3 ways that watch-dog groups can dupe you!

As consumers we have to watch out for the falsehoods spread by the "watch-dog" groups fighting against "dangerous chemicals". 

In the USA the supposed green group, Ewg, confuses science fact with science fiction. This would be laughable if it did not create wide spread panic. Generalizations, not understanding ingredients and making false assumptions are three errors Ewg is guilty of making. 

Generalizations and blanket Statements 

One thing to look-out for are the blanket statements that are claimed to be proof. In an online organic news site it referred to Ewgs' claim that chemicals in cosmetics are untested and unregulated. This is FALSE. 

• The Cosmetics industry vigorously and regularly tests cosmetic ingredients and the Cosmetic Industry Review - CIR tests are the ones are posted on Ewg's site as research. 

• The 2nd claim of unregulated is a half-truth. The US Government doesn't regulate cosmetics. But the Cosmetic Industry itself DOES self regulate.

Misunderstanding ingredients

Every time you hear about a chemical being taken OFF the formulary it is the Cosmetic Industry that is VOLUNTARILY removing it based on its own ongoing testing. 

One requirement of product labeling is that ingredients need to be listed by their official chemical names. 

The outrageous claims by Ewg against the dangers of Retinyl Palmitate in sunscreen proved how little they understood basic science. 

Retinyl Palmitate, scary sounding chemical, is just VITAMIN A!!! It is an antioxidant found naturally in  the skin. 

But Ewg claimed Retinyl Palmitate was a carcinogen.This would make carrots, which are rich in Vitamin A, a carcinogen. Stuff and Nonsense.

Making false assumptions

Reviewing info on a common ingredient - Propylene Glycol, Ewg site sited CIR test from 2006 and stated it was moderately dangerous because there were specific amounts allowed for use in various products. A couple of serious problems with this:

1. The most recent 2012 CIR test was not included which confirmed that the ingredient was indeed safe. The one concern was about inhaling it and the particles irritating the lungs. {NOTE:even inhaling Orange or Eucalyptus oils can be irritating to the lungs.}
2. Peppermint oil is perfectly safe in small specific amounts. Large amounts can be TOXIC. But Ewg view of peppermint oil is it's completely safe.

Did you know even water can kill you if you have too much, not just by drowning but by drinking so much you cause yourself deadly injury. 

These examples show that just because a product or ingredient is considered natural, it does not mean it is automatically safe or non-toxic. 

Since most of us don't understand the chemical names for ingredients it is easier for groups such as the Ewg to believably make these "science-fiction" claims. And yet this non-profit group is making huge profits and its CEO, in 2006, reportedly made $192K.

How do you learn about your personal/skin care products? What is your favorite source of information? 

Michelle G. Lathe

PS: Synthetic Ingredients is next weeks "Chemical Friend or Foe" installment.