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May 8, 2008 4:00 pm US/Eastern
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Health: Cosmetic Hazards
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
In health, women shell out billions of dollars every year on make up and products to look better. Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl has details on the potentially ugly side of the beauty business and how you can protect yourself.
The beauty bag of tricks for hiding those little imperfections, looking younger, or just adding a little color. For many women, makeup is a must.
"I must have lipstick on because I feel naked without it," said Raymonde Buisserth, who wears makeup.
But how safe is it? What about the lead in lipstick or mercury in mascara?
The FDA doesn't review or approve cosmetics. And there are growing concerns that some beauty products are made with potentially harmful chemicals like phthalates and parabens.
"Many of these compounds act like estrogen and link to our cells in our bodies like estrogen dose," said Erin Boles, with the Breast Cancer Coalition. She says too much estrogen has been known to cause breast cancer.
Europe has already banned hundreds of chemicals for use in cosmetics, while the United States only prohibits a handful.
So how do you figure out what's in your make up?
It's not always so easy, but one thing to look for is the word fragrance.
"Most phthalates are mostly found are covered by that very vague word of fragrance," said Erin.
A makeup check up is now available from the Environmental Working Group.
It's called Skin Deep. A database of thousands of personal care products. It rates each item on a hazard scale of one to ten.
Lisa Silagyi was surprised to find that her lipstick has ingredients linked to reproductive and organ toxicity.
"You just assume as a consumer that you buy something that's been approved by the FDA. You assume it's safe because it's on the shelf," said Lisa.
The Personal Care Products Council, which represents cosmetic companies says, "thousands of scientific studies have been done on cosmetics and their ingredients ... these products, whether used once or over a lifetime, are safe before they are sold to consumers."
But some women aren't willing to take chances.
Julia Chaslow was shocked when she saw the chemicals in her lipstick and what they've been linked to.
"Cancer, it's not worth it," said Julia.
She took the lipstick straight to a garbage can.
There are some safer alternatives like all natural cosmetics. It's a growing trend, more companies are offering chemical free makeup.
RELATED LINKS:
Skin Deep's Makeup Rating List
Skin Deep's What Not To Buy List
Personal Care Products Council
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