Worried About Pinkwashing? Support These Brands During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The phenomenon that is the pink ribbon has taken over the month of October, with the recoloring of everything from NFL uniforms to food to beauty products. But why is a month dedicated to raising awareness (and millions of dollars) for a potentially deadly disease also promoting products with ingredients that have been shown to contribute to the growth of cancer cells?

It’s called pinkwashing and we seeing it everywhere during the month of October. There’s a long list of companies that claim to care about breast cancer awareness and prevention. They jump on the bandwagon by adding a pink ribbon to their goods for the month of October, but at the same time are manufacturing products with ingredients that have been linked to cancer. We see it in many arenas, from beauty and food to fashion and lifestyle. That’s why we’ve rounded up six brands to support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to combat pinkwashing.

Keep reading for six brands to support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

K-DEER Legging in Laura Stripe.

K-DEER

K-DEER not only gives back year-round but the inclusive legging / workout gear company has a couple special edition leggings that support the Susan G. Komen Greater New York City Chapter. Their signature stripes come in two shades of pink in the Laura Stripe and the Special Edition Laura Stripe.

SaltyGirl Beauty Anna Lipstick.

SaltyGirl Beauty

SaltyGirl Beauty was founded when two sisters, one diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and one an oncology nurse, banded together to build not only a green beauty business but also a foundation that gives back to families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Now, purchases from their nontoxic makeup line, designed to be gentle enough for cancer patients, goes to helping other families in need. We love their Anna lipstick.

Violets Are Blue Scar Repair Serum.

Violets Are Blue

Another beauty brand born out of its founder’s battle with cancer, Violets Are Blue has taken it to yet another level with its Beloved line. The line is crafted specifically for those going through cancer treatment, as a way to add nurturing and care to help users feel restored and revived. Simple ingredients soothe and nourish skin, combating the side effects of harsh cancer treatments.

S’well Breast Cancer Awareness Water Bottle.

S’well Water Bottles

We’ve been on board with what S’well is doing to promote sustainability and reduce plastic water bottle use across the world, but now they’ve created a special edition bottle for Breast Cancer Awareness month. $19 of the purchase of each water bottle, featuring fearless text designed by Ghostly Ferns, goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Hynt Beauty Discovery Kit.

Hynt Beauty

A breast cancer survivor herself, Hynt Beauty Founder Meryl Marshall started the line because she couldn’t find the pigmented colors she wanted in makeup without the potentially hazardous chemicals. Made from clean color compounds and no fillers, the Hynt Makeup line is high performing and safe for anyone to use. Try their Discovery Kit to get your perfect shade.

Madame Lemy Lavender Deodorant.

Madame Lemy

After a friend of the Madame Lemy Founder Holly Eve was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer, she began searching for a clean, nontoxic deodorant to swap with her antiperspirant. To her surprise, nothing on the market fit the bill for her. So she created her own, a unique powder formulation that cuts odor and helps the body regulate itself. We love the sustainable, refillable packaging and the light scents.

Interested in learning more about new types of treatment for chronic illnesses and how healthcare is addressing them? Read about the changing face of healthcare.