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No More Dirty Looks: The Truth About Your Beauty Products and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics
Your lipstick. Your nail polish. Your conditioner. Most of us don't realize that the products we use every day can expose us to thousands of chemicals that are readily absorbed through our skin. The impact on your health? It's not pretty. In this must-read, Siobhan O'Connor and Alexandra Spunt leave no bottle unturned. They found out all kinds of things the cosmetics industry doesn't want you to know and now they're going to share it with you.
- The most dangerous ingredients in widely-used brands and how they're still not regulated
- Insider secrets from top scientists, dermatologists, and experts
- The 100 best clean makeup, hair care, and skin care products
- Cheap and simple do-it-yourself beauty recipes
It's easy to make the switch to clean cosmetics. From mascara to moisturizers, shampoos to sunscreens, No More Dirty Looks will help you detox your regimen. Now you can be beautiful inside and out - because coming clean is the best look yet.
- The most dangerous ingredients in widely-used brands and how they're still not regulated
- Insider secrets from top scientists, dermatologists, and experts
- The 100 best clean makeup, hair care, and skin care products
- Cheap and simple do-it-yourself beauty recipes
It's easy to make the switch to clean cosmetics. From mascara to moisturizers, shampoos to sunscreens, No More Dirty Looks will help you detox your regimen. Now you can be beautiful inside and out - because coming clean is the best look yet.
303 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2010
56 people are currently reading
1326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
June 10, 2011
Update:
After originally reading this book I was overwhelmed. The authors do a great job of terrifying the reader with their chosen narrative. I threw out almost everything in my bathroom and had a panic attack about the products that I had been using on my children. But then after doing more reading and the investigating the science behind the claims in this book it became clear that the authors have a clear bias in their reporting. They ignore contemporary research that refuted claims that fit their narrative instead relying of citations of single studies from the 1960s or 1970s. They also ignore research about the dangers of some natural ingredients such as Lavender and Tea Tree oil because once again it doesn't fit their narrative. While I still find their reporting on the FDA and the regulations in the beauty industry important, their recommendations in terms of products and ingredients needs to be take with a health pinch rather than a grain of salt. Good science is objective and that is something that these authors clearly aren't.
Original review:
This book is truly terrifying. The authors lay out a well researched explanation of how and why the cosmetic industry is slowly poisoning us. As the authors point out, skin is our biggest organ and it absorbs 60% of the chemicals we put on it. I'm am one of those average American women who uses 15-plus products a day. O'Connor & Spunt point out that, despite what I (and probably many others) believed, the FDA really does nothing to regulate or police what goes into those products. Whereas over a 1,000 ingredients are banned from use in the European Union, those ingredients are being used unchecked here in the US.
After tracing the pathetic history of the FDA's continued subservience to the cosmetics lobby over the last century, O'Connor and Spunt lay out all the research on a number of major ingredients to help us become better label readers. This is the point at which my anxiety really started to ratchet up. I felt like I was a thoughtful consumer before reading this book, but I realize that I fell prey to a lot of greenwashing. The authors give lots of recommendation of on healthier options, although my one complaint is that all their product recommendations tend to be higher end (read: very pricy) organics. They do mention some brands that can be found more easily at major retailers, but no specific products from those lines. The authors are clearly women who love their makeup and their very confessional tone make this an easy read.
After originally reading this book I was overwhelmed. The authors do a great job of terrifying the reader with their chosen narrative. I threw out almost everything in my bathroom and had a panic attack about the products that I had been using on my children. But then after doing more reading and the investigating the science behind the claims in this book it became clear that the authors have a clear bias in their reporting. They ignore contemporary research that refuted claims that fit their narrative instead relying of citations of single studies from the 1960s or 1970s. They also ignore research about the dangers of some natural ingredients such as Lavender and Tea Tree oil because once again it doesn't fit their narrative. While I still find their reporting on the FDA and the regulations in the beauty industry important, their recommendations in terms of products and ingredients needs to be take with a health pinch rather than a grain of salt. Good science is objective and that is something that these authors clearly aren't.
Original review:
This book is truly terrifying. The authors lay out a well researched explanation of how and why the cosmetic industry is slowly poisoning us. As the authors point out, skin is our biggest organ and it absorbs 60% of the chemicals we put on it. I'm am one of those average American women who uses 15-plus products a day. O'Connor & Spunt point out that, despite what I (and probably many others) believed, the FDA really does nothing to regulate or police what goes into those products. Whereas over a 1,000 ingredients are banned from use in the European Union, those ingredients are being used unchecked here in the US.
