Cleopatra had the right idea. She used natural cosmetics to enhance her legendary beauty: kohl (derived from minerals) to outline her eyes, and red ochre (derived from naturally tinted clay) to color her lips.

Not that Cleopatra had any other options in 49 B.C.,… but my guess is, she’d be shocked to see the chemical-laden cosmetics marketed to women today. According to the Environmental Working Group, the cosmetics industry can use virtually any ingredient in makeup without being subject to government review or approval. Some of these ingredients are:

• 1,4-dioxane – Found in shampoos, body wash, children’s bath products and other sudsing formulas, 1,4-dioxane has been identified as “a reasonably anticipated carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Research done by the Environmental Working Group found that 22 percent of all personal care products may contain 1,4-Dioxane.
• Parabens – This is a group of compounds used as an antifungal agent, preservative and antimicrobial in creams, lotions, and other cosmetics. The Breast Cancer Fund says parabens have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors.
• Talc – Found in eye shadow, blush, baby powder, soap, and deodorant, talc is known to act as a human carcinogen. It has been directly linked to ovarian cancer.
• Lead – A contaminant in an estimated 650 cosmetic products including foundation and lipstick, lead is a neurotoxin associated with learning, language, and behavioral problems.

The obvious message here is, read the label. But some chemicals such as 1,4-dioxane cannot be found on ingredient labels, as it is formed during the manufacture of the product!

To avoid putting toxins on your face, choose cosmetics made with pure ingredients such as lemon, aloe vera, honey, beeswax, lanolin, natural Vitamin E, and plant-based oils: coconut, grape seed, lavender, tea tree oil, olive, sesame, and jojoba bean. Look for products from established organic and all-natural cosmetics companies such as Ecco Bella Botanicals, Honeybee Gardens, and Lotus Cosmetics.

Postscript:  Based on analyses of residue found in ancient makeup containers, scientists believe that Cleopatra’s kohl makeup was comprised of lead-based compounds. Could that be why she died at age 39? Not likely: French researchers think the low doses of lead salts in the makeup may have actually helped Cleopatra fight off bacteria that caused eye diseases (source: National Geographic).

- Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus Contributor