Check out my website dedicated to investigating what's really in your beauty products at http://journalism.bournemouth.ac.uk/2010/hmullins
I recently became interested in this after reading numerous press reports and scientific studies concerning the safety of cosmetics. I've heard various claims that products contain whale blubber, brake fluid, bull's sperm and a whole load of other extraordinary ingredients but it's not so much this that I'm interested in. Rather, I want to explore the usual chemicals that are included in the majority of the products we buy and use.
How much research has been done into the safety of the chemicals that we apply to our skin on a regular basis? Quite a lot it turns out, but how much has the research been used? Many scientists, toxicologists and environmentalists have not only voiced their concerns over chemicals such as parabens and pthalates but have backed them up with scientific tests. Yet, because other research has proved the opposite, no changes have developed. Should more research be being done? Should these chemicals be banned at least until their safety can be ensured?
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Use of Hair-Dye Chemical Trimmed
New European regulations will limit the use of a chemical that is the vital ingredient in hair dyes.
The new rules will come into effect on July 15 and will reduce the amount of para phenylenediamine (PPD) and its derivatives allowed in commercial and professional hair products to 6%. The maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2%.
This hair dye precursor is used in oxidative colouring products and is a ‘sensitiser’ which can encourage an allergic reaction in some consumers. JP’s Style Hair Salon owner Jill Price said, “It’s definitely good that they have lowered PPD because this chemical sometimes causes skin irritation like eczema.
“Some of the darker shade dyes contain a lot of PPD which can damage the hair and stain the skin.”
The amendment to The Cosmetic Products Safety Regulations also states that warnings about allergic reactions must be printed on products.
Independent consultant Helen Lynn thinks that PPD would and should be completely banned if there was not pressure from the beauty industry.
She said, “There aren’t any viable alternatives to PPD and it works very well at colouring hair permanently so the beauty industry is keen to keep it legal.
“PPD penetrates the skin so I wouldn’t buy it. People need to start asking if they really need their hair dyed.”
However The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association Director General Dr Chris Flower has defended PPD. He said, “The safety of PPD has been extensively investigated over decades and it is safe for use as a hair-dye when regulated and used as directed.”
Author of Toxic Beauty Dawn Mellowship said, “I never use any hair dyes because when I was sixteen I used a semi-permanent dye that made a third of my hair fall out and it never grew back. My friend had used the same product and all of her hair had fallen out. I don’t think people know what a lot of the ingredients in products really do.”
The new rules will come into effect on July 15 and will reduce the amount of para phenylenediamine (PPD) and its derivatives allowed in commercial and professional hair products to 6%. The maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2%.
This hair dye precursor is used in oxidative colouring products and is a ‘sensitiser’ which can encourage an allergic reaction in some consumers. JP’s Style Hair Salon owner Jill Price said, “It’s definitely good that they have lowered PPD because this chemical sometimes causes skin irritation like eczema.
“Some of the darker shade dyes contain a lot of PPD which can damage the hair and stain the skin.”
The amendment to The Cosmetic Products Safety Regulations also states that warnings about allergic reactions must be printed on products.
Independent consultant Helen Lynn thinks that PPD would and should be completely banned if there was not pressure from the beauty industry.
She said, “There aren’t any viable alternatives to PPD and it works very well at colouring hair permanently so the beauty industry is keen to keep it legal.
“PPD penetrates the skin so I wouldn’t buy it. People need to start asking if they really need their hair dyed.”
However The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association Director General Dr Chris Flower has defended PPD. He said, “The safety of PPD has been extensively investigated over decades and it is safe for use as a hair-dye when regulated and used as directed.”
Author of Toxic Beauty Dawn Mellowship said, “I never use any hair dyes because when I was sixteen I used a semi-permanent dye that made a third of my hair fall out and it never grew back. My friend had used the same product and all of her hair had fallen out. I don’t think people know what a lot of the ingredients in products really do.”
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