I’m here to warn you to be careful.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, founded by Nancy G. Brinker, has done a lot to raise awareness about breast cancer over the years. I’ve admired their dedication to fund-raising activities and to getting helpful information out to the newly diagnosed. Their recent money-raising endeavor, however, severely disappoints me.

Recently, the organization teamed up with consumer products and distribution company TPR Holdings LLC to develop and launch a new product line called “Promise Me,” a proprietary fragrance. The website calls it “the scent of inspiration,” and offers a floral fragrance, a lighter combination fragrance, and two gift sets that include perfume, body wash, shower gel, body lotion, and even a keepsake bracelet. With each of the gift sets you get a free copy of the book Promise Me, which tells the story of the two sisters on which the “non-profit” organization was founded.

This all sounds great at first blush, but there are a few things going on here that steal a bit of the sheen from the glass bottle. First, these products are not cheap. We’re talking $59 for one bottle of perfume, $65 for one of the gift sets. Now I don’t have access to the company’s ledger sheets, but I do know Komen is getting only 13.5 percent of the proceeds. Thirteen-and-a-half percent of $59 is $7.97. Not a lot. Then you have to consider that a good chunk of that money goes to the organization’s expenses (uneasypink.com estimates 90 percent!), so that leaves even less going to research. Not much of a bargain for those more interested in finding a cure for breast cancer than in trying a new fragrance.

Here’s what upsets me the most. This is perfume. Not organic fragrance. Not something safe for those touched by cancer (or anyone, really). Not something nice for people going through chemotherapy who often become very chemically sensitive. Regular good-old chemical-based fragrance. It’s supposed to evoke positive energy, hope, and love, but what I’m afraid of is it will evoke more toxic overload in those unfortunate bodies assaulted with it.

The website lists top notes of mandarin, bergamot, and blood orange, and mid notes of pink peony, rosewood, and wild orchid. All lovely sounding, but let’s look at the ingredient list. The Promise Me website doesn’t list it, but fortunately the HSN shopping page does:

Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B), Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Benzophenone-3, Citonellol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Citral, Ci 17200 (Red 33), Ci 60730 (Violet 2).

Doesn’t sound so pretty, does it? Kim Irish at Think Before You Pink points out that coumarin is rated a moderate hazard on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, with limited evidence of carcinogenic activity in animal studies. Benzyl salicylate is classified as toxic to aquatic environments. Benzophenone-3, or oxybenzone as it’s otherwise known, can increase photosensitivity, create free radicals in the skin that can attack DNA, and has been linked to eczema. It’s known to penetrate the skin and accumulate in the body, and some studies have linked oxybenzone in sunscreens to a possible increased risk of malignant skin cancer. Butylphenyl methylpropional has been shown to cause irritation and allergic reactions in many people.

This is enough to make me just shake my head. Why would an organization as large and visible as Komen put out a perfume like this, with potential carcinogens, dyes, and let’s not forget the mysterious “fragrance” item, which of course could hide all sorts of additional potentially toxic chemicals protected by trade secret. Maybe selling safe, enjoyable products for money that goes toward genuine cancer research could be a good idea, but this product isn’t safe, and very little money is going to research.

What do you think of this latest move by Susan Komen for the Cure? Please share your thoughts.

That’s right, The David Suzuki Foundation in Canada recently released a report calling for changes to Canada’s cosmetic regulations. Their survey showed that over 80 percent of the personal care products examined contained at least one of the “dirty dozen” toxic ingredients linked to environmental and health problems.

Those ingredients included: BHA/BHT, P-phenylenediamine, DEA, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, parabens, fragrance, PEGs, petrolatum, siloxanes, sodium laureth sulfate, and triclosan. (See our Ingredients to Avoid list for more information on some of these chemicals.)

“Clearly, we need more effective regulatory action to keep these potentially harmful chemicals out of consumer products,” said Lisa Gue, environmental health policy analyst with the foundation.

Problems highlighted by the report include labeling. Researchers were unable to locate ingredient lists for over 1,000 of the surveyed products! And of course, as in the United States, manufacturers are not required to reveal the ingredients present in their “fragrances” (or “parfums,” as they’re listed in Canada), even though that one word could stand for a myriad of chemicals. No surprise then that most of the survey respondents said that Canada’s cosmetic labeling laws should be strengthened.

