Read product labels and educate yourself about ingredients

TO ME it’s only green if it uses pure botanical ingredients. It's not enough to just be labeled natural, organic, or hypo-allergenic because those terms are not regulated by the government. Sounds confusing? It is. Start by reading product labels and educating yourself about ingredients.

I only use products that are free of chemical preservatives, mineral oils, and artificial fragrance and color on my kids. I avoid Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS), a widely used, inexpensive chemical that dissolves oils. It’s the same stuff that is in car-engine degreaser, and has a really harsh effect on skin. In addition, look out for parabens, which have been linked to cancer and interfere with the body's endocrine system.

Swap our products with SLS, usually your cleansers, toothpastes, and shampoos. Toss any exfoliant with polyethylene beads, which are tiny bits of plastic that never break down — they go straight into the waterways, where they destroy marine life.

Companies make chemicals to do the same thing that NATURAL ingredients do, but sometimes with a better smell, longer shelf life or to save money. SN: Natural ingredients like tumeric, reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation, and fights free radical damage, but doesn't smell like or cost as much as Estee' Lauder or Clarins.