3-Ingredient Avocado Face Mask for an Instant Pick-Me-Up 🌹 Vegan Friendly

vegnews.com

Jill Ettinger

I’ve been making my own face masks for ages. I’m not sure when it started, but it probably had something to do with suffering from acne breakouts for years. I was scared of all the preservatives and chemicals in store-bought masks making my skin worse. Fortunately, I found something that worked better and was so easy to make. Two of my favorite go-to ingredients for homemade face masks are probably in your kitchen right now: avocados and oats.



If you find yourself wearing half of your avocado toast every time you eat it, that may not be a bad thing. Avocados are amazing for the skin! And, turning avocados into a DIY face mask is a great way to use up an avocado that’s a bit past its prime, too. No more food waste. 



This skin mask also uses another hot ingredient of late: oats.

Find out how these ingredients work together to get the glow and give it a try for your next Self-Care Sunday.

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Skin benefits of avocado



Avocado is rich in healthy fatty acids, which make it a wonderful moisturizer for dry, brittle, autumn, and winter skin. It’s also great for stressed summer skin.

Despite its rich base of fatty acids, avocado shouldn’t make you breakout. It can help to reduce inflammation and speed healing on those pesky breakouts. That’s because avocado is also antibacterial and antifungal when applied to the skin.

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Skin benefits of oats



If you’ve ever soaked in an oat milk bath to help soothe skin after a sunburn or a bout of poison oak, you know how silky and soft it can make your skin feel. In a face mask, it serves double duty as a mild exfoliant—sloughing off dead skin cells—and in softening and healing the skin.



Like avocados, oats are beneficial as anti-inflammatory agents that can help to reduce acne. Oats also absorb oil, helping to prevent more flare-ups. Credit all of oats’ goodness to avenanthramides the antioxidants in oats that make it such a powerful ingredient in DIY face masks.



This mask also gets a cleansing and tightening boost from antioxidant-rich apple cider vinegar.

Ready to get the glow? Try my favorite avocado-oatmeal mask below.



½ large avocado, mashed
2 tablespoons rolled oats, roughly ground
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)



What you do:



1. Into a bowl, add all ingredients and mix well. 
2. Pat mixture onto face, careful to avoid eyes. Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing.
3. Follow up with a hydrating oil, such as argan or jojoba, to lock in moisture.



Note: apple cider vinegar can be too strong for some skin types. Test under the arm for reactions before using. It can be omitted entirely in this recipe.

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Jill Ettinger is the Director of Digital Strategy for VegNews and co-founder of the sustainable luxury platform, Ethos.

https://vegnews.com/vegan-health-wellness/3-ingredient-avocado-face-mask

Three Tips for Speeding Up Nail Growth, According to Dermatologists

close up of womans fingernails

Credit: ollinka / Getty Images

Audrey Noble, Freelance Writer By Audrey Noble Updated September 28, 2022

Getting strong, healthy nails—and getting them fast—is surprisingly simple.

The goal of getting strong and healthy nails is more attainable than you might think. If you’re experiencing slow nail growth or dealing with brittle, easily broken nails, learning how to grow them faster is likely important to you. As it turns out, there are things—some within our control, others not—that prevent speedy nail growth. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, says to consider the following factors when it comes to how fast (or slow) your nails are growing: physical stress on the body (such as an illness, virus, or surgery), dietary changes, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medications are all part of the equation and could cause some sort of trauma to our nail beds, hindering quick nail growth.

“It is important to remember that nails grow slowly, about 3 millimeters per month,” says Dr. Garshick. “[It] can take up to six months for a fingernail to grow in.”

Luckily, there are easy ways to combat slow nail growth. Dr. Garshick and Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, break down how to grow nails faster.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

Both Dr. Garshick and Dr. Graf agree that eating a well-balanced diet is key to getting nails to grow faster. Dr. Garshick says that eating a healthy diet ensures your body gets the proper amount of vitamins to maintain nail growth. These vitamins include zinc, biotin, folate, and protein. To get those vitamins and build that healthy diet, Dr. Graf says to include foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Stop Biting Your Nails

This an obvious—and we admit, difficult—habit to break, but if you want nails to grow faster, Dr. Garshick says you have to avoid biting them. She explains that trauma to cuticles with biting and other habits like picking, cutting, pushing, and trimming leads to frequent injury and sometimes inflammation. All of these factors slow down nail growth.

Of course, it’s easier said than done. The American Academy of Dermatology Association lists some ways to help you gradually wean off this habit. Some tips include applying bitter-tasting nail polish—a great option is Orly’s No Bite ($12.99, ulta.com)—and identifying triggers that cause you to bite your fingers in the first place.

Try a Biotin Supplement

Dr. Graf says taking biotin will help promote nail growth. Though limited, there are studies showing that biotin supplements promote overall nail health. If you’re interested in taking biotin, Dr. Garshick recommends seeing your doctor before taking any supplement; your primary care physician will best determine if you need any additional supplements or vitamins in your diet.

If you’re noticing changes to your nails that concern you, seek professional help. Dr. Garshick says nail changes can represent different conditions, so you want to be sure you’re treating it properly. For that reason, she says to go to a dermatologist if you’re worried. “[They] are trained in the different nail changes and can help identify what may be the root cause,” she says.

https://www.marthastewart.com/8097274/how-grow-nails-faster?utm_campaign=marthastewartliving&utm_content=evergreenml&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_term=6370509d61b959000170557f

Is Blue Lizard Sunscreen Good Or Bad For You?

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Blue Lizard is a sunscreen product of Crown Laboratories of Australia. It is highly recommended by dermatologists in Australia, where radical ultraviolet radiation makes sunscreen indispensable. The product has also been endorsed by users in the USA.

Let’s find out if we can get your nod on it.

What are the ingredients in Blue Lizard sunscreen?

Blue Lizard sunscreens are available in various functional variants, such as Active, Sensitive, Baby, Sheer, Face, and Sport. These are offered in lotion, stick, and spray forms.

The ingredients vary for each variant. The mineral variants have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both as active ingredients, while mineral-based variants have octisalate and/or octinoxate along with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.

Some of the common inactive ingredients are Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Oleate, and Methyl Glucose.

The ingredients are packed in groovy bottles and tubes that change color in extreme ultraviolet radiation to remind you to apply the sunscreen. This functionality is appropriate to the product name, which is analogous to a chameleon that changes color to protect itself.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen mineral-based?

Blue Lizard sunscreen comes in mineral and mineral-based versions. The mineral variants contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both as active ingredients. On the other hand, mineral-based variants contain octisalate and/or octinoxate along with either or both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

The company faces a class-action lawsuit – filed in March 2021 in California – alleging that the labeling of its products as mineral-based is deceptive. The lawsuit contends that Blue Lizard mineral-based sunscreens contain either five percent of octisalate or 5.5 percent of octinoxate. These are in fact harmful chemicals that you don’t expect in a mineral sunscreen.

