The UGLY Truth About Makeup

Summary

This video delves into the safety of makeup and personal care products, revealing that the average American woman is exposed to over 126 chemicals daily through her beauty routine. Many of these chemicals are toxic, linked to cancer, infertility, and hormonal disruptions. The cosmetics industry is largely unregulated, with the FDA unable to mandate safety proof before market release. The video contrasts the EU's ban on over 1300 harmful chemicals in cosmetics with the US's mere 11, and advises viewers to seek products with fewer ingredients, avoiding 'fragrance' and other listed harmful chemicals. It also points out that high price does not equate to safety, and encourages consumers to use databases like Skin Deep, Pink Dirty, and Good Guide to make informed choices.

Takeaways

• 💄 The average American woman uses twelve products daily, exposing herself to about 126 unique chemicals.
• 🚫 Many of these chemicals are considered toxic and linked to serious health issues like cancer and infertility.
• 🇺🇸 The FDA does not regulate cosmetics, cannot require safety proof before market, and cannot recall dangerous products.
• 🌍 Over 10,000 chemicals are used in cosmetics, including industrial chemicals used for non-cosmetic purposes.
• 🇪🇺 The European Union has banned over 1300 dangerous chemicals from cosmetics, while the US has banned only eleven.
• 💸 Expensive makeup brands are not necessarily safer; price does not equate to safety.
• 🔍 Look for products with fewer ingredients and avoid those containing 'fragrance', which can hide many unsafe chemicals.
• ⚠️ Specific harmful ingredients to watch out for include heavy metals, formaldehyde, parabens, and asbestos.
• 💡 Resources like Skin Deep, Pink Dirty, and Good Guide can help consumers find health ratings for cosmetic products.
• 🛡️ Without more regulation, choosing safe cosmetics may remain a challenge, relying on consumer vigilance and guesswork.

Q & A

How many unique chemicals does the average American woman expose herself to daily through makeup products?

The average American woman exposes herself to about 126 unique chemicals daily through makeup products.

What health issues have some of the chemicals in makeup products been linked to?

Some chemicals in makeup products have been linked to cancer, infertility, birth defects, and hormonal disruptions.

What is the role of the FDA in regulating the safety of cosmetics in the US?

The FDA cannot require cosmetics companies to prove a product is safe before it goes to market, nor can it recall a product once it's found to be dangerous for consumers; it's up to the company to do so.

How does the European Union's regulation of cosmetics compare to that of the US?

The European Union has banned more than 1300 dangerous chemicals from cosmetics and personal care products, whereas the US has only banned eleven.

Is there a correlation between the price of a makeup product and its safety?

No, there is no necessary correlation between the price of a makeup product and its safety. Expensive products are not inherently safer than cheaper ones.

What advice is given for consumers to avoid harmful chemicals in makeup products?

Consumers should look for labels with fewer ingredients and stay away from products containing the word 'fragrance', which can hide dozens of unsafe toxic chemicals.

Which harmful chemicals are mentioned in the script that can be found in specific makeup products?

Foundation can contain heavy metals like arsenic and titanium, eyeshadow can contain formaldehyde and mineral oils, eyeliner can contain heavy metals like lead and arsenic, blush can contain parabens and talc, mascara can contain formaldehyde and dyes like carbon black, and lipstick can contain lead and preservatives like DHA.

What are some databases where consumers can search for the health ratings of cosmetics products?

Consumers can search for the health ratings of products on databases like Skin Deep, Pink Dirty, and Good Guide.com.

Are harmful chemicals only found in makeup products, or can they also be present in other personal care products?

Harmful chemicals can be found not only in makeup products but also in other body products like lotions and shampoos.

What is the main challenge consumers face when trying to choose safe and healthy cosmetics products according to the script?

The main challenge is that choosing safe and healthy cosmetics products may continue to be a guessing game unless there is more regulation of the cosmetics industry.