“Cosmetic manufacturers should be required to specify which chemicals they use as fragrance ingredients,” said Gue, “and potentially harmful ingredients should be replaced with safer alternatives.”

The report recommends strict labeling regulations, which would include identifying potentially hazardous ingredients with a standardized system of warning labels. It also proposes pre-market approval of the chemical composition of cosmetics, and asserts that the public should have access to an online searchable database of information submitted by manufacturers. It goes on to say that companies should be required to disclose specific fragrance ingredients, and should be restricted in their use of the terms “organic” and “natural.” Finally, it advises the public to continue to read labels carefully, and to try to cut down on the amount of products used on a daily basis.

Why am I so excited about this? This report has brought the issue of toxic ingredients in our personal care products front and center in the minds of many Canadians—and many Americans, too. It’s powerful reports such as these that will eventually lead to real change in our regulations. That, and the voice of consumers like you who refuse to continue buying products that contain potentially harmful ingredients!

I urge you—keep reading labels, keep learning about ingredients, and point your dollars toward those companies who are making safe products you can feel good about using everyday. The track we’re on is leading toward more sustainable, natural, and good-for-you products that don’t present health hazards, and it’s the companies willing to get on board that will make it to the next healthier destination!

What do you think of this report? Please share!

Photo courtesy health_school via Flickr.com.

A survivor recently commented on one of my posts, saying, “I have become very passionate about living a chemical free life. Sometimes people treat me as though I am going too far in trying to prevent having cancer again and keep these toxins out of my life. It’s so nice to finally see a kindred spirit!”

It saddens me that despite all the information out there, the majority of people still think that “what’s on the store shelves won’t hurt me.” Did you know that we used to view cigarettes the same way—as products that couldn’t be all that dangerous, especially if American companies were selling them? Sometimes it just takes awhile for regulation and public knowledge to catch up with early science. In the meantime, don’t be one of those people who remains in the dark. To help you, here are a few “myths” you should no longer believe.

If it’s on the shelf, it must be safe. The Food and Drug Administration so far has no authority to review or approve the majority of products that are available in our supermarkets, drugstores, and department stores. The market relies only on the companies themselves to produce safe products.

Cosmetic companies make sure all ingredients meet strict standards of safety. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) organization has assessed fewer than 20 percent of the ingredients found in cosmetic products. The rest have never been tested for safety by any public organization. Meanwhile, companies use many products that have been linked with health problems because they are inexpensive, readily available, and allowed.

The government restricts the use of dangerous chemicals in personal care products. Currently, the government allows companies to use any ingredient or raw material they please except for a few color additives and a few prohibited items such as vinyl chloride. Many products in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in other countries like Japan, Canada, and the European Union. Several of those ingredients have been linked to cancer in scientific studies, including the contaminant 1,4-dioxane—found in many children’s shampoos and other products. Other ingredients disrupt normal hormone function, like the sunscreen oxybenzone and paraben preservatives. Microscopic nanoparticles, which are now being used in a variety of cosmetic products, have not been adequately tested for safety, and are suspected of being able to more easily penetrate the skin and get into the bloodstream.

Cosmetic ingredients rarely get inside the body, or penetrate at levels too low to cause any harm. Many moisturizers, in particular, contain penetration enhancers that facilitate absorption into the lower layers of skin and into the bloodstream. People regularly inhale sprays and powders, or swallow chemicals from lip balms and lipsticks. Studies have found cosmetic ingredients like preservatives, plasticizers, musks, sunscreens, and pesticides inside the bodily fluids of men, women, children, and even babies.

Products labeled “natural,” “organic,” or “hypoallergenic” are safer. None of these terms are regulated in the cosmetic industry. Any company can label their product “natural” regardless of the ingredients inside it.

The FDA would recall any injurious product. The FDA has no authority to recall harmful cosmetics, or to require companies to report injuries caused by their products. Companies are on the “honor system” for these incidents.

