Originally published June 1 2005
Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free cosmetics advertising misleading
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
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.
- 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.
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