PCT Celebrates 1 Year Bringing Science Backed Info on Safe Cosmetics to You
It’s hard to believe that one year has already passed since Lisa and I launched Personal Care Truth last May 2010! We are absolutely thrilled that the public has responded so positively and taken great interest in learning about the current science backed truth behind the personal care industry and what is in the cosmetic products we use daily.
The Precautionary Principle: A Cautionary Tale
‘ve been inspired by the actions of WATCH (Women Against Toxic Cosmetics Harm) and the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine, who (with the assistance of the Environmental Working Group and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics) sent away 12 common cosmetics products last spring to be tested for chemicals. Since they’ve already found the hidden toxins in my medicine cabinet, I figured maybe I’d take a look at what was going on in my fridge. I’ve been a vegetarian for more than 25 years and eat a diet based largely on whole, organic foods, so I was sure my food “tests” would come out clean. I was appalled by the results.
Parabens and This and That…
A new report just came out on parabens that I found interesting. Having read previous papers about parabens I have been skeptical of the bad press they have received supposedly because of them affecting the hormonal systems of the body which lead to cancer.
Why Use a Preservative?
With the current high interest in all things natural many formulators do not recognize the importance of using a preservative. Preservatives are a necessary ingredient in al emulsions to prevent the growth of bacteria. Even though bacteria are completely ‘natural’ they can also cause a lot of harm to us. A colleague of mine recently shared…
Ask The Experts
We recently received feedback via our submission form asking why we were doing this… by doing this I’m referring to starting Personal Care Truth. Lisa and I feel very strongly that consumers deserve science backed evidence so they can make informed. While some of the information may not fall exactly in line our personal companies, we believe in presenting all of the information so that you may chose personal care products and cosmetics that fit your lifestyle and you feel comfortable putting on your skin.
Is Clary Sage Esrogenic?
This does not mean that clary sage oil is not effective. It may well be useful in relieving menstrual pain, pre-menstrual symptoms, menopausal symptoms and other problems, but none of this necessitates an estrogen-like action. And, I’m not saying that sclareol could not possibly be estrogen-like, I’m just saying there’s no evidence that it is, nor does its structure suggest such an effect. This also means that there’s no evidence to support clary sage oil “balancing hormones”, mimicking estrogens only if there is an estrogen deficiency, or stimulating the body to produce natural estrogens.
A dash of TNT with that, madam?
One of the reasons given for supporting the Colorado bill was that the targeted ingredients are more stringently restricted in Europe than in the USA. It’s true that the FDA has prohibited only 9 substances as cosmetic ingredients, compared to 1,233 currently prohibited in Europe. Well, clearly “no contest” in the legal stringency stakes. But, the great majority of the 1,233 are petroleum derivatives, and many are pharmaceutical drugs, industrial solvents, or poisons such as curare, strychnine and arsenic – you can read the full list here.
Welcome!
Personalcaretruth.com is about education, facts, questions, research, sharing knowledge, and empowering consumers to make the choice that’s right for their families. We welcome your questions and submissions; let’s combine our resources and share scientific based information on personal care products with the world.
Tunnel Vission
People should expect reasonable and sensible protection from harm by those who regulate consumer products, and vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women may need special consideration. Therefore, cosmetics that are totally free of all carcinogens and teratogens may sound like a good idea. But is it realistic? And is more legislation needed?
