Toxic Cosmetics Exposed with ThinkDirty Mobile App
Whoa. I think Grist has found one of the most helpful apps I’ve ever seen. The environmental news site recently reported on Think Dirty — a free app that tells you if a beauty product contains potentially toxic chemicals (aka, if you’re buying dirty cosmetics).
Created by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the mobile app makes it easy to scan the bar code of any make-up or skin care product. Upon scanning, ThinkDirty reveals any nasty ingredients, such as BHA/BHT, PEGs, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releasing agents, siloxanes, sulfates, fragrance/parfum, or non-biodegradable ingredients.
Essentially, the app tells you if your favorite cosmetics “clean,” or “dirty.” If it’s dirty, ThinkDirty will suggest alternative products that are similar and safe.
So far, the app only has 12,019 products (representing almost 1,200 brands). However, the designers encourage users to send a photo of any cosmetics not included in the app’s database, and the app team will add the not-listed product to the Think Dirty database.
And, as Ecouterre reports, you can use ThinkDirty to scan products before you buy them in the store, or to scan the products you already have in your home.
Want to load up your smartphone with other helpful apps? Check out the following Organic Authority articles:
8 Free Mobile Apps For Delicious Healthy Eating
No Excuses! 4 Mobile Phone Apps to Keep You GMO-Free for Non-GMO Month
8 Free Smartphone Apps That Offer Nutritional Peace of Mind
Image: Screen shot of iTune’s app store
