The cosmetics industry is, in many ways, self-regulating. That means makers of cosmetics do not need approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for every chemical they use in their products. It's up to us to make sure we're getting products that are natural and nontoxic. That's why it makes sense to shop where you can get help from a knowledgeable staff person.

Many grocery stores and specialty markets have extensive beauty and personal care sections. Check the "Eating In" section.

The sustainability ratings were based on the percentage of all the beauty product brands sold and/or used by an establishment containing one or more of the following:

all certified organic ingredients,

a mix of certified organic ingredients and natural ingredients, and/or

all-natural ingredients, or mostly natural ingredients, that do not contain any of the following: mercury, thimerosal, lead acetate, formaldehyde, nickel, toluene, petroleum distillates, acrylonitrile, ethylacrylate, coal tar, dibutyl phthalate, potassium dichromate, methyl cellosolve.

In addition, Greenopia looked at whether or not the products the establishment carried were unpackaged or packaged with eco- friendly materials, and whether or not the store's own carry-out bags or packaging was biodegradable or compostable and/ or made with recyclable material, vegetable-based inks, and/or chlorine-free paper.

To learn more about the Greenopia and their ratings, visit www.greenopia.com.