So the industry is used to doing things this way. And they can, because even now that scientists have linked the chemicals they’re using to all sorts of problems, there are no laws to get rid of them. You’re thinking: Really? Come on. Nobody's making sure that the stuff we smear all over our bodies is safe? Nope. The FDA doesn't even assess the safety of personal care products or their ingredients. Since 1938, they've banned just eight out of over twelve thousand ingredients used in cosmetics. They don't even require that all of the ingredients be listed on the label. Now this is an example where we can all agree a little more government action would be helpful.

 

 

 

This lack of regulation leaves a huge hole that the cosmetics industry is all too happy to fill. They set up their own committee to self-police their products and compliance with their recommendations is voluntary. So the cosmetics industry is making the rules and then deciding whether or not to follow them. So, you see, it isn't our fault that these toxic products are in our bathrooms. It's a whole broken system that’s ignoring the simple rule: toxics in, toxics out. But we’re not helpless. There’re resources online that we can use to protect ourselves by identifying the best possible choices in the store. But the real action is with people working to change the system. Because if we really want to solve this problem, we gonna start here with these guys: women, parents, workers, people all over the country are demanding the Congress pass a new law, giving FDA the power to make sure that our personal care products are safe. We need common-sense laws based on the precautionaryprinciple. That means that when we're dealing with hazardous chemicals, just err on the side of caution. Let’s not debate how much lead should be allowed in lipstick, just get the toxic chemicals out of our products. 

 

 

 

Smarter laws would force companies to get pass that old 50s mindset, and figure out how to get us all clean and shiny without toxic chemicals. Can they? Totally. Many responsible cosmetics companies are already putting safer products on the market. Green chemists are developing substances that are designed to be safe and non-toxic in the first place. European governments have required the removal of many toxic chemicals and companies have figured out how to comply. 

 

 

 

When cosmetics are reformulated to be safe and labeled honestly, then we can feel comfortable with the choices available at the store. We can choose bouncy hair or full hair, shiny lipstick or matte. We can even choose to feel beautiful without using 20 products. But we’ll know that whatever we choose, the most important choice, the choice to be safe and healthy has already been made.