FDA Regulations Permit Toxins in Cosmetics

[Islander]

Thursday, February 05, 2009 by: Jo Hartley

(NaturalNews) The FDA Handbook is the standard for regulations in the US regarding the manufacture of food and drugs, including cosmetic and skin care products. It is interesting to learn that this handbook actually allows the use of known harmful ingredients in the creation of cosmetic and skin care products.

In fact, almost any ingredient is permissible in cosmetics and body care products, as evidenced by these quotes from the FDA Handbook:

"With the exception of color additives and a few prohibited ingredients, a cosmetic manufacturer may, on his own responsibility, use essentially any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without approval."

"Although not prohibited by law or regulation, in addition, the manufacturers of cosmetic fragrance products have voluntarily agreed to not use or to limit maximum use levels of certain selected ingredients which have been found to cause depigmentation, irritant, neurotoxic, or phototoxic or other allergic reactions."

Mercury is permissible in cosmetics (http://www.naturalnews.com/cosmetics.html) and other products, even though mercury (http://www.naturalnews.com/mercury.html) is easily absorbed through the skin and will accumulate in the body. Mercury in any form is extremely toxic. Mercury poisoning can result from inhalation, ingestion, injection, or absorption through the skin.

"The use of mercury compounds as cosmetic ingredients is limited to eye area cosmetics at concentrations not exceeding 65 parts per million of mercury calculated as the metal (about 100 ppm or 0.01% phenylmercuric acetate or nitrate) and provided no other effective and safe preservative is available for use."

Nitrosamines are known carcinogens. Nevertheless, the FDA (http://www.naturalnews.com/the_FDA.html) permits their use. Amines and their derivatives are typically present in creams, lotions, shampoos and hair conditioners. The nitrosation may occur during manufacture or during product storage.

"Cosmetics containing as ingredients amines or amino derivatives, particularly di- or triethanolamine, may form nitrosamines (http://www.naturalnews.com/nitrosamines.html) if they also contain an ingredient which acts as a nitrosating agent as, for example, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol, Onyxide 500), 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane (Bronidox C) or tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane (Tris Nitro), or if they are contaminated with anitrosating agent, e.g., sodium nitrite."

Dioxane is also permissible in products by the FDA. Dioxane irritates the eyes and mucous membranes. Prolonged exposure is considered toxic to the liver and kidneys.

"Cosmetics containing as ingredients ethoxylated surface active agents, i.e., detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers and certain solvents identifiable by the prefix, word or syllable 'PEG', 'Polyethylene', 'Polyethylene glycol', 'Polyoxyethylene', '- eth-', or '-oxynol-', may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. It may be removed from ethoxylated compounds by means of vacuum stripping at the end of the polymerization process without an unreasonable increase in raw material cost. In rodent feeding studies conducted for the National Cancer Institute, 1,4-dioxane was found to produce cancer (http://www.naturalnews.com/cancer.html) of the liver and the nasal turbinates. It also caused systemic cancer in a skin painting study. Skin absorption studies demonstrated that dioxane readily penetrates animal and human skin from various types of vehicles."

Of note is the fact that it has been determined that when products containing dioxane are applied to the skin, most of the dioxane evaporates into the air and may not be actually absorbed into the skin. Many products analyzed have been found to contain dioxane. Some products contain as much as 100 ppm.

Source: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-p... (http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/%7Edms/cos-prd.html)

http://www.naturalnews.com/025531.html

[mellowsong]

I'm SOOOOO glad I don't use cosmetics. This should be sent out to everyone you know. However, you will probably experience what I have; being told I'm an extremist, satanic and don't ever email me again!

[DizzyIzzy]

Haha, haven't had that yet, but I have been called a nutjob, whackjob (two of the grammatically awful insults), idiot, psycho, and that 'it must be difficult living life so worried about everything'.

Trying to explain that no, I'm not worried particularly because I just buy safe brands instead of 'normal' ones doesn't seem to do much though. ;)

Interesting what it says about dioxane evaporating into the air - is that true, or from industry-funded studies to get them out of explaining why it's so rampant?

[mellowsong]

Interesting what it says about dioxane evaporating into the air - is that true, or from industry-funded studies to get them out of explaining why it's so rampant?

Your question piqued my curiousity so I just did a cursory search. Government sites say it is poorly absorbed through the skin, independent chemical sites such as this say it is readily absorbed:
http://healthychild.org/resources/chemical-pop/1,4-dioxane/

However, even if it did evaporate before being absorbed, guess what, you would breathe it back in. I remember when doing research for my article on baby products, that this chemical is in our water in high concentrations. In other words, when bathing or showering you are being exposed to even more than in the soaps, shampoos etc.

This is the same chemical that got a lot of so called "natural" and organic companies in trouble last year. California found it in many products that claimed all natural ingredients, however, it's presence is proof that petroleum based chemicals were used.

