Which of the following cosmetics I use regularly might cause cancer?

  • Make-Up Base
  • Powder Foundation
  • Powder Blush
  • Eye Shadow
  • Toner
  • Shampoo
  • Antiperspirant
  • Liquid Face Soap
  • Liquid Body Soap
  • Liquid Hand Soap
  • Lipstick
  • Lip Gloss
  • Mascara
  • Hair Mousse
  • Body Lotion
  • Hand Cream
  • Foot Cream

According to the Environmental Working Group, a private nonprofit research center, mascara and liquid hand soap among others have ingredients which may raise the risk of cancer. And over 99% of common cosmetics and toiletries have never been fully tested for safety.


“Companies often do tests of short-term acute exposure to see whether their products make eyes water or skin itch,” said Lauren Sucher, a spokeswoman for the Environmental Working group. “Often, however, they’re not looking at whether they might cause cancer or birth defects that are long-term and don’t affect the profitability of their products.”

Concern over the use of possibly dangerous chemicals in personal-care products “marks a trend of increased regulatory and consumer interest,” said Heather Langsner, a senior chemical analyst with Innovest, a New York-based investment research firm. “Many companies are already conducting voluntary phase-outs of certain chemicals. They see the writing on the wall.”


So they admit that certain chemicals are harmful. But I feel I have no choice. I don’t like bar soap because it’s harder to use and gets stuck under my ring. My hair is flat without some mousse or gel. And my face is brighter and looks better in pictures if I have some make-up on.

At least I’m not wearing contacts that often anymore. I just won’t put on my glasses either so I won’t be able to see “the writing on the wall”.

Yahoo! News, March 12, 2005 via Mercola.com.

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