Great Green Idea: Green Cosmetics: What's "Green" about Green Cosmetics?

What's "Green" about Green Cosmetics?

The terms green cosmetics and green makeup may not be as self explanatory as they appear. Even reading the label on a product leaves many consumers feeling confused. The wording on cosmetic labels affects the average consumer who buys them in several different ways.

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Not only are questions raised about effect that manufacturing these products has on the environment, but questions about the health risks of people who use green makeup need to be answered as well.

Q: What does non toxic mean as it relates to the cosmetic industry?

A: Basically, non toxic means "without poison". As it relates to green makeup this would mean that the company is claiming that their product contains no harmful poisons.

Q: Does buying more expensive green cosmetics guarantee that they are natural?

A: Because the term natural is not regulated by the FDA, companies are not bound by standards of what they can label as natural. In fact, the cosmetic industry is self regulated for the most part at this time.

Q: Isn't it against the law not to list every ingredient that was used to make a cosmetic product?

A: It is not required that every ingredient be listed on the labels of green cosmetics. However, recent legislation has been approved that will give the FDA the authority to monitor the safety of the ingredients in personal care products. The current law has been in existence since 1938.

Q: Hasn't the FDA been monitoring the ingredients which are found in green makeup all along?

A: Out of 12,000 chemicals used in cosmetics, the FDA has banned approximately eight. Upcoming changes in legislation will allocate adequate funds to this agency in order for it to be more effective in monitoring green cosmetics. This change will also require green cosmetics companies and other health and beauty companies to fully disclose the ingredients on the labels of their cosmetics. This is especially important with regard to cosmetics labeled non toxic, as they can pose a potential health risk to the user if not truthfully labeled.

Q: So are any cosmetics that are safe to use?

A: There are many quality green cosmetics on the market that have proven to be less toxic to consumers. Only an individual can decide whether a cosmetic is safe for them personally. It is important to carefully read the labels of green makeup or any cosmetic that will be applied to the skin. This becomes even more vital to the consumer who may have health conditions such as asthma or severe allergies. These consumers should consult with their doctor for any health related issues.

Q: What will be found on a label to let me know that it is not non toxic?

A: Any cosmetic which lists petroleum products, fragrance or formaldehyde among its ingredients is definitely not non toxic and will probably not be found where green cosmetics are sold. These ingredients, along with many others, have been linked to cancers and other serious diseases. While there is no guarantee with any green makeup product, many people have found success with green cosmetics that are made from organic ingredients.