Safety First

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), cosmetics and their ingredients are not required to undergo FDA approval before they are sold to the public. According to the FDA, “This means that manufacturers may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, to market a product without a government review or approval.”  The FDA does no systematic reviews of safety.

In order to keep you safe, we came up with a list of ingredients to look out for when purchasing beauty products:
 
Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben: used to extend product shelf life, parabens can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. 

Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA): used as emulsifiers or foaming agents, these ammonia compounds can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of hair or skin. 

Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea: used as preservatives, these ingredients have been found to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis.  Both release formaldehyde, which can be toxic. 

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate: a harsh detergent used for cleansing and creating foam. Often derived from petroleum, it can strip the skin of natural moisturizers and cause eye irritation, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions.

Petrolatum: also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative can interfere with the body’s moisturizing process and create dryness and chapping.

Propylene Glycol: typically this is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. It is often labeled as PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol). 

Synthetic Fragrances: The FDA does not require manufacturers to disclose ingredients in fragrances, which can have as many as 200 ingredients. It is impossible to discern the chemicals because the label will simply read “fragrance.”

 

This article has been adapted from the original, which was published in the February 2009 issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.