Eczema is an inflammation of the skin resulting in itching, scaling and sometimes blisters.
There are many forms including dermatitis, atopic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis eczema and hand eczema. Of these, only hand eczema and dermatitis can be linked to cosmetics and toiletries, but the other forms may be irritated by personal care products, dishwashing liquids, rubber gloves, some fabrics, detergent residues and fabric conditioners in clothing.
Hand eczema is usually caused by chemical contact on the skin. It often occurs on the hands as a reaction to dishwashing liquids and detergents. Cosmetics and toiletries can have a similar effect on other parts of the body. In these cases the condition is called contact eczema and usually clears up if the offending chemicals are kept away from the skin. These may be difficult to identify in cosmetics and toiletries since the eczema may be caused by a combination of ingredients that, individually have no adverse effects. Stopping the use of any personal care product you suspect may be causing your skin problems is the best recourse. If you continue to use it, the eczema may become chronic and difficult to treat.
In all cases of eczema, the sufferer should avoid the use of potent cosmetics and toiletries such as exfoliants and skin lighteners. They should discontinue using any products that causes soreness and irritation, no matter how slight.
The following cosmetic ingredients have all been linked to eczema:
alcohol
alcohol denat.
Glycol
Methyl Alcohol
Potassium Tallowate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Tallowate
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Lead found in Halloween Face Paints
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics web site conducted tests on Halloween face paints and their findings are alarming when we consider using these "fun" items on our children. Many parents opt for face paint as a safer alternative over masks, while our children are out trick-or-treating.
To quote CFSC article's findings: "For this report, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sent 10 children's face paints to an independent lab to test for heavy metals. Among our findings:
* 10 out of 10 children's face paints we tested contained low levels of lead, ranging from 0.05 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).
Experts say there is no safe level of lead exposure for children and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that parents avoid using cosmetics on their children that could be contaminated with lead.
Lead exposures early in life can lead to hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, IQ deficits, reduced school performance, aggression and delinquent behavior. It can also impact fertility, including increasing risk for miscarriage and reducing sperm quality. Early-life lead exposure can even increase risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
* 6 out of 10 products contained the potent allergens nickel, chromium and/or cobalt at levels ranging from 1.6 to 120 ppm – far above the safety recommendations of industry studies.
Nickel, chromium, and cobalt can trigger skin rashes that appear throughout life with subsequent exposures."
Lead is non banned from Cosmetics in the USA, but is Canada and parts of Europe. Often, however, these small quantity - special occasion cosmetics slip through the testing cracks. It is important for us to know what we are putting on our own faces and those of our children. To download the full report please click here
To quote CFSC article's findings: "For this report, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics sent 10 children's face paints to an independent lab to test for heavy metals. Among our findings:
* 10 out of 10 children's face paints we tested contained low levels of lead, ranging from 0.05 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).
Experts say there is no safe level of lead exposure for children and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that parents avoid using cosmetics on their children that could be contaminated with lead.
Lead exposures early in life can lead to hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, IQ deficits, reduced school performance, aggression and delinquent behavior. It can also impact fertility, including increasing risk for miscarriage and reducing sperm quality. Early-life lead exposure can even increase risk for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
* 6 out of 10 products contained the potent allergens nickel, chromium and/or cobalt at levels ranging from 1.6 to 120 ppm – far above the safety recommendations of industry studies.
Nickel, chromium, and cobalt can trigger skin rashes that appear throughout life with subsequent exposures."
Lead is non banned from Cosmetics in the USA, but is Canada and parts of Europe. Often, however, these small quantity - special occasion cosmetics slip through the testing cracks. It is important for us to know what we are putting on our own faces and those of our children. To download the full report please click here
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Cosmeceutical industry ‘disregards’ safety, according to cancer charity
By Katie Bird , 12-Oct-2009
The cosmetics industry has a ‘reckless disregard for safety’ and should be providing safety warnings on a number of its products, according to a cancer charity.
Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, Dr Samuel Epstein, claims that ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
In addition, he criticizes the preservative compounds parabens as well as the fragrance ingredient limonene.
Epstein said many of these ingredients can be found in cosmeceutical products, which he claims are not regulated properly by the FDA.
“The industry markets cosmeceuticals with anecdotal or even wild claims of effectiveness, rather than scientific data, and with reckless disregard for safety,” he said.
