What’s in that Pink Ribbon Product?

It’s that time of year again, when we can’t walk five steps without finding some new opportunity to spend money for breast cancer. We can “Kiss for the Cause” with Revlon lipstick, dust our cheeks with Estee Lauder’s Pink Ribbon Shimmer Compact, or hydrate our feet with Foot Works for the “Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.”

Before I rush out for a pink-ribbon makeover, I have some questions for these companies: How much money are they actually contributing to breast cancer charities, and what is the money being used for? And most importantly, are they willing to stop using chemicals linked to cancer?

The big beauty companies don’t want such questions raining on their pink parade. Revlon, Avon and Estee Lauder generate lots of goodwill and positive press with their signature pink-ribbon products and events. Yet ironically – outrageously – many of their products contain chemicals linked to cancer.

Revlon, for example, makes more than 20 hair dyes that score a 10 (for most toxic) in the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database. Just one hair-dye product, Revlon Colorist Expert Color & Glaze System, contains more than one dozen chemicals linked to cancer!

Avon and Estee Lauder make various products containing PEG compounds and other chemicals that undergo a nasty chemical process called “ethoxylation,” which uses ethylene oxide (a known breast carcinogen) during processing and often leaves products contaminated with 1,4 dioxane (a carcinogen and serious groundwater contaminant).

Tangelo-Orange Superbug?

Have you gone pesticide-free with your food or with your lawn care? How about with your hand soap?

Though soaps from popular shops like Bath & Body Works often have yummy-sounding names like “Tangelo Orange Twist” and “Sugar Lemon Fizz,” they unfortunately contain a not-so-sweet ingredient: triclosan.

Have you seen it on ingredient labels of your soaps or other cosmetics? Triclosan is a common antimicrobial and pesticide that has been linked to hormone disruption (which, in turn, is linked to a variety of serious health problems, including some cancers). Its extensive use in consumer products may contribute to -resistant bacteria, or so-called “superbugs,” which has promoted the Canadian Medical Association to call for a ban on products containing triclosan.

Scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detected triclosan in the urine of nearly 75 percent of those tested, so we know that it isn’t staying on the surface of our hands when we lather up with cosmetics that contain (or come across it in the other products where it can hide, like cutting boards and garden hoses). Triclosan also builds up in our bodies and in the bodies of wildlife (like dolphins) and other aquatic creatures. Not cool!

And here’s the real kicker: Despite its widespread use as a germ killer in consumer products, triclosan is no more effective than soap and water at preventing illness or eliminating germs, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

So what’s up with the cute slogan (“spread love, not germs”) that Bath & Body Works is using to sell triclosan-containing soaps to its customers, many of whom are teenagers? What kind of “love” is a toxic, bio-accumulative pesticide?

This summer, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and environmental groups are asking Bath & Body Works to stop using unlovable and unnecessary triclosan, especially in products marketed to teenagers, whose bodies are more vulnerable to the effects of hormone-disrupting chemicals. More than 7,000 people have sent letters to the company so far [click here to add your voice to the chorus of common sense!]

Some good news: A few major companies have announced they are phasing out triclosan, including Johnson & Johnson, L’Oreal, The Body Shop and Staples. Colgate-Palmolive has eliminated triclosan from its dishwashing liquids and Softsoap hand soaps (but continues to use the chemical in its Total brand toothpastes).

While the market starts to move away from this hazardous chemical, other organizations and scientists are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and FDA to better regulate it. In the meantime, consumers need to read ingredient labels to avoid triclosan, and companies like Bath & Body Works still need to get the message and make the commitment to discontinue the use of triclosan and all other chemicals linked to harm and bioaccumulation.

In addition to emailing Bath & Body Works, here are three things you can do to help spread health and the truth about triclosan:

1. Take the Triclosan-Free Pledge.
2. Check out these tips for avoiding triclosan.
3. Make your own hand soap in less than 10 minutes!

Liquid Hand Soap recipe

Add this mixture to your soap dispenser (even the foaming kind):

- ¾ cup (187.5 milliliter) distilled water
- ¼ cup (62.5 milliliter) liquid castile soap (found at most health food stores or organic grocers in unscented or scented with essential oils)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliter) grape-seed oil

May your summer be sweet and nontoxic!

Mia Davis is the organizing director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the co-leader of the Workgroup for Safe Markets. Both national coalitions are working to move the market and pass legislation that will reduce or eliminate toxic chemicals in consumer products.

Photo credit: fragglerawker_03

The True Cost of Your Shiny Smooth Hair

Beautiful, shiny, frizz-free hair? Count yourself lucky to have hair at all! I first heard about the Brazilian Blowout from Susanne Harvey, who called to tell me she’d lost huge chunks of her long red hair¹ after using the popular hair-smoothing product that is all the rage with celebrities.

Turns out many women have had the same fallout experience, including actress Mary Louise Parker² and scores of others who have been complaining to FDA for years about hair loss, blisters and rashes they experienced after using certain hair treatments.

