which I’m sure you are already following, but it never hurts to review, especially for those of you who do not have MCS but are interested in living a healthier lifestyle: