Are Your Cosmetics Making You Sick?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed the ingredients in more than 23,000 beauty products sold in the United States and found that 751 of them do not meet industry or governmental cosmetics safety standards. Of those, 447 were products that safety panels within the cosmetics industry itself found unsafe even when used as directed. Yet, these products continue to be sold in the U.S. and used by unsuspecting consumers.
The EWG maintains a growing database, Skindeep, containing information about more than 70,000 cosmetics and personal products. Check the beauty product brands you normally use at Skindeep to discover if they're safe. If you're shocked by what you learn, you can also find alternative, safe-ingredient beauty products listed on Skindeep.
The EWG and other safe-product advocates are campaigning to persuade the U.S. government to ban carcinogenic and other hazardous ingredients from cosmetics. Consumers should ensure their own voices and concerns are heard in this matter.
Women of all ages want to look their best, and cosmetics have long provided beauty enhancement. Should women have to worry that the cosmetics they use may be hazardous to their health?
In a word, no.