The reason why was made clear by several recent studies³: Many salon products that promise straight, frizz-free, “healthy” hair — even those marketed as “formaldehyde-free,” like Brazilian Blowout – actually contain significant levels of formaldehyde, a potent allergen and known carcinogen.⁴

The revelations prompted Health Canada⁵ to pull the products off the market six months ago. But here in the United States, where it’s legal for hair products to contain unlimited amounts of carcinogens, FDA has taken no action to protect consumers.

Finally this week, the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration stepped forward to warn salons⁶ to stop using formaldehyde-containing hair straighteners, and the state of California requested an injunction against the LA-based manufacturer of Brazilian Blowout.

“Workers have the right to know the risks associated with the chemicals with which they work, and how to protect themselves,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels in a statement.

Yes indeed! Unfortunately, workers and salons are not getting the straight story from manufacturers, who continue to insist these products are safe. According to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) survey, 95 percent of top manufacturers claim their hair-straightening products contain little to no formaldehyde, when they actually contain substantial amounts.

Obviously, these companies can’t be trusted and the FDA is failing to protect public health. The “Brazilian Blowup” is the perfect example why we need to reform national cosmetic regulations to bring American consumer protections up to standards that are already in place in Canada, Europe and elsewhere.

The federal Safe Cosmetics Act, introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives last year by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (and soon to be re-introduced into the new Congress) will make it illegal to put cancer-causing chemicals into personal care products in the first place, and will require companies to be fully transparent about their products.

Take action here to support the Safe Cosmetics Act.

In the meantime, what’s the best option for hair straightening? EWG’s assessment found possible health risks associated with all the longer-lasting chemical hair straighteners. The safest route is to use a flat iron, or – like this Sesame Street video we love – learn to love your hair just the way it is.

Photo credit: Claudio Mancilla

Sources:
1. Not a Pretty Picture. http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/eij/article/not_a_pretty_picture/ Accessed April 18, 2011.
2. Mary-Louise Parker of ‘Weeds’ claims Brazilian hair straightening caused her hair to fall out. http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2011/04/12/2011-04-12_mary_louise_parker_of_weeds_claims_brazilian_hair_straightening_caused_her_hair_.html Accessed April 18, 2011.
3. Still waiting on FDA to do something about Brazilian Blowout. http://notjustaprettyface.org/blog/still-waiting-on-fda-to-do-anything-about-brazilian-blowout Accessed April 18, 2011.
4. National Academy of Sciences: Formaldehyde Still Causes Cancer in Humans. http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/jsass/national_academy_of_sciences_f.html Accessed April 18, 2011.
5. Brazilian Blowout Contains Formaldehyde. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_167-eng.php Accessed April 18, 2011.
6. Hair Smoothing Products That Could Release Formaldehyde. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/hazard_alert.html Accessed April 18, 2011.

Love List: Luscious Skin Care

Hi Radiant Queen,

From time to time I love to update my favorite organic beauty products. A few months ago I got the best gift ever! Annmarie Gianni sent me a slew of her healthy potions and lotions from her new skincare line. Ya know why I say it was “the best gift ever”?

One: Because her products blew my mind (not easy to do). Annmarie literally harnesses the power of Mother Nature in a bottle. Vazoom!

Two: Because her gift was unconditional. She didn’t ask me to do anything but “enjoy.” Annmarie and her husband, the fabulous Kevin Gianni, noticed how hard I was working promoting Crazy Sexy Diet. They were so proud of all I was doing to uplift the lives of others that they wanted me to enjoy a bit of pampering, no strings attached. Um, really? I was so touched!

Note: Lots of folks send me products for review. When I launched my periodic Love Lists, my mailbox exploded. As you all know, I only write about things I adore and use myself. Translation: You can’t buy move LOVE. When I tried Annmarie’s gems I immediately thought, holy shitake! I have to spread the word because this shit totally rocks! As a matter of fact, I love these products so much that I joined her affiliate program.

Sisters, if you’re looking for something new, give this chemical-free skincare line a whirl here. They’re an all-natural, organic blend between shaman magic, Medicine Woman wisdom and a potent herbalist cocktail, (Hey Bartender! I’ll definitely have another). As Annmarie says, “the line brings the ancient healing energies and awareness directly to you so that you may radiate your own natural beauty.”

Here are my favorites. I’ve been using them daily for about a month and my skin is less dry and more glowy. Also, my makeup doesn’t cake or get caught in my near-40 creases as much as it did when I was using other cleansers and moisturizers.

I love the Aloe-Herb Cleanser. It leaves my skin fresh, clean and hydrated. Plus it smells like heaven in the springtime.

I love the Neroli Toning Mist, which I apply after cleansing and before moisturizer. It smells like angels blowing air kisses.

I love the Herbal Facial Oil. After washing and misting my face, I apply 1-2 pumps of this oil. At first I thought it would make me breakout or look like a grease slick. Oh no, Mon Ami. My skin drinks it in like a nourishing oasis filled with antioxidant bliss. This oil may just be the fountain of youth!

