The adult body is covered with about twenty square feet of skin. This largest of the bodies organs acts like a protective barrier, or does it? It has the capability to absorb medicines. Doctors utilize this knowledge everyday prescribing patches to be applied to the skin to deliver heart, pain and anti smoking medications.
Every day millions of people clean their bodies, hair, teeth and face. They apply creams, lotions, specialized products for sagging eyes and necks, all in an attempt to look younger, longer, preventing the signs of premature aging. Most women apply make-up on an almost daily basis. Yet how many realize that their daily rituals might be the cause of premature aging, illness and even death.
The skin care products and cosmetics people use each day may be laden with hundreds of toxins. The skin absorbs these toxins, many of which are known carcinogens. Carcinogens are substances proven by science to be precursors to cancer. So why are our North American governments allowing this?
Unfortunately, unlike drugs which must be proven safe prior to being released to the market, the United States governments’ opinion on cosmetics remains “no harm done if there is no proof”. And cosmetic manufacturers in the United States do not have to register with the FDA; it is strictly voluntary. (“Cosmeceutical”, US Food and Drug Administration, February 24, 2000)
What are the Toxins in Today’s Cosmetics?
There are many substances on Canada’s “hot list” that are no longer allowed in cosmetic products; such things as Ethyl PABA, lead, phthalates, aldehydes, thallium acetate and mercury. Both the USA and Canada however still allow some ingredients, just in limited quantities. Such things as boric acid, certain coal tar colors (though coal tar in eye lash dye is banned as it was responsible for causing blindness), and formaldehyde, in specified limited quantities are still listed as ingredients in many hair care and skin products. The only stipulations are that the manufacturers must include warning labels on their packaging.
Why are these Ingredients Found in Cosmetic Products?
The ingredients found in skin care products, toothpastes, deodorants, perfumes, hair care and hair coloring products have many uses. Some are used as penetrating enhancers, or hardening agents. Others are used to add scent, or mask natural scents and of course to add color. There are even ingredients added to help prevent bacterial growth.
What are Manufacturers Doing about the Toxic Products?
Changes in laws took years, awaiting results of studies and then parliamentary processes. The United States government still seems to be dragging their feet on some issues. Manufacturers of cosmetics are left to be a self- regulated, and honest industry. They abide by the laws for labeling and the “Trace Constituents Policy” as well as specified warning and caution labels. Some are miles ahead of others, listening to the concerns of consumers; they have developed and advertise the fact that their products do not contain certain allergens, carcinogens, animal products or by-products.
What Role do Governments Play?
The Canadian government has a “hot list” (see the link below) of known toxins and only allows the cosmetic industry to put in certain amounts of these toxins. Yet small, allowable amounts, day after day, can still add up to toxic levels over time. Statistics show cancer rates on the rise throughout North America. Should you be worried?
In the United States, the safety of cosmetics falls under the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration. They also provide information on safety and labeling of cosmetics though they do not appear to be as strict as Canada. Did you know they still allow lead to be present in lipsticks? (Cosmetics, Lipstick and Lead: Questions and answers, FDA)
Mercury is known to be easily absorbed through the skin. Prolonged exposure to mercury can cause allergic reactions, or even neurotoxic manifestations that would be brain damage. This substance is no longer used so indiscriminately in science classes, or in thermometers. Still, the US FDA allows it, in minute quantities, in products used around the eyes. (Ingredients Prohibited & Restricted by FDA Regulations, May 30, 2000)
How can Consumers Minimize the Risk of Exposure to Toxins?
The best way to reduce your risk is to become an informed consumer. Read the labels of the products you currently use. There are a number of products available in health food stores, and through network marketing companies, that claim they are organic, or claim no animal products or testing.
Apart from that, it might be worth a talk with your local politician. Past experience has proven that consumer voices, when loud and in great numbers, can sway government policy.
Consumer product safety info: Cosmetics and personal care
US Food and Drug Administration articles about cosmetics
FDA US Food and Drug Administration: lipstick and lead: Questions and answers
Wendy Getchell - I am a retired Registered Nurse writing articles on health as well as many other areas of interest. I have taken the life of a freelance ...
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