MakeUp Facts

HYPOALLERGENIC COSMETICS

There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term "hypoallergenic." The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Manufacturers of cosmetics/makeup labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenicity claims to FDA.

The term "hypoallergenic" may have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers on a retail basis, but dermatologists say it has very little meaning.
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For many years, companies have been producing products which they claim are "hypoallergenic" or "safe for sensitive skin" or "allergy tested." These statements imply that the products making the claims are less likely to cause allergic reactions than competing products. But there has been no assurance to consumers that this actually was the case.

The Food and Drug Administration has been working to clear up this confusion of claims by establishing testing requirements that would determine which products really are "hypoallergenic." But late last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that FDA's regulation defining "hypoallergenic" was invalid. This means there is now no regulation specifically defining or governing the use of the term "hypoallergenic" or similar claims. And because of the lengthy procedural steps required to establish a new regulation, that is likely to be the situation for some time to come.

Where does that leave the consumer?
Consumers concerned about allergic reactions from cosmetics should understand one basic fact: there is no such thing as a "nonallergenic" cosmetic--that is, a cosmetic that can be guaranteed never to produce an allergic reaction.
For the most part, the basic ingredients in so called "hypoallergenic" cosmetics are the same as those used in other cosmetics sold for the same purposes. Years ago, some cosmetics contained harsh ingredients that had a high potential for causing adverse reactions. But these ingredients are no longer used. FDA knows of no scientific studies which show that "hypoallergenic" cosmetics or products making similar claims actually cause fewer adverse reactions than competing conventional products.

However, cosmetics users who know they are allergic to certain ingredients can take steps to protect themselves. FDA regulations now require the ingredients used in cosmetics to be listed on the product label, so consumers can avoid substances that have caused them problems.

If you have an allergic reaction to a cosmetic, you should stop using all cosmetics/makeup until you call your doctor, who will then try to determine which ingredient, or combination of ingredients, caused the reaction.

"Natural" ingredients are extracted directly from plants or animal products as opposed to being produced synthetically. Natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to certain plants or animals, you could have an allergic reaction to cosmetics/makeup containing those ingredients. For instance, "lanolin," extracted from sheep wool, is an ingredient in many moisturizers and is a common cause of allergies.

Some cosmetics are labeled "allergy-tested" or "hypoallergenic," but products with these claims don't always offer a solution to cosmetic allergies. "Hypoallergenic" means only that the manufacturer feels that the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Before placing this claim on the label, some companies conduct tests, and others simply don't include perfumes or other common problem-causing ingredients in their products. The claim "dermatologist-tested" on some cosmetic products only means that a skin doctor has tested the product to see if it will generally cause allergenic problems.
Other label claims that carry no guarantee that they won't cause reactions include "sensitivity-tested" and "non-irritating."

Overuse of some cosmetics can cause allergies and other skin problems. Ingredients such as fragrance and preservatives can cause allergic reactions in some people. Skin reactions, which doctors call contact dermatitis, should be taken seriously. Even if you've used a cosmetic for years with no problems, you can develop an allergic reaction as you become sensitized to one or more of the ingredients.

ALCOHOL FREE COSMETICS......What it means

In cosmetic labeling, the term "alcohol," used by itself, refers to ethyl alcohol. Cosmetic products, including those labeled "alcohol free," may contain other alcohols, such as cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin alcohol. These are known as fatty alcohols, and their effects on the skin are quite different from those of ethyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol, which some consumers may think of as drying the skin, is rarely used in cosmetics.

To prevent the ethyl alcohol in a cosmetic from being diverted illegally for use as an alcoholic beverage, it may be "denatured." This means that it contains an added "denaturant" that makes it undrinkable.

Denatured ethyl alcohol may appear in the ingredient listing under several different names. You may see the abbreviation SD Alcohol (which stands for "specially denatured alcohol"), followed by a number or a number-letter combination that indicates how the alcohol was denatured, according to the formulary of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF). Among the specially denatured alcohols acceptable for use in various cosmetics are SD Alcohol 23-A, SD Alcohol 40, and SD Alcohol 40-B.

The term "Alcohol Denat." was introduced in Europe as a generic term for denatured alcohol in the interest of harmonizing ingredient names internationally. It frequently appears on products that are marketed both in the U.S. and abroad. You also may see a dual declaration, such as SD Alcohol-40 (Alcohol Denat).

PROTECTING THE QUALITY OF YOUR MAKE-UP

Makeup can be kept indefinitely as long as it looks and smells all right and the consistency doesn't change. It would be difficult to have any kind of bacterial growth and it not be noticeable.

It is recommended that consumers throw mascara away after three months. Most other makeup products can be kept a few months longer.

NOTE:

skin care (creams, lotions, powders, and sprays)

fragrances

eye makeup

manicure products

makeup other than eye (e.g., lipstick, foundation and blush)

hair coloring preparations

shampoos, permanent waves, and other hair products

deodorants

shaving products

baby products (e.g., shampoos, lotions and powders)

bath oils and bubble baths

mouthwashes

tanning products

Cosmetics sold to consumers must bear labels that list ingredients in descending order of predominance. Trade secrets (as defined by FDA) and the ingredients of flavors and fragrances do not have to be specifically listed.

See Specific Skincare Product Labeling Guides

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Food allergies have been linked to many chronic health disorders and have become a global health problem. Dr. Stephen Wangen, N.D. specializes in diagnosing food allergies and working with those who have them. Discovering a hidden food allergy can make a world of difference in your health. But that is only the tip of the iceberg. Food allergies cause inflammation and poor nutrient absorption, resulting in a variety of health problems.

If you have any of the problems listed below, a food allergy may be involved:

1. Abdominal Pain 2. Acne 3. ADD - ADHD 4. Anemia 5. Arthritis 6. Asthma 7. Bladder Infection 8. Bloating & Gas 9. Canker Sores 10. Celiac Disease 11. Colitis 12. Constipation 13. Crohn's Disease 14. Depression - Anxiety 15. Dermatitis 16. Diarrhea 17. Ear Infections 18. Eczema 19. Fatigue 20. Frequent Infections 21. Gallbladder Trouble 22. GERD - Acid Reflux 23. Glaucoma 24. Gluten Intolerance 25. Hay Fever 26. Headaches 27. Hemorrhoids 28. High Blood Pressure 29. Hives 30. Hypoglycemia 31. Hypothyroidism 32. Irritable Bowel 33. Lactose Intolerance 34. Milk Allergies 35. Nausea & Vomiting 36. Osteoporosis 37. Psoriasis 38. Sinus Congestion 39. Ulcers 40. Weight Problems