True Cellular Formulas Team - April 20, 2023

Risks of Toxic Cosmetics and Body Products

Study Finds Harmful Chemicals in Children's Cosmetics and Body Products

Risks of Toxic Cosmetics and Body Products

As a parent, it's natural to want to protect your child from harm, but what happens when the products you use to care for your child may actually be harmful? Unfortunately, this may be the case with many cosmetics and body products marketed toward children in the United States. In fact, a recent study found that most children in the U.S. use potentially toxic cosmetics and body products.[1] This alarming finding highlights the need for increased regulation and safety standards in the cosmetics and personal care industry to protect the health and well-being of our children.

The Prevalence of Potentially Toxic Cosmetics and Body Products

Many cosmetics and personal care products contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to human health. These ingredients include phthalates, parabens, and triclosan, which have been linked to various health issues, such as developmental and reproductive problems, cancer, and endocrine disruption.[2] Unfortunately, these ingredients are often found in products marketed toward children. In a study that analyzed the use of cosmetics and personal care products by children aged 0-17, over 50% of the products used by children were found to contain at least one potentially toxic ingredient.[1]

The Impact of Toxic Cosmetics and Body Products on Children's Health

Exposure to potentially toxic ingredients found in cosmetics and personal care products can have a significant impact on children's health. Young children, in particular, are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of these chemicals due to their developing bodies and brains. For example, phthalates have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems, as well as asthma and allergies.[3] Parabens have been found to disrupt hormones in the body and have been linked to breast cancer.[4] Triclosan, a common antibacterial agent, has been shown to contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and may also have hormonal effects.[5]

Given the potential risks associated with the use of these ingredients, it's essential to ensure that cosmetics and personal care products marketed toward children are safe for use. However, in the United States, there are currently no federal regulations that require cosmetics and personal care products to be tested for safety before they are sold to consumers. [6] Some ingredients are banned in certain countries, but the U.S. has yet to take similar regulatory action.

The Need for Increased Regulation and Safety Standards

There is an urgent need for increased regulation and safety standards in the cosmetics and personal care industry to protect the health of consumers, especially children. Advocacy groups have called for the introduction of more stringent regulations, such as those proposed in the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act, which would require companies to test their products for safety, ban certain ingredients linked to health risks, and improve labeling requirements.[7]

Tips for Choosing Safe Cosmetics and Body Products for Children

As a parent, you can take steps to protect your child from the potential risks of harmful ingredients found in cosmetics and personal care products. Reading product labels and identifying potentially toxic ingredients is an essential first step. Avoid products containing ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, and triclosan. There are also many natural and organic alternatives available, including products that use essential oils and plant-based ingredients.

Additionally, parents can advocate for safer products for their children by supporting companies that prioritize safety and sustainability. By choosing to purchase products from companies that prioritize the use of safe and non-toxic ingredients, consumers can play a powerful role in driving change within the industry.

Summary

The use of potentially toxic cosmetics and personal care products is a significant public health concern, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of these ingredients. It's essential that parents take steps to protect their children by choosing safe and natural alternatives and advocating for safer products. Consumers can play a significant role in promoting change within the industry by supporting companies that prioritize safety and sustainability.

In conclusion, the prevalence of potentially toxic cosmetics and personal care products marketed toward children is a significant health risk that needs to be addressed. The use of these ingredients has been linked to various health issues, and young children are particularly vulnerable to their harmful effects. The lack of regulation and safety standards in the cosmetics and personal care industry is a cause for concern, and it's essential that consumers advocate for increased regulation and safety standards to protect the health and well-being of their children. By taking steps to choose safer products and supporting companies that prioritize safety, consumers can make a significant impact in driving change within the industry.

  1. Hammock, R., Woodruff, T. J., & Buckley, J. P. (2021). Alarming Findings: Most U.S. Children Use Potentially Toxic Cosmetic and Body Products. SciTechDaily. Retrieved from https://scitechdaily.com/alarming-findings-most-u-s-children-use-potentially-toxic-cosmetic-and-body-products/
  2. Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). Ingredients of Concern. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/
  3. Rudel, R. A., Fenton, S. E., Ackerman, J. M., Euling, S. Y., Makris, S. L., & Gray, J. L. (2011). Environmental Exposures and Mammary Gland Development: State of the Science, Public Health Implications, and Research Recommendations. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(8), 1053-1061. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1002864
  4. Darbre, P. D., & Harvey, P. W. (2008). Paraben esters: Review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption, esterase and human exposure, and discussion of potential human health risks. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 28(5), 561-578. doi: 10.1002/jat.1358
  5. Aiello, A. E., Larson, E. L., & Levy, S. B. (2007). Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective or Just Risky? Clinical Infectious Diseases, 45(Supplement_2), S137-S147. doi: 10.1086/519255
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/
  7. Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2021, S.1022, 117th Cong. (2021).