If you read labels, you can avoid products with potentially harmful toxins. There’s no doubt that reading labels help, but it’s not foolproof because companies can include ingredients in their fragrances that they are not required to list. Other harmful ingredients are created during the manufacturing process, as by-products and contaminants that aren’t listed on the ingredient deck. Reading labels and researching the companies increase your odds of finding safe products.

Because women use more products, they are the only ones at risk. Studies have found more chemicals in women’s bodies, but children and men are also at risk, more and more with each passing year. Men use more personal care products today than they ever have, including toothpaste, deodorant, shave gel, aftershave, face moisturizer, sunscreen, cologne, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, hair gel, and more. Children are exposed to an ever-increasing number of chemicals through personal care products, and are at a higher risk because of their small and developing bodies.

Bottom line? Don’t trust the companies making a profit on personal-care products. Read labels, research the companies you’re buying from, and try to cut back on the number of products you use every day.

How have you changed your personal-care buying habits? Please share your story.

Photo courtesy donchris! via Flickr.com.

Isn’t it interesting, though, that as we grow more and more conscious of the food we’re putting in our mouths, we’re still applying all kinds of chemicals to our bodies on a daily basis? The skin has the potential to absorb the toxic ingredients in those products, but many still haven’t gotten the message that what’s listed on the bottle could end up inside the body. Hopefully, Cinco Vidas readers are being more careful!

Women are especially at risk, as we use so many more products than men, particularly make-up products. Let’s talk about three of the most concerning items—these may be in your makeup bag right now.

Powders. Mineral makeup has made a big splash on the market, with manufacturer’s praising it’s even coverage and natural look. However, those in powder form come with a risk of inhalation. Particles in these products are smaller than they used to be. According to Dr. Oz, some are a thousand times smaller than they were even 10 years ago. The smaller size means a more flawless look, but it also increases the risk that these particles could penetrate the lungs, potentially causing inflammation, irritation, and even lung disease.

To lower your risk, choose a liquid-based foundation with shimmer, or a cream or mousse blush and bronzer. If you are sold on your powder, tap the excess off before applying, don’t inhale, and make sure you’re in a well-ventilated room.

Anti-Wrinkle Creams. They’re supposed to help you look younger, but be careful—some anti-wrinkle creams may help you look better today, but worse tomorrow. For example, if your formula contains petroleum-based alcohols, it could be irritating your skin, as well as removing the natural acidic layer which makes skin vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Petroleum-based oils can clog pores and over long-term use, create dry, more wrinkle-prone skin. Mineral oil clogs pores and irritates skin, and can cause acne breakouts and premature aging. Parabens can absorb into the blood stream, and remain in the body where they can act as endocrine disruptors, while fragrances can add all kinds of unknown chemicals to your skin.

To protect yourself, look for fragrance-free and color-free formulas, and read labels. We like brands like Ren, Intelligent Nutrients, and Jeune d’age Organics.

Lip gloss. We mentioned in a previous post that lip gloss may increase your risk of skin cancer. In addition, many formulas are made with petroleum jelly, which has been banned in the European Union because of it’s potential link to cancer. Remember: What you put on your lips usually ends up in your mouth, and then inside your body, so be extra careful with this product! Stay away from brands that list petroleum jelly or mineral oils on the label, and avoid “plumping” products that actually irritate the lips to make them look larger. Choose instead formulas made with beeswax and natural flavors, and that contain a safe sun protectant like zinc oxide.

Are you purchasing your makeup products more carefully? Let us know if you have any tips.

Photo courtesy Pixels of deborah jaffe via Flickr.com.

Maybe not! It all depends on what you’re using to clean. According to the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, “Many chemicals contained in household cleaning products are the same as those used in industrial settings. Many scientists are becoming concerned that long-term, low-level exposure to chemicals may be just as dangers as short-term, high-dose exposures. They also worry that we do not understand the impact of exposure to the cocktail of chemicals found in household air and dust.”

We researched a few common household cleaning products and found some surprising information. If you’ve got some of these items in your cupboards, you may want to consider replacing them.

