According to Darin Stechman, Clinique’s brand representative, “Product safety has always been a top priority at Clinique Laboratories, and is ensured through state-of-the-art testing methods.” However, this testing, according to Stechman, does not include tests that establish long-term toxicity potential, carcinogenic properties, systemic absorption properties or chronic effects of daily use. Instead, large mainstream cosmetics companies focus their research in both human and animal trial tests on assessing pre-marketed products for only allergenic reactions and skin irritations. Beyond skin eruptions and rashes, emerging science suggests that untold numbers of cosmetics and personal care ingredients may be silently and insidiously promoting cancer, disrupting women’s reproductive functions and causing birth defects.
According to Susan Roll of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, “one third of personal care products contain ingredients classified as possible human carcinogens.” Hence, chemicals such as acrylamide (in foundation, face lotion and hand cream) linked to mammary tumors in lab research; formaldehyde (nail polish and blush) classified as a possible human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency; and dibutyl phthalate (industrial chemical commonly found in perfume and hair spray) known to damage the liver, kidney and reproductive systems, disrupt hormonal processes and increase breast cancer risk, are widely used by mainstream skin care and cosmetics manufacturers. Known by hundreds of long, intimidating chemical names, these ingredients are in the products we use in our daily personal care rituals.
It’s the daily grooming ritual that is of greatest concern. These toxic ingredients are absorbed by our skin and into our bodies. The cumulative exposure to a myriad of personal care products containing carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins has not been assessed.
Don't be discouraged. There are truly safe and organic beauty products available. We have collected our favorites. Learn more about our truly toxin-free products. Learn what to look for with our chemical explanations or use our resource list to help you identify quality brands and products.
