That's right, in some cases it would be safer to eat a toxic substance than to put it on your skin in cosmetics. (No, I am not suggesting that you try this.) Some toxins are safer to be ingested than absorbed through the skin, because anything that is eaten is first pass metabolized by the liver. For example, the liver can eliminate up to 90% of estrogen-like substances that are consumed. However, when xenoestrogens are absorbed through the skin, they go directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the detoxifications functions of the liver. Mercury, lead, phthalates, 1,4 dioxane, and other toxins are also absorbed through the skin, bypassing the liver's first pass metabolism.

Some cosmetics contain ingredients that are considered safe, in part because it is assumed they will not be easily absorbed through the skin. However, many skin products also contain "penetration enhancers." These ingredients can increase chemical penetration through the skin and into the bloodstream. Many cosmetic or skin care products that contain penetration enhancers also contain known or suspected human carcinogens like mercury, 1,4 dioxane, or phthalates, or developmental toxins such as lead.

1,4-Dioxane can be a trace contaminant in cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos which contain ethoxylated ingredients. Ethoxylation involves using the cancer-causing petrochemical ethylene oxide. As a contaminant, 1,4 dioxane is not listed on product labels.

1,4 dioxane is considered a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, due to demonstrated carcinogenity in several animal studies.

Liver and kidney damage has been observed in animals chronically exposed by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Greater toxicity was observed in animals exposed by inhalation or dermal exposure than by ingestion.

Workers exposed to 1, 4 dioxin have exhibited acute symptoms such as irritation of the upper respiratory passages, coughing, irritation of eyes, drowsiness, vertigo, headache, anorexia, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, coma, and even death.

The EPA has not established standards for a safe exposure limit.

When 1,4 dioxane enters the environment, it does not degrade in water. Since it does not stick to soil particles, it can easily pass through soil to contaminate groundwater. 1, 4 dioxane has been detected in both surface and groundwater.

See my blog for more detailed information about 1,4 dioxane.

(1) Talc is used in cosmetic products to absorb moisture. Talc is often listed at the #1 or #2 ingredient. Talc fills and dries, and builds up in fine lines, accentuating their appearance. Talc is also recognized as a potential carcinogen, especially lung & ovarian cancer.

(2) Mineral Oil and Waxes disrupt the skin's ability to breathe. Mineral oil, a derivative of crude oil, is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. It forms an oily film over the skin to lock in moisture, but it also traps in toxins and wastes, and hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out. (NOTE: Liquidum Paraffinum is an exotic sounding way to say mineral oil. Paraffin wax or oil is mineral oil wax.) Petroleum products coat the skin, clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins, which in turn accumulate and can lead to more skin problems. Petroleum derivatives slow cellular development, which can cause you to show earlier signs of aging. They are a suspected cause of cancer and are also disruptive of hormonal activity.

(3) Collagen, is added to cosmetics as a "sales gimmick." It is an insoluble fibrous protein and is too large to penetrate the skin. The collagen found in most skin care or cosmetic products comes from animal skins and ground up chicken feet. Collagen forms a layer of film that may suffocate the skin or reduce its ability to breathe.

(4)Toxic Preservatives such as Formaldehyde and BHT are common toxic preservatives. These can cause cancer, tumors and are neurotoxins which can alter behavior. Formaldehyde, a colorless gas, is an irritant and a carcinogen. When combined with water, formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant, fixative or preservative. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) contains toluene. Toluene is harmful or fatal if swallowed and harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Tolulene is made from petroleum or coal tar, and is found in most synthetic fragrances. Chronic exposure is linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage, and may affect a developing fetus. Other names may include benzoic and benzyl.

(5) Fragrances on a label can refer to up to four thousand separate ingredients. Many are toxic or carcinogenic. Symptoms reported from many include headaches, dizziness, allergic rashes, skin discoloration and irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability and neurotoxicity. They can also aggravate asthma and allergies.

(6) Isopropyl Palmitate, a comedogenic that can cause whiteheads and blackheads. It interferes with the ability of the skin to breathe.

