Think Dirty miiiight be the best app ever (I see you, bus-finder app, but you ain’t helping me avoid cancer). In the same vein as those barcode-scanning apps you can use at the supermarket to pick a decent wine, the free app will tell you if shampoo or makeup contains potentially toxic chemicals (“BHA / BHT, PEGs, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde releasing agents, siloxanes, sulfates, fragrance/parfum and non-biodegradable ingredients”). Reports Ecouterre:
Users can scan a product in question, and immediately learn if it is “clean” or “dirty.” If deemed dirty, the app will offer similar and safe alternatives to buy instead. The app can also be used to raid your own bathroom closet and get rid of old products that could be unsafe.
There’s even a handy iPhone case reminding you what to watch out for in shampoo. WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE? [takes deep breaths]
Reviewers complain the app doesn’t have enough products (it currently has 12,019 products from about 1,200 brands). But it had ratings for the first three products I tried — Dove deodorant, Organix hair oil, and Burt’s Bees face wash (all pretty toxic, whoops). Plus, if your product isn’t in there yet, you can send a photo and some info, and the Think Dirty team will add it to the database. For a free app that just launched this summer, Think Dirty’s off to a great start.
In a refreshing and rare turn of events, the app even supports breast cancer prevention, not pinkwashing (looking at you, “Free the tatas” bumper sticker). Every product you scan before Halloween means a dollar donation to Breast Cancer Fund, a legit charity. “Prevention trumps cure. Period,” Think Dirty says. A-fucking-MEN. Grab the free app here!