I love the Anti-Aging Eye Cream. Who knows if it will keep the facial crows in check? I like to think it just might. It’s cooling, calming and totally rejuvenating. Filled with cucumbers, green tea, echinacea and something else I can’t pronounce.

I love the purifying mud mask. It tightens and tones my skin. It also makes me look like a warrior princess and it’s a terrific way to frighten the UPS guy.

I love love love the coconut body oil. My legs and the back of my arms love it too. So do my cracky elbows and heels.

I’ve also tried Ayurvedic facial scrub. It’s a like, not a love. I smelled like Indian food and got more up my nose than on my face. I probably need to give it another shot.

Annmarie has lots of other groovy products to play with. Browse away, love lady! (My gift to you: 10% off any product. Use coupon code: sexy.)

Crazy Sexy Personal Beauty Tips

1. Drink ½ your body weight in ounces of purified water daily. If you’re a daily green juice Goddess, you can drink less.
2. Eat a varied plant-based diet high in raw organic foods, green juices and green smoothies.
3. Dump animal products, fake foods, sodas, coffee and energy drinks.
4. Sweat your prayers and shake your ass-ets. Move your God Pod 3-5 times per week.
5. Rest. Sleep is something we never catch-up on. Try to get 8 hours of uninterrupted slumber between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
6. Dry brush. Your skin is your largest organ. Keep it bright and unobstructed with daily dry brushing.
7. Positive re-programming. A healthy and glowy body isn’t just about what you eat and what you put on your skin, it’s also about addressing what’s eating you. Face what’s holding you back in an honest and authentic way. Move through your darkness into your brilliant light (so bright we need expensive sunglasses). Practice EFT, journaling, check-ups from the neck ups, meditation, and visualization and smile therapy. Look in the mirror each day and say, “You are gorgeous inside and out, upside and down.”
8. Spend time in Mother Nature and align your inner rhythm to hers. There’s a time and a season for growth, renewal, refuge and silence. In our fast-paced world we often go against our inner grain. Stop, drop and remember.
9. Go to church. And by church, I mean nature. Spend time outside in the sunshine, breathe deep, hug a tree, do sun salutes in the rain, sit and meditate like the Buddha, get dirt under your nails by planting a garden and feed the birds. Enlightenment will come.

Peace and pretty,
KC

PS – For 10% off, remember to use your coupon code “sexy” here. Hurry, expires April 6!

Modern Cosmetics Testing is Better for People and Animals

As the new year begins, Congress will take up the thorny issue of animal testing. A proposed bill, the Safe Cosmetics Act, would require that cosmetics and their ingredients undergo extensive toxicity tests, many of which will involve animals.

The ethical issues around animal testing are obvious – should we really be killing animals for the newest holiday-scented lotion?

These tests can be profoundly inhumane. The Draize eye test, for example, involves smearing a substance into the eyes of a restrained rabbit. Rabbits are used in part because they don’t shed tears and therefore can’t wash the irritating substance from their eyes. Developmental toxicity tests done in rats and rabbits involve feeding ingredients to pregnant animals. Then, when the babies are born, they are dissected.

There are also scientific issues with animal testing. Data from animal tests does not reliably predict human health effects. In addition, many animal tests take years to complete and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. A single developmental toxicity test, for example, can use up to 1,400 animals and is highly unreliable as a predictor of human health because rabbits’ placentas are very different from those of humans.

The Safe Cosmetics Act would require that millions of cosmetics ingredients be tested for numerous health effects that could occur at various life stages and levels of exposure. Given the time and cost of animal tests, it is simply impossible to meet the testing requirements of this bill using traditional animal methods.

There is a solution. Cell- and computer-based methods can provide more accurate data on a greater number of human health effects. And these methods are much faster and more affordable than traditional animal-based methods, making it possible to assess infinitely more cosmetics and ingredients.

The Safe Cosmetics Act does encourage the development of new methods, and it includes a promising section on animal testing alternatives, which supports the use of non-animal testing methods where available and effective. But the bill must take an even stronger stance in favor of modern science to meet the goal of better human health protection.

My organization, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), is working to ensure that new cosmetics-testing legislation includes additional provisions to support the development and use of further non-animal test methods.

To foster the scientific advancements necessary for reliable and timely assessment of potential health hazards posed by cosmetics, Congress should provide funding and incentives for the development and use of cell and computational methods.

PCRM is pushing for commonsense safety testing by urging legislators to support testing tailored to an ingredient, rather than a one-size-fits-all checklist of tests. In addition, PCRM scientists are calling for a mandate that the Food and Drug Administration and cosmetics companies consider all existing data on an ingredient to determine whether additional information is needed.

PCRM is also encouraging lawmakers to follow the approach taken by the European Union (EU) by banning the testing of cosmetics on animals. The EU ban, along with significant government funding and support for method development, has driven remarkable technical innovations.

Non-animal cosmetics testing would save millions of animals’ lives, and it would help make sure that cranberry spice body wash is free of harmful ingredients.

For more information on PCRM’s chemical policy work, click here.

Photo Credit: Horia Varlan