(7) Mercury is a preservative or anti-microbial agent, particularly in eye products such as mascara. The FDA allows concentrations below 60 ppm. No consideration is given to the effects of the accumulation of this TOXIC heavy metal in the system. The state of Minnesota recently banned mercury in cosmetics. Read more about the ban here.

(8) Lead, a toxic heavy metal, is especially found in products from Europe. Recently, lead was found in about half the lipstick brands tested by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Is it in yours? Read the full article here.

(9) Phthalates are a class of widely used industrial compounds known technically as dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. Phthalates crept into widespread use over the last several decades because of their many beneficial chemical properties. Major loopholes in federal law allow the $20-billion-a-year cosmetics industry to put unlimited amounts of phthalates into many personal care products with no required testing, no required monitoring of health effects, and no required labeling. Manufacturers use low-molecular-weight phthalates (eg, diethyl phthalate --DEP-- and dibutyl phthalate --DBP-) in personal care products (eg, perfumes, lotions, cosmetics), as solvents and plasticizers for cellulose acetate, and in making lacquers, varnishes, and coatings.

Fortunately, we have found safe cosmetics that are free of these harmful ingredients. They are comparable with high end department store cosmetics, while being safe and reasonably priced.

For the millions of American women seeking cosmetics free of mercury, lead, phthalates, and other toxins, there is good news. Our favorite health and wellness company has an innovative color cosmetics collection that combines the benefits of natural and safe ingredients with the exceptional performance of high-end department store cosmetics. Independent testing of their cosmetics, skin care, and personal care products assures their safety and effectiveness. Testing includes the expertise of both a dermatologist and an opthamologist.

This natural cosmetics line uses micronized minerals combined with skin-nourishing moisturizers and antioxidants to help protect the skin while providing a luminous glow. The weightless formulas also reflect light to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The micronized minerals used in our products provide sheer even coverage and radiant, lasting color. The products are designed to layer and blend to create custom looks.

The natural cosmetics are created from micronized minerals that reflect light and provide protection against the environment, yet allow the skin to breathe. Which means wearing our makeup is actually better for one's skin than wearing no makeup at all. Unlike many other cosmetics, these won't cake or build up on the skin; instead, they reflect light away from fine lines, reducing the visible signs of aging.

The complete natural cosmetic line is divided into three components:

Cosmetics for the face: including foundations, concealers, pressed powders and blush

Eye Makeup: includes eyeshadows, eye pencils and mascaras

Lip products: includes lip pencils, lipsticks and lip gloss

Skin, the body's largest organ, is 95 to 97% protein, plus oil, minerals, water and vitamins and minerals. To maintain healthy skin, we must feed it well. But skin is the last organ to be nourished after food has been processed by the digestive system. Consequently, often our skin is poorly nourished.

The skin care products include a triple-patented, seven ingredient antioxidant, vitamin, and botanical complex to help protect and renew skin, while containing no talc or other harsh, drying fillers. The entire line of products is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested, fragrance free, and cruelty-free.

Looking for safe skin whitening products? Visit our Skin Care Page.

Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, and butylparabens) are scientifically constructed compounds that have a long history of safety as preservatives and stabilizing agents in personal care products. They prevent disease and infection by inhibiting fungal and bacterial contamination and growth. Parabens have been found safe by the EU, the US and other jursidictions. There is less estrogenic potential from parabens than from many of the foods we eat. In fact, parabens around found naturally in certain foods, such as blueberries.

As a matter of background, popular concern about parabens was raised by a study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, which found parabens in 18 of 20 breast tumor samples. The study ran no controls and did not investigate whether preservatives were present in healthy breast tissue or determine paraben concentrations in other body tissue. The study also did not show that women with breast cancer had higher levels of parabens than women free of the disease.

A major, controlled epidemiological study involving 813 women diagnosed with breast cancer, which showed no link between the use of antiperspirants or deodorants and breast cancer. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review, whose decisions on cosmetic ingredient safety are recognized by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration, has concluded that parabens are safe for use in cosmetic products. They are certainly much safer than mercury based preservatives.