After tracing the pathetic history of the FDA's continued subservience to the cosmetics lobby over the last century, O'Connor and Spunt lay out all the research on a number of major ingredients to help us become better label readers. This is the point at which my anxiety really started to ratchet up. I felt like I was a thoughtful consumer before reading this book, but I realize that I fell prey to a lot of greenwashing. The authors give lots of recommendation of on healthier options, although my one complaint is that all their product recommendations tend to be higher end (read: very pricy) organics. They do mention some brands that can be found more easily at major retailers, but no specific products from those lines. The authors are clearly women who love their makeup and their very confessional tone make this an easy read.
October 31, 2014
If you don't have the time or energy to research clean beauty products, have a feeling that most products marketed as natural and organic are lies, and resent/avoid wearing concealer (despite your obvious need to) because you know it's loaded with garbage, this is the book for you. Highly recommended.
Most of the products mentioned here are pricey, but the authors make some more affordable recommendations and provide info on where to find them. It's nice that the bulk of this book isn't product recommendations, too, and they offer simple DIY alternatives to shampoo, conditioner, perfume, body scrubs, and a bunch of other items that will otherwise cost you a small fortune. Stock up on baking soda, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, and you're (mostly) set.
A few important personal outcomes from this book:
I haven't washed my hair in three days and it looks great.
I'm considering a return to my vegetarian roots.
I'm going to stop dyeing my hair and let the gray do what it wants to do (take over) - but don't hold me to that.
Most of the products mentioned here are pricey, but the authors make some more affordable recommendations and provide info on where to find them. It's nice that the bulk of this book isn't product recommendations, too, and they offer simple DIY alternatives to shampoo, conditioner, perfume, body scrubs, and a bunch of other items that will otherwise cost you a small fortune. Stock up on baking soda, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, and you're (mostly) set.
A few important personal outcomes from this book:
I haven't washed my hair in three days and it looks great.
I'm considering a return to my vegetarian roots.
I'm going to stop dyeing my hair and let the gray do what it wants to do (take over) - but don't hold me to that.
April 18, 2011
This is a great book although I wish it had been written by a toxicologist as opposed to being written by journalists who interviewed toxicologists. Nevertheless, this book held many light bulb moments for me. Prior to this book I did not know about the vast resources available online for investigating the toxicology of personal cosmetics. And since I put the book down in August, I have made great (lasting!) changes to my makeup, skincare, and shampoo lineup. And the nice thing is that I haven't felt like I've had to make a lot of sacrifices in my appearance. I still use some department store cosmetics, but I do it pragmatically. I think the biggest change is that I now use grapeseed oil as a moisturizer as opposed to my old department-store $110/jar moisturizer, which I learned was packed with all sorts of scary chemicals. Also, I'm more picky about sunscreens and shampoos. Anyway, it's worth a read -- just ignore all of the valley-girl and Vogue magazine language. The content is worth reading past it.
May 2, 2011
OMG. Read it. You'll take a garbage bag to your bathroom & never look back.
March 12, 2017
Have you ever read the back of your shampoo bottle and wondered what all those ingredients actually are? Then this book is for you. The beauty product industry is both huge and powerful and generally don't want consumers to know that most of their products contain thousands of chemicals that can readily be absorbed through our skin. Many of these chemicals are known irritants, and some are possible carcinogens.
Other than some very eye opening information, the best part about this book is the authors researched and suggest some very practical alternatives to most big name brands. Their advice isn't to abandon all products and quit washing your hair forever. On the contrary, they are women who enjoy a nice smelling lotion, but are also concerned about the 20 or so ingredients listed on the back. Several of the major chemical offenders are detailed in the beginning of this book, as well as a history of the beauty products industry and the FDA's regulation (0r lack thereof). There are also sections that are broken down into hair care, face care, makeup, body products, and nail polish. These chapters recommend name brands, some of which I was able to find locally, and tips for creating products at home. This book is accessible, practical and despite some scary news, pretty funny.
Other than some very eye opening information, the best part about this book is the authors researched and suggest some very practical alternatives to most big name brands. Their advice isn't to abandon all products and quit washing your hair forever. On the contrary, they are women who enjoy a nice smelling lotion, but are also concerned about the 20 or so ingredients listed on the back. Several of the major chemical offenders are detailed in the beginning of this book, as well as a history of the beauty products industry and the FDA's regulation (0r lack thereof). There are also sections that are broken down into hair care, face care, makeup, body products, and nail polish. These chapters recommend name brands, some of which I was able to find locally, and tips for creating products at home. This book is accessible, practical and despite some scary news, pretty funny.
October 2, 2013
I started getting interested in the safety of cosmetics after I got pregnant, knowing that whatever I put on my skin, hair or teeth could very easily get absorbed and passed along to our child. This book came highly recommended by a friend of mine, so I decided to check it out. It’s an easy read that unmasks the personal care product community (PCPC) and its disquieting self-regulation. The book makes an argument for why the FDA is a sham with respect to monitoring personal-care products, and how buying big-name cometics—even those marketed as eco-conscious or made from real plants—puts users at risk for any number or potentially dangerous chemicals. (Sorry, Aveda/Origins/Clinique.)