He called on the FDA to place black box warnings, a procedure usually reserved for prescription medications that have serious or even fatal side effects, on a number of these ingredients.
“Concering ingredients, the US public is hopelessly ignorant and they think the government should protect them,” Epstein told CosmeticsDesign; something which he feels the regulatory authorities are failing to do.
Glycolic and lactic acids are the two most common AHAs found in cosmetic products and are used to help soften and smooth the skin, according to cosmetics trade association Personal Care Products Council.
Safe to use
These ingredients have been deemed safe to use in cosmetics products as long as certain guidelines are followed, the Council said in a statement responding to Epstein’s claims.
Concentrations and pH limits have to be respected, and in addition manufacturers are advised by FDA to label a product with a warning about how it may increase skin sensitivity to sun exposure, and advising the consumer to use daily sun protection products.
“The highest priority of the Personal Care Products Council member companies is the safety and health of consumers who use our products. Companies are required by law to substantiate the safety of all ingredients and products before they are marketed,” it said.
The Council also takes issue with Epstein’s take on cosmeceuticals; a product category not recognised by FDA.
Under the FDA, products are regulated as cosmetics or drugs there are no regulatory differences between how a cosmeceutical and a cosmetic are treated.
“Therefore, any reference to a “cosmeceutical” fails to recognize the vast difference between the way cosmetics and drugs are regulated,” the Council said.
The cosmetics industry has a ‘reckless disregard for safety’ and should be providing safety warnings on a number of its products, according to a cancer charity.
Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition, Dr Samuel Epstein, claims that ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) increase the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
In addition, he criticizes the preservative compounds parabens as well as the fragrance ingredient limonene.
Epstein said many of these ingredients can be found in cosmeceutical products, which he claims are not regulated properly by the FDA.
“The industry markets cosmeceuticals with anecdotal or even wild claims of effectiveness, rather than scientific data, and with reckless disregard for safety,” he said.
He called on the FDA to place black box warnings, a procedure usually reserved for prescription medications that have serious or even fatal side effects, on a number of these ingredients.
“Concering ingredients, the US public is hopelessly ignorant and they think the government should protect them,” Epstein told CosmeticsDesign; something which he feels the regulatory authorities are failing to do.
Glycolic and lactic acids are the two most common AHAs found in cosmetic products and are used to help soften and smooth the skin, according to cosmetics trade association Personal Care Products Council.
Safe to use
These ingredients have been deemed safe to use in cosmetics products as long as certain guidelines are followed, the Council said in a statement responding to Epstein’s claims.
Concentrations and pH limits have to be respected, and in addition manufacturers are advised by FDA to label a product with a warning about how it may increase skin sensitivity to sun exposure, and advising the consumer to use daily sun protection products.
“The highest priority of the Personal Care Products Council member companies is the safety and health of consumers who use our products. Companies are required by law to substantiate the safety of all ingredients and products before they are marketed,” it said.
The Council also takes issue with Epstein’s take on cosmeceuticals; a product category not recognised by FDA.
Under the FDA, products are regulated as cosmetics or drugs there are no regulatory differences between how a cosmeceutical and a cosmetic are treated.
“Therefore, any reference to a “cosmeceutical” fails to recognize the vast difference between the way cosmetics and drugs are regulated,” the Council said.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What does that label mean?
Cosmetics are a part of everyone's daily grooming routine. Whether the product is a beauty preparation (make-up, perfume, skin cream, nail polish) or a grooming aid (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant), estimated sales of cosmetics in Canada alone total over four billion dollars annually.
Studies in the UK have found that many consumers do not read the ingredient labels because they are "too difficult", "too confusing", have trouble due to size of the print, or simply trust the brand so that they don't bother.
Other consumers are mislead by the terms used to market the products. Some of these common terms have been clarified by Health Canada:
Fragrance Free or Unscented
This means that there have been no fragrances added to the cosmetic product, or that a masking agent has been added in order to hide the scents from the other ingredients in the cosmetic.
Hypoallergenic
"Hypoallergenic" is neither a legal nor a scientific term. It simply means that the manufacturer has selected ingredients with the objective of producing a finished product with minimum potential for causing allergy. This does not guarantee that the product will not cause an allergic reaction in some individuals as people are allergic to a wide array of substances. There are no non-allergenic cosmetics.
