According to Michael O’Heaney ”the big cosmetics companies aren’t such big fans of the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010—legislation recently introduced to require more strict regulation of their business—or of our new movie. The Personal Care Products Council went so far as to issue a statement calling The Story of Cosmetics a ‘repugnant and absurd…shockumentary.’” There’s a good reason the cosmetics industry doesn’t like all the attention it’s getting: for years, they’ve been largely left alone to decide what’s safe to put in their products. You know, things like lead in lipstick. Neurotoxins in body spray. Carcinogens in baby wash.
It’s time that consumers know exactly what is in everything that is put on or in their body. Gone are the days when we should place blind trust and faith in huge manufacturers and corporations to give us safe personal care products and food. We now know that their track record is not one that has come from an interest in consumer safety.
The Story of Cosmetics video is very thought provoking and gives excellent information that everyone should be aware of. However, I do not agree that this “Age of Chemical Cosmetics” is not our fault. I believe it is the consumer’s fault. We should carry a magnifying glass so we can read the very small-print ingredient list on everything that we purchase. Manufacturers will take notice of this — believe me. It is time for people to take responsibilty for their health and one of the first things to do is to take the time to READ LABELS and RESEARCH INGREDIENTS. Bottom line for corporations and manufacturers is profit. Your health and my health does not make a high entry on their list of concerns. When we begin to read labels and research chemicals then informed choices can be made. It is when we stop buying chemical-laden cosmetics and personal care products that the cosmetic industry standards will change.
I shudder to think that we should even consider asking the FDA to over-see the cosmetic industry. Their track record in approving pharmaceuticals that are not harmful is severly lacking in any type of concern for our health and well-being. Let’s not put the fox in charge of the hen-house. In fact, I despise more government control over anything else in my life. It is my opinion that we take the cosmetic industry on ourselves through education and beginning to make healthy and non-toxic choices for ourselves and our family. There are many excellent companies that sell cosmetics and personal care products which are safe and non-toxic. Let me encourage you to do your own research and try put your money toward companies that are serious about your health and well-being. Support these companies, give them your feedback and encourage them in their path to provide cosmetics and personal care products that are clean and green.
Tags: Cancer, chemicals in cosmetics, chemicals linked to cancer, cosmetic safety, Environmental Health, estrogen, Lanique Botanicals, lead in cosmetics, oxybenzone, personal care product Myths and Facts, shampoo toxicty, Story of Cosmetics, sunscreens, The Story of Cosmetics FAQ's, The Story of Cosmetics Video, thyroid hormone
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Before purchasing any new personal hygiene products I always consult the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics database to find out what’s in it and how toxic the ingredients are. Great post!