Here is another on-line resource I'd like to recommend: The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. If you have a skin-care, cosmetic type product in the house and you "think" it's supposed to be safe, search for it in the database and see how it fares. You might be pleasantly--or unpleasantly--surprised.
For example, recently I looked up a body lotion/moisturizers I've been using but have nearly run out of. I had bought it specifically because the way it is marketed, I thought it was a good product in terms of not putting harmful chemicals into it and onto my skin. This product is sold in the "organics", "naturals" type section of a local grocery store (and at some other local stores). But a search in the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database revealed it isn't such a safe or healthy product after all--rated of "moderate hazard"--and that there are many out there that would be a better choice. Further, the database revealed that the company who makes this product is not compliant with the "Compact for Safe Cosmetics" treaty that they signed! So to that company (which I will opt to remain unnamed): "I turn my back on you".
Click here for the database. (You can also access it from their home page. I've provided a link to that under the websites link in the sidebar at the right.)
In January, a friend of mine was part of organizing a film screening on campus for America, The Beautiful. There are several resources out there on this topic, and this film is also one that highlights some problems with significantly harmful chemicals being put into (some) cosmetics--and companies who are not transparent about this at all.