That being said, our favorite brand has a policy to use the minimum amount of safe preservatives in products that require them; to use natural preservatives when possible; and to use no preservatives in product formulations that are naturally self-preserving. Their pressed powders, lip pencils, eye pencils, and blush contain no parabens.

Pre-emption of cosmetic regulation is outrageous and shows a callous disregard for the health of American women, especially those who are pregnant.

It shows a callous disregard for the likelihood of birth defects in newborn children. Cosmetics are broadly used--far more broadly than most prescription drugs, medical devices, or biologic products.

In fact, cosmetics include: baby powder, bubble bath, toothpaste, deodorants, shaving creams, hair tonics, hairsprays, colognes, suntan lotions, mouthwashes, douches, baby shampoo, hand lotion, hair dyes, deodorants, moisturizing cream, as well as many other products

Whether the issue is hair spray, or shampoo, or lipstick, or baby powder, suntan lotion, soap and toothpaste, Americans assume that the products they use are safe.

But this confidence is too often unjustified--because Federal oversight of this $20 billion industry today is extremely limited. The basic Federal law regulating cosmetics has not been updated since 1938. The FDA has less than 30 employees overseeing this huge industry--and only two employees dealing with the critical issues of packaging, labelling, and consumer warnings. The FDA has no authority to require manufacturers to register their plants and products. It cannot require manufacturers to file data on the ingredients in their products. It cannot compel manufacturers to file reports on cosmetic-related injuries. It cannot require that products be tested for safety or that the results of safety testing be made available to the agency. It does not have the right of access to manufacturers' records. It cannot require recall of a product.

In the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act there are 126 pages devoted to the regulation of drugs and devices. 55 pages are devoted to foods regulation. A full 8 pages of the Act is dedicated to definitions. But less than 2 pages are devoted to cosmetic regulation.

In 1938, there was no requirement that industry show safety of drugs, medical devices, food additives, or cosmetics before they were marketed. Today, the public demands higher standards of protection, and they have been established for drugs, for medical devices, and for food additives--but not for cosmetics.

A study by the respected, nonpartisan General Accounting Office reported that more than 125 ingredients available for use in cosmetics are suspected of causing cancer. Twenty cosmetic ingredients may cause adverse effects on the nervous system, including headaches, drowsiness, and convulsions. Twenty cosmetic ingredients are suspected of causing birth defects. The GAO concluded that "cosmetics are being marketed in the United States which may pose a serious hazard to the public."

The cosmetics industry wants the public to believe that no effective regulation is necessary at either the state or federal level. They are masters of the slick ad and expensive public relations campaign. But all the glamorous pictures in the world cannot obscure the basic facts: this is an industry that is under-regulated and too often hazardous. A mother of a beautiful six year old girl in Oakland,
California found this out when she used a hair product on her child that resulted in second degree burns on her ears and neck. A 59-year old California women almost died from an allergic reaction to hair dye. A 47 year old woman had her
cornea destroyed by a mascara wand. In another tragic case, a woman's hair caught fire as the result of an inflammable hair treatment gel. She lost her hair and was severely scarred.

In fact, for every one million cosmetic products purchased, there are more than 200 visits to the doctor to treat cosmetic-caused illnesses. A 1987 study for the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that in one year alone, cosmetic products resulted in 47,000 emergency room visits. Another study found that between 1985 and 1987, more than 151,000 cosmetic-related injuries occurred.

Let me read a dishonor roll of just a few of the complaints made to the FDA in the last few months.

Eye problems such as rash, redness, swelling, and inflammation from Alberto Culver's "European Instant Hot Oil Treatment for Color Treated
and Permed Hair."

Clairol's Helene Curtis "Nice and Easy Natural Lite" causing problems such as pain and tissue damage.

Proctor & Gamble "Cover Girl Make Up Master Sponge Puffs" causing such problems as rash, redness, swelling, sores.

Maybelline "Great Lash Mascara" : pain and rash.

Proctor and Gamble "Pantene" shampoo: neck tissue damage

Personal Care Products "Personal Care Anti-Wrinkle Cream": eye infection

Neutrogena Corporation "Neutragena Glow Sunless Tanning Spray," hand pain and tissue damage.