[DizzyIzzy]

That's right - JASON was one of those wasn't it? I was in the health food shop not long ago looking for something and the lady (who was very knowledgeable) recommended them, but I said they'd had something found in them recently that they shouldn't have, but couldn't for the life of me remember what it was! Will print the story off for her later, she was interested and horrified.

[Islander]

The EU doesn't permit toxic or even doubtful ingredients. The same corporations make one product for there, one for the U.S. The cost is no different, so why don't they make one safe product for everyone?

Like Patty, I don't wear or use... occasionally I put on a lip-colored lipstick. I have naturally rosy cheeks. Well I do!!

[DizzyIzzy]

The EU still has pretty horrible chemicals, don't be under any illusion that it's totally enlightened. :(

[Grandma]

So what is good to use. Don't faint but I use Mary Kay cosmetics. Been using it for years. I am more concerned about what I put in my body then what I wear on my body. I am now growing my "mostly gray" hair out and not using hair color.
I am sure Mary Kay and the dyes I have used on my hair are not good for me. Some things I want to give up and some things I do not.
So... does anyone know the perfect organic hair color and make up to buy. Two more cuts and my hair will be at it's natural color. I like gray hair on other people.... just not me.:rolleyes:

[DizzyIzzy]

In terms of makeup, look out for a good mineral one. Try and get something that has just a few ingredients - usually just titanium, zinc or iron oxides, mica, kaolin clay, and a natural colour or two. Avoid any that contain bismuth oxychloride, talc, or parabens, and bear in mind carmine (a red colour) can irritate sensitive skin.

I've used Everyday Minerals in the past and they were great, only my skin didn't like it much (which I later found out could be due to the brush I was using; use their brushes!). You can go online at www.everydayminerals.com and choose colours in a cheap sample pack, which lasts a while, so you can get the colour right [pick from foundations, blushes, concealers, eyeshadows, eyeliners, eyebrow colours...], or go on their forum with a photo and they can help you.

There's also a great kiwi one at www.sheermineral.com but I'm not sure if they do shipping to the US.



Oh... you use a brush to apply it, there are lots of demos on youtube. Just tap the powder into the lid, swirl the brush in it, then brush it on and build up the colour to however much you want. It's natural and it lasts and it looks really airbrushed and pretty. :)

As for hair colours - don't dye my hair so can't help with that one I'm afraid!

[Grandma]

In terms of makeup, look out for a good mineral one. Try and get something that has just a few ingredients - usually just titanium, zinc or iron oxides, mica, kaolin clay, and a natural colour or two. Avoid any that contain bismuth oxychloride, talc, or parabens, and bear in mind carmine (a red colour) can irritate sensitive skin.

I've used Everyday Minerals in the past and they were great, only my skin didn't like it much (which I later found out could be due to the brush I was using; use their brushes!). You can go online at www.everydayminerals.com (http://www.everydayminerals.com) and choose colours in a cheap sample pack, which lasts a while, so you can get the colour right [pick from foundations, blushes, concealers, eyeshadows, eyeliners, eyebrow colours...], or go on their forum with a photo and they can help you.

There's also a great kiwi one at www.sheermineral.com (http://www.sheermineral.com) but I'm not sure if they do shipping to the US.



Oh... you use a brush to apply it, there are lots of demos on youtube. Just tap the powder into the lid, swirl the brush in it, then brush it on and build up the colour to however much you want. It's natural and it lasts and it looks really airbrushed and pretty. :)

As for hair colours - don't dye my hair so can't help with that one I'm afraid!


Thanks I appreciate it... I added the web sights to my favorites. Will take a look at them later.
Just can't give up on my makeup and hair dye.
But, then you never know I might give it up ....I keep changing everyday.

[DizzyIzzy]

Heh, I'm a 22-year-old female so it's a bit hard for me to not use makeup!! I have cut back a lot though and my skin's looking so good that I don't need foundation any more (though I do still use it if I'm going to a party or important meeting or something). I really only use eye makeup, which I put on most days, but only when I'm out and about. I use the mineral eyeliner - which you put on with a brush - and either mineral eyeshadow or Dr Hauschka eyeshadow, with Dr Hauschka mascara. I'll also occasionally use some of the mineral blusher on my lips (sort of mix it with my normal lip balm so it makes a nice coloured gloss).

That's another company to check out actually - Dr Hauschka. They're a German company and do really good quality stuff that's probably about as good as you'll get. They occasionally use a couple of ingredients I don't like, but overall they're pretty clean and the makeup is lovely. :)

It's hard to give up on the beauty stuff, but I find if you just use it when you need to, avoid foundation, and don't wear it at home much, you should be ok. And there are definitely good ethical companies out there making nice simple mineral stuff, so it's still possible to look good and avoid the nasties.

PS Avoid mineral makeup from L'oreal, Maybelline, Mac, Bare Escentuals (one of the big mineral makeup companies) etc because they're still full of crap, despite their claims to the contrary!

