Summary
Consumers should beware of cosmetic products advertised as "hypoallergenic," "fragrance-free" or "natural." Since the FDA does not require cosmetic companies to substantiate these claims, many products contain ingredients contrary to how they are advertised. For example, "hypoallergenic" simply means that the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. "Fragrance-free" means that the product is intended not to give off a noticeable odor. It can still contain chemical fragrances to cover the smell of other ingredients. Consumers should rely solely on the list of ingredients in the products and not the products' advertising.
Original source:
http://allergies.about.com/cs/cosmetics/a/aa011199.htm
Details
Confusion about exactly what "cosmetics" are and some of the marketing terms used to describe them can cause problems for those trying to avoid allergens.
The definition of cosmetics according to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act includes any product that cleanses (other than soap), beautifies, or alters the appearance of the human body without affecting the body's structure or functions.
Seasonal Allergy ReliefEffective allergy relief w/out side effects.
Seasonal Allergy InfoLearn About Seasonal Allergy Treatments From a Trusted Source.ConsumerReportsMedicalGuide.org There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of these terms.
* Hypoallergenic means only that the manufacturer feels that the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Manufacturers of hypoallergenic cosmetics are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenic claims to FDA.
* Products with labels that contain the words fragrance free or unscented do not guarantee they do not contain fragrance chemicals, they imply that they have no perceptible odor.
If fragrance is added to a product to mask or cover up the odor of other ingredients, it is not required to be put on the label.
* Alcohol free when used on a cosmetic label usually means that the product does not contain ethyl or grain alcohol.
Known Irritants According to a study of cosmetic reactions conducted by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group the most common cause of allergic and irritant reactions are fragrances and perservatives in
cosmetics.
Lanolin, extracted from sheep wool, is an ingredient in many moisturizers and is a common cause of allergies.
Use Common Sense Consumers concerned about allergic reactions from cosmetics should understand that according to FDA there is no cosmetic that can be guaranteed never to produce an allergic reaction.
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and award-winning journalist with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He has authored and published thousands of articles, interviews, consumers guides, and books on topics like health and the environment, and he has authored and published several downloadable personal preparedness courses including a downloadable course focused on safety and self defense. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2010, Adams co-founded NaturalNews.com, a natural health video sharing site that has now grown in popularity. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also the founder and CEO of a well known email mail merge software developer whose software, 'Email Marketing Director,' currently runs the NaturalNews email subscriptions. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Wednesday, June 01, 2005
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