A new study published in the journal Pediatrics has found a connection between use of shampoos, lotions and powders on babies and elevated phthalate levels in those youngsters. Phthalates are chemicals found in plastics, fragrance and some personal care products, and are associated with both immediate and long-term reproductive health problems such as undescended testicles in newborns, breast cancer in women, and low sperm counts and prostate cancer in men. The use of powder, lotions and shampoo on infants markedly increased the levels of phthalates found in the babies’ urine, according to the study by University of Washington researchers, published in February.

In experimental studies, phthalates cause infertility, birth defects and other malformations of the male reproductive tract. Several human studies also indicate that phthalates may adversely affect male reproductive function at levels commonly found in people. Young infants and fetuses are most vulnerable to the potential adverse effects of phthalates.

According to the study, lotions, powders and shampoos “may contribute significantly to phthalate body burden” in infants. “If parents want to decrease exposures, then we recommend limiting the amount of infant care products used, and not to apply lotions or powders unless indicated for a medical reason,” the researchers wrote. (See also our recommended products.) For example, Aubrey Organics' products are phthalate-free and would make a great choice for all ages.

Previous studies show that a high majority of fragranced personal care products contain phthalates. A 2002 study found phthalates in more than 70 percent of products tested, including shampoo, deodorant and perfume. The chemicals were not listed on labels.

The European Union bans some phthalates from cosmetics and toys, and California banned the chemicals from baby toys—but phthalates are legal to use in personal care products sold in the United States, and there are no requirements to label products for phthalate content.

“Parents have enough to worry about. They shouldn’t have to also worry about chemicals linked to infertility getting into their babies from baby products,” said Charlotte Brody, R.N., executive director of Commonweal, an environmental health research and education center. “Companies know how to make products without phthalates and that’s what they need to do.”

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has strongly urged all responsible companies to immediately reformulate their products to remove phthalates from all personal care products for children and adults, particularly women of childbearing age. The campaign is also working to pass laws that give the US Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate the cosmetics industry to ensure safe products.

LEAD IN YOUR LIPSTICK

As if phthalates in children’s products wasn’t enough of a problem, lipsticks manufactured in the United States and used daily by millions of American women also contain surprisingly high levels of lead, according to new product tests released October 11, 2007, by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. An independent laboratory conducted the lead tests in September 2007 on red lipsticks bought in Boston, Hartford, Connecticut, San Francisco and Minneapolis. Among the findings:

• More than half of 33 brand name lipsticks tested (61 percent) contained detectable levels of lead, with levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.65
• One third of the tested lipsticks exceeded the FDA’s 0.1 ppm limit for lead in candy—a standard established to protect children from directly ingesting lead. Lipstick, like candy, is ingested directly. Nevertheless, the FDA has not set a limit for lead in lipstick—which fits with the disturbing absence of FDA regulatory oversight and enforcement capacity for the $50 billion personal care products industry.

Among the top brands testing positive for lead were:

• L’Oreal Colour Riche “True Red”—0.65 ppm
• L’Oreal Colour Riche “Classic Wine”—0.58 ppm
• Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor “Maximum Red”—0.56 ppm
• Christian Dior Addict “Positive Red”—0.21 ppm

Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure because lead easily crosses the placenta and may enter the fetal brain, where it interferes with normal development. Lead has also been linked to miscarriage, reduced fertility in both men and women, hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities and delays in the onset of puberty. Lead builds up in the body over time and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, combined with lead in water and other sources, could add up to significant exposure levels.

1,4-DIOXANE—UNDISCLOSED CANCER-CAUSING AGENT

After accidents, cancer is the leading killer today of children age 15 and under, according to the National Cancer Institute—and the reason for escalating children’s cancer rates over the last half century is clearly the result of exposures to toxic chemicals, according to many environmental health experts. In February 2007, I held a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., and reported that every single children’s bubble bath and shampoo product sold in mainstream retail outlets in the United States was contaminated with the undisclosed cancer-causing chemical 1,4-dioxane, according to laboratory tests I commissioned.

I also tested children’s bubble bath and shampoo products from Aubrey Organics and, using the same analytical method, found that their products were free from this contaminant.

Since that time, I tested another 100 products from the natural products industry and found that many of these products, despite claims of being natural or containing organic ingredients, were also contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. Among troubling products were not only children’s products but also many types of products for adults including body lotions, hair care products and sunscreens. Making the situation more troubling is that sunscreens and lotions remain on the skin for long periods of time, thus enhancing the absorption of 1,4-dioxane and other chemical toxins.

All of this news should provide an important message for every health food store shopper: just because a cosmetic or natural personal care product is sold at a health food store doesn’t mean it will be free from potentially troubling toxic contaminants or ingredients.

To be sure, health food stores carry excellent brands, but not every brand there will live up to these highest purity standards.

HOW TO FIND SAFE PRODUCTS

Fortunately, a number of companies have taken the lead in eliminating such chemicals from their products. But one company that has never used them and stands out above the rest as a true green company is Aubrey Organics.

For consumers who are seeking safe cosmetic and personal care products, Aubrey Organics offers the most extensive line of safe and healthy products today.

For babies and children especially, the Aubrey Organics line of bubble bath, shampoo and lotions are especially safe. But their line of shampoos, conditioners, skin lotions, and facial makeup products for adults also contain none of the offending contaminants or undisclosed ingredients detailed in this article. Their shampoos and perfumes are also free from phthalates and 1,4-dioxane. In addition, Aubrey Organics is a leader in the use of certified organic ingredients such as sea buckthorn, Matcha green tea, Rosa Mosqueta® rose hip seed oil, chamomile, and blue green algae. It's important to be a smart shopper these days, and Aubrey Organics’ complete line of organic skin care products, including their lipsticks and facial makeup, is a very smart choice, indeed.

Resources

Aubrey’s extensive line is available at fine health food stores nationwide. To learn more about this great cosmetic and personal care company and their green commitment and to find a store in your area with their extensive product line, be sure to visit their website, www.aubrey-organics.com. You can also call them at 1-800- Aubrey-H (282-7394).

Read more about phthalates and the story behind the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in Stacy Malkan’s new book, Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry. www.NotJustaPrettyFace.org.

For more information on cosmetic and personal care product dangers and safer alternatives, see www.SafeCosmetics.org.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.