The lawsuit asserts that Blue Lizard has misrepresented its ingredients information to gain an edge in the competitive market.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen gluten-free?

No. Blue Lizard sunscreen does not contain gluten – the company website also confirms it. Gluten is used in some sunscreens as an emulsifier. It is used in topical application products and typically does not affect celiacs as it cannot be absorbed through the skin.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have benzene?

The ingredients list does not indicate the presence of benzene. However, the sunscreen contains alkyl benzoate – a clear and soluble liquid that consists of benzoic acid esters. Strangely enough, the compound benzoic acid has a benzene ring core. So, it is indecisive to say if Blue Lizard sunscreen contains benzene or not.

Be that as it may, alkyl benzoate has been accepted as a safe compound for use in skincare products. Only care in using it is to avoid it from entering the eyes. Alkyl benzoate does not have any of the side effects of benzene.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have avobenzone?

Blue Lizard sunscreen does not have avobenzone. Mineral-based sunscreens of the company however contain either octisalate or octinoxate – chemicals used to disperse ultraviolet radiation and make the sunscreen water-resistant.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen contain oxybenzone?

Blue Lizard sunscreen does not contain oxybenzone – which makes it reef friendly. Accordingly, the products have the “We Love the Reef” seal on them. Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in many sunscreens. The chemical is harmful to humans and the environment alike.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have zinc oxide?

Yes, Blue Lizard sunscreen contains zinc oxide as an active ingredient in its mineral-based sunscreens. The product uses inorganic minerals to provide broad-spectrum sun protection. Zinc oxide is considered safe by both FDA and dermatologists and can be used by adults, children, and those with sensitive skin.

Serious allergic reactions to zinc oxide are not reported. The mineral may however cause skin dryness and damage human cells when exposed to sunlight for long hours. Further, sunscreens with zinc oxide are usually heavy, making it difficult for the skin to absorb them well; which is essentially why this is safer than chemical sunscreens.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen contain aluminum?

Blue Lizard contains aluminum in the form of alumina and aluminum stearate. Alumina is a chemical compound having aluminum and oxygen, while aluminum stearate is the aluminum salt of the fatty acid.

According to experts, use of pure aluminum could cause oxidative damage to the skin. However, it is usually used in the form of compounds – which is considered safe.

Alumina is used as a coating blend to keep the nano-sized mineral ingredients in the sunscreen together. It acts as an abrasive, absorbent, and bulking agent. The compound usually makes up about 25 percent of the sunscreen. However, even in this concentration, it is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the FDA.

Speaking about aluminum stearate – it acts as a suspending and thickening agent. The FDA has approved it as safe for general or specific use.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have carcinogens?

Blue Lizard does not list all the ingredients on its label. From the information that is available, we know that Blue Lizard sunscreen contains the following carcinogens:

  • Titanium Dioxide – certified as Group 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and suggested to be used in the lowest possible level
  • Disodium EDTA – can cause tumors in mammary glands
  • Glycols – is an element that the FDA has cautioned manufacturers to be wary of as it is carcinogenic and mutagenic

Do note that these chemicals are only carcinogenic when inhaled or ingested in large quantities. As such, their risks are quite minimal when applied topically. 

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have a scent?

Blue Lizard sunscreen is fragrance-free. It does not have a scent – however, has a slight chemical smell.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen safe?

Yes, indeed! Blue Lizard sunscreen is one of the most highly-rated sunscreen brands in the world. It meets the stringent regulations of the Australian government. Further, all Blue Lizard sunscreen products are FDA compliant. There are no negative reports against the products too.

Sunscreens could cause safety concerns due to the ingredients that make them. However, Blue Lizard sunscreens are free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, benzene, and fragrance.

Blue Lizard sunscreens are either mineral or mineral-based. Although titanium dioxide is shown to be carcinogenic, the FDA has certified it as safe in sunscreens.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen safe for babies?

Blue Lizard sunscreen variants for babies include only minerals as active ingredients. They are also free of harsh chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, and benzene. Nevertheless, the company advises you to consult your pediatrician before using any sunscreen on babies younger than six months.

Blue Lizard also has a separate line of sunscreen products for older kids and children. These also contain minerals as active ingredients and are considered safe.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen safe during pregnancy?

Blue Lizard sunscreen is rated as one of the best for pregnant women by all leading websites.

Dermatologists and experts recommend mineral sunscreens for pregnant women. Therefore, if you are pregnant – then Blue Lizard should be your obvious choice as most of its sunscreen products are mineral ones with zinc oxide or titanium oxide as the active ingredient. The brand is also devoid of harsh chemicals and fragrances.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen safe for the face?

Yes, Blue Lizard sunscreen is safe for your face as it is broad-spectrum with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ and 50+, providing protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Further, they are all mineral or mineral-based, antioxidant-rich, and fragrance-free. Blue Lizard Sensitive formulas are recommended if your skin is sensitive and susceptible to breakouts.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen leave white cast or stain clothes?

Yes to both. Sunscreens containing minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are usually heavy, making it difficult for the skin to absorb them well. Consequently, Blue Lizard sunscreen that contains these minerals is most likely to leave a residue or white cast on your skin. However, this could work well for you as the residue would stay on the skin surface and protect your skin from sun damage.

The company has mentioned on its website that its sunscreens may stain your fabrics. However, several users state the contrary and recommend Blue Lizard to avoid sunscreen stains. Some users believe that the clothes could get stained if the ingredients in sunscreen react with hard water – but the stains can be easily removed with dish soap and white vinegar.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen cause cancer?

There are no reports suggesting that Blue Lizard sunscreen causes cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection and are water-resistant with an SPF of 30 or more do not cause cancer. Blue Lizard sunscreens satisfy these criteria. Further, they are free of carcinogens and harsh chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, parabens, and benzene.

Some ingredients in Blue Lizard sunscreens – like titanium dioxide, disodium EDTA, and glycols are known to be carcinogens. It may be safer to avoid products with these ingredients and pick zinc oxide-based sunscreens instead.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen burn eyes?

Blue Lizard sunscreen is widely known for not causing burning or irritation of the eyes. Sunscreens that burn the eye usually contain harsh chemicals and fragrances. Since Blue Lizard sunscreen is mineral-based and is sans fragrances, you need not worry about burning your eyes. Nevertheless, the company warns you about keeping its products out of your eyes. It also suggests you spray the cream on your palms and then rub it on your face.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen good for tattoos?

