I’ve been accessing info provided by the nonprofit, Environmental Working Group (EWG) since its inception in 2004. We’ve referenced their Dirty Dozen (fruits & veggies) Guides and Skin Deep database numerous times.

This past Earth Day EWG gave Skin Deep a makeover — featuring a new design, smoother navigation and easier search functions – enabling folks like you and me to vet companies and evaluate ingredients in everyday personal products such as: soap, deodorant, toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoo, nail polish, fragrance, and a slew of other beauty products.

As you may not know, a recent survey of theirs shows that we consumers use an average of 10 personal care products each day, containing a total of about 126 distinct ingredients, but there is no federal law requiring that these products or ingredients be proved safe before winding up on store shelves — and subsequently in our homes, on our bodies and eventually in our ecosystem.

To date, they’ve investigated the safety and toxicity levels of 65,000 products and profiled 7,000 ingredients.

Before slathering on moisturizer or sunscreen; brushing your teeth; using deodorant or washing your hair – remember beauty is only Skin Deep. If you make a $5 donation, you’ll receive a free Cosmetics Guide. Gotta keep up with staying beauteous, fit and healthy:)