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| Beauty
risk: Daily use of make-up is a health hazard |
Chemicals In Cosmetics Can Cause Cancer, Hormone Problem,
Skin Irritation, Says British Campaign Group |
Chemicals
in toiletries and cosmetics are putting women’s
health at risk, it was claimed on Monday. Campaigners
say women typically use 12 such products a day,
exposing themselves to as many as 175 different
chemicals. They say this list includes ingredients
linked to cancers, hormone problems, and skin
irritation. |
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The campaign group, www.chemicalsafeskincare.co.uk,
which was set up by manufacturers of natural products, singled out
three commonly found ingredients which, it says, can be especially
dangerous.
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The first of these are parabens,
preserving agents that are often used in moisturisers and body creams.
They have been linked to breast cancer and skin inflammations.
This group also highlights foaming agents such as sodium lauryl
sulphate and sodium which are used in shampoos. The campaigners
claim these can irritate the skin. And they claim that disinfectant
formaldehyde –found in shampoos and handwash can make skin
flare up and is linked to asthma and headaches. |
Julia Mitchell, group
spokesperson, urged manufacturers to display more information on
what their products contain and their possible side-effects. She
said: “Media reports about the possible dangers of certain
chemicals such as parabens, sodium laureth sulphate, phthalates
and formaldehyde have made consumers more aware of what they are
buying, and potentially more demanding of chemicals safe alternatives.
European law, thanks to lobbying by European dermatologists, now
requires labelling of contents on skincare products and toiletries.”
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“But chemically-concerned
consumers and manufacturers are campaigning for more information
to be made widely available about the potential effects of these
ingredients. Particularly for sufferers of sensitive skin conditions
such as eczema and psoriasis.” |
Mitchell claimed
the debate on product safety was “being brushed under the
carpet”. “Many consumers are baffled by the long list
of ingredients found on the back of most shower gels, shampoos and
cosmetics,” she added. “We hear about how creamy, exfoliating
and scented they are but few of us realise what really goes into
these features.” |
David Gawkrodger,
dermatologist and spokesman for the British Skin Foundation charity,
said eight million Britons suffered from a skin condition –
a number that is on the rise. He said: “Some of the chemicals
in everyday toiletries may trigger irritant reactions or allergy.
Reactions are particularly seen in patients with atopic eczema and
sensitive skin. Most reactions will be to the face or hands, and
sometimes on the arms and legs.” |
