For the second year in a row, IC Feminists is teaming up with IC Environmental Society to promote alternative health and beauty products, giving away free samples of beauty products today.

During the Natural Beauty Campaign, the group will hand out items like shampoos, conditioners, feminine hygiene products, makeup, deodorants, soaps and other cosmetics in the Clark Lounge from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Muscle rubs for athletes, organic condoms and organic foods and teas will also be available in an effort to include the interests of individuals of both genders.

Junior Emma Tanner, co-president of IC Feminists, said the goal of the event is to educate the campus community about sustainable alternatives to mainstream health and beauty products.

“A lot of the mainstream regular products that we use have tons of chemicals in them that go untested,” she said. “Not only do they have dangerous toxins, but they have detrimental environmental impacts.”

Senior Nancy Webster, secretary of the Environmental Society, said the campaign is about education, not beauty.

“It’s not just giving away free stuff,” she said. “We’re also giving out information of the negative aspects of regular products. “

The campaign was started last year as a part of Sustainability Week on campus. Tanner said more than 500 people attended last year. He hopes the campaign will  become an annual event.

Sophomore publicist for IC Feminists Laura Kathrein said the group hopes to raise awareness about the health benefits of these alternative products.

“It’s getting women aware of all the nasty chemicals that’s in your cosmetics and what it does to your skin over time,” she said.

Kathrein said women can get the same result in their appearance with alternative, healthier products.

“You shouldn’t be pumping more chemicals into your body to look pretty,” she said. “To put mascara on, or lipstick, it doesn’t need to be filled with toxic chemicals.“

She said organic beauty products are more costly than mainstream products but are worth the investment for overall wellness.

The group plans to show how to make organic health and beauty products. Tanner said ingredients will be provided for guests to make their own facials and hand scrubs using brown sugar, honey, clay and other natural ingredients.

Kathrein said she hopes the event will promote sustainable alternatives and make people aware of the long-term benefits. While people may be benefiting from the smaller price of mainstream cosmetics today, their bodies could pay the price later.

“It may be a little more expensive, but in the long run, it’s your body,” she said. “You don’t want to be soaking chemicals into it.”