I take the authors’ worst-case scenarios with a grain of salt, but I do believe there’s truth to the idea that cosmetics companies are selling an image, not a service. Best of all, this book also offers a number of practical alternatives for beauty products, largely with stuff you probably have around your house. Thanks to Amy Bilhorn-Thomas for recommending this one!
I take the authors’ worst-case scenarios with a grain of salt, but I do believe there’s truth to the idea that cosmetics companies are selling an image, not a service. Best of all, this book also offers a number of practical alternatives for beauty products, largely with stuff you probably have around your house. Thanks to Amy Bilhorn-Thomas for recommending this one!
January 25, 2023
A refreshing and real look at what's actually in the products we use every day. A realistic look at how little the beauty industry is regulated, and how much misplaced trust we put into companies who are (mostly) out to make a quick buck.
June 21, 2014
The initial 20 pages veers dangerously close to scare mongering and then evens out into more palatable reading material. What defines this book is its concern with clean products as opposed to green products, taking care to highlight the difference clearly by defining (with academic research) why certain ingredients would be best avoided and why. While there are a few pieces of questionable advice (they argue certain synthetic ingredients are irritants.. and then suggest rubbing tea tree oil on your scalp and suggest using natural oils as a substitute SPF - scary advice indeed) there are also a lot of factors that make this book well worth reading. If you're concerned with ingredients, both synthetic and "natural," in your beauty products and you want to learn more and discover alternative options, this book is the one you need to read.
No More Dirty Looks
offers great healthy eating advice, a list of alternative products to use, and offers up a quick reference "ingredients black list." However, take this book with a pinch of salt and don't be tempted to throw away all your beauty products until you've read more (unbias material) about the beauty industry.
October 21, 2010
TCL Call#: 363.196 O'Connor S
Christy - 4 stars
Beauty can be healthy! O'Connor and Spunt have done all of the research for us on shampoo, soap, makeup, deodorant, and more, to summarize a) What exactly companies are putting into our products (yes, even 'natural' and 'organic' products) and b) What some safe alternatives are for you.
The writing is readable, not overly scientific. I enjoyed the organization-- I felt like I didn't have to read the entire thing, I could just flip to what's important to me. They tell you why certain ingredients are used, what the risks are, and cite everything. It's sassy, it's relevant, it's not over-the-top (these girls still want to be girly, just not carcinogen-full).
Christy - 4 stars
Beauty can be healthy! O'Connor and Spunt have done all of the research for us on shampoo, soap, makeup, deodorant, and more, to summarize a) What exactly companies are putting into our products (yes, even 'natural' and 'organic' products) and b) What some safe alternatives are for you.
The writing is readable, not overly scientific. I enjoyed the organization-- I felt like I didn't have to read the entire thing, I could just flip to what's important to me. They tell you why certain ingredients are used, what the risks are, and cite everything. It's sassy, it's relevant, it's not over-the-top (these girls still want to be girly, just not carcinogen-full).
March 15, 2011
Not to be an earth-friendly zealot, but this book has only continued to confirm what I've read in the blogosphere and elsewhere. I'm phasing out all of my personal care products and introducing clean, non-toxic stuff into my life. The thing I really like about this book is that they make realistic suggestions for alternatives to every day products - things you can buy in grocery stores, online, or make yourself at home. But they back up every suggestion and warning with documented (and footnoted) scientific evidence. They continue to do this on their website post-publication at www.nomoredirtylooks.com
Whether they ike it or not, I will be giving this to my friends to read.
Whether they ike it or not, I will be giving this to my friends to read.
April 21, 2011
Decent book - I definitely learned some things and it was full of good intentions. Overall though I felt the writing tone was too casual and some suggestions were unrealistic (carry fresh beet juice in your purse as an alternative to blush and lipstick?). But it did open my eyes to some important facts and I've since swapped out some things for cleaner products.
May 22, 2015
This book addresses a topic that I never wanted to think about very hard. However these authors make it fun with amusing (and sometimes scary!) personal anecdotes and a straightforward style.
I will definitely be transitioning to simpler products!
I will definitely be transitioning to simpler products!
March 19, 2013
5 stars for the life-changing aspects of the topic. I would have preferred a more straight-forward, serious writing style, though.
