As if it weren’t challenging enough to decipher complicated labels and memorize chemicals to avoid, consumers have another hurdle to overcome in choosing safe cosmetics: Many products on the shelves today are contaminated with hidden toxic chemicals that aren’t listed on labels. Here are three examples:



Lead in lipstick According to product tests released last month by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, popular brands of lipstick contain surprisingly high levels of lead — a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems. The tests revealed that more than half of 33 top-brand lipsticks tested contained detectable levels of lead, with levels ranging from .03 to .65 parts per million (ppm). One third of the lipsticks exceeded the .1 ppm FDA lead limit for candy — a standard established to protect children from directly ingesting lead. Lipstick is also ingested into the body, yet FDA has not set a lead limit for lip products. 



1,4 dioxane in baby shampoo Product tests released last January by author and researcher David Steinman found carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane in more than a dozen popular brands of baby shampoo and children’s bubble bath, including Sesame character brands. 1,4 dioxane is considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a clear-cut animal carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. Because 1,4 dioxane is a contaminant produced during manufacturing, the FDA does not require it to be listed as an ingredient on product labels.



Phthalates in fragranced products Tests conducted by environmental groups in 2002 found phthalates — a set of industrial chemicals linked to birth defects and infertility — in more than 70 percent of personal care products tested, including top-selling shampoos, deodorants, hair sprays and perfumes. Because of an FDA labeling loophole that allows companies to keep secret the ingredients in “fragrance,” none of the products listed phthalates on the label. 



So what should savvy consumers do? As the above examples show, consumers don’t have the necessary information to make smart choices at the store just by reading labels. One way to be better informed is to use the Skin Deep database to search for products without petro-chemicals that are prone to contamination; see cosmeticdatabase.org. Using fewer products with fewer ingredients (and no fragrance) is another way to reduce risk. But the long-term solution is to change the laws to require companies to remove toxic ingredients and to list all product components on labels. 



For more information about the product tests described above and to find out which brands tested positive for toxicants, see safecosmetics.org.