[Islander]

So... does anyone know the perfect organic hair color and make up to buy. Two more cuts and my hair will be at it's natural color. I like gray hair on other people.... just not me.:rolleyes:

Gram, I have a book called Back to Basics from the Readers Digest that has several recipes for safe natural hair color. See if you can order it through Interlibrary Loan. If not, I can write it up but it's a lot of typing. Or maybe you can send me your mailing addy in a PM and I can xerox and mail it to you.

[Islander]

Heh, I'm a 22-year-old female so it's a bit hard for me to not use makeup!!

Oy, Dizzy, your naked skin may never look better that it does today, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009. At 67, I'm probably the one who needs help the most! But there is no makeup so natural that no one can tell you're wearing it, and no offense but it just looks so unnatural to me — not just on others but on me too.

I cannot imagine being a man, taking my pretty woman to bed, except she just washed all the pretty off her face...either that, or in the next 30 minutes it got smeared all over, which is even worse!

[DizzyIzzy]

Haha I know, that's why I avoid it so much - that cakey orangey weird-coloured layer with funny bumpy bits up close is just gross. BUT the mineral stuff I've got is really good - it's a fine powder so you can put it on really lightly and it evens out your skin tone and hides any redness or blemishes, but doesn't look like you've actually got any makeup on at all. Sort of like a magic airbrush. Or you can keep building it up so it does look like you're wearing something... just depends how much you use. ;)

[DizzyIzzy]

[But again, I rarely use it anyway - just for parties or meetings where I should probably put in a little effort and look 'professional']...

:D

[Aaltrude]

Just can't give up on my makeup and hair dye.
.

I used to say exactly the same thing Grandma but then I developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. It is very easy to make the choice in this situation to give them up when your body reacts in a very unpleasant way to toxins and you never know what the next thing will be that you will react to and how bad that reaction might be.

[Grandma]

Gram, I have a book called Back to Basics from the Readers Digest that has several recipes for safe natural hair color. See if you can order it through Interlibrary Loan. If not, I can write it up but it's a lot of typing. Or maybe you can send me your mailing addy in a PM and I can xerox and mail it to you.

I like the nick name you have for me... maybe my granddaughter will like it too... ;)
Thanks so much but I will look for the book. If I can't find it when I come up in the fall to Maine you can let me use it then. Remember I owe you a lobster.... :)
And you never know ... I just might like my hair being gray.. I said "might".
The book sounds like it would be interesting not only for hair color but other things.

[Grandma]

Heh, I'm a 22-year-old female so it's a bit hard for me to not use makeup!! I have cut back a lot though and my skin's looking so good that I don't need foundation any more (though I do still use it if I'm going to a party or important meeting or something). I really only use eye makeup, which I put on most days, but only when I'm out and about. I use the mineral eyeliner - which you put on with a brush - and either mineral eyeshadow or Dr Hauschka eyeshadow, with Dr Hauschka mascara. I'll also occasionally use some of the mineral blusher on my lips (sort of mix it with my normal lip balm so it makes a nice coloured gloss).

That's another company to check out actually - Dr Hauschka. They're a German company and do really good quality stuff that's probably about as good as you'll get. They occasionally use a couple of ingredients I don't like, but overall they're pretty clean and the makeup is lovely. :)

It's hard to give up on the beauty stuff, but I find if you just use it when you need to, avoid foundation, and don't wear it at home much, you should be ok. And there are definitely good ethical companies out there making nice simple mineral stuff, so it's still possible to look good and avoid the nasties.

PS Avoid mineral makeup from L'oreal, Maybelline, Mac, Bare Escentuals (one of the big mineral makeup companies) etc because they're still full of crap, despite their claims to the contrary!

When I am at home I never used makeup. Just natural.
I have hardly ever worn lipstick! I can not understand why do women put it on and then lick it off. Just never made sense to me. So... my lips are natural! I don't wear a lot of eye stuff either. And in the summer when I have a tan I don't wear makeup then.
I do appreciate everyone's input! I will check it out.

[DizzyIzzy]

Haha, I never have a tan... *sniff*. I'm just too pasty white!

I don't do lipstick much - I agree, why would you just eat it? And it tastes awful usually in my experience and makes me feel achy and weird. Think I've worn the real stuff about 3 times in my life and that was enough! My lips are naturally pretty red anyway.

But it's nice if I'm a cold and my lips go blue or white to add a bit of colour if the lipbalm I use isn't enough. I usually just use a really lovely lipbalm though - it's just beeswax, almond oil, wheatgerm oil, and tangerine oil and it feels gorgeous. :)


Oh, and grey hair can look totally chic with the right style, don't fear it!! :D

[Aaltrude]

I have never liked lipstick. It always made me feel as if it looked like I had huge pouty lips, well out of proportion with my face.

[DizzyIzzy]

Haha, I'm stuck with pouty lips anyway. ;)

I just always felt a bit shaky and 'chemicalised' when I wore it. So I stopped!

[Aaltrude]

I guess one advantage of pouty red lips is that you can get by without lipstick anyway.