March 27, 2024
Snubla over denne da jeg prøvde å sette meg litt dypere inn i hudpleie. Når jeg jobber på apotek, er hudpleieavdelingen avdelingen med størst vareutvalg, og samtidig den avdelingen jeg synes det er vanskeligst å manøvrere i når jeg skal veilede kunder. Det er et mangfold av produsenter, produktene ligner på hverandre, ofte er det småting som skiller det ene fra det andre produktet, og det er vanskelig å argumentere for at den rådyre kremen som i tillegg inneholder noe parfyme ingen vet hva inneholder fortjener en høyere pris enn apotekets langt billigere egenmerke med en langt mer overskuelig ingrediensliste. Og selv om ingredienslisten er overskuelig, så er evidensen for effekten som gjerne loves fra produsentenes side langt mer nyansert på sitt beste.
Derfor trodde jeg denne boka kanskje kunne gi meg litt nyttig kunnskap. Forfatterne er journalister, og de har konferert med ulike fagfolk for å komme nærmer noen gode svar på hva som er god og ren hudpleie.
Utgangspunktet er USA, og den historiske biten er interessant og en god påminner på at dette er en milliardindustri og at produsentenes øverste mål er økonomisk inntjening. Der det ikke er streng lovgivning som regulerer markedet kan vi sjeldent gå ut fra at produsentene vil begrense seg til fordel for forbrukernes beste all den tid det kommer i konflikt med deres økonomiske interesser.
Det var historiedelen som ble det mest interessante med boka. Delen jeg var mest interessert i kan stort sett oppsummeres med «kjemi er slem, og hvis du ikke kan uttale ingrediensen er den sannsynligvis skadelig for deg» og «alt som er såkalt naturlig er mye mye bedre». Det legger skjul på at det ikke nødvendigvis er mindre kjemi i de «naturlige» ingrediensene vi klarer å uttale, og uten at forfatterne nødvendigvis ønsker det, styrker det den industrien som får folk til å dynke trynet sitt i snegleslim og annet som oppleves «naturlig», og som like mye kan virke eller ikke virke, skade eller ikke skade. Forfatterne er overraskende lite opptatt av at også de «naturlige» ingrediensene kan ha ulike bivirkninger, trigge allergier eller interagere på uforutsette måter med andre stoffer.
Når det er sagt vil jeg ikke hevde at forfatternes anbefalinger er gjennomgående feil og misvisende. Jeg er også enig i at hele «beauty-industrien» kunne hatt godt av mer regulering, av å bli pålagt mer transparens når det kommer til ingrediensene, biprodukter og innholdet i det som bare ramses opp som «parfyme». Jeg er også lett med på at produkter med færre ingredienser gjør det lettere for meg å vurdere dem (uten at det nødvendigvis betyr at mange ingredienser = dårlig), og jeg skulle ønske meg en langt mer evidensbasert tilnærming. Men her er det så mye bias som skinner gjennom at jeg ikke klarer å stole på innholdet uten at jeg skulle brukt flere dager på å faktasjekke innholdet. Det er knapt mulig å anbefale boka som en god veileder eller et oppslagsverk.
Jeg får lete videre!
Derfor trodde jeg denne boka kanskje kunne gi meg litt nyttig kunnskap. Forfatterne er journalister, og de har konferert med ulike fagfolk for å komme nærmer noen gode svar på hva som er god og ren hudpleie.
Utgangspunktet er USA, og den historiske biten er interessant og en god påminner på at dette er en milliardindustri og at produsentenes øverste mål er økonomisk inntjening. Der det ikke er streng lovgivning som regulerer markedet kan vi sjeldent gå ut fra at produsentene vil begrense seg til fordel for forbrukernes beste all den tid det kommer i konflikt med deres økonomiske interesser.
Det var historiedelen som ble det mest interessante med boka. Delen jeg var mest interessert i kan stort sett oppsummeres med «kjemi er slem, og hvis du ikke kan uttale ingrediensen er den sannsynligvis skadelig for deg» og «alt som er såkalt naturlig er mye mye bedre». Det legger skjul på at det ikke nødvendigvis er mindre kjemi i de «naturlige» ingrediensene vi klarer å uttale, og uten at forfatterne nødvendigvis ønsker det, styrker det den industrien som får folk til å dynke trynet sitt i snegleslim og annet som oppleves «naturlig», og som like mye kan virke eller ikke virke, skade eller ikke skade. Forfatterne er overraskende lite opptatt av at også de «naturlige» ingrediensene kan ha ulike bivirkninger, trigge allergier eller interagere på uforutsette måter med andre stoffer.
Når det er sagt vil jeg ikke hevde at forfatternes anbefalinger er gjennomgående feil og misvisende. Jeg er også enig i at hele «beauty-industrien» kunne hatt godt av mer regulering, av å bli pålagt mer transparens når det kommer til ingrediensene, biprodukter og innholdet i det som bare ramses opp som «parfyme». Jeg er også lett med på at produkter med færre ingredienser gjør det lettere for meg å vurdere dem (uten at det nødvendigvis betyr at mange ingredienser = dårlig), og jeg skulle ønske meg en langt mer evidensbasert tilnærming. Men her er det så mye bias som skinner gjennom at jeg ikke klarer å stole på innholdet uten at jeg skulle brukt flere dager på å faktasjekke innholdet. Det er knapt mulig å anbefale boka som en god veileder eller et oppslagsverk.
