Mar. 15 – US: Potentially toxic cosmetics have some people worried

The North Jersey Media group has an extensive article on U.S. cosmetic labeling. Here is a snippet:

“Sodium lauryl sulfate, a common ingredient that causes shampoo, toothpaste and soap to foam, can be very damaging to the skin, especially to the eyes. But if you just put ‘SLS’ in the ingredient list, no one will know that’s what it is,” Conway said.

Some potentially harmful ingredients aren’t listed at all. Phthalates, linked to reproductive damage, are a common hidden element of fragrances in body lotions, hair sprays, perfumes and deodorants, according to the most recent issue of Consumer Reports’ ShopSmart magazine. It recommends using perfume no more than every other day and seeking out unscented personal-care items.

Label phrases like “dermatologist tested,” “all natural” and “hypoallergenic” don’t mean much, warns the FDA. Ditto for the word “Dr.” in a brand name.

Concerns about conventional cosmetics are to thank for an increase in mass-marketed organic and/or plant-based personal-care products, a category that only recently consisted of not much beyond the Tom’s of Maine brand — which also is growing.

For the full article, see: Potentially toxic cosmetics have some people worried.