After filling my shopping cart with organic groceries and searching for BPA-free stickers on my sippy cups, I realized that I was slathering myself in drugstore suds and moisturizers without as much thought about potential dangers. It made sense that while avoiding unnecessary hormones, antibiotics, and plasticizers in my foods, I would do the same for my personal care products, but I wasnât sure if this was necessary.
So like a good physician, I went to the medical literature to see if I should worry about my cosmetics or just restock my $6.99 mascara. I first found a recent JAMA Pediatrics article that warns we are using NICU babies as the canaries in the coal mine for learning about environmental toxins, as their vulnerable, developing bodies are frequently exposed to phthalates and we now know this exposure may be associated with altered onset of puberty and asthma. Then, I looked to the American Cancer Society, who says that environmental factors may have a link to breast cancer but more research is needed. While the dosage of carcinogens found in cosmetics is likely so small that it doesnât have any significant effect, the American Cancer Society says âwe cannot claim that these products will not cause health problems in some people.â We also know that most of us donât just use one product.
So I decided to take a pass on the possibly harmful and cancer-causing ingredients. However, without being a chemist, it was less clear about how to do so. Cosmetics labels are difficult to interpret and often lacking in details, because the United States hasnât passed a major law regulating cosmetic safety since 1938. Currently, the FDA has neither the power to check ingredients before they go to market nor the ability to recall products that are believed to be harmful. We deserve more than that.
This all led me to Beautycounter, a safer beauty brand that is advocating for tighter regulations on their own industry. I appreciated that I didnât have to read their labels because with their ânever listâ I knew that over 1,400 questionable ingredients wouldnât be there.
In March 2018, Beautycounter will be sending 100 of their top consultants to Washington, DC, to lobby on behalf of the Personal Care Products Safety Act (S.1113) and I hope to be among them. This Act is important because it will require the FDA to review at least five chemicals for safety each year, companies to share ingredient information with the FDA, companies to report âserious adverse eventsâ related to their products within 15 days, and allow the FDA to recall unsafe products, among other things. It is startling that none of this is currently happening with products we use daily on ourselves and children.
So while shopping this holiday season for those you love, consider giving them a gift that shows that you care and want to protect them. Below are my holiday gift suggestions to make your shopping easier.
A lemongrass body scrub, citrus mimosa body butter, and glow shimmer oil packaged together in travel-friendly sizes would make a great gift for teenagers or anyone beach-bound this holiday season!
My best friend and I have a lip balm obsession, but Iâm disturbed by how many petroleum byproducts we have ingested over the years. Thatâs why I am asking Santa for these peppermint and calendula balms that use hydrating shea nut. These make the perfect teacher gift or stocking stuffers.
This mask, mist, and oil set helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making it the perfect gift for your mother or grandmother. There are also other versions for balancing or brightening your skin, depending on your need.
With a volumizing mascara, liquid eyeliner, and silk cream eyeshadow, you will have the perfect, sexy eye for your holiday parties and New Yearâs Eve. After all that shopping, you deserve something for yourself!
You can shop the rest of my Beautycounter store, and help send me to Washington, here: www.beautycounter.com/katielockwood
[Katie Lockwood, MD, is a mother and pediatrician in Philadelphia. When not curing ear infections or climbing urban playgrounds, she can be found blogging at Mommy Call. Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of her employer.]