The answer is yes! The ultraviolet rays could break down the ink on your skin and cause your tattoo to fade. It is therefore essential for you to use a trustable sunscreen product to keep your tattoos sharp and clean.

Blue Lizard sunscreen is again the recommended brand to keep your tattoos intact. The product is water-resistant and does not contain any chemical absorbers. It is also not greasy, while still acting as a primer on your tattoos. The SPF values of 30+ and 50+ also shield your art efficiently.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen good for eczema and rosacea?

Yes, Blue Lizard sunscreen is an excellent fit for eczema and rosacea too. The National Eczema Association recommends using a mineral or mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen for adequate protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Further, Blue Lizard sunscreen does not contain chemical absorbers or fragrances that could flare up eczema and rosacea.

You can pick the variants with zinc oxide as it is highly non-comedogenic and has astringent properties. The element will not only protect your skin from sun damage but also help in the quick healing of the wounds. Meanwhile, you can stay put with the mineral variants and avoid the mineral-based ones as the octisalate and octinoxate chemicals in them may be harsh.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen reef-safe?

Blue Lizard sunscreens carry the “We Love the Reef” seal. The company claims that its products do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate – making them reef-friendly as per the Hawaiian legislation. While its sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone, the claim about the absence of octinoxate is not true. The company website itself notifies that its mineral-based sunscreens contain octinoxate, octisalate, or both. According to the Environment Working Group (EWG), octisalate is also not reef safe and may contribute to coral bleaching.

Since Blue Lizard is from Australia – which is home to the Great Barrier Reef – its claims about being reef safe are held high across the world. If you want to be kind to your environment, you can be extra cautious and avoid the mineral-based versions of Blue Lizard.

Is Blue Lizard sunscreen cruelty-free?

Yes. The products of Blue Lizard sunscreens are not tested on animals. Also, they are completely vegan – which means the products do not contain animal ingredients or animal-derived byproducts.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen test on animals?

Blue Lizard’s final products are not tested on animals. In addition, the company also follows a process to ensure that its suppliers do not test the raw materials on animals.

How long does Blue Lizard sunscreen last?

Blue Lizard sunscreen typically lasts for two hours on your skin. In fact, any sunscreen with SPF is effective only for two hours after application.

The company recommends reapplication of the sunscreen every two hours if your skin is dry, or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Does Blue Lizard sunscreen expire?

As per the company website, sunscreens lose their efficacy two to three years after the manufacturing date. So, if your sunscreen has crossed this time limit, it would have lost its original quality. The company also advises you to store the product in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.

https://news.delgoor.com/blue-lizard-sunscreen/

4 Sunscreen Ingredients You Should Absolutely Avoid (and What to Use Instead)

www.byrdie.com

Allie Flinn

Wearing SPF is one of the most important things you can do every day—not only does it help to slow down the signs of aging by protecting against harmful UV rays, but it also helps prevent skin cancer.1 In fact, I think it’s pretty much a canon at this point that wearing sunscreen—summer or winter, rain or shine—is the best skincare tip out there. You think Cate Blanchette maintains her flawless complexion just by drinking hot water with lemon every morning? No. Guarantee she’s diligent about sunblock. 

That said, not all sunscreens are created equal, and there are some pretty scary ingredients lurking in your tube of SPF. We did some digging to find the ingredients you should watch out for in your sunscreen, and the safer alternatives you should try instead.

Oxybenzone

This ingredient was banned in Hawaii because it has been shown to cause harm to coral reefs. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for something to be smeared all over your body. Aside from that, it’s a form of synthetic estrogen, according to the Environmental Working Group, and can cause a disruption in your hormones. The EWG actually considers oxybenzone to be the most troubling sunscreen ingredient. 

Octinoxate

Like the aforementioned oxybenzone, octinoxate is also banned in Hawaii for coral reef reasons. It’s been shown to cause skin allergies, and in animal studies, it had effects on the reproductive system and thyroid.2

Avobenzone

While this ingredient hasn’t been found to cause hormone disruption like the others, according to the EWG, it causes high rates of irritation. And it’s not sun-stable, which means it has to be mixed with stabilizers, like Octisalate (which the EWG ranks as having moderate toxicity concerns) in order to be used in sunblock. 

Retinyl Palmitate

This is a form of vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant. We’re normally fans of these things in our routine—eating vitamin A-rich foods has been shown to be beneficial for our skin. But when retinyl palmitate meets your skin meets the sun, that’s when the problems begin. Animal studies have shown that, when exposed to the sun, it is potentially cancerous and forms free radicals, which is quite literally the opposite reason you want antioxidants.3

So What Should You Use?

The EWG rates mineral sunscreens higher than chemical sunscreens, because they claim there is little evidence that these go through the skin barrier and are absorbed by your body in the way that chemical sunscreens are. They recommend sunscreens made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Below, our mineral sunscreen picks.

Balm SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Cream- 2.9 oz

Badger Sport Sunscreen Cream SPF 35 $18.00

Shop

A mineral sport sunscreen that won’t sweat into your eyes. 

Umbra Tinte(TM) Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 2 oz/ 60 mL

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 $36.00

Shop

A tinted sunscreen formulated with 20% zinc oxide, plus good-for-skin botanicals like grape juice extract. 

Key Ingredients

Astaxanthin is a red-colored pigment that belongs to the class of chemicals called carotenoids. It is an antioxidant, and can be applied directly to the skin to prevent sunburns, reduce wrinkles, and prevent other types of skin damage.4

Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector Broad Spectrum MineralSunscreen SPF 30 with Echinacea GreenEnvy(TM) 1.7 oz/ 50 mL

Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector Broad Spectrum MineralSunscreen SPF 30 With Echinacea GreenEnvy $36.00

Shop

A blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the active sunscreen ingredients in this lightweight product. 

Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+, 6 Ounce

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF50+ $16.00

Shop

Technically for babies, but technically we also don’t care because it’s a solid mineral sunscreen option (and it’s gentle!).

https://www.byrdie.com/sunscreen-ingredients-to-avoid

7 New Recalls at Costco, Trader Joe’s, and More Supermarkets to Know About

Costco Food

These items may be lurking in your kitchen, so check your pantry ASAP.

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By Amanda McDonald December 20, 2021 FACT CHECKED BY Joseph Neese

Because there are thousands of products on display at grocery stores and dozens more lining your kitchen pantry, it can be hard to keep track of every item on your shopping list. When groceries are the subject of a recall, supermarkets and other retailers act quickly to remove them from shelves. However, it’s still crucial for shoppers to be in the know in case any affected products are already inside their homes.

Luckily, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government groups post the latest food recalls that grocery shoppers should know about. To help you easily identify the products involved in these recalls, the information shared with consumers includes items like “Best By” dates and UPC codes.

