Stacy Malkan, Author of Not Just a Pretty Face
More and more people are beginning to learn about the shocking dangers of the toxic chemicals that are allowed in our cosmetics and personal care items, thanks, in part, to one intrepid activist whose mission is to make the cosmetics industry clean up their act and be more concerned about their consumers’ health – Stacy Malkan.
Stacy Malkan is the co-founder of the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition tirelessly working to eliminate hazardous chemicals from cosmetics and personal care products. If you’ve heard about formaldehyde in baby shampoo and lead in lipstick, it’s probably thanks to the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics who runs these tests and publicizes the surprising results.
Now, the ugly truth of the $35 billion cosmetics industry which regulates itself in terms of health and safety is exposed in Not Just a Pretty Face. Author Stacy Malkan weaves a story so shocking, you’d think that it couldn’t possibly be real – that is, until you read the research done by the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, read the interviews with insiders in the cosmetics industry, take a look at your cosmetic ingredient lists, and then realize – it is true!
I had the privelege of asking Malkan a few questions regarding the cosmetics industry and its use of untested chemicals. Here’s what the author of Not Just a Pretty Face had to say.
Do you find that people are surprised by what’s allowed to go into their cosmetics?
People are shocked to learn that products we put on our bodies every day – lotions, deodorants, even baby shampoos – contain chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, infertility and other health problems. People also believe that these products are regulated and monitored for safety, but that is not the case. That’s why we are working to change the law to require companies to use the safest ingredients possible, and to be transparent about what is actually in their products.
What prompted you to get started with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics?
In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control conducted a nationwide study to analyze people’s blood and urine for toxic chemicals. Their first study found a phthalates – a set of industrial chemicals linked to birth defects — in the bodies of all people tested, and the highest levels were found in women of childbearing age. We suspected cosmetics could be a source, but nobody had looked.
So a group of non-profit environmental and health groups got together and decided to do the research. In 2002 we published our report which found phthalates in 72% of personal care products, but not listed on any of the labels. From there, we asked the next question: what else is in cosmetics? We have been researching that question and reporting the answers ever since. You can find this research at www.safecosmetics.org.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the toxic chemicals that might be used in the products you use everyday. What’s one easy thing you suggest to get people moving in the right direction?
It can be overwhelming, but it is also empowering to take action, so I’ll suggest a few things. First, look up your favorite products on the Skin Deep database at www.cosmeticdatabse.org. Start with product you use most often, and switch to a safer alternative. [Personal note - www.getgreenbewell.com often refers to the Cosmetics Database when reviewing cosmetic and personal care products and lists the score when available.]
The best rule of thumb for buying products is that simpler is better: choose products with fewer chemicals, avoid synthetic fragrance and use fewer products overall.
But it’s also important to note that we can’t just shop our way out of this problem. We also need to change the laws to require companies to do the right thing, and make the safest products they can make. Join our action list at www.safecosmetics.org to learn more about how to get involved in our legislative efforts.
Where do you see the cosmetics industry heading over the next few years, and can American companies really compete with European companies that have stricter guidelines?
The smart companies understand that consumers are becoming ever more aware of the dangers of toxic chemical exposures, and so demand for green products is going to continue to grow.
Sales of natural personal care products are already growing faster than conventional sales, although the natural market is still a tiny percentage of the whole – so there is enormous room for growth and profits. The big companies recognize this. The question is, will we allow them to continue to green wash – with false marketing claims, and by producing one niche green brand while continuing to use toxic chemicals in all their other brands. Those are the trends of the moment.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is pushing for a wholesale shift away from toxic chemicals and toward safer alternatives, and this shift is in the best interests of the beauty industry too. American companies need to kick it into high gear and start developing the next generation of non-toxic products that the world market is demanding.
Learn more about the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics and Stacy Malkan’s book – Not Just a Pretty Face- by visiting www.safecosmetics.org.
