Cosmetics

Just because a product is on the shelf doesn’t make it safe. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is an excellent resource on chemicals of concern, regulations, and impacts on health. Cosmetics can contain toxic chemicals many of which are known carcinogens. The Environmental Working Group has a list of chemicals that should be banned from cosmetics which are good to look out for in your products.

Staying Aware

Even kids’ makeup can contain  harmful toxins. Pretty Scary 2 – The BCPP states that: In a follow-up to the 2009 report, recent lab tests show that kids’ face paint and makeup still contain frightening ingredients like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead. The Breast Cancer Prevention Partners also found other creepy chemicals, such as toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, lurking both on and off the label of kids’ Halloween and play makeup.

U.S. federal law, or lack thereof, allows cosmetics companies to dump unlimited amounts of harmful chemicals in our personal care products.  Safe Cosmetics highlights Cosmetics laws and regulations both in the US and internationally.

More information on cosmetics

From the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: The Top 5 Safe Cosmetics Tips