Jeg får lete videre!
January 5, 2019
This book is a starting point for me in my quest to understand the chemicals in our beauty products. It explains why certain chemicals are not good for our bodies and provides more natural alternatives. That being said the book is almost 8 years old so I am curious how recent studies may be able to prove or disprove the information in this book. Also as someone who works in the beauty industry, preservatives are sometimes preferred to completely natural products or you run the risk of bacteria growing in your toner per se. I think this book is definitely an important addition to creating and sparking change in the cosmetic industry. Unfortunately as a consumer, it is really up to you to research what chemicals are in your products and decide if you are okay with your level of exposure to them.
August 11, 2017
From other reviews I know not to take everything said in this book at face value, but there is still a lot of shocking, important and helpful information to be found within. Read it, but use it as a starting point, a springboard - do your own reading around it, check its claims and researhch further. All might not be quite as horrifying as it seems at first, and you don't have to go all-in on these ladies' suggestions - make the changes that make sense to you as and when. I've started by just reading labels and trying to choose products with fewer nasties, and I can see and feel a difference in my skin just from this :)
May 24, 2017
Learned so much
Its a little disheartening to learn whats in all of the products you use on a daily basis, but it does really help that they have recomendations on tested products you can switch to! I really thought i was already buying good organic products so i was disgusted when i realized what some of the ingredients really were. Definetely a good read! Thanks to the authors for making this info avaiable and for all the research you have done!
Its a little disheartening to learn whats in all of the products you use on a daily basis, but it does really help that they have recomendations on tested products you can switch to! I really thought i was already buying good organic products so i was disgusted when i realized what some of the ingredients really were. Definetely a good read! Thanks to the authors for making this info avaiable and for all the research you have done!
May 10, 2020
This wasn’t written for me. But knowing that there is so much crap in cosmetics makes me glad I don’t use them.
And I have been looking for and using safer hair and body products for a number of years.
And I have been looking for and using safer hair and body products for a number of years.
July 8, 2017
I wish it were updated, I wish there was a dermatologist as a co-author, but the book is still very insightful!
February 8, 2020
Whilst there was some great information, it was all about USA governing bodies. I'm glad that our EU and UK governing bodies are more strict!
April 11, 2020
3.5 stars
This book was eye-opening and even 10 years later, it's amazing how little has changed in the beauty industry. The same problematic product ingredients, the same lack of regulatory oversight. I do think that the authors sometimes only report the scary data though and do occasionally fear-monger. So do your own research on the ingredients. And I think it is important to remember that many things have bad side effects when used in inappropriate dosage forms or routes that were not intended. In addition, just because something is natural does not mean that it is safe (some people are allergic to essential oils and they can cause skin irritation, for example). Despite those caveats, this book has inspired me to overhaul my skin care products. Changes I have made include finally getting rid of my aluminum-containing deodorant and finding a "clean" body lotion. Next up: finding non-toxic make-up products. Heaven help me.
This book was eye-opening and even 10 years later, it's amazing how little has changed in the beauty industry. The same problematic product ingredients, the same lack of regulatory oversight. I do think that the authors sometimes only report the scary data though and do occasionally fear-monger. So do your own research on the ingredients. And I think it is important to remember that many things have bad side effects when used in inappropriate dosage forms or routes that were not intended. In addition, just because something is natural does not mean that it is safe (some people are allergic to essential oils and they can cause skin irritation, for example). Despite those caveats, this book has inspired me to overhaul my skin care products. Changes I have made include finally getting rid of my aluminum-containing deodorant and finding a "clean" body lotion. Next up: finding non-toxic make-up products. Heaven help me.
March 2, 2017
I really liked their delivery style, although some if it seemed a little put on playful (is that how you describe it?). For example, some of their cutesy jokes and wordplay felt a little overdone. But their material was good, and they really provide some wonderful suggestions if you're just getting into the natural products game (including a warning to take heed before picking up just any product that claims to be natural).
February 26, 2017
Good information and alternatives but a little overwhelming for the average person. You'll want to toss everything in your cabinets but a lot of alternatives are expensive. I've already started switching over but can't really afford to throw out anything until I've used it up. After that I'll go from there. The list of ingredients would be good to have on hand makes me realize how many of my products don't easily share its ingredients.
April 4, 2017
I bought the book because I loved the blog when I came across it in my natural health and beauty care journeys a few years back. Now its been passed on to a friend who has caught the au naturel beauty bug.