Ophthalmologist Tested/Dermatologist Tested
These terms usually mean that a test on the product was conducted to ensure that the product is not (or less) irritating to eyes or skin, and that this test involved a skin or eye doctor at some point during the study. It is the safety of the product that has been tested and not the efficacy of the product. There are no regulations that standardize the type or number of tests needed to use this claim on labels.
Not Tested on Animals
The cosmetic product was not tested on animals. This does not guarantee that the individual ingredients were not tested on animals. For new ingredients, testing is sometimes essential to determine that the ingredient is safe. The scientific community is moving toward using fewer animals and is gradually producing valid tests that do not use live animals but use cell cultures instead called "in vitro testing" as well as predictive computer models, however these new methods, cannot completely replace animal testing at this time for the risk assessment of most substances.
Preservative-Free
We have all heard how preservatives are supposed to be bad for you. In most cases, they are actually good and very essential for most cosmetics. The warm and damp area of your bathroom, where people use and store many cosmetic products, can be an ideal environment for microorganisms to grow in your cosmetics. Microorganisms can also find their way into cosmetics through cross-contamination when a cosmetic or its applicator touches your skin or hair and then touches the cosmetic again. Fortunately, most cosmetics contain preservatives to keep harmful bacteria, mold and yeast from finding its way in and growing on your cosmetics.
Natural Versus Synthetic
There is a general assumption among consumers that "natural" products are better or healthier than similar ones using synthetic ingredients. Often, however, these "natural" ingredients are no different in chemical composition than their synthetic counterparts. In fact, a synthetic substance which mimics a natural one can sometimes provide a purer, more stable ingredient which gives the product a longer usable life.
Health Canada considers both natural and synthetic ingredients to be equally suitable for use in cosmetics. If you experience an allergic reaction to a cosmetic, try switching to a different brand.
Studies in the UK have found that many consumers do not read the ingredient labels because they are "too difficult", "too confusing", have trouble due to size of the print, or simply trust the brand so that they don't bother.
Other consumers are mislead by the terms used to market the products. Some of these common terms have been clarified by Health Canada:
Fragrance Free or Unscented
This means that there have been no fragrances added to the cosmetic product, or that a masking agent has been added in order to hide the scents from the other ingredients in the cosmetic.
Hypoallergenic
"Hypoallergenic" is neither a legal nor a scientific term. It simply means that the manufacturer has selected ingredients with the objective of producing a finished product with minimum potential for causing allergy. This does not guarantee that the product will not cause an allergic reaction in some individuals as people are allergic to a wide array of substances. There are no non-allergenic cosmetics.
Ophthalmologist Tested/Dermatologist Tested
These terms usually mean that a test on the product was conducted to ensure that the product is not (or less) irritating to eyes or skin, and that this test involved a skin or eye doctor at some point during the study. It is the safety of the product that has been tested and not the efficacy of the product. There are no regulations that standardize the type or number of tests needed to use this claim on labels.
Not Tested on Animals
The cosmetic product was not tested on animals. This does not guarantee that the individual ingredients were not tested on animals. For new ingredients, testing is sometimes essential to determine that the ingredient is safe. The scientific community is moving toward using fewer animals and is gradually producing valid tests that do not use live animals but use cell cultures instead called "in vitro testing" as well as predictive computer models, however these new methods, cannot completely replace animal testing at this time for the risk assessment of most substances.
Preservative-Free
We have all heard how preservatives are supposed to be bad for you. In most cases, they are actually good and very essential for most cosmetics. The warm and damp area of your bathroom, where people use and store many cosmetic products, can be an ideal environment for microorganisms to grow in your cosmetics. Microorganisms can also find their way into cosmetics through cross-contamination when a cosmetic or its applicator touches your skin or hair and then touches the cosmetic again. Fortunately, most cosmetics contain preservatives to keep harmful bacteria, mold and yeast from finding its way in and growing on your cosmetics.
Natural Versus Synthetic
There is a general assumption among consumers that "natural" products are better or healthier than similar ones using synthetic ingredients. Often, however, these "natural" ingredients are no different in chemical composition than their synthetic counterparts. In fact, a synthetic substance which mimics a natural one can sometimes provide a purer, more stable ingredient which gives the product a longer usable life.
Health Canada considers both natural and synthetic ingredients to be equally suitable for use in cosmetics. If you experience an allergic reaction to a cosmetic, try switching to a different brand.