Carpet cleaner. According to the Labour Environmental Alliance Society of Canada, some carpet cleaners can contain an ingredient called “2-butoxyethanol,” which if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, can cause blood disorders, liver damage, and kidney damage—even reproductive damage if exposure is long-term. In addition, they can contain perchloroethylene, a known cardcinogen, as well as 1,4-dioxane, ammonia, and unknown fragrances. If you clean the carpet in an entire room, your exposure could be high. Look for a non-toxic alternatives like those from Green Home, or make your own with these recipes.

Dishwashing soaps (hand). The Environmental Protection Agency has listed chloroform as a probable human carcinogen—capable of causing cancer. Did you know that if your dishwashing soap contains triclosan, that triclosan could react with chlorine in your water to create chloroform? Many areas use chlorine to clean the water supply, so even if you don’t add the chlorine yourself, it could still be there. Avoid dishwashing soaps with triclosan. Even dishwashing soaps without triclosan can contain quarternium 15, an irritant that can release formaldehyde. Look for natural alternatives like those from Seventh Generation.

Dishwashing detergents (automatic). Each time you put your dishes through the dishwasher, some residue is left that can later mix with your food. These detergents can contain chlorine-based sanitizing ingredients, as well as phosphates capable of choking off life in our rivers and streams. For a natural alternative, mix equal parts of borax and baking soda and store in a tightly sealed container. Use 2 tablespoons per load. If you have hard water, double the amount of baking soda.

Bleach. Bleach can irritate or burn the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and injury to the esophagus. Combined with acidic toilet bowl cleansers or ammonia, it creates extremely toxic fumes. Furthermore, the chlorine in bleach can bind with organic material in the marine environment to create toxic compounds dangerous to fish. Use a bleach alternative, or try adding a cup of lemon juice to the wash cycle for whitening.

All purpose cleanser. According to Katherine Gallia, writing for “Natural Health,” all purpose cleansers can contain a synthetic solvent and grease cutter called “butyl cellosolve,” a hazardous petroleum-based chemical that can irritate skin and eyes, and over time, cause liver and kidney damage. Casey Kellar, author of Natural Cleaning for Your Home: 95 Pure and Simple Recipes, suggests a homemade alterative made by mixing the following in a spray bottle and shaking gently: 1 cup liquid Castile soap, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon tea tree extract, 2 tablespoons witch hazel extract, and 4 drops of essential oil (your choice).

Are you using less toxic alternatives to clean your home? Please share any recipes you may have.

Photo courtesy ac hardman via Flickr.com.

Phthalates: Chemicals produced from oil to make plastic, phthalates are also used as solvents in cosmetic products like nail polishes, perfumes, and hair sprays. They’ve been found in animal tests to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. The Environmental Protection Agency has labeled phthalates as probable human carcinogens. Human studies have found developmental abnormalities in male infants correlating with high phthalate levels in their mother’s bodies. Look for abbreviations like “DBP,” “DEP,” “DEHP,” “BzBP,” and “DMP.”

Parabens: Preservatives used in a variety of personal-care products, parabens have been found in breast tumors by scientists, and are known to disrupt normal hormone function in the body. Avoid words like “methyl,” “propyl,” “butyl,” and “ethyl” parabens.

Talc: Found in baby powders, talcum powders, and genital deodorant sprays, talc has been linked with ovarian cancer. A meta analysis in 2003 found a 33% higher risk of ovarian cancer among talc users.  Plain talc has shown in some rodent studies to be carcinogenic, with tiny particles that can get into the lungs. Avoid talc-containing products and use ointments instead of powders for diaper rash.

Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances can contain as many as 200 unknown chemicals. Since companies aren’t required to list those chemicals, you have no way of knowing what you’re putting on your skin. According to a 1986 report, 99% of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including benzene derivatives, aldehydes and other known toxic ingredients capable of causing cancer. If you see “fragrance” on the ingredient list, avoid the product. Choose instead alternatives that list essential oils and other natural fragrance alternatives.

Formaldehyde: A colorless gas, formaldehyde is listed by the U.S. National Toxicology Program as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer.” It can cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and headaches, and is listed in the European Union as toxic and carcinogenic. You may find it in nail hardeners and nail polishes, and it can also be a by-product in the manufacturing of bath products. To avoid this chemical, ask about formaldehyde content before purchasing pressed-wood products like cabinetry and furniture, and purchase organic personal-care products.