This was really quite informative from telling you about the lies of the beauty industry, the fda standards, what ingredients to avoid in products and why, alternative natural safer products and my favourite part, the DIY beauty hacks.
The alternative products they back on the blog and in the book are mostly on the pricey side which is why I appreciated the DIY stuff.
It also made me regret failing chemistry as I really want to learn about the ins and outs of compounds and how we can make our own home made remedies. Since then I've come across many other blogs and chopped and changed my opinions and practices on natural beauty and though I don't frequent this blog as much nor do I look at the book, I recommend it as did really help quite a few times through my initial journey.
EDIT: Reading another review which mentions greenwashing. Basically a biased subjective review of things to show how much better the green beauty side is compared to those nasty chemical laden cosmetic companies.
I know I can be incredibly naive and gullible at times. Since NoDirtyLooks blog/book I was prone to lecture and rave at first but now I have honed my opinion to realise some things need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Ill admit to being terrified of the junk cluttering my bathroom and makeup shelves when I was just entering this world. It was quite satisfying to bin many many things however.
Now I have a select few ingredients I avoid and have certain natural ingredients which I either use regularly or now and then (baking soda, aloe vera, almond oil, coconut oil etc)
I went through the enthusiastic noob phase and this even made me prey to certain scrupulous companies which I wont be mentioning here and wasting a ton of money thinking I was doing it for the good. But I also tried and tested many cheap easy 'clean' DIY methods of body/health care with overall positive results. And I soaked everything up like a sponge, I was so enthusiastic to learn everything I could. It definitely took me a while to do the pinch of salt thing lol.
Which is why I still push for green, though not greenWASHING ;)
This was really quite informative from telling you about the lies of the beauty industry, the fda standards, what ingredients to avoid in products and why, alternative natural safer products and my favourite part, the DIY beauty hacks.
The alternative products they back on the blog and in the book are mostly on the pricey side which is why I appreciated the DIY stuff.
It also made me regret failing chemistry as I really want to learn about the ins and outs of compounds and how we can make our own home made remedies. Since then I've come across many other blogs and chopped and changed my opinions and practices on natural beauty and though I don't frequent this blog as much nor do I look at the book, I recommend it as did really help quite a few times through my initial journey.
EDIT: Reading another review which mentions greenwashing. Basically a biased subjective review of things to show how much better the green beauty side is compared to those nasty chemical laden cosmetic companies.
I know I can be incredibly naive and gullible at times. Since NoDirtyLooks blog/book I was prone to lecture and rave at first but now I have honed my opinion to realise some things need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Ill admit to being terrified of the junk cluttering my bathroom and makeup shelves when I was just entering this world. It was quite satisfying to bin many many things however.
Now I have a select few ingredients I avoid and have certain natural ingredients which I either use regularly or now and then (baking soda, aloe vera, almond oil, coconut oil etc)
I went through the enthusiastic noob phase and this even made me prey to certain scrupulous companies which I wont be mentioning here and wasting a ton of money thinking I was doing it for the good. But I also tried and tested many cheap easy 'clean' DIY methods of body/health care with overall positive results. And I soaked everything up like a sponge, I was so enthusiastic to learn everything I could. It definitely took me a while to do the pinch of salt thing lol.
Which is why I still push for green, though not greenWASHING ;)
February 24, 2014
I started moving away from big-name commercial beauty products in 2012, but it was still a surprise to me to read that not ALL “organic products” were truly “organic.”
In No More Dirty Looks, there’s a section which mentions that companies are not required to conduct safety tests of ingredients in their products. Neither are they regulated about what they put on product labels.
This means that a company could (misleadingly) call their product line “XXX Organic” by placing a very small amount of organic herbs in a base of petrochemicals, toxins, and harsh preservatives.
The product ingredient “fragrance” contains compounds that are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic, indicating the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients.
Are HAZARDOUS, synthetic chemicals really substances we should be putting on our skin?
It is important to me to support businesses that are ethical, socially and environmentally-conscious.
Why should we support companies who aren’t interested in the health and safety of the customers/consumers who keep them in business? Is it too much to ask for a soap that DOESN’T irritate the skin, and shampoo that DOESN’T make hair fall out?
To make the point clear: I’m going to spend my money elsewhere on companies I am happy to support. I’d rather pay a bit more for a quality, gentle but effective product that works well than end up with the stress of skin irritation/etc. — and having to spend more to try and “treat” those symptoms instead of eliminating the products that were aggravating those issues in the first place.
To me, healthy/happy hair and skin speaks a lot more than sleek advertising or clever copywriting.
For some pictures that prove organic products are better, check out the full post on my blog.
http://jesscscott.wordpress.com/2014/...
In No More Dirty Looks, there’s a section which mentions that companies are not required to conduct safety tests of ingredients in their products. Neither are they regulated about what they put on product labels.
