Alarming Ingredients in Skin Care Products
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to share the attached article that I just read. Thought you might
find it interesting…
Alarming Ingredients in Skin Care Products
By Ruthie Harper, M.D.
With the exception of color additives and a few prohibited ingredients, a
cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient
and market the product without an approval from the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). Many chemicals found in cosmetics do not cause obvious immediate signs
of toxicity, but may slowly harm us through repeated use. The FDA classifies
cosmetics and personal care products, but does not regulate them. In 1938, the
FDA granted self-regulation to the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance
Association (CTFA), the self-appointed industry organization. What this means is
that the industry does not have to account to anyone, not even the FDA.
Why is this so important? Many drugs on the market today are administered
through transdermal skin patches, which have been shown to be up to 95% more
effective than oral medication. This proves that the skin, the largest organ of
the body and our first line of immunity, is permeable to all sorts of helpful
and HARMFUL chemicals. Cosmetic manufacturers are not required to submit safety
data to the FDA, so the FDA is unaware of the tests that cosmetic manufacturers
run. This has resulted in ingredients being used in products, which can be
harmful or even worse TOXIC. Some manufacturers use these harmful ingredients
unknowingly while others use them because they are less expensive than their
more natural and healthier alternatives.
Can the use of these ingredients be stopped? The FDA must prove in a court of
law that a product may be injurious before the product can be recalled. The FDA
admits they do not have the time or budget to win in court against the giant
cosmetic companies so the industry remains relatively unregulated. The FDA
Consumer Complaints About Cosmetic Products 1999 Annual Report lists complaints
of adverse reactions to brand-name cosmetics and personal care products. The
FDA admits they probably receive only a very small percentage of actual
complaints. 58% of these adverse reactions were in the dermatitis/pain/tissue
damage categories, and 17% in the nervous system reactions category. All of the
named products were topical (lotions, shaving creams, toothpastes, etc).
A U.S. News and World Report article published in 1998 stated, "We look good, we
smell good, and we have just exposed ourselves to 200 different chemicals a day,
through personal care products." Now, six years later, that number is probably
more like 3000. While there is great debate over whether or not these TOXIC
ingredients are really harmful, manufacturers justify their use by recommending
small dosages.
We have chosen as a company to end this debate by alleviating the need for the
consumer to worry about either the toxic effect or the amount used. Very simply,
we have chosen to use NONE OF THE INGREDIENTS IN ANY OF OUR PRODUCTS IN ANY
AMOUNT. The end result is products that provide all the good while eliminating
all of the bad . . . products you can feel good about using yourself, as well as
on those you love day in day out, as frequently as you choose.
- Dr. Harper is committed to educating the consumer about quality skin care
ingredients and providing them with products that meet the high level of quality
and discrimination that people deserve. Her desire is to improve the look and
health of the skin while contributing to the overall health of the individual.
Gina Martinez - www.nuvante.com