Brazilian Blowout Settlement
I’ve not been quiet about my outrage over the whole Brazilian Blowout madness (if you have no idea what I’m talking about, see this article and this one). The fact that this product is still available at American salons infuriates me. And I’m completely baffled as to why consumers would still pay for the service with the understanding that the product isn’t SAFE. It’s been pulled off the shelves in SIX other countries.
Finally, something concrete has happened in the US, too concerning this product line.
A settlement between the California Attorney General and the manufacturers of Brazilian Blowout requires the cosmetics company to WARN consumers and salons about the formaldehyde dangers associated with their products. They are also being required to make significant changes to the wording on their website (“natural” and “formaldehyde-free” probably should be chucked in favor of honest advertising). The company will also have to pay a fine of $600,000 in penalties & fees.
This was the first law enforcement action under the California Safe Cosmetics Act, and the first US action taken against the company concerning the formaldehyde levels in their products. Now if the rest of the country would follow suit, I’d be very happy.
Photo by Stuart Miles
Phthalates are lurking in your bathroom
by Todra Payne
I’m sure you’ve heard the ongoing debate about phthalates, chemicals used in cosmetics that have been linked to decreased motor and mental abilities in children, childhood obesity and reproductive problems for adults.
A new Canadian study sampled 252 personal care items, including baby products, from Canadian retail locations to determine how prevalent phthalates are in cosmetics. Nail care, shampoos, shower gels, body lotions and fragrances were included in the study. DEP, a type of phthalate, was found in almost all of them.
Phthlates have already been banned for use in cosmetics in Europe since 2003. Canada (and the US) have yet to follow suit, despite growing evidence of the health dangers associated with the chemicals. It is possible to formulate beauty products without them. The natural beauty brands we use and support do not have phthalates in their products.
Why do any products have them? Because they help products adhere to the skin better, prolongs the scent of perfume and makes nail polish and hair sprays more flexible.
Naturally, the Phthalate Information Center (an industry-backed group) says there is no evidence that phthalates have caused health problems when used as intended. The FDA is rather vague on the subject, saying, “It is not clear what, if any, effect phthalates have on health.” The FDA’s last reported update on the subject (according to their website), was in 2008.
Those are standard answers from the mainstream cosmetic industry. Nothing surprising there.
For more info on phthalates, check out the Environmental Working Group, The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Our Stolen Future. If you are trying to conceive a child, these sources will be especially helpful. Also note, phthalates are not always listed on the product as they can be hidden under “fragrance” since the detailed ingredients in “fragrance” do not need to be revealed. I avoid all products with “fragrance.” I only use products scented with essential oils (not “natural fragrance”).
Photo by Federico Stevanins