This means that a company could (misleadingly) call their product line “XXX Organic” by placing a very small amount of organic herbs in a base of petrochemicals, toxins, and harsh preservatives.
The product ingredient “fragrance” contains compounds that are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic, indicating the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients.
Are HAZARDOUS, synthetic chemicals really substances we should be putting on our skin?
It is important to me to support businesses that are ethical, socially and environmentally-conscious.
Why should we support companies who aren’t interested in the health and safety of the customers/consumers who keep them in business? Is it too much to ask for a soap that DOESN’T irritate the skin, and shampoo that DOESN’T make hair fall out?
To make the point clear: I’m going to spend my money elsewhere on companies I am happy to support. I’d rather pay a bit more for a quality, gentle but effective product that works well than end up with the stress of skin irritation/etc. — and having to spend more to try and “treat” those symptoms instead of eliminating the products that were aggravating those issues in the first place.
To me, healthy/happy hair and skin speaks a lot more than sleek advertising or clever copywriting.
For some pictures that prove organic products are better, check out the full post on my blog.
http://jesscscott.wordpress.com/2014/...
April 13, 2014
An odd book for me, since I think of cosmetics as embalming tools and costuming paraphernalia and rarely wear them, but it's worth a read. Basic point is that the FDA barely regulates ANYTHING in health and beauty aids, that almost ALL lipsticks contain lead, because of proprietary laws you have no legal right to know what ingredients are in your perfumes, and that the chemicals in your shampoos and conditioners contain deadly chemicals that are banned in Europe. And we glop this crap on our faces by the cartload, burn our skin, destroy our hair, and wonder why our babies are born w/ birth defects. It's not the chemicals per se, it's the bioaccumulation of so many chemicals over our entire lives that make us ill.
The authors are not Holy Rollers about it, but sensible, easy to read, and worth taking the time for. I didn't throw my shampoo out, but I did check the store for things without those chemicals, and will try those next time I need to buy them. They were only wrong on one account: you CAN die from Vitamin A toxicity (reference case histories by Oliver Sacks. It's a fat-soluble vitamin, and can cause all kinds of havoc in high doses. They point the finger at several high-end brands like Kiehl's, but also simple drug store brands that are fairly safe (like Burt's Bees). They do give lists of what to avoid in labels, and what brands are clean. Basically, if you can't eat it, you shouldn't be putting it on your skin.
It's bizarre, but I started putting olive oil on my poison ivy rash, and damn if it didn't make it better almost immediately.
Decide what you wish, but this book is a very fast, easy, and important read.
The authors are not Holy Rollers about it, but sensible, easy to read, and worth taking the time for. I didn't throw my shampoo out, but I did check the store for things without those chemicals, and will try those next time I need to buy them. They were only wrong on one account: you CAN die from Vitamin A toxicity (reference case histories by Oliver Sacks. It's a fat-soluble vitamin, and can cause all kinds of havoc in high doses. They point the finger at several high-end brands like Kiehl's, but also simple drug store brands that are fairly safe (like Burt's Bees). They do give lists of what to avoid in labels, and what brands are clean. Basically, if you can't eat it, you shouldn't be putting it on your skin.
It's bizarre, but I started putting olive oil on my poison ivy rash, and damn if it didn't make it better almost immediately.
Decide what you wish, but this book is a very fast, easy, and important read.
July 18, 2011
A must read for anyone with skin. (That means you!) A well-written, accessible account of the lack of regulations in the beauty industry, the dangerous ingredients in everyday brands (many of which are banned in European countries), and where you can go to find brands that aren't toxic or carcinogenic.
The first place I looked while reading this book was the labels of all the products I am using on my toddler. I was SHOCKED when I realized I was bathing my child in contaminants that even the EPA wrote--in 2003--are a "probable human carcinogen" that can be absorbed through the skin. (Think things can't be easily absorbed through the skin? Consider the Nicotine patch.) This toxic product? Johnson's Moisture Care Baby Wash. Another toxic product? The sunscreen I was using on her EVERY DAY, Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion. Even the latest issue of Consumer Reports casually mentions in its review of sunscreens that some of their ingredients have serious health risks...but doesn't mention that there are safer options. (We're now using Badger brands.)
I'm not buying anything else that goes on my child unless it passes muster on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database . If you don't read this book, please read one like it!
The first place I looked while reading this book was the labels of all the products I am using on my toddler. I was SHOCKED when I realized I was bathing my child in contaminants that even the EPA wrote--in 2003--are a "probable human carcinogen" that can be absorbed through the skin. (Think things can't be easily absorbed through the skin? Consider the Nicotine patch.) This toxic product? Johnson's Moisture Care Baby Wash. Another toxic product? The sunscreen I was using on her EVERY DAY, Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion. Even the latest issue of Consumer Reports casually mentions in its review of sunscreens that some of their ingredients have serious health risks...but doesn't mention that there are safer options. (We're now using Badger brands.)