Petrolatum: Listed as mineral oil, liquid paraffin, toluene, or petroleum, petro products have been banned or restricted for use in cosmetics in other countries. Researchers conducting animal studies have theorized that petroleum-derived ingredients in moisturizers may promote skin-cancer tumor growth. EWG also found that many petroleum-based cosmetic ingredients can be contaminated with a dangerous by-product called 1,4-dioxane. Avoid these ingredients and choose natural moisturizers like shea butter and jojoba oils instead.

1,4 dioxane: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 97% of hair relaxers, 82% of hair dyes, 57% of baby soaps, 43% of body-firming lotions, 36% of facial moisturizers, and 34% of body lotions contain 1,4-dioxane—a chemical by-product produced in cosmetics manufacturing and a known carcinogen. To avoid it, watch for words like “PEG,” “xynol,” “ceterareth,” and “oleth.”

Are you avoiding these seven ingredients? Let us know how you’re shopping toxin-free.

Photo courtesy Nele en Jan via Flickr.com.

Lots of people choose self-tanners hoping to lower their exposure to UV rays and thereby reduce their risk of skin cancer. However, it doesn’t pay to exchange one cancer risk for another, so let’s look at some of the things you want to avoid when purchasing these golden goodies.

The main ingredient in self-tanners—DHA or “dihydroxyacetone”—is a non-toxic type of sugar that reacts with skin proteins to create brown or golden-brown compounds. DHA doesn’t penetrate the skin, but remains on the top layer (which is why the tan wears off within a few days, with the sloughing off of dead skin cells). For more details on how DHA works, see Chemical & Engineering News.

So if DHA is safe, where is the danger? Answer: In the other ingredients manufacturers include in tanners. Like in moisturizers, many self-tanners contain parabens (toxic preservatives), 1,4 dioxane (by-product of manufacturing), and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals have all been linked with cancer, so it’s best to avoid them in products that you apply to your skin. While the DHA tanning ingredient may not penetrate below the top layer of the skin, other ingredients might.

Another ingredient to watch out for—oxybenzone. A chemical sunscreen, it’s included in some self-tanning formulas to promote absorption of the lotion. However, laboratory studies have shown that it may contribute to cancer growth, and it’s also been connected to developmental and reproductive problems. In fact, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends that consumers avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone as it is a hormone-disrupting chemical readily absorbed by the skin.

Are there better alternatives that don’t use these dangerous ingredients? You bet. You can even find some that are good for your skin! Alba Botanica Golden Tan Sunless Tanning Lotion, for example, contains green tea, ginkgo biloba, and aloe vera, with no parabens, no synthetic colors, and no animal testing. Lavera’s Self Tanner is an organic certified, award-winning product free of parabens and other synthetic ingredients.

Have you found a great toxin-free sunless tanner? Let us know.

Photo courtesy Shai Coggins via Flickr.com.

So says Dawn Mellowship, author of Toxic Beauty: The Hidden Chemicals in Cosmetics and How They Can Harm Us. Having battled with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, Dawn firmly believes that exposure to toxic ingredients—whether through the food we eat or the daily personal-care products we use—has a negative affect on our health.

“Cosmetic products contain toxic chemicals that have been linked to cancer, endocrine (hormone) disruption, allergies, asthma, birth defects and other health problems,” she says. “Women, in particular, have a skin-care regime that exposes them to around 500 chemicals every day, and that doesn’t include other chemical exposures from furniture, environmental pollution, household products, etc.”

Dawn realized the seriousness of the situation during her experience as feature’s editor for a women’s lifestyle magazine. At the time, she did product reviews as part of her job, and quickly realized that just because the product claimed to be “natural,” didn’t mean it was safe. “I was reviewing a body wrap treatment extolled by celebrities,” she says, “that allegedly used a natural clay-based product. When the therapist was out of the room I read the ingredients and realized that they were using the term ‘natural’ very loosely. The treatment damaged the skin on my chest area. As a result, I stopped reviewing any beauty treatments, whether they claimed to be natural or otherwise!”

