72. Is Your Makeup Toxic? How To Read Labels And Find Safe Products


Is your makeup toxic? Beauty industry insider Laura Olson—who spent decades writing product labels for major luxury brands—reveals what clean beauty actually means, why "fragrance" is the biggest red flag, and how to navigate greenwashing and health-washing. Learn which apps help you shop safer (Yuka, EWG Skin Deep), which stores you can trust (Credo), and which ingredients to avoid (parabens, sulfates, nano zinc). Laura shares her honest approach: she still uses conventional hair gel because no clean version works, but prioritizes clean products for eyes, lips, and daily use. Discover how to balance effectiveness with safety, why beauty regulations are stuck in 1938, and how to enjoy products for fun without falling for industry manipulation.
Key Timestamps[00:00] - Introduction: Questions about clean beauty
[03:00] - Laura's background as beauty editor and copywriter
[06:00] - How yoga changed everything
[09:00] - What "clean beauty" actually means (unregulated)
[12:00] - Major ingredient offenders: sulfates, parabens, fragrance
[18:00] - Why "fragrance" is the biggest red flag
[21:00] - Apps and resources: Yuka, EWG Skin Deep
[27:00] - Trusted stores and brands: Credo, Beautycounter
[33:00] - The effectiveness problem: when clean products don't work
[38:00] - Beauty regulations stuck in 1938
[42:00] - How copywriters use language to mislead
[45:00] - Nail polish and acetone
[48:00] - Where products touch your body matters
[50:00] - Treats versus daily rituals
[53:00] - Industry manipulation and women's insecurities
[55:00] - Rapid fire questions
Find Laura on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lauraannolson/
Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org
Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership
Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training
Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winter
Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024
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00:00 - Introduction to Clean Beauty
04:57 - Laura's Journey to Clean Beauty
07:28 - Understanding Clean Beauty and Greenwashing
10:27 - Identifying Harmful Ingredients
24:24 - Trustworthy Brands and Resources
28:43 - Luxury Brands and Their Approach
29:38 - Challenges with Clean Hair Products
31:14 - Importance of Product Contact Areas
33:30 - A word from our sponsor
39:05 - Nail Polish and Chemical-Free Options
40:54 - Balancing Natural and Conventional Products
42:10 - Personal Care Rituals and Self-Discovery
45:01 - Fun with Beauty Products
49:57 - Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion


