Cosmetic Safety Standards

How well do we really understand the cosmetic products we apply to our skin on a daily basis? Test your awareness of the potentially harmful ingredients found in our skincare—some of the findings may astonish you!

Myth 1: There’s no need for concern about harmful ingredients in cosmetics, as government regulations protect us.

Fact: Health Canada has established the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, which identifies certain chemicals that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetic products. However, this Hotlist is not comprehensive, and compliance with regulations is largely the responsibility of individual companies.

Moreover, some restricted substances can still be utilized within specific concentration limits. Recent studies challenge the long-held belief that “the dose makes the poison,” revealing that certain chemicals may exhibit harmful effects even at low levels.

Another significant issue raised by health and environmental organizations is the “cocktail effect,” which refers to the unknown interactions between various chemicals within a single product, as well as their potential effects on an individual’s genetic makeup. Ultimately, the safety of our products remains uncertain.

Maggie MacDonald, Toxics Program Manager at the environmental and health organization Environmental Defence, states: “Consumers often believe that chemicals present in products must be safe. However, scientific findings evolve, and there can be delays in policy changes in response to new hazards.”

Myth 2: Skin products only affect the skin and are not absorbed into the body.

Fact: It’s a common misconception that only orally ingested substances enter our bodies. In reality, many topical ingredients do penetrate the skin.

Take parabens, commonly used preservatives like propylparaben and methylparaben; they have demonstrated the ability to seep into human skin and can be found in urine. A 2006 study indicated that parabens were present in 96 out of 100 participants tested.

Myth 3: A product labeled “vegan” is inherently natural and safe.

Fact: While it’s encouraging to see an increase in vegan products, caution is still necessary when selecting them.

A Certified Vegan label guarantees that a product contains no animal-derived ingredients and has not undergone animal testing. However, it doesn’t imply that the product is devoid of synthetic chemicals or is organic.

To find genuinely safe vegan options, consider visiting local health food stores rather than big retail chains, and inquire about natural, nontoxic products that display the Certified Vegan logo.

Myth 4: Only women of child-bearing age should worry about hormone-disrupting ingredients in cosmetics.

Fact: This concern extends to everyone, including men. Although men generally use fewer products than women, they still encounter these chemicals. Preliminary research links substances like phthalates to negative effects on male reproductive health, including altered semen quality and increased waist circumference.

Environmental Defence recently tested the personal care items of five Canadian men and found probable human carcinogens and hormone disruptors in their products.

MacDonald explains, “The hormonal system in all humans is intricate and sensitive throughout life stages. Vulnerable ‘windows of vulnerability,’ like puberty and early infancy, can elevate sensitivity to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, though exposure can still be impactful at other times.”

These undesirable ingredients can also harm the environment, contaminating drinking water and negatively affecting fish populations, affirming that this is an issue that transcends gender—it impacts everyone and everything.

Myth 5: Products lacking certain chemicals are ineffective.

Fact: This notion is false. Efficient and safe products are widely available in today’s market, catering to various skin and beauty needs. Countries in Europe employ stricter regulations which push manufacturers to formulate effective products free from toxins.

As with any consumer goods, trying a variety of brands will help determine what suits you best. A visit to a well-stocked natural health retailer can yield personalized advice from skincare experts.

Myth 6: Ingredient labels reveal everything about a product.

Fact: While Canadian regulations mandate ingredient disclosure, this doesn’t guarantee full transparency. Some chemicals, like methenamine and quaternium-15, are present in products but release formaldehyde, which isn’t explicitly listed.

Additionally, some ingredients, including PEGs, can be tainted with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen found on Health Canada’s Hotlist; however, the contaminated variants might not be specified. The term “fragrance” can encompass a multitude of compounds, ranging from safe to harmful, with phthalates being a notorious example.

Myth 7: Higher-priced products are necessarily superior.

Fact: Many people assume that superior ingredients lead to higher costs; however, that’s not always the case. Numerous effective and natural skincare options are affordable, while many products loaded with chemicals can be surprisingly expensive.

Instead of relying on price tags, explore your local health food store, scrutinize labels, and opt for safe, organic choices.

Myth 8: Positive change in the industry is unlikely.

Fact: Consumers wield considerable influence and can advocate for corporations and governmental change, which is already happening.

Several companies, including major brands like Johnson & Johnson, are adapting in response to consumer pressure, with plans to eliminate numerous harmful chemicals from their products. In recent years, legislation has improved, such as the mandatory ingredient list established in Canada in 2006, indicating progress, though more still needs to be done.

As MacDonald shares, “With increased awareness, businesses are transitioning toward the production of safer products… Major brands are beginning to remove chemicals like parabens due to consumer demand. Just a few years ago, ‘paraben-free’ labels were rare in major stores; now they’re becoming more common. We have a lengthy journey ahead, but improvements are continuously being made.”

The Dirty Dozen for Cosmetics

The David Suzuki Foundation’s Dirty Dozen list of concerning cosmetic ingredients includes: