Toxic Chemicals in Personal Care Products Have you ever wondered how some of the personal care products we use are made? Have you ever stopped to think about the ingredients in these products? The fact of the matter is, not all the personal care products we use are safe for our bodies. Some of the personal care products we use such as hair color, shampoo, hand soap, deodorant, and sunscreen actually contain chemicals that science suggest could be harmful to our health. Some chemicals have actually been removed from other products for their known toxicity, but permitted in cosmetics due to lack of government regulation of this industry. As Christians, we have a stake in making personal care products safe for all. What does God require of us? We are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and each of us is beautiful just as we are. But we are required to take good care of our bodies as if they were temples to the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). With this in mind, we have to be mindful of the personal care products that we apply to our bodies. Exposure to toxins in cosmetics Some toxic chemicals in cosmetics are inhaled or ingested during use. Fragrances contain chemicals that are meant to be inhaled, and nail polish and remover contain solvents that are inhaled. Powders, as well as aerosol products such as deodorants and hair sprays, may also be inhaled during use. Products applied on or around the lips can be ingested during application or afterwards. Toxics and vulnerable communities Toxic chemicals in personal care products are also a justice issue. As with other toxic chemicals, children and the fetus are the most vulnerable. Low-income communities and communities of color also are at-risk to toxins in cosmetics since they may not have access to safer cosmetics and since some products marketed to communities of color contain particularly problematic chemicals. What can we do? Look for company brands that are endorsers of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. These companies committed to incorporating safer alternatives into their products over a three-year period. Visit to find a list of signers. Educate your congregation. Download a faith-based educational flyer to share at an information table at church. Look for the upcoming Made in the Image of God healthy spa congregational toolkit  We can’t shop our way completely out of this problem- We need a new chemical policy! We need to enact a comprehensive chemical policy that will protect all of us.  Join other people of faith to rebuild our broken, toxic world. Across the country Christians are submitting corporate shareholder resolutions and passing state policies that call for safer alternatives in consumer products, including cosmetics. People of faith taking action Chinese Episcopal Ministry (Boston, MA) held a healthy spa activity in their church Learn more about safe cosmetics Look up the safety of your personal care products and to find safer alternatives Click here to visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Click here for healthy spa recipes Learn more about environmental health Issues from the NCC Environmental Health- Home Toxics Environmental Justice and Health Children’s and Women’s Health Lead NEW Pesticides Our daily Bread- Food and Health Plastics Mercury- Our Children’s Inheritance Air Quality Flame Retardants Take Action!