More Warnings About Cosmetics

Stores stock thousands of brands of cosmetics to help us look like the latest Hollywood actress.

We buy the ads and the products lock, stock and barrel to the tune of $200 billion in retail sales in the year 2000. According to TNS Media Intelligence, ad sales in 2006 for the cosmetic industry lead any other industry with a staggering 2.2 billion dollars.

These cosmetics in pretty containers that we dish out lots of money for, are more based on psychological factors rather than the price. The higher end cosmetics offered in stores base their price on hand holding, and the brand they have built with their packaging and advertising campaigns. These companies claim they spend millions on research and use more expensive ingredients.

Truth be told, the FDA does not assess the safety of cosmetics and the industry are left to police themselves. The basic ingredients used are mostly the same whether it's purchased at a high end counter in a fancy package, or for a tenth of the cost at a low end store.

As consumers what you need to know is that there are ingredients in high end or inexpensive cosmetics that could cause health concerns. For example, the following is a small list of ingredients that could cause allergies and possibly lead to chronic illness, yet found in many cosmetics. Others are know toxins:

Pthalates - Known toxin. Found in many nail polish, including expensive brandsAlcohol - Dries the skin

Salicylatic acid - Claimed for many uses, can cause allergies

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - This is an industrial detergent and can cause allergies

Herbal extracts, Essential oils - These may cause drug interactions if you're on a particular medication

Tea Tree Oil - This is a plant with anti-fungal properties that has become popular and added to many products. It's better suited for athlete's foot than cosmetics and skin care.

As wise consumers, we must become educated before buying cosmetics and skin care with our hard earned money.

As you can see, consumers must beware and become educated before going for the pretty package. There are two good websites that shed lite on this subject: Environmental Working Group (http://www.ewg.org) and Cleure (http://www.cleure.com).