The experience reminded her of similar reactions she’d had as a teenager. “At 15, I used a well-known baby lotion that left my skin bright red and burning for hours. At 16, I used a semi-permanent hair dye that caused over a third of my hair to fall out, and it never grew back.” Putting two-and-two together, Dawn realized she needed to make changes in her life. She had already switched to organic foods—it was natural to change her personal-care buying habits. “One day it occurred to me to look at the ingredients on a bottle of shower gel I was using. I thought, ‘What is all this stuff?’ I read about organic beauty and toxic chemicals in cosmetics and switched to what I thought were largely organic products.”

In the midst of these changes, Dawn continued to watch her personal-health deteriorate. “I damaged my body because I would exercise relentlessly and follow faddy diets—not to nourish my organs, but to be skinny. I developed sciatica and tried lots of different treatments, but nothing helped.” Interestingly, it was Reiki that would turn her situation around—and leave her feeling well enough to warn others about toxic chemicals through her book.

“My life was transformed forever the day I took a Reiki course,” she says. “It was only after Reiki that I began writing books, producing websites and undertaking various other projects. Prior to Reiki I wouldn’t have had the confidence or self-belief. I wanted to know who I was, why I was here and get more out of life. Reiki helped me to discover these things. It changes your awareness naturally, expands your intuition and helps you to make healthy choices, without it being a chore.”

Dawn has since taught Reiki to a number of cancer fighters, and recalls caring for many family members with the disease. “The main thing I’ve learned from cancer fighters is that it’s important to fight the cancer any way you can, with nutrition, positive thinking, changing the products you use, even moving to a cleaner, healthier location if you can. It’s important not to give in to the cancer, because there are so many things you can do to help yourself. “

To date, Dawn has written four books about various health topics, and hopes Toxic Beauty will help more people become informed about what they’re using on their bodies. “Many brands claiming to be organic are using the term very loosely. Greenwashing is rife as well, so consumers need to pay more attention to what they are putting onto their bodies, and choose their products very carefully. I just hope that Toxic Beauty at least allows people to make an informed choice, so they are aware of the potential consequences of their actions.”

For a copy of Dawn’s informative book, please see her Amazon listing or her website.

It’s called, Toxic Beauty, and it’s written by Dr. Samuel S. Epstein and investigative reporter Randall Fitzgerald. Epstein is an expert on avoidable causes of cancer, as well as professor emeritus of environmental health at the University of Illinois, consultant to the U.S. Senate, and former consultant to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Labor. Fitzgerald has been an investigative reporter for 37 years. Together, the two have created a great reference for anyone who wants to avoid unnecessary toxic exposure and purchase healthier products.

Described as “part expose, part practical handbook,” Toxic Beauty talks about the serious threats that toxic ingredients in cosmetics and personal-care products pose to our health. It also describes the carcinogenic, hormonal, and other adverse health affects of these ingredients, while giving information on safer alternatives. It even provides tear-out sheets listing all major categories of toxic ingredients.

“Toxic Beauty is the most important book of the decade,” says Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients. “As a medical doctor, Sam Epstein clearly understands the causes of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases through the exposure to petrochemical and synthetic toxins found in every day consumer products. This book…is a must read for everyone.”

“I must admit that I was skeptical when I started reading,” says Jennifer Walker of Jennifer’s Book Reviews. “After all, if these products are so harmful, surely we would know about it by now? However, Dr. Epstein includes so many scientific figures and studies that his arguments were hard to deny—and I am already evaluating the products in my medicine cabinet.”

“Toxic Beauty is an excellent eye-opening read that encourages us to learn about the harmful effects of the products we use almost every day,” says reviewer Babs E. Keller of Alive Raw Inc. “And because we cannot depend on the industry to take any action that does not serve its best interest, this book helps us in the absence of warning labels to identify those products that are killing us.”

“When Dr. Epstein speaks, I listen,” says Dr. Mercola. “Toxic Beauty outlines how the beauty industry undermines your health on a daily basis. Dr. Epstein gives a comprehensive list of products, by gender, age, and category that you might assume are safe, lets you know how to locate them—and how best to avoid the ones that put you at risk for cancer.”

Go to Amazon to get your copy today!

Have you read this book? Let us know what you thought!