Cosmetics Information Center
Preservatives in cosmetics are the
second most common cause of skin
problems. They prevent bacteria and
fungus from growing in the product
and protect products from damage
caused by air or light. But preservatives
can also cause the skin to become
irritated and infected.
Freedom Village Malls: Cosmetics Information Center Page 1 of 1
Welcome to the
Freedom Village Malls
Cosmetics
Information Center
http://www.freedomvillagemalls.com/sguide/cosmetics.htm
.
.
Cosmetics and Your Health by womenshealth.gov
Provides answers to the following questions:
What are cosmetics? How are they different from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
What's in cosmetics?
What is the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the cosmetic
industry?
Are cosmetics safe?
How can I protect myself against the dangers of cosmetics?
What are "cosmeceuticals?"
How long do cosmetics last?
What are hypoallergenic cosmetics?
Can cosmetics cause acne?
Are tattoos and permanent make-up safe?
Are cosmetic products with alpha hydroxy acids safe?
What precautions should I follow when using AHA products?
Are hair dyes safe?
What precautions should I take when I dye my hair?
Are lead acetates safe in hair dyes?
Is it safe to dye my hair when I'm pregnant?
http://www.freedomvillagemalls.com/information/cosmetics01.html 9/6/2006
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
Cosmetics and of skin problems. More than 5,000
different kinds are used in products.
Products marked “fragrance-free” or
WomensHealth.gov
Your Health “without perfume” means that no
fragrances have been added to make the
product smell good.
1-800-994-9662
Preservatives in cosmetics are the
TDD: 888-220-5446 Q: What are cosmetics? How are second most common cause of skin
they different from over-the- problems. They prevent bacteria and
counter (OTC) drugs? fungus from growing in the product
and protect products from damage
A: Cosmetics are put on the body to:
caused by air or light. But preservatives
G cleanse it can also cause the skin to become
G make it beautiful irritated and infected. Some examples
of preservatives are:
G make it attractive
G paraben
G change its appearance or the way it
looks
G imidazolidinyl urea
Cosmetic products include:
G Quaternium-15
G skin creams G DMDM hydantoin
G lotions G phenoxyethanol
G perfumes G formaldehyde
G lipsticks The ingredients below cannot be used,
or their use is limited, in cosmetics.
G fingernail polishes
They may cause cancer or other serious
G eye and face make-up products health problems.
G permanent waves G bithionol
G hair dyes G mercury compounds
G toothpastes G vinyl chloride
G deodorants G halogenated salicyanilides
Unlike drugs, which are used to treat or G zirconium complexes in aerosol
prevent disease in the body, cosmetics sprays
do not change or affect the body's G chloroform
structure or functions.
G methylene chloride
Q: What's in cosmetics? G chlorof luorocarbon propellants
A: Fragrances and preservatives are the G hexachlorophene
main ingredients in cosmetics.
Fragrances are the most common cause
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N A T I O N A L W O M E N ’ S H E A L T H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
Q: What is the role of the Food Q: Are cosmetics safe?
and Drug Administration (FDA) A: Yes, for the most part. Serious
in the cosmetic industry? problems from cosmetics are rare. But
A: A cosmetic maker can sell products sometimes problems can happen.
WomensHealth.gov without FDA approval. FDA does not The most common injury from
review or approve cosmetics, or their cosmetics is from scratching the eye
1-800-994-9662
ingredients, before they are sold to the with a mascara wand. Eye infections
TDD: 888-220-5446 public. But FDA urges cosmetic makers can result if the scratches go untreated.
to do whatever tests are needed to These infections can lead to ulcers on
prove their products are safe. Cosmetics the cornea (clear covering of the eye),
makers must put a warning statement loss of lashes, or even blindness. To
on the front labels of products that have play it safe, never try to apply mascara
not been safety testing, which reads, while riding in a car, bus, train, or
“WARNING—The safety of this plane.
product has not been determined.” Sharing make-up can also lead to
FDA does require safety testing for serious problems. Cosmetic brushes
color additives used in cosmetics. and sponges pick up bacteria from the
Cosmetics may only contain approved skin. And if you moisten brushes with
and certified colors. You'll find FD&C, saliva, the problem can be worse.
