As you may or may not know, Lauren is also a co-founder of and writer for http://www.yourdailythread.com/. Her most recent post regarding the dangers of commercial skin care certainly pertains to the issues that Chivas Skin Care "lobbies" around, so we thought it might interest you too!What Does Social Activism have to do with Cosmetics?
January 21, 2009 Written by Lauren Johanson
As part of this week’s focus on social activism, today’s issue of Wellness & Beauty is about how to help make cosmetics safer. If you don’t know much about the dangers of commercial cosmetics, this might sound like a strange call to action. So here’s a quick review of common personal care ingredients that are known, or suspected to be, toxic:
- Mercury (often listed as “thimerosal”): possible human carcinogen and reproductive toxin. Found in some eye drops, ointments & mascaras.
- Placenta: Produces progesterone, estrogen and other hormones that can interfere with the body’s normal hormone functions and can lead to health problems like breast cancer. Found in some hair relaxers, moisturizers and toners.
- Lead Acetate: Known human reproductive and developmental toxin. Found in some hair dyes and cleansers.
- Petrochemicals (petrolatum, mineral oil and paraffin): May contain human carcinogens, as well as 1,4-Dioxane (which is not listed on ingredient labels). Found in some hair relaxers, anti-aging creams, foundation, lipsticks and more.
- Phthalates (such as dibutyl and diethylhexyl): Probable developmental toxins and endocrine disruptors. Found in some nail polishes, hair sprays and fragrances (which are then used in most other products like soaps, shampoos, etc.).
And here’s the logic for why you should care:
- The Government should be protecting us, but they’re not. The loopholes in federal law prevent the FDA from governing cosmetic safety. For example, the EU has banned 1,100 chemicals in cosmetics; the US has banned just 10.
- The beauty industry certainly isn’t. The $50-billion cosmetic industry lobbies AGAINST laws that would regulate chemical content.
- Therefore, we have to be informed and protect ourselves.
(Information from “Unmasked: 10 Ugly Truths Behind the Myth of Cosmetics Safety”. You can download full brochure here.)
If this issue compels you to act, here are the ways that you can get involved:
- Get Educated: Sign up for the latest news on cosmetic safety via www.safecosmetics.org/join. And read “Want to learn more?” below.
- Get Shopping: The easiest thing to do is download the pocket size “Shopper’s Guide to Safe Cosmetics” and stick it in your wallet. Or you can browse the full Cosmetic Database here.
- Get Active: Tell your cosmetic companies that you want safer products. Each month The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics posts a new “Action Alert” where you can easily send a message to companies or agencies. This month “Ask Bath and Body Works to offer non-toxic kids body wash"
- Get Vocal: Talk to your friends about this issue. Download talking points here.
- Get Creative: Have fun making your own natural cosmetics. Click here to view DIY recipes. Or sign-up for one of my DIY skin care workshops right here in LA. If you’re interested, email me: Lauren@yourdailythread.com
Want to learn more? The easiest way to learn more is to visit http://www.safecosmetics.org/. You can also get a more in-depth analysis by reading “Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry” by Stacy Malkan, the co-founder of The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. I am actually reading a signed copy of the book this month and will be bringing you a “book report” soon.
How did I get a signed copy of “Not Just a Pretty Face”? I was lucky to meet the author, Stacy Malkan, at last year’s “Beauty and Sustainability” event hosted by Opportunity Green at Lululemon in Beverly Hills. Stacy was a speaker on the panel discussion hosted by Rachelle Carson (actress & wife of “Green Guru” Ed Begley Jr.) and joined by Renata Helfman (owner of Vert, eco-friendly beauty boutique in Venice). The panel was preceded by complementary mini-facials from Jurlique, eyebrow shaping from Jenny Wax, mini-manicures, organic hors d’oeuvres, fine wines, gift bags and more. This event is just one example of the many events that go on all the time in L.A. They are generally open to the public and are a great way to meet people and learn more about sustainability. I believe that activism requires knowledge of the issue, passion for change, and the willingness to get involved. So, go on and get out there. You can learn about a slue of upcoming events at the ydt Events Calendar.
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