Here are seven new recalls that include products sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s, and other top supermarkets. To keep your family safe, take a moment to pause and check your pantry today. 

Related: Grocery Recalls Are Hitting an All-Time High—Here’s Why 1

Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread at Costco

Nature's Own

Courtesy of Costco

Costco sells this bread in packages of two loaves, but certain bundles are being recalled due to the potential presence of undeclared milk. “Flowers Foods and the FDA have issued a recall on a specific code of their Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread,” a notice sent to Costco members who purchased the item says. “If you have a milk allergy, do not eat any remaining bread . . . please return it to Costco for a full refund.”

The affected products were sold in warehouses in Arizona and Colorado. The bags have a “Best If Used By” date of 12-26-2021 and a UPC code of 0-72250-00539-5. No related illnesses or incidents related to the recalled items have been reported, according to the FDA. 2

Alaura Two-Tone Jar Candles Sold at Costco

Costco candle recall

Courtesy of the CPSC

Almost 140,000 of the Alaura Two-Tone Jar Candles sold at Costco stores are being recalled because they pose “laceration and fire hazards.” Specifically, they could “shatter, crack, or break apart while burning,” according to a recall notice posted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall was initiated after 138 reports of the candles shattering, cracking, or breaking apart were submitted—three of which resulted in lacerations. The impacted candles were sold at Costco warehouses nationwide between August and September 2021 for around $17.

Related: To get all of the latest grocery store news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter! 3

Herbal Essences, Pantene, and More Dry Shampoos

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More than 30 types of dry shampoo spray are being recalled by Proctor & Gamble after the presence of benzene was detected in some products. The recall includes items under the brand names Aussie, Hair Food, Herbal Essences, Old Spice, Pantene, and Waterless. Here’s exactly what the notice posted by the FDA says about the risks associated with using products that contain benzene:https://a1e698b4fcb08b4be32fa6086116cba9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening. Based on exposure modeling and the cancer risk assessments published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (IRIS database), daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.

Proctor & Gamble said it reviewed its entire portfolio of aerosol products “following recent reports that indicated traces of benzene in some aerosol spray products.”

“While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our products, our review showed that benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can. We detected unexpected levels of benzene in aerosol dry shampoo sprays and aerosol dry conditioner sprays,” a Proctor & Gamble spokesperson told Eat This, Not That!. “The majority of our portfolio—mousses, hairsprays, liquid shampoos, liquid conditioners, styling products and treatments—including other Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Hair Food, and Waterless products are not included in the scope of this recall and may continue to be used as intended.”

The company says it hasn’t received any reports of “adverse events” related to this recall. The dry shampoo spray products were sold nationwide at retailers and online. 4

Morton Salt

salt

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Almost 17,000 26-ounce canisters of Morton Salt are being recalled because of mislabeling. Instead of iodized salt, the packages contain salt that isn’t fortified with iodine. The items in question have a “Best By” date of 9/8/2026 and were distributed to retailers in Colorado and California.

The FDA classifies this event as a Class III recall, meaning “use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”

Related: Follow These Two Steps to Sanitize Your Kitchen, Expert Says 5

Minute Maid Beverages

Courtesy of Target

Minute Maid Fruit Punch

Eat This, Not That! reported on Dec. 15 that more than 7,000 cases of “America’s Favorite Juice” were being recalled due to the possibility they may contain pieces of metal.

The original recall notice cited 59-ounce jugs of Minute Maid Berry Punch, Fruit Punch, and Strawberry Lemonade products. An update later listed a similar risk posed by containers of Minute Maid Watermelon juice sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.https://a1e698b4fcb08b4be32fa6086116cba9.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

“The firm was notified via a consumer complaint that the product contained a long piece of metal,” the notice said. 6

Kool-Aid Products

Costco Kool-Aid

Courtesy of Costco

Another large beverage recall was also updated to include additional items. The ongoing Kool-Aid recall is classified as a Class II event by the FDA due to the potential presence of glass and metal in the affected products. That means this is a “situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Impacted items were removed from Costco warehouses back in mid-November, with other stores like Walmart and select Sam’s Clubs following suit as the recall was expanded.

The Kraft Heinz Foods Company says to throw any of the items involved in this recall out immediately if they’re in your pantry. 7

Trader Ming’s Chicken & Vegetable Wonton Soup

Shutterstock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently issued public health alerts for two grocery items, one of which includes a product carried at Trader Joe’s.

Containers of Trader Ming’s Chicken & Vegetable Wonton Soup sold in Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. may contain undeclared shrimp and pork. No reports of adverse reactions have been confirmed at this time.

Unfortunately, these aren’t the only recalls to know about right now. Before you go, read about These 4 Recalled Grocery Items That May Also Be Lurking in Your Kitchen.

For more on what’s happening at your neighborhood supermarket, check out:

Amanda McDonald Amanda is a staff writer for Eat This, Not That!. Read more Filed UnderCostco // food safety // Groceries // Grocery Shopping // Grocery Stores // News // Trader Joes Sponsored Stories

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Š 2020 Galvanized Media. All Rights Reserved. EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group

https://www.eatthis.com/news-food-recalls-costco-trader-joes-december-2021/

2022 Cruelty Free Brands List + Brands That Test On Animals

Vegan labels do not necessarily mean cruelty free. Cruelty free and not tested on animals labels do not necessarily mean vegan. To complicate things more some cruelty free brands are owned by a parent company that is not cruelty free and does test toxic, painful products on animals.

Continue reading here.

https://healabel.com/top-cruelty-free-vegan-brands-list

This Is the Cleanest, Greenest Makeup I Have Found

Elate Cosmetics has an ethical supply chain, minimal packaging, and great products.

Published January 25, 2021 01:41PM EST

Elate Cosmetics is a company whose name has been mentioned numerous times on Treehugger, but it hasn’t had the in-depth overview it deserves. Elate is, hands down, my favorite cosmetics company, and has been for years. The fact that it’s Canadian (like me) may have something to do with it, but mostly it’s because Elate takes its commitment to plastic reduction and natural, fair-trade ingredients more seriously than any other cosmetics company I know. It never gets complacent and is always striving to make itself better.

I reached out to founder and CEO Melodie Reynolds to learn more about what makes Elate Cosmetics unique and worthy of Treehugger readers’ attention. Reynolds, who once worked in the corporate beauty world, explained that she left her former career because she was “tired of being told it was impossible to have exceptional production practices, sustainable packaging, and ethical marketing.” Now at the helm of Elate, she is proving it’s all possible.