D&C, or external D&C listed on Washing your hands before using
cosmetic labels. make-up will help prevent this
G FD&C – color that can be used only problem.
in foods, drugs, and cosmetics Sleeping while wearing eye make-up
G D&C – color that can be used only can cause problems too. If mascara
in drugs and cosmetics f lakes into your eyes while you sleep,
you might wake up with itching,
G external D&C – color that can be bloodshot eyes, infections, or eye
used only in drugs applied to the scratches. So be sure to remove all
surface of the skin and cosmetics make-up before going to bed.
A cosmetic maker also does not have to Cosmetic products that come in aerosol
report product injuries. FDA collects containers also can be a hazard. For
this information on a voluntary basis example, it is dangerous to use aerosol
only. Cosmetic makers that want to be hairspray near heat, fire, or while
a part of this program send reports to smoking. Until hairspray is fully dry, it
the FDA. can catch on fire and cause serious
Product recalls are voluntary actions burns. Fires related to hairsprays have
taken by cosmetic makers too. FDA caused injuries and death. Aerosol
cannot require cosmetics recalls. But sprays or powders also can cause lung
FDA does monitor cosmetic makers damage if they are deeply inhaled into
that do a recall. FDA must first prove in the lungs.
court that a cosmetic product is a To find out more about cosmetic safety,
danger or somehow breaks the law check out the FDA's Cosmetics True or
before it can be taken off the market. False Quiz at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/
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N AT I O N A L W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
~dms/costf.html and find out how and kohl (color additive that
much you really know! contains lead salts and is still used in
eye cosmetics in other countries).
Q: How can I protect myself Be sure to keep kohl away from
children. It may cause lead
WomensHealth.gov against the dangers of
poisoning.
1-800-994-9662 cosmetics?
G Never drive and put on make-up.
TDD: 888-220-5446
Not only does this make driving a Q: What are “cosmeceuticals?”
danger, hitting a bump in the road A: Some products can be both cosmetics
and scratching your eyeball can and drugs. This may happen when a
cause serious eye injury. product has two uses. For example, a
G Never share make-up. Always use a shampoo is a cosmetic because it’s used
new sponge when trying products at to clean the hair. But, an anti-dandruff
a store. Insist that salespersons clean treatment is a drug because it's used to
container openings with alcohol treat dandruff. So an antidandruff
before applying to your skin. shampoo is both a cosmetic and a drug.
Other examples are:
G Keep make-up containers closed G toothpastes that contain f luoride
tight when not in use.
G deodorants that are also
G Keep make-up out of the sun and
antiperspirants
heat. Light and heat can kill the
preservatives that help to fight G moisturizers and make-up that
bacteria. Don’t keep cosmetics in a provide sun protection
hot car for a long time. These products must meet the
G Don’t use cosmetics if you have an standards for both cosmetics (color
eye infection, such as pinkeye. additives) and drugs.
Throw away any make-up you were Some cosmetic makers use the term
using when you first found the “cosmeceutical” to refer to products
problem. that have drug-like benefits. FDA does
G Never add liquid to a product unless not recognize this term. A product can
the label tells you to do so. be a drug, a cosmetic, or a combination
of both. But the term “cosmeceutical”
G Throw away any make-up if the
has no meaning under the law.
color changes, or it starts to smell.
While drugs are reviewed and approved
G Never use aerosol sprays near heat by FDA, FDA does not approve
or while smoking, because they can cosmetics. If a product acts like a drug,
catch on fire. FDA must approve it as a drug.
G Don’t deeply inhale hairsprays or
powders. This can cause lung Q: How long do cosmetics last?
damage. A: You may not be able to use eye make-
G Avoid color additives that are not up, such as mascara, eyeliner, and eye
approved for use in the eye area, shadow for as long as other products.
page 3 such as “permanent” eyelash tints This is because of the risk of eye
N AT I O N A L W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
infection. Some experts recommend sheep wool is found in many lotions.
replacing mascara three months after But it's a common cause of allergies
purchase. If mascara becomes dry, too.
throw it away. Don’t add water or, even
worse, saliva to moisten it. That will Q: Can cosmetics cause acne?
WomensHealth.gov
bring bacteria into the product.
