BellaSugar

Beauty Byte: Consumer Group Questions Carcinogenic Chemicals in Johnson & Johnson Products

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:00:02 PDT

No more tears, but something more harmful lurks inside? That's what the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics would lead you to believe. The coalition of health, environmental, and consumer groups - armed with a letter signed by nearly 50 groups totaling some 1.7 million members - approached Johnson & Johnson to ask that the company reformulate its products to be free of chemicals suspected of causing cancer.

The substances in question are 1,4-dioxane (a byproduct of the manufacturing process) the preservative formaldehyde, which is slowly released by a chemical called Quaternium-15, both probable human carcinogens . . . and both found in the much-loved Johnson's Baby Shampoo, marketed as the "number-one choice of hospitals." Um, eek. According to a Johnson & Johnson spokesperson:

The trace levels of certain compounds that were noted by the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics can result from processes that make our products gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth. Many regulatory agencies around the world consider these trace levels safe.

The quantity in question in the baby shampoo is 210 parts per million of formaldehyde and a "low level" of 1,4-dioxane, amounts thought to be absorbed by the skin. But if the two chemicals were food additives, they'd have to be tested before being sold to prove they didn't contain dangerous chemicals . . . and these two would fail. Since the FDA is not involved in cosmetic product regulation, the point is (somewhat) lost but shocking nonetheless. Does this news change your views or do you consider it just a drop in the bucket?

Do You Use Baby Products?

BellaSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:00:35 PST

Lately, I've become quite a fan of Perfumer & Flavorist magazine's website. Yeah, I'm not a subscriber so I can't delve into each of their interesting articles about, well -the perfume and flavor industries. But the other day, when I came across the magazine's list of winners from the 2008 Perfumer's Choice Awards, I decided to try out one of their selections. They are the experts, after all.

Best classic fine women's fragrance? Estée Lauder Beautiful. Best Baby/Children Fragrance? Johnson & Johnson Bedtime Bath ($4.99). So, I went and did what any other adult would do. I bought the baby bath. I've been a fan of Johnson's Baby Shampoo ($4.49) for years, particularly as a makeup brush cleaner, with amazing (and sweet smelling) results. As for the bedtime bath? The aroma was fresh and soothing, and I felt very rested that night. And since I really like the gentle nature of baby products, I plan on keeping this one in regular rotation. How about you?

Source

Doing Drugstore: Johnson's Baby Shampoo

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 09:00:16 PST

The last time I used Johnson's Baby Shampoo, I was illiterate and, most likely, incontinent as well. (Thank goodness things have changed in the decades since.) When I recently visited my parents, I noticed that they had a bottle of it in the shower, so I figured I'd give it a whirl.

There's something comforting about the bottle, labeling and smell. These things don't necessarily revert me to childhood, but there's something simple and sweet about it nonetheless. But does the no-tears shampoo work well for grownups? To find out,

Although it doesn't lather much, it cleaned my greasy hair well, Now that it's dry, I've got this wispy Shiloh Jolie-Pitt thing goin' on. (Sadly, though, I think Shiloh beats me in the cutiepie department.) The only problem is that it strips my hair of too many of its oils, giving me more flyaways than usual and drying out my hair. A conditioner would help with this, but my grown-up shampoos don't do this. Sadly, Johnson's Baby Shampoo isn't something I'd regularly use.

Finally, did you know that some people use this shampoo as a makeup remover? Yep. I haven't tried doing this yet, but I can see it being a great and inexpensive choice for cleaning makeup brushes. For hair, though, it's a wash (yuk, yuk).

What We're Sweet On: Curl Cream That's Not Just For Curls

Miriam Lacey — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:02:00 PDT

Moroccanoil is known for its shine-enhancing, hydrating products for all hair types. But practically anyone can benefit from the brand's Intense Curl Cream ($32), a lotion that's an absolute lifesaver for damaged ends and overprocessed hair of all textures. It's especially great for those whose hair is too fine or thin for oils or serums, because the formula combs through looking soft and natural instead of greasy, but still smooths down follicles and makes your hair feel amazing. Our curly-haired tester especially liked how gorgeous her curls looked after blow-drying, even without the use of a diffuser.

A word to the wise, though: use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way. You'll also have to like the scent, which is reminiscent of Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. Beyond that, we can't say enough good things about this stuff, especially because it's versatile for curly girls or straight sylphs alike.