As a self-proclaimed beauty junkie, I’ve spent many years indulging in fun, luxurious skin care and makeup products. Now I’m an informed beauty junkie and can tell you that many of those products probably contained chemical ingredients that were detrimental to my health.

Synthetic and pretroleum-based ingredients found in a wide range of beauty products have been linked to a variety of health issues, from mild skin irritations to hormone disruptions and even cancer. The cosmetics industry is self-regulated, meaning the federal government doesn’t require manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of their ingredients. So take your health into your own hands and employ some beauty smarts before you buy.

Start by reading labels and avoiding things that contain: diethanolamine (DEA), sodium laureth sulfate, hydroquinone, parabens, petroleum or phenylenediamine (PPD). Try switching to cosmetics brands like Nvey Eco or Dr. Hauschka that are free of synthetic dyes, fragrances and petroleum-based ingredients. And look for products that adhere to European Union standards, which are stricter than those of the US and require manufacturers to substantiate the safety of ingredients.