Monday, July 20, 2009
In the Studio
This weekend was a great time in the studio. Milk chocolate, Shea butter, Egyptian Rose, Serenity and Doggie Bars all line the shelves, ready to go. The air is resplendent with fragrance as we prepare for our new Holiday development!
Yikes! It's true - since soap takes 6 weeks to cure, we have to start thinking of the upcoming fall and winter gift shows and events. September is 6 weeks away and we want to be ready with our Autumn fragrances of Spicy Cinnamon Orange, Peppermint Vanilla, Café au Lait and Starry Night.
We're also pleased to announce our part in a new venture at Buy Canadian First, an on-line promoter of all kinds of Canadian retailers, manufactures and vendors. Please feel welcome to have a look.
Yikes! It's true - since soap takes 6 weeks to cure, we have to start thinking of the upcoming fall and winter gift shows and events. September is 6 weeks away and we want to be ready with our Autumn fragrances of Spicy Cinnamon Orange, Peppermint Vanilla, Café au Lait and Starry Night.
We're also pleased to announce our part in a new venture at Buy Canadian First, an on-line promoter of all kinds of Canadian retailers, manufactures and vendors. Please feel welcome to have a look.
Friday, July 10, 2009
What's in your shower?
Body cleansers, body washes, and body shampoos are just what they sound like—detergent cleansing agents typically found in hair shampoos to clean the body for all skin types. Body washes tend to be less drying than commercially manufactured bar soaps and bar cleansers.
Claims from high-end cosmetics companies can be misleading about the cleansers they sell. There is little that differentiates an expensive body wash from an inexpensive body wash. The ingredient lists are sadly similar between the high-end versions and the less pricey ones.
Many body washes designed for dry skin claim all kinds of moisturizing properties. That usually means they contain a type of oil. Vitamins, proteins, plant extracts, amino acids may be listed as well to let you believe you’re getting something special. These ingredients can be good moisturizing agents in a cream or lotion you leave on the skin, in a body wash they are mostly rinsed down the drain. Many of these synthetic ingredients do not biodegrade easily, and other are harmful to fish and plant life in our water ways, thereby polluting our marine environment. Ingredients to watch for include: parabens, Triclosan, Phthalates to name a few.
Oils are not easily as washed away, so they do provide some emollient benefit for dry skin. Some people don’t feel quite as clean after using a moisturizing body wash. They prefer the gentle cleaning effect of a regular body wash, followed by a moisturizer applied after getting out of the shower, but that choice is yours.
Claims from high-end cosmetics companies can be misleading about the cleansers they sell. There is little that differentiates an expensive body wash from an inexpensive body wash. The ingredient lists are sadly similar between the high-end versions and the less pricey ones.
Many body washes designed for dry skin claim all kinds of moisturizing properties. That usually means they contain a type of oil. Vitamins, proteins, plant extracts, amino acids may be listed as well to let you believe you’re getting something special. These ingredients can be good moisturizing agents in a cream or lotion you leave on the skin, in a body wash they are mostly rinsed down the drain. Many of these synthetic ingredients do not biodegrade easily, and other are harmful to fish and plant life in our water ways, thereby polluting our marine environment. Ingredients to watch for include: parabens, Triclosan, Phthalates to name a few.
Oils are not easily as washed away, so they do provide some emollient benefit for dry skin. Some people don’t feel quite as clean after using a moisturizing body wash. They prefer the gentle cleaning effect of a regular body wash, followed by a moisturizer applied after getting out of the shower, but that choice is yours.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
33 Intriguing Women on Twitter you need to Follow
2morrowKnight has put together, by popular demand, an addendum to his successful post of 10 Intriguing Women on Twitter (You Need to Follow), creating a list of 33 Intriguing Women. I'm flattered to find my name on his list!
"33 Intriguing Women on Twitter (You Need to Follow)
There's an old saying that "those who cherish a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in their hearts, will one day realize it." Below are 33 women whose lives personify that statement. They're mentors, industry leaders, motivational speakers, business visionaries, dream merchants, wordsmiths, & serious go-getters. They create opportunities for themselves and others, and they stand as beautiful examples of what is possible, and certainly probable, when you explore the depth and scope of your talents and skills. "
2morrowKnight was a volunteer internet strategist for The Obama Presidential Campaign. Currently, he's prepping for the early Fall release of his first children's book.
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