Want to green your grooming routine? Study up on the ingredients to avoid...

It isn't always easy being green. And when it comes to buying beauty products, just seeing that a product is labeled “natural” or “organic” isn't always a guarantee that it's 100% good for you. Even trusted brands like The Body Shop and Aveda aren't always as green as they appear when you stop to study what they put in their products.

The biggest problem when buying good-for-you products, though, is that ingredient lists are usually full of words you've never heard and confusing scientific names. But with some simple education, you can learn what to look for, and we'll also help point you in the direction of some properly pure products.

What to avoid:

• Sulfates: Sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate) are found in most soaps, shampoos and bubble baths, since they act as a detergent and are good at creating lather. Though some are harsher than others, sulfates can dry out your skin.
• Parabens: Parabens (like methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben) are used as preservatives in all sorts of cosmetics, and just like preservatives in your food, they aren't very good for you. Parabens can irritate your skin.
• Synthetic Fragrance: Called parfum or fragrance on the ingredients list, these faux smellies can irritate the skin and lungs -- especially for those with asthma. Making them also creates a lot of pollution. An easy alternative is to choose products that get their scents from pure essential oils.
• Synthetic Colours: Fake colours may make your cosmetics look a bit more exciting, but they're unnecessary and contain some nasty chemicals. Things to be avoided are products with labels that say things like FD&C Red No 6 or D&C Green No 6
• TEA: Triethalonamine, abbreviated TEA, is used in many cosmetics to fix their pH, but it can cause allergic reactions and eye problems, and it can dry out your hair and skin.
• DEA: Called diethalonamine or cocamide DEA, this chemical is often used in shampoos, lotions, creams and other cosmetics to help their consistency. By itself, the chemical isn't harmful, but when it's been on the shelf too long and reacts with other chemicals, it can create a potentially cancer-causing compound.
• Glycols: Glycols (like butylene glycol and propylene glycol) are often found in moisturizers and are made from petroleum. They can cause allergic and toxic reactions.
• Silicones: Used in many hair and body products, silicones coat the hair and skin, not allowing it to breathe, which can trap plenty of nasties your body would normally get rid of.
• Pegs: Polyethylene Glycol, essentially plastic made from petroleum, can dry out your skin and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria than you would be without it.

Products You Can Trust

Now you may be thinking you'll feel guilty about every new lip gloss and shampoo you'll buy from here on out, but you don't need to be. Responsible brands like Young & Pure, Amie, Essential Care, Sante, Eco Lips, Burt's Bees and Balm Balm are good places to start looking for new, greener products. And get used to reading the ingredients!