There’s a lot you already know about breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. The disease also doesn’t discriminate — the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer for men is about one in 833.

You also probably know someone affected by the disease, and because of that you want to support the cause through fundraisers, volunteering and donations. During October, lots of brands will claim to support breast cancer causes, but you have to watch out for “pinkwashing.”

Lots of brands will slap a pink ribbon on bottles, change up their packaging to glittery pink and claim proceeds of the product benefit “breast cancer awareness.” There are many beauty brands that will donate a portion of its proceeds to a related organization such as Estée Lauder Companies. Evelyn H. Lauder (Estée’s daughter-in-law) co-created the iconic pink ribbon, the symbol for breast cancer awareness in 1992. Unfortunately, just as many brands exploit the cause for sales.

That’s why I found five brands giving back to organizations and causes that donate to research, treatment and those facing breast cancer.

 

Cheeky Physique

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 50% of sales of Cheeky Physique’s limited edition Shimmer Sleek Pink Ribbon Body Illuminator will be donated to Bright Pink. The organization focuses on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancers in young women. Formulated with caffeine to tighten and tone skin and a peptide complex that keeps skin looking firm and supple, this shimmering pink body illuminator also contains diamond powder for an ethereal glow.

cheekyphysique.com; $42.

Milèo

Ten percent of sales of Milèo’s Elixir Oud La Rose De Joell facial oil will be donated to Wilmot Cancer Institute for breast cancer awareness during October. Created as a tribute to brand founder Matthew Milèo’s late aunt, Joell, and her favorite flower, this is a luxury item, but it’s formulated with supercharged plant actives including resveratrol, a power antioxidant; bakuchiol, which mimics the effects of retinoids without the harshness; and polyphenals, which help boost the body’s ability to protect and repair damage. These work to target inflammation and stress in skin to boost moisture and firmness. Plus, the musky oud blended with sweet French rose de mai carries an intoxicating yet not overbearing fragrance.

mileonewyork.com; $125.

C’est Moi

Throughout the month, C’est Moi will donate 50% of proceeds from its Sleepover Facial Mask Set to Young Survival Coalition. Founded by three women who had breast cancer before age 40, YSC is an international organization focused on women 40 and younger diagnosed with the disease.
The set includes the Purifying Charcoal Clay Facial Mask, which gently exfoliates and clarifies; the Refreshing Papaya & Strawberry Seed Scrub Facial Mask, which hydrates, balances and refreshes skin; and the Soothing Cucumber & Aloe Gel Facial Mask that soothes, calms and hydrates.
Additionally, C’est Moi will educate its followers on YSC’s mission and encourage them to donate to the charity, which the brand will match with a one-for-one donation.

cestmoi.com; $19.

The Better Skin Co.

The Better Skin Co. will donate 100% of proceeds of its Better Skin Super Shield Serum to iGoPink, a national nonprofit that educates and encourages all men and women to become proactive in preventing breast cancer and seeking treatment. Through its free program services, iGoPink can teach and provide information about integrated cancer care, cancer prevention, recovery, treatment, early detection and survival.
The serum, formulated with the herb white horehound, fights visible and invisible pollution damage and aggressors all around us — including blue light from screens and smartphones — that can cause skin damage.

thebetterskinco.com; $38.

Jane Iredale

One-hundred percent of profits from the sales of Jane Iredale’s Special Edition Forever Pink Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain will be donated to Look Good Feel Better, a program that helps women with cancer cope with the appearance-related side effects of treatment.
This multi-purpose stain is created with oils and botanicals to create a non-drying color. Each stain also is formulated to work with your body’s chemistry to adjust your perfect shade of pink.

janeiredale.com; $28.