The public is mostly unaware of cosmetic safety issues, so they assume they are harmless. Yet, no one knows exactly how extensive the problem may be and the damage that can occur. The cosmetic industry brings in over 35 million dollars each year. Despite regulation from the US Food and Drug Administration, the cosmetic industry has avoided any serious FDA consequences for years. 

In February of 2005 (Daily News), the FDA sent a letter to the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association informing over 600 of its manufacturers that it plans to put cosmetics safety first. Lauren Sucher, a spokeswoman, along with the group ‟of toxicology, biology, public health, and environmental engineering specialists, says one out of every 120 cosmetic products, including: lip balms, lotions, make-up, foundations, and shampoos harbor known or possible carcinogens. A representative of a cosmetics association denies this by saying, “We wouldn‟t use ingredients like that.” 

We don’t know if the amount of these ingredients is high enough to cause health problems, or if they even absorb through the skin‟s barrier. Dr. Barbara Gilchrest, professor and chairwoman of the dermatology department at the Boston University School of Medicine says, “When cosmetics are put onto the skin very little gets into the systemic circulation.” Regardless, there is enough concern about the safety of cosmetics that the FDA feels it is time to do something. According to the Environmental Working Group, U.S. manufacturer‟s gives us cause to worry over sketchy ingredients contained in nail polish, personal-care products, moisturizers, and lotions. Well- known companies such as Revlon, L’Oreal, and Unilever claim they already meet European regulations. The European Union prohibits the use of substances in cosmetics that have been linked to cancer, DNA mutation or reproductive problems in animals. The measures taken thus far are still not enough to make environmentalists or strictly regulated European countries feel comfortable about U.S. cosmetics safety. 

Hair Dyeing Risks 

When using hair dyes, it is very difficult to know or decipher if there are any risks. In the past, dyes were made with ingredients that originated from coal tar, a human carcinogen. Ironically, this harmful ingredient is approved by the FDA. Although studies have shown that only long- term use will cause health problems, this statement does not necessarily apply to consumers with sensitive skin or allergies. Eugenia E. Calle, Director of Analytic Epidemiology for the American Cancer Society, stated that enough studies have concluded hair dye “is unlikely to raise the risk of most cancers.” 

Phthalates, a softener, is another worry. It is banned in some places in Europe, but not the U.S. Director of the Office of Cosmetics and Colors, Dr. Linda Katz says, “The FDA does not have compelling evidence that phthalates, as used in cosmetics, poses a safety risk.” Scott Masten, a toxicologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences does not believe this at all. He says, “That for a phthalate called DBP, there is clear evidence of adverse effects on reproductive development in laboratory animals.” Another toxicologist, Tim Kropp says, “Research in animals is overwhelming that phthalates can raise the risk of hypospadias in boys, birth defects in which the hole that urine passes through is on the underside, not the tip, of the penis.” 

Whether or not phthalates transfers to humans is not understood. Dr. Terry Hensley at Columbia University says that “the biggest risks for hypospadias are the hormones women take during “in vitro” fertilization, increased maternal age and the consumption of lots of tofu, which contains plant estrogens.” 

You Thought They Were Harmless… 

Who is correct? The cosmetic industry says their products are safe, while environmental groups say they aren’t. Unfortunately, the FDA isn’t paying much attention to the issue. Katz, of the Cosmetics Office, says the FDA is not authorized to approve cosmetics before they go on the market. In reality, the only products that the FDA regulates are over-the-counter drugs, including sunscreen and anti-dandruff shampoo. 

Here’s the truth — according to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, sodium borate, an inactive ingredient in diaper rash creams, “should not be used on infant skin or injured skin.” The cosmetics industry funds the panel, which includes an FDA representative, for evaluating the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Jerry Rachanow, an FDA pharmacist and regulatory lawyer, says the “Agency is not aware of any problems with this ingredient.” Hopefully mishaps will be given more serious attention by the FDA, driving it to hound the cosmetics industry. At the very least, all products should be clearly marked with warning labels. 

Ingredients to be Cautious of:

Alcohol: causes the skin to dry out.

Talc: potential carcinogen.

Synthetic Dyes: possibly contains toxins.

Propylene Glycol: extremely toxic. Irritates the skin due to penetration, and may cause headaches and dizziness.

Mineral Makeup: Cosmetics may claim to be mineral makeup, but can clog pores and possess synthetic toxins. Minerals are natural and beneficial to the skin. They should not contain harmful or toxic ingredients. Many find it hard to believe that mineral makeup is natural since it has not proven to perform better than the average foundation. Mineral makeup works therapeutically, while at the same time hiding imperfections. The main ingredients used in mineral makeup are usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Natural sun-blocking ingredients are also used in quite a few sunscreens.