Bloggy Giveaway: Facial Cleanser

I wasn't thinking about my health or the health of the environment when I bought md skincare's "All-In-One Facial Cleanser With Toner." I wanted a cleanser that gently, but thoroughly, removed oil and make-up to keep my skin from breaking out. The bottle's label states it has "medical-grade ingredients." Sounds effective, and it is--my face feels smooth and soft after using it. I was a satisfied customer.

But then I came across Environmental Working Group's awesome web site, Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. It rates skin care products based on the toxicity of its ingredients. Out of a scale of one to 10, with 10 being very toxic, "All-In-One Facial Cleanser With Toner" got a moderately hazard rating of three. According to the web site, some of its ingredients have been linked with cancer, endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity.

OK, why is Dr. Dennis Gross, dermatologist and creator of the "md skincare" line, adding possible cancer-causing ingredients to something I put on my face? Suddenly my innocuous white plastic bottle of facial cleanser took on a more sinister look, and I started to lose faith in dermatology.

I decided a hand-made, all-natural facial cleanser may be what I need. I found a recipe by the esteemed Greta Breedlove of shampoo fame that looked promising. It consists of oats, oat bran, poppy seeds, almonds, dried herbs and cosmetic clay--hey, take out the clay and you could make muffins out of it.

I tried it out yesterday. I mixed a teaspoon of it with water and rubbed it all over my face. The process was a little messy, but when I rinsed it off, my face felt great--smooth and soft. Plus, I got a little rush knowing that I wasn't washing toxic chemicals down the drain.

So if you don't trust your facial cleanser any more, leave a comment on this post by Friday, August 29, and you'll be entered to win your own batch facial cleanser made by me!