Learn How to Avoid the Deception of Greenwashed Products

Contains organic ingredients

Made with nontoxic ingredients

100% Natural

Plant Based

Natural Botanical Ingredients

Made with plant extracts

Contains organic essential oils

Earth-friendly

Environmentally safe

Do these claims look familiar?  You now see them all over a wide variety of packages, from salad dressings to moisturizers.  They’re meant to lead us consumers to believe that we are buying a better and safer product than other options, and they work really well at doing just that!  Unfortunately, very few of products with such claims live up the image and feeling that its advertising is trying to give off.  And the truth is, none of the claims above ensures that the product is either safe or pure.  This deception has a name and its called greenwashing.  Unfortunately, this practice is rampant throughout all industries that market direct to the consumers who are trying to do their part to be more environmentally conscious.  So no matter how “green” the package looks and sounds, always check the ingredients list.  It may seem overwhelming at first, so start off by familiarizing yourself with the following ingredients, and make sure to avoid them.  For a full description of each ingredient and it’s harmful effects, check out this blog post on Skin Care Ingredients.

Always steer clear from:

• Petrochemicals, which include mineral oil and other various silicones
• Propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and any other ingredient formulated with PEGs and PGs
• Sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulfates, and other sulfate-based detergents
• Parabens
• Synthetic (FD&C and other) dyes and colorants
• Artificial fragrances – you can assume that if the label says “Fragrance” that it is artificial in nature
• DEA, MEA and TEA
• Disodium EDTA
• Formaldehyde (found in most nail polishes)

While it’s certainly true that there are times when trying to live a greener life can feel very overwhelming, it is also true that the more you learn and familiarize yourself with information, the easier it becomes.  Soon you’ll discover a host of companies who stand true to their claims, and deserve your trust.  Luckily, a truly authentic natural movement is taking place and gaining momentum, in everything from beauty products to the food that we eat, which means that more and more great options are becoming available to us! 

Amy Paolinelli

Amy is a mom of 3 lively kiddos, a wife, and an advocate for natural living. Prior to having children, she worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist with high-risk youth. After having her first daughter, she found her passion in pregnancy, childbirth, babies, and natural living. She is now an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice, a student of Herbal Medicine for Women, and cofounder of 3Girls Holistic - 100% Natural and Organic Skin Care line. She loves getting her hands dirty in the garden and spending time near the water. You can check out her blog and skin care line at: www.3girlsholistic.com