Makeup

Conventional nail polish often contains formaldehyde (a known carcinogen used as a hardener), toluene (a neurotoxin used as a solvent), and dibutyl phthalate — DBP (an endocrine disruptor used as a plasticiser). Five-free and ten-free nail polishes remove these most harmful ingredients. EcoWarehouse stocks five-free and ten-free options that perform comparably to conventional polish.

Clean makeup avoids the most concerning conventional cosmetic ingredients: synthetic fragrance, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and carbon black (potential carcinogen in mascara). It does not necessarily mean organic or 100 percent natural, but rather formulated without specific high-risk chemicals.

Natural lip balms using beeswax, shea butter, and plant oils provide genuine conditioning. Conventional lip balms using petrolatum (petroleum jelly) create an occlusive barrier that prevents moisture loss but does not add moisture or nourishment. For long-term lip health, plant-based lip balms that condition the skin are preferable to petroleum-based products.

No. Cruelty-free means the product and its ingredients have not been tested on animals. Vegan means the product contains no animal-derived ingredients. Natural means ingredients are derived from natural rather than synthetic sources. A product can be cruelty-free without being vegan or natural. For a fully ethical product, look for all three designations.

Reusable cotton rounds are small circular pads used in place of disposable cotton pads for makeup removal and skincare application. Use them with a natural cleansing oil or micellar water to remove makeup, then wash in a mesh laundry bag with regular laundry. A set of 14 rounds replaces hundreds of disposable pads per year.