If you walk down the personal care aisle of any supermarket, you will spot products branded as 'organic' and 'natural'. When you take a look at the ingredients label however, it is an entirely different story. Greenwashing is a marketing tactic used to trick consumers into thinking they are buying a green, natural or organic product, when in reality they are purchasing and using products filled with toxic chemicals.Many greenwashed products are full of synthetic cleansers, artificial fragrances and preservatives. This may include potentially harmful ingredients such as petrochemicals, mineral oils, sodium lauryl sulphate and propolene glycol. Many of these ingredients are known to be toxic and harmful to humans, yet are still used in an astounding amount of personal care items. Our skin is the largest organ of our body, and 60% of any substance we apply is absorbed into the blood stream. Consumers are increasingly aware of the potential dangers or certain ingredients and are seeking more natural alternatives. This awareness seems to push some companies to alter marketing strategies, instead of the ingredients they use in their products.It's easy to avoid being greenwashed. Simply look past the branding and read the label of any product you buy. If any product claims to be 'natural' or 'organic' thoroughly read the label, and if it includes any of the dangerous chemicals listed above, don't buy it. On the same note, if a product is claiming to be organic, check to see if it has any certifications.Image: Jirsak/Shutterstock