1-800-994-9662 A: Some skin and hair care products can
You may also need to watch certain “all cause acne. To help prevent and control
TDD: 888-220-5446 natural” products that contain acne f lare-ups, take good care of your
substances taken from plants. These skin. For example, use a mild soap or
products may be more at risk for cleanser to gently wash your face twice
bacteria. Since these products contain a day. Choose “non-comedogenic”
no preservatives or have non-traditional make-up and hair care products. This
ones, your risk of infection may be means that they don't close up the
greater. pores.
If you don’t store these products as
directed, they may expire before the Q: Are tattoos and permanent
expiration date. For example, cosmetics
make-up safe?
stored in high heat may go bad faster
than the expiration date. On the other
A: FDA is looking into the safety of
hand, products stored the way they tattoos and permanent make-up since
should be can be safely used until they they are now more popular. The inks,
expire. or dyes, used for tattoos are color
additives. Right now, no color additives
have been approved for tattoos,
Q: What are hypoallergenic including those used in permanent
cosmetics? make-up.
A: Hypoallergenic (hy-po-al-ler-gen-ic) You should be aware of these risks of
cosmetics are products that makers tattoos and permanent make-up:
claim cause fewer allergic reactions than
other products. Women with sensitive
G Tattoo needles and supplies can
skin, and even those with "normal" transmit diseases, such as hepatitis C
skin, may think these products will be and HIV. Be sure all needles and
gentler. But there are no federal supplies are sterile before they are
standards for using the term used on you.
hypoallergenic. The term can mean G Tattoos and permanent make-up are
whatever a company wants it to mean. not easy to take off. Removal may
Cosmetic makers do not have to prove cause a permanent change in color.
their claims to the FDA. G Think carefully before getting a
Some products that have “natural” tattoo. You could have an allergic
ingredients can cause allergic reactions. reaction.
If you have an allergy to certain plants G You cannot make blood donations
or animals, you could have an allergic
for a year after getting a tattoo or
reaction to cosmetics with those things
permanent make-up.
in them. For example, lanolin from
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N AT I O N A L W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
Q: Are cosmetic products with protection factor) of at least 15.
alpha hydroxy acids safe? Wear a hat with a brim. Cover up
A: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) come with lightweight, loose-fitting,
from fruit and milk sugars. They are long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
WomensHealth.gov found in many creams and lotions. G Buy products with good label
Many people buy products with AHAs, information:
1-800-994-9662
because they claim to reduce wrinkles,
TDD: 888-220-5446
G a list of ingredients to see which
spots, sun-damaged skin, and other
AHA or other chemical acids are in
signs of aging. Some studies suggest
the product
they may work.
But are these products safe? FDA has
G the name and address of the maker
received reports of reactions in people G a statement about the product's
using AHA products. Their complaints AHA and pH levels
include: The first two have to be on the label.
G severe redness The third is one is by choice. You can
G swelling (especially in the area of the call or write the maker to find about a
eyes) product's AHA and pH levels.
G burning
G Buy only products with an AHA
level of 10 percent or less and a pH
G blistering of 3.5 or more.
G bleeding G Test a small area of skin to see if it is
G rash sensitive to any AHA product before
using a lot of it.
G itching
G Stop using the product right away if
G skin discoloration
you have a reaction, such as stinging,
AHAs may also increase your skin's risk redness, or bleeding.
of sunburn. G Talk with your doctor or
To find out if a product contains an dermatologist (a doctor that treats
AHA, look on the list of ingredients. skin problems) if you have a
By law, all cosmetics have ingredients problem. You also can report your
on their outer label. AHAs may be reaction to the FDA. Write to:
called other names, like glycolic acid Office of Cosmetics and Colors
and lactic acid. (HFS-106), 5100 Paint Branch
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-
Q: What precautions should I 3835. Or you can call them at (202)
follow when using AHA 401-9725.
products?
A: If you want to use AHA products, Q: Are hair dyes safe?
follow these safety tips: A: The decision to change your hair color
G Always protect your skin before may be a hard one. Some studies have
going out during the day. Use a linked hair dyes with a higher risk of
page 5 sunscreen with a SPF (sun certain cancers, while other studies
N AT I O N A L W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
have not found this link. Most hair dyes G Carefully follow the directions in
also don’t have to go through safety the hair dye package.
testing that other cosmetic color G Never mix different hair dye
additives do before hitting store shelves. products.
