Are Cosmetic Ingredients Dangerous?

I recently received an email from a holistic health professional warning about the dangers of fragrance in cosmetic products.

While there were NO links to scientific references, or safety guidelines followed by agencies such as the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), or even mention of Tisserand and Young's book "Essential Oil Safety" which list both IFRA guidelines as well as dermal limits for safe use of essential oils based on scientific studies and adverse events -- the message of this short email was clear -- fragrance ingredients can cause cancer and disrupt hormones.

But is that a fair assessment?

In my training as a scientist, an aromatherapist, and as a cosmetic chemist I have learned that understanding the big picture takes time. However a thoughtful analysis of the facts isn't always worthy of headlines or good click bait.

The truth is that every ingredient approved for use in cosmetics is considered safe and non-toxic. And each essential oil and fragrance ingredient that is available for use in cosmetics by reputable suppliers has guidelines for safe use.

IFRA issues guidelines for safe use of fragrances in cosmetic products. To see an example of this click here.

While doctors, health care practitioners, and holistic health care providers do have extensive training in their respective fields there should be mutual respect for the highly trained professionals in the fields of cosmetic chemistry and aromatherapy.

Companies large and small that create cosmetics and aromatherapy products have a vested interest in keeping our customers safe and continuing to purchase our products.

Most consumers have no idea of the effort that goes into ensuring the safety of cosmetic ingredients.

While media can sensationalize the findings studies done in cell culture or by using excessively higher amounts than we'd ever be exposed to in cosmetic products the truth is that if ingredients, including fragrances that are approved for use in cosmetics are safe when used as directed. (after all even natural things such as water or oxygen can be a problem when used in the wrong way or in excessive amounts).

And if you're going to believe the sensationalized data of one scientific report how much more can you rely on a though evaluation of a plethora of scientific data evaluating the safe use of an ingredient of concern?

While it may be tempting to leap to conclusions based on a single study the careful consideration of a multitude of studies from a panel of experts in a field is the best way to have a better understanding of the big picture.

And yes there are a plethora of ingredients available for use in personal care products, some are organic, natural, and naturally derived and some are synthetic. But if they are approved for use in cosmetics there are regulations in place to ensure their safety.

As a consumer you can and should choose products that align with your personal ethos.

But is it fair to malign ingredients based on opinion rather than well researched facts and consultation with professionals from the field of cosmetic chemistry and cosmetic formulation?

Here is just a little taste of rules and regulations for cosmetic ingredients based on a through study of the science: Cosing Listing

If you have visited my website you may have noticed I say I create high performance products made with care for people and the planet.

Handcrafted organic soap can't be made without using caustic sodium hydroxide or lye. It's toxic, its used in drain cleaners, and can cause serious burns if it even touches the skin. And yet no one raises alarm of the "toxic" ingredients used to make organic bar soap. That's because when used safely and when soap is allowed to cure it can be used safely to create a beneficial product.

So while you may choose to avoid certain ingredients, seek out natural or organic ingredients be assured that if a personal care product is made according to guidelines set forth by the FDA or the equivalent it is safe and non-toxic.

Believe me it is in the best interest of any business to keep their customers safe and happy.

Have questions about cosmetic ingredients? Feel free to ask.

Nothing is so firmly believed as what we least know. Michel de Montaigne