Makeup is an essential beauty item used by women all over the world, and many females are in no hurry to ditch this daily necessity. While choosing to wear makeup may help enhance one’s personal appearance and self esteem, it also exposes the wearer to a range of health concerns.

Research is beginning to reveal that some ingredients in beauty and personal care products may be linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, sparking outrage among many professionals in the health and wellness communities. Fortunately, effective alternatives to chemically-produced makeup and beauty products are available to fight these growing health concerns.

Here are the 6 reasons why I recommend only organic cosmetics:

1. Eco Friendly

Conventional beauty products utilize petroleum-based ingredients and usually rely on a host of other chemicals for their production process. These compounds are typically harsh substances, like petroleum, aluminum, and lead, all of which require extensive mining. Much of this is done in some of the world’s most beautiful and sensitive areas, like the Amazon rainforest, and miles of land are destroyed and stripped of vital wildlife every year.

In fact, the most common personal care products of all–antiperspirants–utilize aluminum. Not only is aluminum mining responsible for the destruction of wide swaths of rainforests in South America, but research has clearly tied it to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Choosing aluminum-free deodorant is perhaps one of the best ways to prevent exposure to this dangerous compound.

2. No Harsh Chemicals

Although they may be effective for improving appearance, albeit temporarily, the chemicals in conventional makeup are often very harsh on skin and may promote irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. A reddish and haggard hue is certainly not going to help you look your best! More importantly, many of the chemicals used in non-organic makeup are downright poisonous to the endocrine system.

Parabens and phthalates are two common examples of substances that are used extensively in cosmetics. Both of these compounds have been linked to cancer and type II diabetes, and the Environmental Protection Agency warns against their exposure.

3. Natural Fragrance

Many people shop with their nose when it comes to personal care products, similarly to the way most people “eat with their eyes” before actually placing any of the food into their mouths. The two human senses will usually help determine a product’s worthiness in the minds of consumers. Scents in the majority of beauty products consist of a mixture of chemicals, and these chemicals can be inhaled throughout the day by people who wear such beauty products.

Man-made aromas expose the body to a number of toxic effects, and some research has linked them to cancer, nervous system disorders, allergies, and birth defects.

Not only do humans inhale these chemicals into their lungs, they also expose their skin to these toxic compounds. When choosing beauty products, always make sure that the scents are derived from 100% natural ingredients.

Essential oils are perhaps one of the best natural perfumes in the world and the most concentrated in terms of aroma. That being said, keep in mind that a little dab goes a long way.

4. Nutrient-Rich

Your skin has the ability to absorb certain compounds; however, a protective barrier is able to keep dangerous compounds, to some degree, out of the body. Even then, research still concludes that personal care products, when applied topically, can damage bodily systems and lead to untold health consequences. One of the key rules for makeup, and any beauty product is basic and straightforward: if you can’t eat it, don’t wear it.

Cocoa butter is one of the leading natural moisturizers out there, providing essential fatty acids for healthy, youthful skin. Organic makeup, especially liquid foundation, may have cocoa butter or various nutrient-rich oils to provide a smoother, more youthful look. Extracts of white tea, grapes, apricots, and pomegranate seeds provide antioxidant protection and may inhibit collagenase and elastase, two enzymes that break down the integrity and elasticity of the skin.

Aside from allergies, you can’t go wrong when choosing a makeup that contains added nutritive components and herbal extracts.

5. Protection from Premature Aging

Makeup made with natural minerals generally provides a certain level of sun protection. The skin on the face is thinner and more susceptible to UV-related skin aging, so choosing a mineral-rich organic cosmetic product may help support healthy, youthful-looking skin. Three common organic mineral ingredients are:

• Titanium oxide: Provides SPF 15 protection against the sun’s harmful effects.

• Zinc oxide: Protects against both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) types of light.

• Iron oxide: Also provides ultraviolet light protection.

Many herbal extracts also provide antioxidant protection, and vitamin C has been demonstrated to provide sun-shielding benefits. Choose makeup that contains these ingredients if at all possible, especially during the summer when the sun is at its strongest.