From hybrid cars to eco-canvas shopping bags, environmentally-friendly products continue to make their way into the lives and homes of people all across the world. Now, even cosmetics are getting their own “all-natural” makeovers.

Most students are familiar with the different varieties of environmental hazards such as air pollution and pesticides, but there are also dangers in using products with synthetic ingredients. The skin is the body's largest organ and absorbs the most toxins. Products such as lotions, makeup and deodorants seep into the bloodstream and the chemical ingredients can accumulate in certain organs.

"Chemical sensitization is a condition whereby a person can be exposed to a chemical in small amounts for years and not experience any adverse effects until a certain threshold is reached in the body. And without warning, that person can have a serious reaction to the material," said organic and inorganic chemistry professor Hal Rogers.

According to Rogers, chemicals are stored in various tissues in the body including the liver, spleen and brain.

As experts learn more about the effects of the chemical substances found in our daily beauty regimen, the benefits of natural personal care seem exponential.

"A product is considered to be ‘all natural’ if it contains absolutely no man-made chemicals. For example, a product that uses vanilla as a component for its fragrance may use natural vanilla, obtained from the seed of the vanilla orchid plant," Rogers said.

This is more than just a passing trend, as more and more consumers discover the myriad of advantages associated with these products.

According to the NPD market research company, the value of the natural beauty market is over $8 billion, and while experts claim that 2010 may be a difficult year in terms of revenue, some products continue to fly off the shelves. Here are some all-natural alternatives to look out for:

1. BareMinerals: This product became the No. 1 selling brand on QVC in 2001 and continues to sell off the racks at Sephora stores, bringing in over $500 million annually. The $25 foundation, which makes up 45 percent of the company’s sales, contains only five ingredients: mica, zinc, oxide, iron and titanium dioxide.

"My friend used BareMinerals and her skin looked great," said sophomore business major Jen Espinosa. "I used their products for about six months and my skin really cleared up."

2. Sexy Hair: This company’s certified organic line provides products that are safe for the environment and healthy for consumers. Its products contain soy and cocoa butter to replenish hair and protect it from environmental damages.

"I like these products because not only are they good for your hair, they're good for the environment as well," said Kellie Shearer, hair stylist at Alexander's Salon in Anaheim Hills. "They don't have harmful ingredients that don't strip your color and they're overall fabulous for your hair."

Prices range from $13 to $20.

3. The Health Deodorant: Anti-perspirants have undergone scrutiny over the years for being linked to diseases.

"One of the major ingredients in antiperspirants is aluminum chlorhydroxide or similar compounds. Some chemical additives or altered products can cause cancer but this is difficult to prove since it can take years or decades for a cancer to develop and be diagnosed," Rogers said.

Lavanila's The Health Deodorant has no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes or harsh chemicals and uses beta-glucan technology to fight odor. It contains essential oils, botanicals, fruit extracts and vitamins to sooth, condition and strengthen skin for $18.

4. Korres Body Butter: Perhaps one of the most essential all-natural products is body moisturizer. An all-natural product is important not only because it’s crucial to maintain healthy skin but also because it will be absorbed by the body’s largest organ.

Korres Body Butters blend sunflower, almond and avocado oils to nourish and restore skin. Although it has a steep price of $29, the moisturizer is 93 percent natural and has no genetically modified organisms or synthetic fragrances.

5. Suncoat Nail Polish: One of the most hazardous products women use is nail polish. Its chemical ingredients and noxious odor has piloted a market for water-based formulas. According to Good Housekeeping Magazine, Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish had great reviews for easy application and resistant to chipping. Each bottle runs about $7 and can be found in natural health food retailers.