New York Times has a timely write-up by Gretchen
Reynolds today on the adverse impact of environmental chemicals on health.
Gretchen has tried to explain the health risks of Phthalates
(THAL-ates) that are a class of chemicals used as solvents and fixatives. Found
today in a boggling array of everyday products, from food containers to
shampoos and perfume, cosmetics and other personal-care products, they are
virtually ubiquitous in the environment and in our bloodstreams.
In 2003, researchers at the US Center
for Disease Control documented widespread exposure to a high level of phthalates
across the general American public. The chemicals act as binding agents.
Both because of their
ubiquitous usage and because they are not listed on product labels, phthalates
are next to impossible to avoid. They are in household items (vinyl flooring),
personal care products (hair care, body wash, cosmetics), fragrance, household
cleaners, and food.
While promoting
natural organic skin care products and cosmetics, Herbally Radiant has been
raising awareness about the harmful chemical ingredients used in most of the
cosmetics. Unfortunately, the labels or packaging of most of these products do
not display the harsh chemicals which pose health risks.
There have also been
misleading marketing campaigns which do not help consumers to exercise right
choice. Consumers can take matters into
their own hands by avoiding products packaged and labeled with attractive
claims of instant beautifying effect, without naming their chemical ingredients,
or with vague ingredients like “fragrance” or “wrinkle repairer” and so on.
More and more
chemical varieties are being experimented with by leading cosmetic
manufacturers. Due to lax regulations, the focus of the industry is on capturing
wider share of the market even by deceptive unverifiable claims, and less on
the health aspect. The R&D team of Herbally Radiant has been monitoring
such “new” products, and has yet to find a safe chemical formulation that could
enhance beauty, or transform skin overnight.
The herbal organic
skin care and cosmetic products being manufactured by Herbally Radiant, since
2010, contain only USDA certified organic ingredients which do create amazing
effect on young or mature and dry or oily skin, as the reviews left by
satisfied customers on its website would confirm.