I’m super excited about the newest campaign Beautycounter launched last week-Clean Swap!

The gist of it is that they are taking the 6 BIGGEST offenders in the Skincare/Beauty market that tend to have the most harmful ingredients and really educating you and urging you to switch to safer!  I feel like everyday I’m learning more and more about things I should avoid and why.

I am definitely not a professional but here is my take on why you should switch these Offenders out!!!

Offender #1:  Eye & Face Creams

(This is me when I went to take this pic & realized my lotion is almost gone and my new one isn’t going to be here for a few days)!

Many traditional eye and face creams are made with preservatives which can release formaldehyde and wreak havoc on the immune system. YIKES!  Seriously, formaldehyde???  In face creams?  The thought of this makes me want to vomit.  All formaldehyde reminds me of is preserving the dead frog in High School science class.  I can still smell it now….The good news is that Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream and Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion are naturally preserved with phytic acid from green rice.  That sounds much more pleasant to me!  Why wouldn’t you switch?

Offender #2: Face Masks

Traditional facial masks can be formulated with PEGs, otherwise known as “Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): Carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that reduces the skin’s natural moisture. Increases the appearance of aging and leaves you vulnerable to bacteria. Used in spray-on oven cleaners and cleansers to dissolve oil and grease.”  That definition right there absolutely does NOT make me want to use anything like that on my face!!!  They also often contain dangerous chemicals.  Your mask should have nothing to hide. All of Beautycounter’s masks  contain naturally-derived glycerin, which helps condition and soften skin.

Offender #3:  Shampoo

Harsh sulfates, such as SLS and SLES, are found in many shampoos and can cause skin irritation. These are used to make the foamy lather, basically because it’s cheaper for the industry as a little bit goes a LONG way  However, in order to get the sulfite compound to work, they have to use petroleum.  Not to mention, sulfates dull hair and even make it brittle.  Here is an article with the top 10 reasons to avoid SLS.  Your scalp deserves a lot better. Beautycounter shampoos use beetroot sugars to deliver the rich lather and cleansing performance everyone wants.

Good Hair Days Start with Safer Ingredients- I really do believe this!  I can tell you that I have always had a problem with buildup where my hair would get super greasy from other brands.  Ever since I have used this formula, I am in love!

Offender #4:  Lipstick

Do you remember using Lip Smackers as a kid?  I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure I ate more if it than I actually wore.  This rings true even with lipsticks as adults, really anything we put on our lips we end up ingesting.  The problem with this is that most all lipsticks include artificial fragrance. Artificial fragrances can be a blend of ingredients that are not required to be disclosed by U.S. law and can include trace amounts of phthalates (potential endocrine disruptors). That leaves a bad taste in our mouths, too.  Read this article on Potential Endocrine Disruptors if you want to learn why these are so bad.

Beautycounter Sheer Lipsticks come in 10 awesome colors, tell you all the ingredients, and are only scented with natural vanilla.  They also feel like you are putting butter directly on your lips, like the softened, smooth kind!

Offender #5:  Body Lotion

In a nutshell, you usually slather body lotion ALL over your body, right?  So they basically offer the most exposure to potentially toxic ingredients, like mineral oil (here’s a short article on 3 key reasons to avoid). Mineral oil is allowed in beauty products, it is a conditioning agent that may be contaminated with trace amounts of toxins and can suffocate skin. That just makes me claustrophobic!  I want my skin to breathe.  Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion contains a moisturizing blend of marula and mongongo oils which are rich in essential fatty acids to revitalize and nourish skin.  Not to mention, the natural Citrus mimosa scent is pretty dreamy!

Offender #6:  Mascara

Carbon black, a pigment used in mascaras to create the deep black color, has been linked to a range of adverse health effects. Mascara shouldn’t be that scary. I heard somewhere that Carbon black is also used in tires….I mean, what???  The Volumizing and Lengthening Mascaras are pigmented with naturally-occurring iron oxides.

Google what does it take to make carbon black…I dare you.  Or I’ll just show you.

Carbon black (subtypes are acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black and thermal black) is a material produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products such as FCC tar, coal tar, ethylene cracking tar, with the addition of a small amount of vegetable oil.

I’m speechless.

Just remember that Knowledge is Power, and you CAN control what you are using on your body!  When you have a minute, download the EWG app and scan all of the current products in your house.  It’s crazy!  I would love to hear if you have tried Beautycounter and or what your favorite product is?!?!?!

XOXO,

Lissa

Don’t forget if you Purchase any one of the 6 offenders you get to pick a deluxe size (think travel sized) Countermatch face lotion, a hair conditioner, mini face oil or body wash!  Promo ends, March 7, 2018.  This is such a great time to sample some of the Beautycounter line!