“I had always viewed myself as a good environmental citizen, but back in 2010 I had an experience where I bought a lipstick product on a whim and, when I got home and unwrapped it, I realized that I had created a small pile of garbage from one product that in the end I didn’t really want anyway. This realization led me to know I could make a difference, and Elate was born.”

Elate Cosmetics

That battle against superfluous packaging is at the heart of Elate’s work. It sells palettes made from bamboo (the supplier uses a water-based treatment process so it will eventually biodegrade without contaminating soil) and aluminum-encased magnetic refills of eye colors, pressed foundations, powders, and brow balms that fit into the palettes. The refills come in thin envelopes made of plantable non-invasive seed paper.

Eyeliner and lip color pencils are made of wood harvested from sustainably managed forests with corn-based bioplastic lids. Lip balm comes in glass jars with bamboo lids, and mascara and lip gloss in a bamboo tube with plastic lining that can be separated and recycled after washing.

The company’s packaging is currently 75% waste-free, with a goal to become entirely waste- and plastic-free in the long-term. It has a line called Perfectly Imperfect that sells palettes and and compacts with minor flaws at a discount. These “may include some discoloration of bamboo, dents, scratches, and missing mirrors, varying from piece to piece,” but they still work well. Obviously it’s better for them to be used than discarded, but many companies are afraid to sell anything that doesn’t meet perfect aesthetic standards.

As Reynolds told Treehugger, “We are constantly improving our packaging according to our evolving sustainability mandate as we continue to educate ourselves on what the best choices are for our business and the planet.” 

Ingredients are vegan, gluten-free, and 75% organic. Elate states on its website that, when forced to choose between fair-trade or organic certifications, it will always go with fair-trade. Reynolds elaborated on this, explaining that each new addition to the ethical supply chain has to fill out a detailed survey and, when possible, is visited in person.

“When I sent through the survey, which asked questions about things like worker PPE, their wages, and rights, I realized that, even though the ingredient was certified organic, the people that were harvesting the ingredient were being treated poorly. This made me realize that just because an ingredient is organic doesn’t make it better. We are always looking to put people and the planet first. And sometimes it means choosing people over an organic certification.”

Refreshing, too, is Elate’s emphasis on building a capsule beauty kit. Following the model of the capsule wardrobe, which reduces one’s clothing to a minimum while focusing on versatility and quality, it’s possible to do the same with makeup. “Creating a sustainable beauty bag can reduce impulse purchasing that may lead to more waste and buyer’s remorse.” It also makes the application process more enjoyable, when you love everything in your makeup bag and don’t have to sort through all kinds of unwanted products to find what you need.

Elate Cosmetics

Demand for sustainable, ethical cosmetics is higher than ever. “Today’s consumer is conscious about the choices that they make,” Reynolds said, “and recognizes that the products that we use every day are … where we have the most opportunity to improve.”

It’s even easier when a brand like Elate Cosmetics shares that consciousness and makes beautiful products that tick all the boxes for ethical production. I’m excited to see where this company goes in years to come.

https://www.treehugger.com/cleanest-greenest-makeup-5097079?utm_campaign=treehugger&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=22756355&utm_term=

P&G Ends Animal Testing On Its 19 Cosmetic Brands

Procter & Gamble, one of the world’s top cosmetics brands, wants to end global cosmetic animal testing by 2023.

The global consumer goods giant announced today that it joined the #BeCrueltyFree campaign launched by animal rights nonprofit, Humane Society International (HSI). Procter & Gamble owns a total of 19 cosmetics companies, including Olay, Old Spice, Gillette, Ivory, Head & Shoulders, and Pantene.

“We are pleased to partner with the Humane Society International in the quest to end cosmetic animal testing. I’m proud of the passion and expertise our researchers have contributed already to this goal,” Kathy fish, chief research, development, and innovation officer and Procter & Gamble said in a statement.

Procter & Gamble does not test products or ingredients on animals unless required by law, according to the website. The company has worked with HSI, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and the Humane Society Legislative Fund to develop animal-free testing methods. Over the past 40 years, Procter & Gamble has invested more than $410 million in alternative testing. It currently uses over 50 methods, half of which the company had a hand in developing.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to end animal testing for cosmetics worldwide through our #BeCrueltyFree campaign. By working together with forward-looking companies like Procter & Gamble, we can make this ambitious goal a reality,” said Kitty Block president of HSI and HSUS.

The new collaboration will focus on mainstreaming cruelty-free testing methods and laying pressure on companies and world governments to update their policies.

“Animal testing of cosmetics not only causes unnecessary animal suffering, but it also represents outdated science,” said Troy Seidle, HSI’s vice president for research and toxicology. He stressed how working with a household name like Procter & Gamble is important to mobilizing global cosmetic animal testing bans in major markets such as the US and Canada.

A growing number of nations have implemented cosmetic animal testing over the past year. Australia announced a ban earlier this month and Colombia banned testing for cosmetics and cleaning products last September. In the US, California legislators voted unanimously to ban cosmetic animal testing this past fall.

Both Canada and the EU are working towards bans. Last November, the EU invested €500 million toward developing cruelty-free alternatives. Major brands such as Dove and CoverGirl have also recently ended their animal testing policies.

Procter & Gamble, which owns 19 cosmetics brands, is working towards a global ban on cosmetic animal testing and cruelty-free animal testing alternatives.

Author Kat Smith

livekindly.com

http://Brands

Aborted Fetal Cells in Your Coffee Creamer and Wrinkle Cream?

Absolute Truth from the Word of God

Yesterday I read that the scalps of aborted babies are being sold to companies to help find out what causes male pattern baldness. Needless to say, this made me physically sick.  I think that selling the bodies and parts of aborted babies has to be the most wicked and evil thing humans can do.

Do these people have no consciences?

I originally wrote this article in 2016.  I will update information as I am able.

I have been tracking companies for years who have been using the cells of aborted babies in their products. I know this is horrifying and sounds more like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, but I’m sorry to have to tell you that it’s true.

I have been able to get an updated list as of June 2016. Some of the companies have ceased this monstrous practice (I have listed those); although I’m sure it…

View original post 660 more words

How to remove gel nail polish at home without ruining your nails

businessinsider.com
Lilah Nicolaidis
remove gel nail polish Shutterstock A gel manicure is a popular, time-saving procedure that gives you long-lasting, freshly lacquered nails for about two weeks.
But removing gel polish is not as simple as removing regular polish.
It can be damaging to your nails if you don’t take it off properly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove gel nail polish safely and the things you need to do it at home.

Many people love gel manicures. Gel polish’s glossy finish is practically indestructible and that just-left-the-salon look can last for two weeks or more. But eventually, you will notice a tiny chip, and then another and another until you’ve got to remove the polish.

