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Cosmetic Safety
Be Safe: Don't Blow-Dry With Damaged Goods
Recently, I read an article that featured a tip on making your own hair diffuser at home. All you need is a sock and a rubber band, and you're good to go. Upon mentioning this tidbit to my co-worker, she kindly brought me back down to earth.
Regulation Station: Are New FDA Cosmetics Laws on the Horizon?
This week, regulators from all over the world will be meeting in Tokyo to discuss a number of issues in the global cosmetics industry, including standardizing labels internationally, ingredient safety, and the growing use of unregulated nanomaterials in over-the-counter products. Given the relatively low levels of regulation for cosmetics ingredients and the recent findings about lead in lipstick, I'd say it's about time for a re-evaluation of the safety of the products we put on our eyes and mouths every day. But, do you think meetings like this actually accomplish anything?
Do You Think Lipstick Is Safe?
In 2007, the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics broke the news that out of 33 lipsticks they tested, 61 percent contained detectable levels of lead, a heavy metal known to cause health problems, like infertility and learning disabilities. But now, the FDA has some even more surprising data to throw into the mix. After analyzing 20 lipsticks using a newer method of study, they concluded that while each unit contained traces of lead, the results were, in fact, four times higher than the original outcome.
"No Family History" Examines Toxins in Cosmetics
Breast Cancer Awareness month is still a few months away, but combating the disease shouldn't be relegated to October alone. If you have a moment, you may want to check out the trailer for No Family History. The documentary (and accompanying book) explores the increase in breast cancer rates, emphasizing prevention over corporate think-pink campaigns.
Is Your Favorite Polish "Three Free"?
Eliminate one more question to ask yourself when picking your polish — not only choose the right shade, but know if the bottle you grab is free of the toxic trio! We've talked about the chemicals — toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate — when greening our home manicure. And now there's an cheat sheet to know which brands are safe at the shop or salon.
There's Another Round in the Lead-in-Lipstick Battle
The lead-in-lipstick debate rages on, this time making another appearance in the Gray Lady. Today's Thursday Styles explores the controversy over the presence of lead in some lipsticks. Of 33 products surveyed last year by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), one-third included lead in excess of 0.1 parts per million — the federal limit for candy.
Do You Know Your Makeup Expiration Dates?
I have made a pact with myself. Clothes in my closet that haven't been worn in over a year are either going to charity or going up for auction on eBay. And as for my stash of makeup, it's time for a little spring cleaning, too.
Europe Thinks Nanoparticles Need More Tests
If you haven't heard of nanoparticles before, get ready, because they're getting big in the beauty world. Nanoparticles are actually teeny tiny particles that are made to penetrate and improve the effects of various cosmetic products. However, is this relatively new technology toxic?
Facial Waxing Can Be Scarring — Literally
There's a lot to snicker about in this local-news report on the dangers of waxing. The sound effects and video treatments are ubercheesy, and the alarmist nature of the reporting is a bit much. But still, it's worth watching, if only to be reminded of the potential hazards of sketchy waxing places.
Keep Track of Your Makeup's Shelf Life With These Stickers
Did you know that it's not required for cosmetics to have an expiration date? Did you also know that once you open a product, the oxidation process begins immediately? While some cosmetics manufacturers help you determine the shelf life of your makeup with a little symbol (a pot) and number (usually in months) to indicate when it's time to go, the problem with that method is that you have to actually remember when you cracked it open.
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