The list goes on and on.

These severe reactions are only the tip of the iceberg. As the GAO study points out, "Available estimates of cosmetic-related injuries do not accurately reflect the extent to which consumers are exposed to toxic cosmetic products and ingredients. Because symptoms of chronic toxic effects may not occur until months or years after exposure, injury estimates generally account for only acute toxic effects."

These potential dangers come into startling focus when we review the risks associated with just four widely-used products--risks unknown to the average consumer. Alpha-hydroxy acid used in face creams can be a potent contributor to skin cancer. Feminine hygiene products can cause pelvic inflammatory disease leading to infertility in young women. Talc used in baby powder and other products is a carcinogen. And mascara can cause blindness.

Alpha-hydroxy acid is one of the hottest selling cosmetic products on the market. This product is sold to erase fine lines and tighten the skin but has devastating health effects that are unknown to most consumers. The agency has received 100 reports of adverse effects with alpha-hydroxy acid products, ranging from mild irritation and stinging to blistering and burns. More importantly, these products make users more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight -- which can cause skin cancer.

The cosmetic industry itself sponsored a study linking alpha-hydroxy acid to increased UV sensitivity and most likely skin cancer. An industry panel concluded that alpha-hydroxy acid cosmetics are "safe at concentrations less than or equal to 10 percent, at a pH of greater than or equal to 3.5 when directions for use include daily use of sun protection." But there has been no conclusive independent review of these findings. There is no mechanism for assuring that the industry is following its guidelines. And there is no required labelling to warn consumers that this product can cause skin cancer or to tell them whether the product they buy even meets the level the industry deems safe.

Many woman would be surprised to find that an overwhelmingly majority of feminine hygiene products are regulated as cosmetics. These products have been shown to cause upper reproductive tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies, and infertility with the most profound effect in young women. But the FDA has done little to protect or warn women against these dangers.

Talc is used in baby powder and other products. In 1992, the National Toxicology Program published a study of the effects of talc inhalation in animals and an epidemiology study on Exposure to Talc and Ovarian Cancer Risk. The researchers reported an elevated risk of ovarian cancer associated with talc use. Workers at Columbia University have reported the detection of talc particles in the ovaries of patients undergoing surgery. The Cancer Prevention Coalition has submitted a citizen's petition to FDA expressing their concern about the possible health risks posed by talc and requested the agency establish regulations to require carcinogen warning labels on cosmetics containing talc as an ingredient.

FDA is reviewing the information and may respond sometime in the future. If a State wanted to warn its consumers about this potential carcinogen, they would be prohibited under S. 830.

The FDA has received numerous reports of corneal ulceration associated with mascara products, some of which caused partial blindness of the infected eye. In addition, many other reports of conjunctivitis caused by contaminated mascara were received. In response, FDA published a notice asking the industry to provide information covering microbial testing methods and standards of performance suitable to assure that cosmetics do not become contaminated with microorganisms during manufacture as well as use. However, FDA's request for information resulted in little response from industry--and FDA has no power to require industry to provide the needed information.

Beauty parlor employees are particularly vulnerable to asthma and other diseases that result from exposure to chemicals in the products they use. In fact, their exposure to the chemicals in cosmetic products results in asthma rates twice as high as a comparison group.

An accelerating number of free radicals in the environment is putting your skin at risk. Scientists believe these free radicals damage cells and DNA, reducing the body's natural defenses. Pollution, sunlight, and other environmental stressors create even more free radicals. The good news is, the right nutrients can come to the rescue and limit the amount of harm caused by oxidative damage.

Balanced nutrition is important for maintaining health. Poor nutrition can make your skin, along with the rest of your body, age considerably faster. Deficiencies of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, B-Complex, protein, and essential fatty acids can impair the skin's ability to renew itself. The omega 3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, are often deficient in our diets. This is also true of another essential fatty acid, gamma linoleic acid or GLA. Improving your nutrition and taking the proper supplements regularly often results in younger-looking skin. Make sure you're getting the right supplements every day.

To learn more about choosing quality nutritional supplements, visit our vitamin webpage.