As anyone who’s ever had a gel manicure can confirm, that’s easier said than done. Gel polish is not like regular nail polish. Its ingredients are stronger than your traditional lacquer, which is part of why it’s so resistant to the normal wear-and-tear that destroys your average manicure in a matter of days. Gel polish is also cured under a UV or LED lamp, whereas regular polish sets under less extreme conditions.

Another reality of the gel manicure is that it can weaken your nails. Removing gel polish is not like removing regular polish, either. It takes a few steps whether you choose to go back to the salon or do it at home, and the process can be especially damaging to your nail bed if you try to peel or pick it off yourself. With that in mind (and because we’re trying to save you a few bucks), we’re going to explain how to remove a gel manicure at home.

Here’s what you need to remove a gel manicure:

Nail file: ClassyLady Professional Glass Nail File

Cuticle cream: Deborah Lippman Nail Cuticle Repair Cream

Cotton balls: Jumbo Cotton Balls

Acetone nail polish remover: OPI Nail Polish Remover

Aluminum foil: Standard Aluminum Foil

Wooden nail sticks: Adecco Nail Art Orange Wood Sticks

There are also removal kits available, like this Red Carpet Manicure version and these nail polish remover soak off foils, but these options can be pricier than having your gel polish removed at the salon.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, carve out about 30 minutes for the whole process, since you’ll need to soak and file your nails. Find a well-ventilated place, either near an open window or a fan so you don’t breath in too much acetone. Finally, settle in with your favorite podcast and get started.

How to remove gel nail polish at home

File your nails: The point of this step is to gently penetrate the surface of the gel polish so the acetone can soak in more easily. You don’t need to do more than gently sand the surface to remove the shine. We recommend the ClassyLady Professional Glass Nail File.
Protect your skin and cuticles: Acetone is extremely drying, so take the extra time to coat the area around your nails with a thick cream or oil to protect your skin. You don’t need to go overboard, just a drop will do. We like the Deborah Lippman Nail Cuticle Repair Cream.
Soak the cotton balls: Fill a small bowl with OPI’s Nail Polish Remover and soak 10 cotton balls in it.
Wrap your nails in aluminum foil: Tear 10 3-inch squares of aluminum foil, one for each finger. Then take a soaked cotton ball and wrap your fingertips. This can be tricky, so we suggest wrapping your non-dominant hand first to make it easier. Now, sit back and relax for about 15 minutes.
Check your progress: Peek inside one of the foil wrappers. If the gel looks loosened and falling off the nail you’re ready to move on to the next step. If not, wrap the foil back up and wait another 5 to 10 minutes.
Removal: Remove the foil and apply slight pressure to the nail. The gel should slide off easily with the cotton ball, and any residue can be removed with a wooden nail stick. We recommend Adecco’s Nail Art Orange Wood Sticks.
Hydrate your nails: Don’t skip this important step! Your nails will be dry after the gel polish comes off, so wash them, and then either soak them for a few minutes in a hydrating oil or reapply the cuticle cream over your nail beds. The only reason not to do this is if you’re polishing again immediately, but experts suggest giving your nails some time to recover between manicures.

Buy the ClassyLady Professional Glass Nail File on Amazon for $9.96

Buy the Deborah Lippman Nail Cuticle Repair Cream at Sephora for $24

Buy Jumbo Cotton Balls at target for $1.89

Buy OPI Nail Polish Remover on Amazon for $5.65

Buy Standard Aluminum Foil at Target for $2.59

Buy Adecco Nail Art Orange Wood Sticks on Amazon for $5.99

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Find all the best offers at our Coupons page.

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-remove-gel-nail-polish-at-home?utm_content=buffer08698&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer-insider-twitter

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

Nevada Passes Bill Banning Animal Testing For Cosmetics

plantbasednews.org
By Liam Gilliver

‘Exciting progress’ (Photo: Adobe. Do not use without permission)

Nevada has become the latest state in the US to ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics but will exempt products imported from China, which by law have to be tested on animals.

The Nevada Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB 197), which was first introduced to state legislators in February, will take effect from January 1, 2020.
‘No longer necessary or acceptable’

Senator Melanie Scheibel, who authored the bill, told Cruelty-Free International: “For more than 50 years animals have been used in painful tests for cosmetics. But science and public opinion have evolved and today it is no longer necessary or acceptable to harm animals for new cosmetics.

“The time has come to make cruel cosmetics a thing of the past and I am proud that Nevada is leading the way.”
Not a ‘total victory for animals’

Animal-rights organization PETA said: “While the new law is certainly exciting progress, we’re not quite ready to call this one a total victory for animals,” while pointing out the exemption of countries such as China.

Nevada follows in the footsteps of California, who passed a similar law against animal-testing earlier this years, that will also come into effect from January 2020.

Click here to check which companies ‘never’ test their products on animals

Sign up for our newsletter to get the best of Plant Based News delivered to your inbox weekly.

PBN Academy launches with a selection of simple courses on health and wellness, how to rise a child vegan, reversing type-2 diabetes with diet and more.

https://www.plantbasednews.org/post/nevada-animal-tested-cosmetics-china?utm_source=sumome&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=sumome_shares

China Approves New Non-Animal Cosmetics Tests After PETA Push

https://features.peta.org/cruelty-free-company-search/index.aspxpeta.org
Published April 3, 2019 by . Last Updated April 4, 2019.

After years of pushing from PETA, the Chinese government has approved two more non-animal methods for testing cosmetics products in China.

The two newly approved tests, the direct peptide reaction assay for skin sensitization and the short time exposure assay for eye irritation, will spare countless animals the agony of having substances dripped into their eyes and rubbed onto their skin.

Š iStock.com/Viorel Sims

This major progress is thanks to the groundbreaking work of the expert scientists and regulatory specialists at the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS), with whom PETA provided initial funding to train Chinese scientists and educate officials in modern non-animal methods.
No animal should be poisoned or blinded for a consumer product—or any other reason.

In 2012, PETA exposed the fact that some formerly cruelty-free companies had quietly started paying the Chinese government to test their products on animals in order to sell them in that country. At the time, animal tests were required for any cosmetics sold in China. PETA immediately contacted the leading experts in the field of non-animal test methods at IIVS and provided them with the initial grant to launch their work in China.

IIVS scientists successfully worked with Chinese officials to approve the first non-animal test method, the 3T3 neutral red uptake phototoxicity assay, which is used to test cosmetics for their potential toxicity when they come into contact with sunlight.

