The skin care industry has the public convinced that their products will bring you a glowing complexion, reduce wrinkles and reduce discoloration. However, the cosmetic industry is not regulated and so long as they list the ingredients on the bottle as required by the FDA they can make all the claims they like. Additionally, many skin care companies use the term "Natural" when in reality many products contain less than 1% of a natural ingredient such as aloe Vera, or other essential oils.

In reality many cosmetics and baby products contain harmful ingredients which are detrimental to your health or your babies. The United Nations Environmental Program estimates that approximately 70,000 chemicals are in common use across the world with 1,000 new chemicals being introduced every year. Of all the chemicals used in cosmetics, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has reported that nearly 900 are toxic - although other groups attack that figure as being far too conservative.

Below are a few guidelines when selecting a skin care product.

Talc is commonly used to dry, freshen and deodorize the skin. It is a mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate. Research has suggested that women who use talcum powder for personal hygiene between their legs are more likely to get ovarian cancer. It is thought that talc may travel up into the vagina, through the cervix into the womb, along the fallopian tubes, to the ovaries, causing irritation and inflammation, resulting in cancerous changes. Additionally, inhalation of talc may irritate the respiratory system.

Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical found in hand washes, toothpastes and household products; it may kill 'friendly bacteria' which help with digestion and protect the body from more serious infection. There is cause for concern that the overuse of anti-bacterial products inhibits the normal process of the immune system to ward off germs.

Phthalates is used to make plastics flexible, they are found in shampoos, moisturizers, nail polishes and hair sprays. Animal studies have suggested links with testicular abnormalities in male offspring exposed to these chemicals in the womb. Phthalates like all chemical processed ingredients in cosmetics are absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

Sodium lauryl sulphate was originally used as an industrial degreasing; it is widely used in shampoos, bubble baths and other washing products to product foam. This chemical can irritate eyes, skin and mouth.

Aluminium salts (eg: aluminium chlorohydrate) is used in antiperspirants and deodorants, they dissolve onto the skin to create a coating over sweat glands and so reduce the amount of sweat that is released. There have been concerns that this chemical may be related to breast cancer.

Parabens (eg: methylparaben (E218), ethylparaben (E214)) are used as preservatives in cosmetics, food and household products, they may mimic the female hormone, estrogen. Concerns focus on a possible link to breast cancer, when used in deodorants.

There is a growing list of synthetic ingredients manufacturers are adding to their products every day which are or will be detrimental to your health sometime in the future. Therefore, when purchase your next cosmetic or baby products read the label carefully. Select natural products made from botanicals and essential oils for the safest skin care products.