EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database - An Excellent Resource!!!

I recently stumbled across a great website that is run by the EWG.  EWG stands for Environmental Working Group and they have what they refer to as the "Skin Deep Cosmetics Database".  This database contains revealing information about many of the products that we use every day (soaps, lotions, make-up, deodorant, etc.).  The products are ranked on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the least hazardous.  There are also notations that explain whether this ranking is based on minimal research, or an abundance of research.  I like the fact that you can make your own informed decisions based on how much is truly known about a particular product or ingredient.  They also break things down into the following categories: overall hazard, cancer, developmental & reproductive toxicity, allergies & immunotoxicity, and use restrictions.  So, head on over to the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database and learn what you need to know about the products you use every day!

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Beauty Products

I plan to blog more about food, chronic illness, and lifestyle in the future, but I'd also like to focus on beauty products that we all use.  I've decided to write about some new natural products I've received, which I will follow up with reviews.  Here's what I've got:

Suki Hair & Scalp Conditioning Oil - I ordered the Suki Hair & Scalp Conditioning Oil for a few reasons:
1) Because it claims to make your hair grow faster--- I'm trying to grow out some nasty highlights, so I need all the help I can get.
2) Because I read about Demodex Folliculorum.  Ewww- this is probably one of the grossest things I've ever heard in my life.
3) Because I keep hearing more and more about how our scalp health is so critical for healthy hair.  It seems that our scalp health suffers (dandruff, bumps, eczema, itchiness, etc.) as a result of many of the products that we use on our hair.  Specifically, I've found that sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)/sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is particularly bad for our scalp/hair, and unfortunately, it's in every bottle of shampoo I own (even the organic kind!).  These chemicals are what makes the shampoo foamy, but they're harsh agents found in things like dish soap, and our hair doesn't need something that strong.  I think I will dedicate a whole new post to SLES/SLS, and my experience in finding/using a good sulfate-free shampoo.  Also worth mentioning-- I did notice that L'Oreal has a new "sulfate-free" line out, but I'm not interested.... there are way too many chemicals in there to make it a quality product.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - this oil claims to help with stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles.  Sounds good to me!  I think my face is too oily to use it as part of my face care regimen, so I will be testing it out on some scars on my back that I'm trying to clear up.