Institute for In Vitro Sciences, China

In 2014, the Chinese government announced that it would accept the results from non-animal test methods but only for non–special use cosmetics manufactured in China. Tests on animals are still required for all imported cosmetics and all special-use cosmetics, regardless of where they were manufactured.
Support Companies that Never Test on Animals

By purchasing only cruelty-free products, you can spare sensitive rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, and other animals from excruciating tests, a lifetime of suffering, and death. Need help finding out which products are cruelty-free? We’ve got you covered: PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies database currently lists more than 3,800 compassionate companies that don’t test on animals anywhere in the world.

http://features.peta.org/cruelty-free-company-search/index.aspx

Toxins Aren’t Pretty: Demand Safe Cosmetics | Take Action @ The Breast Cancer Site

thebreastcancersite.greatergood.com
Toxins Aren’t Pretty: Demand Safe Cosmetics | Take Action @ The Breast Cancer Site
2 minutes

I am writing to applaud your championing of the Safe Cosmetics Act, a long-overdue piece of legislation critical to protecting all of us from the dangerous and insidious chemicals we are exposed to every day.

The Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938 is woefully out-of-date; loopholes in U.S. federal law allow manufacturers to use unlimited amounts of chemicals in their products without requiring testing, monitoring of health effects, or adequate labeling. This is unacceptable, and I am grateful that you recognize the urgent need to regulate an industry with such a far-ranging impact.

The Safe Cosmetics Act (H.R. 2359) you have co-sponsored with your colleagues Rep. Ed Markey and Rep. Tammy Baldwin will give the FDA authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients by phasing out ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects, and developmental harm. It will also create a health-based safety standard system that will protect both consumers and workers in the cosmetic industry, while providing the funding to the FDA it needs to provide effective oversight of a $50 billion industry that is currently self-regulated. Furthermore, not only is this legislation good for consumers and industry workers, it will level the playing field for businesses that are striving to make the safest products.

I commend you for displaying the leadership to sponsor the Safe Cosmetics Act and strongly encourage you to continue efforts to pass this important legislation.

https://thebreastcancersite.greatergood.com/clicktogive/bcs/petition/SafeCosmetics?utm_source=bcs-ta-health&utm_medium=email&utm_term=02242019&utm_content=takeaction-f&utm_campaign=SafeCosmetics&oidp=0x4a568a63ec7cab2cc0a82937

Breaking! Procter & Gamble Partners With HSI To End Animal Testing For Cosmetics In All Global Beauty Markets By 2023 – World Animal News

By WAN –
February 21, 2019

Today, Procter & Gamble joins the Humane Society International #BeCrueltyFree Campaign, to ban animal testing for cosmetics in all major global beauty markets by 2023.
“We are pleased to partner with the Humane Society International in the quest to end cosmetic animal testing. I’m proud of the passion and expertise our researchers have contributed already to this goal,” Kathy Fish, Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer of Procter & Gamble said in a statement. “I know they will continue to be a force for good, providing leadership and advocacy to help achieve our shared vision.”
The company also noted that it has “invested more than $420 million over forty years in developing non-animal testing methods.”
The #BeCrueltyFree campaign was launched in 2012 with the aim of extending the European Union’s legal precedent – banning cosmetic animal testing and the sale of newly animal tested cosmetics – to countries where this practice is still allowed or even mandated by law.
P&G’s support for #BeCrueltyFree will include joint education and capacity-building programs for non-animal alternatives, continued development of new animal-free approaches to safety assessment, and advocating for the legislative end of cosmetic animal testing in key global beauty markets.
For over two decades, P&G, HSI, HSUS, and the Humane Society Legislative Fund have collaborated on the development and regulatory uptake of animal-free testing methods. The organizations expect that by bringing their complementary strengths together, they will reach the end goal more quickly. A key focus will be gaining acceptance of new methods by regulators and enrolling many companies and governments globally to adopt cruelty-free public policies and practices.
Dr. Harald Schlatter, P&G Corporate Communications and Animal Welfare Advocacy added: “We’ve invested more than $420 million over forty years in developing non-animal testing methods. Our researchers have led or co-designed at least twenty-five cruelty-free methods that have replaced animal testing of cosmetic products. HSI and the HSUS have been powerful partners in advancing these methods globally.“
“Animal testing of cosmetics not only causes unnecessary animal suffering, but it also represents outdated science. For more than 20 years, we have collaborated with Procter & Gamble to advance the development and regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing approaches, but in order to finally move proposed cosmetics animal testing bans into law in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and other influential markets, we need the active support of major industry leaders such as P&G.,” stated Troy Seidle, HSI Vice President for Research & Toxicology. “With the power of P&G’s household brands, I’m confident we can achieve a legislative end to cosmetic animal testing globally within five years.”
P&G’s brands include: Always, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, Tide, Vicks, and more.
Each move to ban animal testing for cosmetics is an important step forward to ending the cruel and unnecessary practice, everywhere!
In 2018, Social Compassion In Legislation and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine co-sponsored Senate Bill 1249, the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, with the support of Peace 4 Animals and World Animal News.
The historic legislation signed into law last October will make it unlawful for cosmetic manufacturers to sell any cosmetic in California if the final product or any component of the product was tested on animals after January 1, 2020, with some exceptions for regulatory requirements.

https://worldanimalnews.com/breaking-procter-gamble-turns-cruelty-free-for-cosmetics-partners-with-hsi-to-end-animal-testing-for-vanity/

Contact us: contact@worldanimalnews.com

Š Copyright 2018 – WorldAnimalNews.com

Coty’s COVERGIRL becomes largest Leaping Bunny certified makeup brand ever | Cruelty Free International

4th November 2018
Coty’s COVERGIRL becomes largest Leaping Bunny certified makeup brand ever

Coty to support a global end to animal testing for cosmetics

Today we are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Coty, one of the world’s leading beauty companies, that aims to end animal testing for cosmetics globally.

As a first step in the partnership, Coty has been awarded the Leaping Bunny certification for beauty range COVERGIRL.

COVERGIRL becomes the largest makeup brand to achieve the Leaping Bunny certification. The Leaping Bunny logo will feature on all COVERGIRL products, the best visible and independent assurance for consumers of a company’s commitment to no animal testing.

Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Coty to end cruel and unnecessary animal testing for cosmetics worldwide and have been impressed with the company’s passionate commitment. The Leaping Bunny certification of COVERGIRL marks a new milestone in this area as the largest makeup brand to be certified cruelty free after having met our rigorous criteria. It demonstrates how it’s possible to be an accessible and innovative brand without inflicting suffering on animals. We hope today’s announcement encourages more cosmetics companies to do the right thing.”

Ukonwa Ojo, Chief Marketing Officer, Coty Consumer Beauty, said: “Consumers expect brands to be leaders for positive change so today COVERGIRL is taking a stand about making cruelty free cosmetics a mainstream reality. We know we are not alone in wanting a beauty industry that is free from animal cruelty and, working with Cruelty Free International, invite others to join us in turning these conversations into action.”