I'm not buying anything else that goes on my child unless it passes muster on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database . If you don't read this book, please read one like it!
July 22, 2011
PEG can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane? Shampoo isn't supposed to attempt to make my hair squeaky clean, necessitating loads of conditioner which is likely causing breakouts? Hum.
In this book O'Connor and Spunt discuss just how little safety regulation is applicable to the cosmetics products we use day in and day out and offer suggestions for purchasing/using/making beauty products that are 'without a doubt' healthy. It's a message that needs to be spread. Why do we trust companies to do what is good for us? What do all those chemistry words on the back of the bottle mean? It's important to be educated and to be your own advocate, because what we put on your skin is important to our looks, if not our health.
Your best source of information will not be this book... it's written by journalists, not toxicologists. But it's a starting point, written with enough sass and humor to make it an enjoyable read and get the wheels turning.
Let's just remember that chemicals are all around us (in fact, everything is made of chemicals) and just because something isn't created in a lab doesn't mean it's healthy, environmentally sustainable, or that you won't have an allergic reaction to it.
In this book O'Connor and Spunt discuss just how little safety regulation is applicable to the cosmetics products we use day in and day out and offer suggestions for purchasing/using/making beauty products that are 'without a doubt' healthy. It's a message that needs to be spread. Why do we trust companies to do what is good for us? What do all those chemistry words on the back of the bottle mean? It's important to be educated and to be your own advocate, because what we put on your skin is important to our looks, if not our health.
Your best source of information will not be this book... it's written by journalists, not toxicologists. But it's a starting point, written with enough sass and humor to make it an enjoyable read and get the wheels turning.
Let's just remember that chemicals are all around us (in fact, everything is made of chemicals) and just because something isn't created in a lab doesn't mean it's healthy, environmentally sustainable, or that you won't have an allergic reaction to it.
August 18, 2012
This book talks all about all the dangerous ingredients in every day cosmetic brands like Oil of Olay, Garnier, L'Oreal,etc & why they are bad for you. Once you start reading this you'll realize part of the reason why there is a rise in cancer is due to all the crap we put in & on our bodies. Did you know that a lot of the stuff we use has carcinogenic ingredients? That those ingredients are basically shortening our lives little by little? The companies that make the products deny this & say that the exposure levels are within acceptable limits. But if you use the crappy stuff every day, every year for the rest of your life there is a cumulative effect because the body doesn't have a way of detoxifying itself from these ingredients since it wasn't meant to absorb them in any case.
If you're an enviro newbie this book might be overwhelming. So I advise you read it little by little in chunks that you can manage. When you finish reading this book you'll realize that all these chemicals in your shampoo, soap, cream, make up, etc aren't really necessary as there are lots of alternatives out there. This book is written by American authors so this is more handy for people living in the USA as not all the brands they mention are available in Canada.
If you're an enviro newbie this book might be overwhelming. So I advise you read it little by little in chunks that you can manage. When you finish reading this book you'll realize that all these chemicals in your shampoo, soap, cream, make up, etc aren't really necessary as there are lots of alternatives out there. This book is written by American authors so this is more handy for people living in the USA as not all the brands they mention are available in Canada.
December 8, 2020
"Your lipstick. Your nail polish. Your conditioner. Most of us don't realize that the products we use every day can expose us to thousands of chemicals that are readily absorbed through our skin. The impact on your health? It's not pretty."
This book was really eye opening. While at first it sent me into a panicked tailspin, I gave it some time to digest before reading the last two chapters, and I realized that it makes sense. Loading our bodies up with chemical-laden products can't be a good thing, and I intend to phase out my products that contain blacklist ingredients little by little. I enjoyed the last two chapters on diet and lifestyle, too.
The point of this book is to shake us awake to the brutal realities of toxins, as well as the non-existent regulation of the cosmetics industry, and it definitely accomplishes both. The entire thing is mind blowing.
This is a must read for anyone who uses products of any kind (not only cosmetics, but deodorant, shampoo, etc.), which is everyone!
This book was really eye opening. While at first it sent me into a panicked tailspin, I gave it some time to digest before reading the last two chapters, and I realized that it makes sense. Loading our bodies up with chemical-laden products can't be a good thing, and I intend to phase out my products that contain blacklist ingredients little by little. I enjoyed the last two chapters on diet and lifestyle, too.
The point of this book is to shake us awake to the brutal realities of toxins, as well as the non-existent regulation of the cosmetics industry, and it definitely accomplishes both. The entire thing is mind blowing.
This is a must read for anyone who uses products of any kind (not only cosmetics, but deodorant, shampoo, etc.), which is everyone!
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