Let's see a show of hands: if a product is labeled "organic" or "natural," how many of us pick it up, assuming it's safer than that unsightly non-organic brand sitting one shelf over? Don't feel too ashamed if you found yourself kind-of, sort-of inching your hand up a little; you certainly aren't alone. Now that people are becoming far more cognizant of what they put on their skin and switching to more natural skincare and cosmetic products, it's easy enough to assume the organic lable is a green light.

If you're curious to see how some of your favorite products are rated for possible hazards, the Environmental Working Group has started a cosmetic safety database, where you can research several popular brands, both ones considered organic and those that make no such claims. The site shows you a hazard ranking on a scale of zero to 10 (zero being a non-existent hazard, 10 meaning your skin may start glowing green from radiation exposure at any given moment). When you click on a product, you'll be able to see if any of the ingredients used in it are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, allergies, violations, restrictions and warnings, as well as a miscellaneous category with additional concerns such as organ system toxicity, irritation to skin, eyes or lungs and contamination concerns. They also include the list of ingredients from the product's packaging.

The site is a work-in-progress, so you may not find the particular brand or item you're searching for right off the bat, however more information is being added all the time, so keep checking back.

Hit the jump to visit the database and begin determining how safe your favorite products truly are.

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