Safe Natural Cosmetics for Your Skin

• Although there are no real cosmetic regulations on makeup products, the FDA has the power to pull any item or ingredient from the shelf if it finds it dangerous or harmful
• One of the main reasons many people turn to natural cosmetic products is a fear of developing cancer from non-natural cosmetic items, though no proof exists that any cosmetic product available in the U.S. has or can cause cancer
• Organic cosmetic items are often all-natural and safe, but because of weak restrictions on cosmetic products, it’s a good idea to watch out for products with a warning label that says the safety of the product is still undetermined

Safety is a concern we all share, however, understanding what constitutes a risk and what does not can be a real challenge in today’s world of myths and hyped news stories. Choosing safe cosmetics can be one of the most challenging areas. Below is some information that can help you decide what makeup to use on your skin.

Cosmetics and Regulations

Before you begin evaluating safe cosmetics, you should learn a few things about these products. WebMD.com, for example, has compiled myths and facts about the industry that might be valuable for any makeup consumer.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the industry is non-regulated. The truth is, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees these products and has done so for the last several decades. If any cosmetic item or ingredient contained in that cosmetic item is deemed harmful or dangerous, the FDA has the power to pull it off the shelf. The FDA, however, points out that cosmetic items are not like prescription drugs. These products can be released to the public without being first evaluated by the FDA. There are a few ingredients that cosmetic companies cannot use in their products, such as some types of color additives, but overall, the cosmetic industry has the power to use whatever is necessary. Do keep in mind that ingredients in these products are checked by the industry’s own independent panel, which is known as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR). In the past, the CIR has banned or restricted some ingredients from being used.

Cancer and Safe Cosmetics

One of the biggest reasons people are looking for safe cosmetics is the fear that some ingredients in makeup sold today could increase the risk of developing cancer. A group called Pure Prevention, which is trying to get the FDA to take a stronger hand with the cosmetic industry, includes all of the following ingredients that should be avoided in cosmetic products: any types of fragrance, parabens, triclosan, triethanolamine, oxybenzone, and hydroquinone.

Are these chemicals really going to cause cancer? According to WebMD.com, no scientific evidence considered credible in the field has shown a link between any cosmetic product and an increased risk for cancer. In fact, no known human carcinogens are included in any of the cosmetics used in the United States.

Other Risks with Makeup

Even if you don’t worry about the cancer risk, you may be worried that the chemicals in cosmetics may have other effects, and this might be why you’re searching for safe cosmetics. One example is phthalates. Some studies have linked these chemicals to delayed sexual development and other problems; however, research has not been conclusive as to such risks, according to the Mayo Clinic, though you may not want to risk using products that contain these chemicals, which is why you need to read the labels on everything you purchase.

You should also be wary of using any products that have a warning stating that the safety of the product is still undetermined. Both WebMD.com and the FDA explain this warning means the product contains ingredients that the FDA has not yet evaluated.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.