Virgo is about a return to purity and respect for the mind/body/spirit connection, and for this reason it is connected to matters of health and healing. Ever since Saturn entered Virgo last fall, we have been confronted by revelations about factors in our environment that affect our health.
With three planets in Libra, beauty products have been a big part of my life. I love cosmetics and experimenting with different types of makeup and skincare. Still, with Mercury and Venus both in the sixth house (ruled by Virgo) I have a strong interest in health and the body’s delicate ecological balance. I’ve been aware for some time that commercial beauty products contain chemicals that have been suspected carcinogens, which is why I purchase most of my cosmetics at the Whole Foods counter. I would never inject my skin with botulism or stick toxic paints into my skin in a tattoo even though I love the idea of permanent eyeliner.
Today I stumbled on an article in the UK Daily Mail about one woman’s search for safe cosmetics, and that led me on a trail through the World Wide Web that resulted in my finding the Cosmetics Database, a great site for researching the safety of cosmetics. I was shocked to find my favorite natural cosmetics in the list of those containing high levels of toxic ingredients, including my Rachel Perry foundation and my Derma E night cream. Even my favorite Kiehls moisturizer scored poorly.
One of the chemical families of concern in cosmetics is the paraben group, including propylparaben and methylparaben. The FDA is not authorized to regulate cosmetic ingredients, and its website reports that the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) declared in 1984 that parabens were safe, and reaffirmed that decision in 2005. The FDA does note, however, that the CIR is sponsored by the cosmetics industry.
Parabens have been demonstrated to have an estrogenic effect, and estrogen simulators could be tied to a higher incidence of breast cancer. The Washington Post reported last November on the subject, citing several research studies that suggest a correlation. This article suggests purchasing organic products such as Dr. Hauschka, Weleda and Burt’s Bees, but a search in the cosmetic database reveals that Dr. Hauschka products contain high levels of toxins. Burt’s Bees products scored much better, as did Weleda.
Perfumes and deodorants are two of the biggest offenders. The rock crystal deodorants had a score of zero toxicity, and I have found them to be extremely effective. There’s an easy solution to the perfume problem: The Fragrance Shop sells pure essential oil formulations of all popular fragrances including discontinued scents.
My friend Cynthia Loving has a wide selection of handcrafted skincare products that are just wonderful.
Saturn in Virgo seeks a return to a simpler way of life that is more balanced and in harmony with the natural world. Saturn is the planet of restriction, limitation and disappointment, but also the planet of planning and success. Saturn’s entry into Virgo has coincided with a universal awakening of the delicate ecological balance of the world in which we live!
posted August 11, 2008 at 7:12 am
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for sharing this. I have been using the rock crystal for years.
Stay healthy and well.
Kathryn
posted August 11, 2008 at 10:13 am
Two companies you might want to check out: Aubrey Organics and Terressentials. They both get great scores for most things at the Cosmetic Database. Terressentials is a bit harder to find, but you can order from their website.
posted August 11, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Hi Lynn,
Often eczema flare-ups can be triggered by harsh chemicals in every day skin care products. Ingredients like fragrance, color or paraben can really make your skin itch.
One way to way to check out whats in well known brands is by visiting the exederm site which compares the ingredients of many leading brands
exederm products are fragrance free, color free, parabens free and avoid many other harsh chemicals too
Their products also score well on the Cosmetic Database
http://www.exederm.com
posted August 11, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Thanks for these tips, ladies. I’m going to check out these alternatives.
posted August 12, 2008 at 2:15 am
Indigo Wild dot com has some truly awesome products. I love the spirit of this company.
posted August 12, 2008 at 2:21 am
P S Indigo Wilds laundry soap makes my sheets and towels heavenly to sleep in. Their most popular scent, if you want fragrance, is Frankincense and Myrrh.
posted August 12, 2008 at 2:38 am
http://www.nealsyardremedies.com is another excellent website for organic skin care and natural remedies.
posted August 12, 2008 at 6:55 am
Hi Again,
More on the health issue and Saturn in Virgo. I refuse to drink water out of plastic bottles (or soda for that matter) unless I am really desperate and have no other choice. The plastic has been linked to human health conditions. As far as skin healing – I still use cosmetics, but frequently will put simple Aloe-Vera from Whole Foods on my face as a healing mask for overnight. It helps me, and I am blond haired blue eyed. A friend who was very in to health and healing got me started years ago.
Kathryn
posted August 12, 2008 at 8:57 am
Hi, thanks for the links and for bringing this into public discussion. I have used the rock crystal deodorant but last year started to use good old Milk of Magnesia as a deodorant, with a little diluted lavender or tea tree. This combination also works very well.
I have been using pure oils and lotions made from them for a couple of years and love it. I can’t stand chemical fragrances now and am shocked when I go to friends’ homes and see how pervasive the scented candles, lotions, potions are.
About Dr. Hauschka: I don’t use a lot of that product but I see that one of the “high toxicity” scores come from the company’s use of “eugenol” as a fragrance — eugenol being linked to allergies and cancer and is an “immune system toxicant”.
Eugenol is basically essential oil of clove. It is very potent, no doubt, and like many essential oils should be used with care; but I am skeptical that a bit of it diluted in a product is going to make that product carcinogenic. I would run that by Cynthia Loving and get her opinion on it.
posted August 12, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Great discussion!
My nail polish and mascara got shockingly high tox scores on the Cosmetic Database….
So I found a nail polish called Aquarella–that is supposed to be good. (from the Dr. Weil website)
Another source is Paula Begoun’s website: her skin care products list ingredients and she has been writing about cosmetics for years.
Ever since the pet food recall revealed the FDA obviously unable to monitor (let alone control) the purity of our consumer products–I’ve been wondering what we can do to change and improve that situation.
Articles like this are a wonderful way to start!
posted August 12, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I agree with you Anna. Some of the products I checked out were clear of toxins except for fragrances. But people react to fragrances differently. Rich and I were at the mall one day and I went into Sephora, which is like a crack house for me.
Anyway – he was so affected by the smells that he couldn’t even come in after me and ended up waiting out in the mall for a long time while I waited for him to come in and get me. Turns out the minute he stepped into the place he felt sick and got a headache. Thanks everyone for these great links. I’m looking forward to testing some of these products!
posted August 14, 2008 at 6:28 pm
I found a great site that only carries truly safe makeup and skincare, it is called TheSimpleBody.com
posted August 15, 2008 at 1:57 am
or my favourite: PlanetaryOrganics.com – they’ve got great dishwashing liquid too. Also hemp oil is great for skin if you can get it.
posted August 16, 2008 at 5:36 am
Great links, thanks. Toxic ingredients in cosmetics have been a huge issue for me ever since I became pregnant. A great, ethical company for nail treatments is Nail Aid– http://www.nailaidcares.com. They also have excellent customer service. As far as skincare, I’ve found that nothing beats good old Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap.
posted August 16, 2008 at 8:29 pm
You’re going good job…Please keep it up to inform. Thanks..