Study shows popular cosmetics contain heavy metals

By Riley via Wikimedia Commons

Lead, arsenic and cadmium sound more like a chemical-laden concoction rather than ingredients found in popular cosmetics. But a new study by Environmental Defence Canada, via the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, reveals that these toxic heavy metals have been found in 49 popular cosmetic products tested and none of these heavy metals were listed on the label.

The study tested 49 products from popular brands like Laura Mercier, MAC, L'Oreal, Mary Kay, and Sephora and found that 100 percent of the products contained nickel, 96 percent contained lead and 90 percent contained beryllium. Only one product, Annabelle Mineral Pigment Dust (Solar), was found to not contain a single metal of most concern...

..."Individual exposures to these metals in small amounts are unlikely to cause harm, but heavy metals can build up in the body over time and may increase risk for a variety of health problems," the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics reports. Meaning, if you're using cosmetics laden with heavy metals on a daily basis, or more than once daily, you could be putting yourself at risk.

Read the full article at Treehugger

OR download the original report from Canada's Environmental Defence

Natural anti-aging beauty tips

Cosmetics are known to contain numerous chemicals, and the Daily Green points our that it is especially important to find non-toxic eye creams.

"You should be very careful about what you’re putting in the eye area, as the skin is much thinner there, and it absorbs substances 40-times more rapidly than elsewhere" says New York City-based holistic dermatologist Dr. Alan Dattner.

It is always nice to find some alternatives. Check out The Daily Green for some tips.

Chemicals of Concern

Source: flickr.com/photos/danisabella/3986339716/

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics's list of the top ingredients and contaminants to avoid that evidence suggests are associated with long-term health concerns like cancer and reproductive problems.

Triclosan

Synthetic Musks

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Nitrosamines

Lead and Other Heavy Metals

Parabens

Phthalates

Hydroquinone

1,4-dioxane

To learn more about the 10,500 other ingredients used in personal care products visit The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Your Body, Your Health

To read more about Chemicals of cosncern at the The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics's website

Learn more about the science of cosmetics at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetic's website

Also visit EWG's Skin Deep database of cosmetic products and ingredients.

The story of cosmetics

storyofstuff.com

Annie Leonard's great video The Story of Cosmetics shows how pervasive toxins are in our health and beauty products.

See Annie's other stories at The Story of Stuff Project

Find out more about safe cosmetic choices at EWG's Cosmetic Safety Database