When it comes to our personal care products, it is safe to say the large majority of us blindly trust our government to effectively regulate the ingredients in our everyday products. Unfortunately, it is time for us to open our eyes.
Goop, a health-based online publication created by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, partners with science experts to unveil the thousands of red flags lurking in our commonly-used products. Goop is one of many organizations taking the beauty industry by storm and pushing for change.
According to an article published by Goop, the last piece of regulation passed in the personal care industry occurred in 1938. Think about this for a moment. Think about all the changes since the 1930s. Think about all the scientific advancements since the 1930s.
The brands we commit our loyalty to are essentially free to do whatever they want, and unfortunately, the personal care industry is far more motivated by dollar signs than customers’ well-being.
In fact, recent discoveries have revealed a startling amount of products are packed with known carcinogens and endocrine disrupters, among other dangerous ingredients.
Because of ineffective regulation, brands are also allowed to use “greenwashing” marketing ploys. Surprisingly, the terms “natural,” “eco-friendly,” “green” and “organic” often have virtually no truth attached to them.
Further research conducted by Gregg Renfrew, the founder of the nontoxic beauty company Beautycounter, revealed 80 percent of the chemicals in personal care products are never tested for safety.
For years––decades even––we have freely given companies and brands our full devotion and loyalty for often frivolous reasons. Perhaps they smell good or promise to make us look prettier, younger and healthier.
The time of blind trust is over.
According to Beautycounter’s research, the European Union has banned approximately 1,400 chemicals in the personal care industry and restricted the levels of more than 250 chemicals. On the other hand, the U.S. has only restricted 30.
In a time where cancer’s hand touches almost every family, and health issues do not equate with our scientific advancements, there is clearly a problem.
Renfrew supplied Goop with a shortlist of the most common and most toxic chemicals to avoid: fragrance, parabens, sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), formaldehyde and phthalates. Her company, Beautycounter, has actively fought for further safety regulations in the personal care industry since its creation.
Not only does Beautycounter contact legislators on a regular basis, but they also partner with several other organizations pushing for change. Among these organizations are Healthy Child Healthy World, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and the Environmental Working Group.
Within the past few years, other organizations have also emerged to help consumers stay informed on what they are putting on their bodies. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Think Dirty conduct independent research on shelved products across the U.S. and upload results to their databases so consumers can freely browse the ingredients in their products, as well as find clean, non-toxic brands. Both EWG and Think Dirty have apps available for free in the App Store.
Every day it seems there is some new revelation or fad about healthy eating: the keto diet, Whole 30, paleo. If we care what we put into our bodies, should we not also care about what we put on them?
Our skin is our body’s No. 1 protector. What seeps into our skin––including our hair––comes in close proximity to our bodies’ vital organs and functions.
It is disappointing enough our government does not care about what we use, and it is even more disappointing how they have allowed us to sit in the dark for so long.
The products promising us youth, beauty and radiance often have serious consequences. While there are brands out there taking steps in the right direction, there are many who refuse transparency and safety. These brands care about your business, not your health.
It’s time for a change.
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