While it can be difficult to find unbiased information on the topic, the safety of cosmetics and personal care products has been called into question by many groups and researchers. The cosmetics industry is largely unregulated by the FDA, leaving it to regulate itself (see this webpage from the Federal Government's Office on Women's Health). Cosmetic companies do not need approval from any government agency to sell their products, meaning that none of the ingredients in these products are subject to review or testing by anyone other than the company that sells them. There is evidence out there that many of the fragrances and preservatives found in these products can cause cancer, hormonal disruptions, and other health issues (see this statement made to Congress by Jane Houlihan of the Environmental Working Group). The statement made by Mrs. Houlihan is followed by a very extensive bibliography and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics also has a "Science" section on its website with links to reports and research such as the President's Cancer Panel's 2008-2009 Annual Report suggesting that the number of chemicals we are exposed to in everday household items, such as cosmetics, are contributing to Americans' increased incidence of cancer. In an effort to help people purchase non-toxic, unharmful products, the Environmental Working Group has produced a Shopper's Guide to Safe Cosmetics that is easy to print out and take with you the next time you shop to help you make better informed decisions about your purchases. Also, try their Cosmetics Database where you can search for products you own at home and find out more about any known harmful substances in them.Many beauty products can be made pretty simply and safely from your own home using all-natural ingredients. The library has a great selection of books filled with info on the hazards of cosmetics and recipes to make your own:
The Good Earth Bath, Beauty & Health Book
The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances
The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils, and Scrubs
Mary Lee's Natural Health & Beauty: Healthy Living With Essential Oils
Natural Beauty From the Garden: More Than 200 Do-It-Yourself Beauty Recipes and Garden Ideas
Natural Beauty: Pamper Yourself With Salon Secrets at Home
Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formulas for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self
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4 comments:
Wow, thanks! The companies I thought were doing a good job, turns out, aren't. :\
There are beauty products that instead caring of your skin it create damages on it. I prefer to use organic ones because it has less chemical compare to others. It much safer to use as my dermatologist advised on me.
I do use organic made skin products because it is much safer than other chemicals. I don't want my skin to be damaged. I always ask an advice from the experts.
I would prefer using natural products when it comes in making my beauty and body looks vibrant and healthy. for me it would be a lot of effective using natural products compared to some other beauty products out there.
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