Coty has already committed to at least one more of its brands being certified with the Leaping Bunny by 2020. Watch this space to find out which brand will be next!

https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/what-we-do/breaking-news/coty%E2%80%99s-covergirl-becomes-largest-leaping-bunny-certified-makeup-brand-ever

Š Cruelty Free International

Chemicals in Personal Care Products may Soon Start to be Regulated – Chemical Free Life


https://chemical-free-life.org/2017/05/15/chemicals-in-personal-care-products-may-soon-start-to-be-regulated/

Everything you need to know about eco-friendly toothbrushes | Grist

The moment of tooth
Everything you need to know about eco-friendly toothbrushes
By Ask UmbraÂŽ on Oct 31, 2016 5:43 am

Q. Dear Umbra,

Do any 100-percent compostable or recyclable toothbrushes exist outside of boar bristle brushes? I’m trying to eliminate all landfill waste from my bath and cosmetic products, but sticking a pig-tasting brush in my mouth is less than appealing.

Elizabeth L.
St. Paul, Minnesota

A. Dearest Elizabeth,

If I were to write a book about going zero-waste in the bathroom — and from soap to TP to lip balm, there’s certainly enough fodder for one — I’d have to devote an entire chapter to dental hygiene alone. We’d need to cover floss, of course, plus toothpaste, tongue scrapers, and the greenest way to keep one’s grill sparkling-clean. So I’m a bit relieved that you’re asking only about toothbrushes. Those, at least, we can handle in one column.

The gurus over at the American Dental Association recommend that we swap out toothbrushes every three to four months — so each one of us diligent brushers might be tearing through 320 or more of these bristly plastic sticks in our lifetimes. Picture everyone in St. Paul tossing that many brushes into the landfill, and those slim dental tools start to add up, don’t they? So it’s smart to do what we can do reduce such throwaways.

Luckily, Elizabeth, I don’t believe that requires resigning yourself to porcine mouth twice a day. True, boar bristle brushes are indeed an option, and they will biodegrade (unlike the nylon that makes up your standard bristles). I have never used one, but my research has uncovered both positive and negative reviews: It seems some people complain of a “funky” odor, but note that it fades fairly quickly. Perhaps more concerning is the fact that boar bristles are often stiffer than the average toothbrush’s, which can be rough on your enamel. Boar bristles are also usually sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry in China or India, which, depending on your views on animal products, might make this a no-go for you. And then there’s just the plain old gross factor, which sounds like it applies here (hey, I get it).

There is one more type of 100-percent compostable dental tool out there: the chew stick or neem stick. These are literally sticks from the neem tree that you nibble into a bristly tip, carefully use to brush your chompers, then trim before your next brushing session. They sound rather primitive, I know (and indeed, have been used for centuries), but I found one study reporting they’re on par with regular toothbrushes when it comes to removing plaque and other measures of dental health. I haven’t used one of these either, so I can’t endorse ‘em myself. But if you’re truly devoted to your zero-waste goals, they might be something to try. (Talk to your dentist first though, won’t you?)

And if these two totally compostable options are just too odd? That’s OK. We can still reduce our toothbrush-related waste without going that far. And while every little bit counts, I also believe in not sweating the small stuff — and the bristles on your toothbrush most definitely qualify as small stuff. So let’s brush up on a few not-entirely-biodegradable-but-still-eco-friendlier tools.

You can find several toothbrushes with biodegradable handles out there, even if not bristles: A few companies fashion theirs out of bamboo, that quick-growing, light-on-the-land woody grass we environmentalists also like for our sheets, flooring, and bike frames. This bamboo brand has further reduced its plastic content by making its bristles from 62 percent castor bean oil. This company makes its brushes from compostable bioplastic using “leftover plant material from American farms.” Some of these brushes have “binchotan charcoal” bristles, but know that these scrubbers are typically charcoal-infused nylon, which means the bristles are still not biodegradable. When it’s time for a new brush, these companies often suggest ripping out the nylon bristles with pliers before composting the handles — which actually sounds like a nice stress reliever to me.

Then there are the toothbrushes that are recycled and/or recyclable. These guys produce handles from recycled #5 plastic that can be recycled again in some curbside programs (but check with your local recyclers, as not everyone will accept them). This toothbrush is made from recycled yogurt containers, and you can give it new life when you’re done through the Gimme 5 drop-off/mail-in program. Similarly, TerraCycle accepts brushes from Colgate. As we’ve recently discussed, buying recycled stuff when we need to acquire new items helps to support the recycling market, so it’s a smart move.

One more option for you and your pearly whites, Elizabeth: toothbrushes with replaceable heads, which let you keep your handle basically ad infinitum. This one looks like your typical brush, while this one (made of recycled wood and paper) has a certain funky charm, and this recycled aluminum one is pure modernist chic. Bet you haven’t thought about your toothbrush as a style statement before, eh?

Best of luck on your zero-waste journey. It can be a twisty road with many challenges, but I bet you’ll find it worthwhile. In the meantime, I wish you fresh breath and zero cavities.

Oral-healthfully,
Umbra

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Good News! Switzerland Announces It Will End the Sale of Cosmetics Tested on Animals | PETA UK~PETITION

No bunny should suffer for beauty.

Source: Good News! Switzerland Announces It Will End the Sale of Cosmetics Tested on Animals | PETA UK

WATCH: How To Have a Cruelty-Free Face in 30 Seconds | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

It’s easy to leave animal suffering out of your beauty regimen. Just look for these products!

Source: WATCH: How To Have a Cruelty-Free Face in 30 Seconds | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

17 Cruelty-Free, Vegan Dry Shampoos to Save Water, Time, and Energy | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

Have you been waiting for a roundup of vegan dry shampoos? Look no further!

Source: 17 Cruelty-Free, Vegan Dry Shampoos to Save Water, Time, and Energy | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Shampoos and Conditioners | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

Check out this all inclusive list of the best cruelty-free drugstore shampoos and conditioners.

Source: Best Cruelty-Free Drugstore Shampoos and Conditioners | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

8 DIY Vegan Beauty Hacks | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

8 DIY Vegan Beauty Hacks | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA.

Target’s Top 12 Cruelty-Free Vegan Makeup Products | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

Target’s Top 12 Cruelty-Free Vegan Makeup Products | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA.

What Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands Can You Find at Sephora? | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA

What Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands Can You Find at Sephora? | Cruelty-Free Beauty & Cosmetics | Living | PETA.

Using apple cider vinegar as a hair treatment

The Dirty Secrets of Your Nail Salon