Myths on cosmetics safety
Probably the most shocking myth...
Myth – The government prohibits dangerous chemicals in personal care products, and companies wouldn’t risk using them.
Fact – Cosmetics companies may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, without government review or approval (FDA 2005, FDA 2000).
More than 500 products sold in the U.S. contain ingredients banned in cosmetics in Japan, Canada or the European Union (EWG 2007b).
Nearly 100 products contain ingredients considered unsafe by the International Fragrance Association (EWG 2007c).
A wide range of nanomaterials whose safety is in question may be common in personal care products (EWG 2006).
22% of all personal care products may be contaminated with the cancer-causing impurity 1,4-dioxane, including many children’s products (EWG 2007d, CDC 2009).
60% of sunscreens contain the potential hormone disruptor oxybenzone that readily penetrates the skin and contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans (EWG 2010, Calafat et al 2008).
61% of tested lipstick brands contain residues of lead (CSC 2007).
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