The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Did you know that in the United States no government body regulates the safety of cosmetics and that personal care products companies don't have to test ingredients or products for long term health effects like cancer or reproductive problems?
While over 1,100 ingredients have been banned from personal care products in Europe because of health concerns the U.S. has banned only 10.
Many of the chemicals in products we use on our skin every day are linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities, developmental problems and more.That's why the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow is part of the nationwide Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC).
The CSC is calling on all cosmetics and personal care companies to protect our health by phasing out the use of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health concerns in every market they serve.
Cosmetic products like shampoo, soap, baby bubble bath, lipstick, nail polish, aftershave, deodorant and skin cream are not regulated by the FDA, and many of these products contain truly hazardous ingredients and chemicals that have never been tested for safety.
The website of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a wealth of information and suggestions on limiting exposure to toxins in personal care products and cosmetics. Visit the Skin Deep database to research any health concerns associated with products that you are using and find safer products if you needed. Visit the campaign’s Action page to join thousands of people around the country demanding safe cosmetics from manufacturers and retailers, and requesting immediate action from elected officials.
Read the Report: Poison Kiss: The Problem of Lead in Lipstick (PDF) (October 11, 2007)
Independent laboratory testing initiated by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in 2007 found that lipsticks from top brands contain lead. Two-thirds of the 33 samples tested contained detectable levels of lead; of those, half were above the lead limit for lead in candy. Lead is a potent neurotoxin and linked to numerous other health and reproductive problems—and it doesn't belong in lipstick.
