UC BERKLEY HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH RISKS OF CHEMICALS IN COSMETICS

Specializing in healthy skin-care formulations, Herbally Radiant, has been cautioning its customers about the potentially harmful effects of synthetic and chemical ingredients as well as petroleum by-products that find their way into the popular brand of cosmetics. Confirming the health risks, the recent study by UC Berkley Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health, confirms that “the beauty industry has not yet realized that during girls’ growth years, girls and young ladies need products formulated just for them. Specifically, formulations should not contain parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulfates, triclosan and other petroleum by-products. Unfortunately, many, if not all, all these ingredients are found in most of the popular cosmetics, fragrances, hair products and soaps.”

The sad part is that these potentially harmful ingredients are not listed in the cosmetic products.

Several other reports also highlight the presence of low-level concentrations of potential reproductive or developmental toxicants, particularly phthalates, in cosmetics and personal care products. According to these reports, makeup, shampoo, skin lotion, nail polish, and other personal care products contain chemical ingredients that lack safety data. Moreover, some of these chemicals have been linked to male genital birth defects, decreased sperm counts, and altered pregnancy outcomes.

Phthalates, as key components in plastics, appear in many consumer products. The main phthalates in cosmetics and personal care products are dibutyl phthalate in nail polish, diethyl phthalate in perfumes and lotions, and dimethyl phthalate in hair spray. Often, their presence is not noted on labels.

“The concerns that are focused around this particular chemical [class] have arisen from a series of tests and studies that have been released recently that point to significant potential health concerns,” says Sujatha Jahagirdar, an environmental advocate with Environment California.

In more than 76 skin-care formulations launched by Herbally Radiant, the key ingredients are  USDA certified organic. The Essential Oils used in these products act as natural preservatives, soothing fragrances and aroma-therapeutic elements. Most of the other products being marketed for women do not disclose their ingredients that could pose health risks in one form or the other.