Most of us have heard about the possibly dangerous ingredients found in cosmetics. Heck, we’ve even mentioned it here on our site. We know that the FDA doesn’t regulate cosmetic ingredients, but exactly what ingredients are suspect and why? We’ll spend the next week taking a closer look at some of the purported dangers in our cosmetics and also the items we use on our children.

Phthalates

Some of the primary chemicals that have come under scrutiny are called phthalates (pronounced THA-lates). These chemicals are often used in vinyl and plastics. They are also found in cosmetics and perfumes where they are used to make the fragrance of the product last longer, nail polish to make it less brittle, and hairspray to give it that “flexible hold.”

Possible Dangers

So what’s the problem? Some research on animals indicates that phthalates, which are absorbed through the skin (and nails) and also through inhalation, can cause liver, lung, kidney and reproductive system (specifically: birth defects in male reproductive organs) damage. Does that mean they can cause the same damage in humans? Maybe, maybe not…no one is 100% certain.

Proponents of phthalates argue that the concentrations found in cosmetics aren’t high enough to cause adverse effects in humans. But no one seems to be addressing the daily use of multiple products containing phthalates and I would be remiss if I didn’t maintain a healthy dose of skepticism regarding ANY claim made by a pharmaceutical company.

Regulation

As of 2003, the European Union has banned the use of phthalates in cosmetics, believing that studies showing damage to rodents is evidence enough for them. The U.S. has been slow to follow suit, though. This is not necessarily in the best interest of you, the consumer.

Unfortunately, avoiding phthalates in your cosmetics isn’t as easy. Reading labels isn’t enough because phthalates don’t conveniently announce themselves in big red letters. Rather, they are often labeled as dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). And when it comes to fragrance, be it in perfumes or just in your body lotion or foundation, this falls under the category of a “trade secret” and the FDA requires no disclosure of ingredients whatsoever.

Consumer Options

So what is a consumer to do? Currently the best resource for avoiding cosmetics that contain phthalates is utilizing the comprehensive database maintained by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Take a look at the many companies who have signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, pledging to remove questionable chemicals from their products. Think Before You Pink. a project of Breast Cancer Action, provides another good list of phthalate-free cosmetics companies.

While nothing replaces your own research, may we suggest the following:

PeaceKeeper Causemetics - we’ve recommended them before and we’ll keep recommending! This fabulous company not only makes all-natural, safe cosmetics (including phthalate-free nail polish!), but they donate 100% of their after-tax profits to women’s and human rights advocacy groups. That’s right….100%.

Tomorrow we’ll take a look at the allegations of high lead levels in lipstick and other products.

Additional resources you might find interesting:

The Mayo Clinic, Breast Cancer Fund, The Environmental Working Group