Cosmetic Conundrum
The cosmetics industry has grown exponentially, yet the regulations governing it have not kept pace. In the United States, the last major legislation, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, was enacted in 1938. Since then, the industry has expanded from billion in sales to over 9 billion in 2016. Despite this growth, only a tiny fraction of the thousands of chemicals used in cosmetics have been reviewed or regulated by the FDA.
Toxic Ingredients
Among the most concerning are the “Toxic Twelve” chemicals. These include substances like formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and PFAS, which are linked to a myriad of health problems, from hormonal disruptions to cancer. The lack of stringent regulation allows harmful chemicals to persist in products that we apply directly to our skin, hair, and nails.
Health Risks
No category of consumer products is subject to less government oversight than cosmetics and other personal care products. Since 2009, 595 cosmetics manufacturers have reported using 88 chemicals in more than 73,000 products that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. The cumulative exposure to these chemicals is concerning. American women use an average of 12 personal care products daily containing 168 different chemicals, while men use an average of six products containing 85 chemicals.
Real-Life Impacts
The impact of these toxic chemicals is not hypothetical. Consumers have reported a range of adverse effects, from mild irritations to severe health problems. Formaldehyde-based hair treatments have been linked to hair loss, rashes, blisters, nosebleeds, and even loss of taste and smell. Makeup products contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, can lead to chronic poisoning, affecting multiple organ systems over time.
Transforming the Industry
The beauty industry’s reliance on self-regulation has left a significant gap in consumer safety. Personal care products are applied directly to the skin, the body’s largest organ, where ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to systemic exposure. To address this, several brands are committed to transparency and safety, offering high-quality products without harmful ingredients.
Safer Alternatives
Given the risks, seeking safer, non-toxic makeup alternatives is crucial. Here are a few brands to consider:
- Crunchi: Dedicated to providing toxin-free makeup without compromising on performance.
- Ilia: Offers a range of makeup products that are not only non-toxic but also effective.
- Beauty By Earth: Known for their natural and organic ingredients, offering a variety of makeup products that are safe for daily use.
- Kosas: Combines safe, non-toxic ingredients with high-performance makeup.
Advocating for Change
The lack of regulation in the cosmetics industry means that many popular makeup products contain harmful chemicals that can pose serious health risks. As awareness grows, it’s important to make informed choices about the products we use. By supporting legislation like the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act and choosing safer, non-toxic alternatives, consumers can protect their health and advocate for a safer beauty industry.
References:
1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (1938). Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
2. Statista. (2017). “Size of the U.S. cosmetics market from 2013 to 2025.”
3. Environmental Working Group (EWG). (n.d.). “FDA Authority Over Cosmetics.”
4. EWG. (n.d.). “Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database.”
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). “Phthalates Fact Sheet.”
6. FDA. (2019). “Tattoos & Permanent Makeup: Fact Sheet.”
7. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2017). “Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk.”
8. U.S. House of Representatives. (2020). “H.R.5279 – Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act.”