TOP 10 CHEMICALS TO AVOID

By Cherie Corso

 Spring is just around the corner, its now a great time to go through your lotions and potions and read the labels. But what does it mean? The following is a list of 10 toxic chemicals contained in many cosmetic ingredients that you should avoid from this day forward. As I always say we can do it all, but if you read the list and can eliminate one or two ingredients from your beauty routine you will be better off. Just take a look it cant hurt, will help you. Everything in moderation "one drop at a time we can help ourselves and the environment".

Urea
Examples: diazolindyl urea, imidazolindyl urea
Common preservatives that release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, that is irritating to the mucous membranes and known to cause contact dermatitis, headaches and internal bleeding.

Parabens
Examples: butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben
Common preservatives that are linked to breast cancer.

Phthalates
Examples: di-butyl-phthalate, di-ethylhexyl-phthalate
Commonly used as a plasticizer in everything from skincare, cosmetics, nail polish, perfume to hair products and deodorants. Known to cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive system. Suspected of causing birth defects, lowering sperm counts and a breast cancer risk.

Mineral Oil
Examples: mineral oil, petroleum, liquid paraffin
A petroleum by-product that interferes with the skin’s natural functions, clogs the pores, exacerbates acne, and is highly likely to be contaminated with carcinogens that are linked to breast cancer.

Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Made from the same chemical that is used to create anti-freeze, this chemical easily penetrates the skin and is linked to damage of the liver, kidneys and brain.

Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate
Commonly used foaming agent that is considered a skin irritant and carcinogen, and is known to cause skin rashes and allergic reactions. SLS is absorbed into the body via skin application and mimics the activity of estrogen. This has a variety of health implications ranging from PMS, decreased fertility in men as well as an increase in cancers such as breast cancer in women. It is often disguised in “natural” products with the term “derived from coconut”. It is particularly irritating to the eyes. SLS is often contaminated with dioxane, a known carcinogen.

Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
These chemicals can react with other ingredients in the cosmetic product to form potent carcinogenic chemicals called nitrosamines, that are linked with liver, stomach, bladder and esophagus cancers.

Formaldehyde
Commonly found in nail products, this chemical is a known carcinogen, allergen and irritant. Commonly used synthetic preservatives, such as diazolindyl and imidazolindyl urea, break down to release formaldehyde.

Synthetic Fragrances
The simple term “fragrance” on an ingredient list can refer to a combination of any of the thousand separate ingredients used to make up the “fragrance”, many of which are phthalates (ie. toxic carcinogens and hormone disruptors). Fragrances are considered to be one of the top 5 known allergens and are known to cause asthma and trigger asthma attacks.

Synthetic Colors
Examples: FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Red 40
Labeled FD&C or D&C followed by a number, they are known to cause skin irritation and sensitivity. Many are also believed to be carcinogenic.comprehensive database of ingredients used within cosmetics and personal care products.

Drinks for Spring Break

Drinks for Spring Break!

            Spring break season has arrived! Put on your polka dot bikinis, oversized sunglasses and head down to the beach. G2 Organics has pulled some of our favorite Spring break drink recipes to share with you all.

Our first pick is the Watermelon Margarita. We love this drink because it is sweet, but is not too heavy on the calories thanks to the delicious watermelon!

            2 cups watermelon chunks, seeded

            4 oz. tequila

            1 oz. Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur

            1/4 cup fresh lime juice

            Ice cubes as needed

            Salt, to taste (optional)

            2 lime wedges (optional)

            2 lime slices

In a blender, combine the watermelon, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and ice cubes and puree until smooth.

                        Our second pick is the Frozen Strawberry

-Basil Mojito. For a quick fruit and herb fix, this drink is sure to make your taste-buds wild. The sweetness of the strawberry paired with the strong basil herb taste is a perfect balance for a nice afternoon treat.

            The yummy stuff:

            rum

            1 can frozen limeade

            2 cups frozen strawberries 

            2 limes

            fresh mint

            fresh basil

            ice

Mixing it all together:

toss the frozen limeade in the blender

fill the empty limeade can with rum and add in

throw in 2 cups frozen strawberries

in a separate cup...

squeeze the juice of 2 limes 

toss in fresh mint and basil and muddle it all together

add the mixture to the blender

top it all off with some ice and blend away!!!

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Nolcha Fashion Week

Nolcha Fashion Week         

  

            Last week, G2 Organics had the pleasure of attending Nolcha Fashion week. This event is dedicated to independent fashion designers and allows them to showcase their collections to an audience of press, retailers, stylists and industry influencers.

            One of their popular events, the Fashion Brunch hosted by RUSK, took place at Yotel on the Upper West side of Manhattan. Simply walking up to the hotel was an experience on its own. The exterior design features a modern honey-combed pattern appearance, and is illuminated by a purple glow.

            The event featured over fifteen different retailers, but it felt very intimate being that each vendor had their own room designated as their space. In the center of the venue, hair stylists were offering free blow-outs, styling and even make-up application. After some pampering, one can take a walk over to the Hydration by Nature vendor which features all natural, no sugar added, no preservatives coconut water. Out of their six featured flavors G2 Organics had our hearts set on the Pineapple and Mango Coconut Water.

            Other retailers who attended the event included Lilly Lorraine Inc., Restore NYC, Manufacture NY, Michelle Pajak-Reynolds and CAT Footwear.

            Lilly Lorraine Inc., based out of Austin, Texas, was started by Christi du Mesnil Craven who’s main philosophy for the brand is to give women a full-wardrobe that offers a collective versatility to a women's lifestyle. Our goal is to engage in the woman's emotion, femininity and confidence. Christi does just that by featuring exclusively designed textiles such as an exclusive bamboo textile, which is currently patent pending.

Lilly Lorraine Inc. bamboo textile dresses from her Fall 2013 collection, featured at Nolcha Fashion Week 2013.

            G2 Organics had the pleasure of talking with Amy Delson, owner and designer of Amy Delson Jewelry. We learned how she came about starting her jewelry line and her true inspirations. Amy Delson would come about unique pieces of jewelry in different antique shops and would create her own pieces. She recalls getting stopped in public many times by people asking about her jewelry and where they could buy it. After all the positive feedback from the public, Amy decided to pursue her own business. Amy mentioned the energy and inspiration that she gathers through nature, and shared with us that often times she will sit in Central Park and gather new ideas for her pieces by observing the surrounding nature. Amy also features custom design where one can bring in a meaningful piece of jewelry, such as an antique family ring, and Amy will create a modern piece from the antique piece. G2 Organics loved the detailing of the clasps on each of Amy’s pieces which are engraved with, “Made with Love in NYC.”

 

 Amy Delson, wearing one of her original designs featuring a vintage brooch on a modern-styled necklace.

Here are some more picture from the fabulous event!

Rosalie Cooper, owner and founder of Esarsi shoes, along with her daughter Stacey Cooper were at the event with their unique designs. 

A glimpse of Amy Delson's jewelry table.

Michelle Pajak-Reynolds' elaborate jewelry designs were also present at the event. They are truly works of art.