BODYSHOP:
In The Ecologist there was an excellent letter from a Doctor at the University
of Bristol, who was appalled that her Body shop products contained many
of the same horrific ingredients as Olay's Regenerist which was exposed
by the magazine in a previous issue. This well educated and informed Doctor
(from the Department of Anatomy) had long been a purchaser of Body shop
products because of their animal-testing and fair trade policies, having
assumed they would not use such potentially harmful compounds. This only
goes to show how important it is to be ingredient savvy - and never to assume
eco-friendly marketing and policies means natural and organic. If in doubt
read the label!
Verity
online at www.mybeingwell.com
"Now a leading group
of UK dermatologists has traced the origins of eczema to many of the 'wonders'
of modern life. These include bubble baths, baby wipes..."
The Observer - May 12th 2004
"The link between deodorants and breast cancer is
a story that refuses to go away."
The Sunday Times - Feb 1st 2004
1. Facial moisturiser, nail varnish, bubble bath, and lip-gloss
can contain ingredients which may trigger allergic reactions, or are skin
and eye irritants, may affect the immune or nervous systems, impair fertility,
and are linked to cancer. Parabens are preservatives commonly used in
cosmetics and toiletries, are endocrine disrupters that mimic the hormone
oestrogen. High lifetime exposure to oestrogen is a proven risk factor
for breast cancer. Phthalates help lotions penetrate the skin, make nail
polishes more flexible and are used as carriers in perfumes and fragranced
products. Some are endocrine disruptors, raising concerns about their
possible links to breast cancer (other links to birth defects, developmental
defects, premature breast development in young girls and male reproductive
damage also exist). They are not listed on the labels but can be in ingredients
listed as Parfum or Alcohol denat. See WEN’s phthalates report for
more information.
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"They look harmless enough, but your average baby care product contains
a cocktail of chemicals that might surprise you."
The Guardian - May 8th 2004
"Your make-up may also pose a risk of serious disease.
Substances such as coal tar, found in eye shadow, are linked to cancer.
Aluminum, found in face powders, is thought to increase the risk of Alzheimer's
disease."
The Daily Express - Sept 2nd 2003
"Behind the clever marketing and aggressive advertisements of Britain's
third favoriteshampoo is a list of chemicals that are
far from squeaky clean."
The Ecologist - Oct 2003
Lipsticks
"...The very products the glossy ads suggest will make us look younger,
healthier and fitter, and be sexually and socially more successful, may
contain ingredients that impair fertility, increase the effects of ageing,
disrupt hormones, and are linked to cancer, allergies or other health
problems."
Women's Environmental Network "Getting lippy about lippy" -
Dec 2003
"Parabens - petrochemically derived preservatives
- have recently been exposed as potential hormone disrupters."
Harpers & Queen - May 2004
"..But here's the curious thing: skin cancer rates and sunscreen
use have both been rising simultaneously."
The Guardian - May 8th 2004
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