Great Green Idea: Green Cosmetics: Beneath the Cosmetics, It's Ugly

Beneath the Cosmetics, It's Ugly

For decades proponents of green cosmetics have warned that chemicals and other ingredients found in cosmetics have the potential to cause serious health problems. Harmful toxins affect people of every age and gender. With the exception of green beauty products, all lotions, deodorants, shampoos hair dyes and other grooming products contain potentially dangerous chemicals. The cosmetics industry has gone unchecked due to the inability of the FDA and other entities to provide strict regulation of cosmetic ingredients. In answer to this dilemma, The Safe Cosmetic Act of 2010 has recently been enacted in the United States.

Questions have been raised whether an act of Congress is necessary. On the surface it does appear that the cosmetics industry has been self regulating with regard to their products. In response to consumer reaction, they have added what they refer to as green makeup to their product lines. Formulas to these products do include natural ingredients. As such, their labels use the words natural and organic in the description. A careful look at the label reveals that more often than not, harmful chemicals are still active within the product. While some companies are making a sincere effort to offer green beauty products to their customer base, it has been also said that this is merely an attempt to appear concerned to avoid government regulation.

The recent Act is the first American government intervention in 70 years regarding cosmetic industry standards. Canada maintains an official list restricted cosmetic ingredients. Cosmetic companies are required to fully disclose cosmetic ingredients; which is something that the makers of green cosmetics for many years. Yet even with this safeguard, Canadian consumers are warned to be careful using these products because research and regulation of the chemicals they contain has been substandard.

In the United States, the new legislation is geared to change the way cosmetics are manufactured and advertised. Previous law did not prohibit the use of chemicals with proven links to serious disease and birth defects in children. The disconnect between old legislation and the current state of the cosmetic industry has led to consequences such as carcinogenic chemicals in baby shampoo and lead based lipstick. The legislation speaks to this issue by including health based safety standards along with special protection for children and the elderly among other concerns. It prohibits any ingredients that have been linked to cancer or birth defects. Other regulations include the requirement that companies provide full disclosure on product labels and company websites. Manufacturers of green beauty products are fully aware that these long overdue changes improve current cosmetic regulation.

The change is very good news for the millions of American who are affected by its enactment. Companies who make green cosmetics also benefit with more governmental backing. In addition, scientists will have the financial and legislative support to develop cosmetic formulas that do not pose serious health risks to consumers. Considering what many years of no regulation in this intervention has produced, it is clear that government intervention is needed to get this industry on track. Hopefully, the end result will be a healthier, more attractive country overall.