Why Doesn't Congress Require FDA Testing Of Cosmetic Ingredients? 
Friday, December 14th, 2007



I am sure that at some point you have seen a lovely fear-mongering article about the amount of bacteria that is in your makeup after it reachs a certain age (usually just a few months old).  Everyone from FOX News to The Tyra Banks Show has done a special on the life expectancy of mascara, eye shadow, lipstick, and how brushes that can't be cleaned can trap and harbor bacteria or whatnot.

Okay, but did you realize that the FDA (Food & Drug Administration of the US) doesn't even require cosmetics ingredients to be tested/approved?

"Every morning, millions of women and teenage girls could be putting their helath at risk as they unknowingly expose themselves to toxins - including lead - that may lead to reproductive birth defects, infertility and cancer," says the Care2 Petition Site.

"According to the National Insitute of Occupational Safety and Health, of all the chemicals used in cosmetics, nearly 900 are toxic.

"In spite of all of this, the Food and Drug Administration doesn't require strict safety testing before beauty products hit the market.  Most readily available makeup is loaded with chemicals that are either untested for long-term effects on your heath, or have already been proven to have potentially harmful qualities.

"As they set their priorities for 2008, urge Congress to require the FDA to adequately test and regulate ingredients used in our personal care products!"

I'm more worried about lead or dangerous chemicals than some stinkin' bacteria!

 
Send your opinion to Congress by signing the petition here.  Or, if you don't believe the FDA needs to be testing our cosmetics ingredients, you may contact your legislator here.

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