In a recent article in Vogue, Jessica L. Yarbrough poses the following question: “Is skin care the new cigarette?” After watching the documentary Toxic Beauty, which is available on Amazon and Apple TV, Yarbrough seems to answer her own question with a firm “yes.” She notes that the personal care industry uses tens of thousands of substances in products, most of which have not been tested for safety.
I have yet to watch the documentary myself (although it’s on my list). As a health care provider, I don’t find it to be surprising that the beauty industry in the United States lacks regulations. “Talc, parabens, and, to an extent, phthalates are all restricted in Europe, where more than 1,300 cosmetic chemicals are banned, compared to the United States’ 11,” Yarbrough notes.
While evidence against these substances may not be definitive, there is growing evidence that the side effects can be detrimental to health. What will it take to regulate some of these chemicals, and why are they still on the market?
My job is to get to the root cause of a medical condition. Toxic elements can wreak havoc on our bodies, but often going undetected until it’s too late. Yarbrough, in her article, points out that common chemicals easily absorbed by the body like paraben and phthalates are connected to hormone disruption, infertility, sperm damage, early puberty and breast cancer — but cosmetic legislation that would ban them in the United States hasn’t been passed since 1938. Due to its contamination with asbestos, Johnson & Johnson’s baby power has been linked to ovarian cancer—don’t put that near your vagina, ladies! It will probably come as no surprise that representatives for the company still refuse to admit that on the record.
Carcinogenic heavy metals have also been reported in personal care products. Carcinogenic means cancer causing, people! Research studies are expensive and time consuming. No industry really wants to lose money and risk going bankrupt due to a study not in their favor. We must take it upon ourselves to find better options for beauty, or change how we view beauty.
Hopefully this documentary will bring to light the hidden dangers in the cosmetic industry, and allow us to make better choices for ourselves since those who should be protecting us have failed.
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.