The Chalkboard » Green Guide

Skin Type Solutions: 8 Balms For Troubled Skin

Suzanne Hall — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:07:51 +0000

We're breaking down lists of some of the best all-natural skin care out there for your skin type. This time, it's all about skin that's upset, breaking down or freaking out! Forget the harsh stuff you used as a teenager and find a few new solutions from our list of faves...

Toxic Timeout: Cocoamide DEA

Katie — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:55:27 +0000

What is it? Cocoamide DEA is a chemically modified form of coconut oil used as a foaming agent and thickener in everything from shampoo and facial cleanser to body wash and conditioner. Simply put, it is a chemical used to make products look appealing. Chances are, if you're not a stickler about label checking, you've probably got this toxin lurking behind your shower curtain at this very moment. Health Risk: Working up a lather should not work you into a frenzy. Cocoamide DEA in high doses has some scary health risks: most notably, regular use of body care products containing this toxin have been linked to cancer and miscarriages. In addition, cocoamide DEA blocks the absorption of choline, a vital nutrient needed for brain development and maintenance, during fetal development. What to do: That "all natural" cleanser that touts the use of coconut oil might need a second look. Cocoamide DEA is made by combining coconut oil and diethanolamine - which may hide under names such as lauramide diethanolamine, coco diethanolamide, lauroyl diethanolamide, lauramide DEA, lauric diethanolamide, coconut oil amide of diethanolamine, and lauryl diethanolamide. The best thing you can do is play detective at the drugstore and keep a watchful eye on the ingredients used. Look for cocoamide DEA under all its various monikers to stay safe! Non-toxic alternatives to try: We love cocoamide DEA-free brands such as Dr. Bronner's when it comes to staying fresh and toxin-free.

Toxic Timeout: Thimerosal

Tom and Lena — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:51:17 +0000

WHAT IS IT? Thimerosal is an organic mercury compound, used as an antiseptic and anti-fungal agent in eye drops, ointments, and mascara.

HEALTH RISK: Thimerosal has been known to cause developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity (reproductive), neurotoxicity, ecotoxicology and endocrine disruption. Some food for thought: According to FDA, 'Mercury compounds are readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tend to accumulate in the body. They may cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, or neurotoxic manifestations.' Mercury is considered particularly toxic to the developing brain during pregnancy, infancy and childhood. The FDA has banned the use of mercury compounds in all cosmetics except those used around the eyes, where levels are limited to 65 parts per million (ppm). In 2007 the use of mercury in all cosmetics was banned in Minnesota.

SAFE ALTERNATIVE: For a better mascara, try a safe alternative from some of The Chalkboard's favorite brands: Josie Maran, 100% Pure, Nvey Eco and - just recently - ILIA, all make great all-natural options!

Toxic Timeout: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Tom and Lena — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:00:19 +0000

WHAT IS IT? Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a group of potent atmospheric pollutants that occur naturally in coal, crude oil and gasoline. One of the more common PAHs is naphthalene. PAHS can be found in conditioner, moisturizers, lip balms, SPF products, facial moisturizers, anti-aging products, styling gels, body washes, facial cleansers, diaper cream, bar soap, and baby lotions.

HEALTH RISK: PAHS' have been banned for use in cosmetics in Canada. Known for their carcinogenic, metagenic, teratogenic and human hematological (blood) toxicant properties, PAHS' are of particular concern when used in beauty products. As well as possessing a number of health concerns, PAHS' also pose a threat to the environment by possessing a resistance to normal chemical breakdown, being a wildlife and environmental toxin, and one of the most widespread organic pollutants from coal burning.

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE: We love Morrocco Method's Diamond Crystal Mist for hair, a toxin-free leave-in conditioner fortified with crystals from the Himalayas in an essential oil base. A spritz of this raw and antibacterial mist restores deep moisture and pH balance, and soothes the scalp. Oils like frankincense and sandalwood replace other harmful chemicals and get the job done!

Toxic Timeout: Behentrimonium Chloride

Tom and Lena — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:00:58 +0000

WHAT IS IT? Behentrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative, antistatic agent, defrizzer, emulsifier and hair conditioning agent. It is primarily used in hair care products such as conditioner, dye and mousse. HEALTH RISKS: Behentrimonium chloride is a toxic compound, and concentrations of .1% and higher have been shown to damage the eyes by causing tissue death of the mucous membranes. It’s also highly flammable, irritating to the skin and can cause an increased risk of cancer, nerve damage, anemia and disintegration of the kidneys. SAFE ALTERNATIVE: We love Morrocco Method Sea Essence Shampoo —it's non-toxic and did we mention it really works?

Be Mine Beauty: How To Achieve The Kissable Pink Lip

Suzanne Hall — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:04 +0000

Ever-so-lovely Katey Denno is the go-to makeup artist that so many Hollywood beauties rely upon to achieve red carpet gorgeousness without a toxic-product overload. A diverse array of Hollywood clients like Gweneth Paltrow, Chelsea Handler and Amanda Seyfried, all come to Katey looking for one thing: knock-out beauty with an all-natural glow. Katey's first tutorial for The Chalkboard stars the familiar face of model Angela Highsmith (a team favorite for her long history with our favorite catalog). Here Katey and Angela demonstrate how to get a soft natural pink lip that will have them begging you to 'Be Mine'. Take it away Katey: Early on, model Angela Highsmith and I discovered our shared passion for all things natural and my respect for her natural body of knowledge grows every time we spend a day on set together. In addition to our shared quest for the latest in green beauty products, Angela makes her own homemade treatments for a variety of skin issues, brews skullcap herbal tea for her daughter every morning to ‘help chill her out before school’ and keeps a vibrant herbal home garden, whipping up concoctions to treat cuts and bruises from what grows in her own back yard! I recently introduced skullcap tea into my regimen. It really does the trick when chilling out to get ready for bed. Beyond this one's truly natural beauty, I love that she is constantly learning new things as well, whether classes at the New York Open Center or one-on-one sessions with an herbologist. On the day of this photo shoot, I created a naturally glowing, ready-for-Valentine’s-Day lip look with products even the most discerning green beauty aficionados can approve of. We both loved this fresh, gorgeous look with just a pop of lip color and are happy to share with you all. Can you believe this shot was captured at the end of an 8-hour day on set?