Before purchasing any product, I consciously read the packaging to see if it is a brand that I desire to support. Is the packaging recyclable? What is the product made of? Are there any potentially harmful ingredients within the product? Is it a local and ethical brand? I wish all consumers become aware of how powerful their choices are, and what their dollar is actually supporting and encouraging. Please start reading the labels/boxes of the goods that you purchase, especially bath, body and face products!

Some brands may appear to be “natural” but on closer inspection they simply are not. I would particular ask you to avoid the following chemicals that are surprisingly very common:

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben
Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend the shelf life of products. Linked by some scientific researchers to breast cancer. May cause allergic reactions and rashes.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate/Sodium Laureth Sulphate
Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers, and in 90 per cent of products that foam. Animals exposed to quantities of SLS/SLES experience eye damage, central nervous system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe skin irritation, and even death. Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS/SLES. It is frequently used in semi-natural cosmetics as it is derived from coconut.

Synthetic fragrances
Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four thousand separate ingredients, some of which are toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported to the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves that some fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity and irritability.

View a comprehensive list of ingredients to avoid in your beauty products.

I have been studying holistic health and wellbeing for over 10 years, and am living and breathing this every day. In my opinion, beauty is achieved by balancing physical, emotional and spiritual elements equally to create an integrated and tranquil Self. In order to achieve this, we need to learn how to nurture ourselves on all levels, inside and out. Stay tuned for my monthly tips on mecho to share with your friends and family.

If you enjoyed this feature, you may want to Subscribe to our weekly Newsletter for our latest style updates, giveaways and other juicy stuff.

Featured Contributor: Sam Sample

Discover More Stylish features below:

• Modern Organic Products mop c-system
• Body skin care basics for winter
• Interview with Indah skin care creator, Teisha Lowry
• Planet Earth Naturals