Women are often on their own trying
WomensHealth.gov G Be sure to do a patch test for allergic
to figure out whether hair dyes are safe.
1-800-994-9662 reactions before applying the dye to
When hair dyes first came out, the
TDD: 888-220-5446 your hair. Almost all hair dye
main ingredient in coal-tar hair dye
products include instructions for
caused allergic reactions in some
doing a patch test. It’s important to
people. Most hair dyes are now made
do this each time you dye your hair.
from petroleum sources. But FDA still
Your hairdresser should also do the
considers them to be coal-tar dyes. This
patch test before dyeing your hair.
is because they have some of the same
To test, put a dab of hair dye behind
compounds found in these older dyes.
your ear, and don’t wash it off for
Cosmetic makers have stopped using two days. If you don’t have any signs
things known to cause cancer in of allergic reaction, such as itching,
animals. For example, 4-methoxy-m- burning, or redness at the test spot,
phenylenediamine (4MMPD) or 4- you can be somewhat sure that you
methoxy-m-phenylenediamine sulfate won't have a reaction to the dye
(4MMPD sulfate) are no longer used. applied to your hair. If you do react
But chemicals made almost the same to the patch test, do the same test
way have replaced some of the cancer- with different brands or colors until
causing compounds. Some experts feel you find one to which you're not
that these newer ingredients aren't very allergic.
different from the things they're
replacing.
G Never dye your eyebrows or
eyelashes. An allergic reaction to dye
Experts suggest that you may reduce could cause swelling or increase risk
your risk of cancer by using less hair of infection in the eye area. This can
dye over time. You may also reduce harm the eye and even cause
you risk by not dyeing your hair until it blindness. Spilling dye into the eye
starts to gray. by accident could also cause
permanent damage. FDA bans the
Q: What precautions should I take use of hair dyes for eyelash and
when I dye my hair? eyebrow tinting or dyeing even in
You should follow these safety tips when beauty salons.
dyeing your hair:
G Don't leave the dye on your head Q: Are lead acetates safe in hair
any longer than needed. dyes?
G Rinse your scalp thoroughly with A: Lead acetate is used as a color additive
water after use. in “progressive” hair dye products.
G Wear gloves when applying hair dye. These products are put on over a
period of time to produce a gradual
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N AT I O N A L W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
coloring effect. You can safely use these Q: Is it safe to dye my hair when
products if you follow the directions I'm pregnant?
carefully. This warning statement must A: We don’t know much about the safety
appear on the product labels of lead of hair dyes during pregnancy. It's likely
acetate hair dyes: that when you apply hair dye, only a
WomensHealth.gov
“Caution: Contains lead acetate. For small amount is absorbed into your
1-800-994-9662
external use only. Keep this product system. So very little chemicals, if any,
TDD: 888-220-5446 out of children’s reach. Do not use on would be able to get to your baby. In
cut or abraded scalp. If skin irritation the few animal and human studies that
develops, discontinue use. Do not use have been done, no changes were seen
to color mustaches, eyelashes, in the developing baby. Talk with your
eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body doctor if you have questions or
other than the scalp. Do not get in concerns. I
eyes. Follow instructions carefully and
wash hands thoroughly after use.”
For More Information…
For more information on cosmetics or hair dye, contact the National Women’s Health
Information Center at 1-800-994-9662 or the following organizations:
Food and Drug Administration American Academy of Dermatology
(FDA), OPHS, HHS (AAD)
Phone: (888) 463-6332 (Consumer Phone: (888) 462-3376
Information) Internet Address: http://www.aad.org
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov
Mayo Foundation for Medical
Off ice of Cosmetics and Colors Education and Research Skin Center
Automated Information Line, FDA, Phone: (480) 301-8000
OPHS, HHS Internet Address:
Phone: (888) 723-3366 http://www.mayoclinic.com
Internet Address:
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-toc.html
This FAQ has been expert reviewed by Dr. Sandra I. Read, Department of Dermatology,
Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
November 2004
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N AT I O N A L W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health
