January 12, 2004

By: April Tom
Website: http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com

Researchers warn consumers about hazardous ingredient in nail polish

The Environmental Working Group today released Beauty Secrets, the first-ever consumer alert on beauty products that contain dibutyl phthalate , a chemical coming under growing scientific scrutiny because of high levels found in reproductive age women and possible risks of birth defects.

Scientific concerns about DBP's risks increased recently after a Centers for Disease Control study this fall unexpectedly found DBP in the bodies of every single person they tested, with the highest levels in reproductive-age women, the group most at risk. Scientists are concerned about DBP and reproductive age women because the chemical causes severe birth defects in lab animals. According to lab animal studies, DBP can harm nearly every physical structure in the developing male reproductive system. The effects include testicular atrophy, absent testes and reduced sperm count.

Major loopholes in federal law allow cosmetics manufacturers to put unlimited amounts of industrial chemicals like DBP into personal care products with no required testing of monitoring for adverse effects. EWG's initial investigation suggests that DBP is found in about a third of the nail polishes currently on the market, as well as a variety of other cosmetic products.

"It's buyer beware when it comes to cosmetics," said Jane Houlihan, Senior Analyst for EWG and principal author of Beauty Secrets. "Women who are considering becoming pregnant, or who are pregnant or nursing, should avoid using any products containing DBP."

To better identify consumer sources of DBP, the Environmental Working Group shopped at a local Rite-Aid, surfed the on-line store Drugstore.com, and searched the U.S. patent office records for products that contain DBP in the patent application. EWG found:

DBP in 37 popular nail polishes, top coats, and hardeners, including products by L’Oréal, Maybelline, Oil of Olay, and CoverGirl.

Patents proposing to use DBP in a broad range of beauty and personal care products, including shampoos and conditioners, lotions, hair growth formulations, antiperspirants, and sunscreen. Even patents relating to gum, candy, and pharmaceuticals taken orally propose DBP as an ingredient.

Many major manufacturers who propose to use DBP in cosmetics and related products. Of more than 100 patents analyzed by EWG, Procter & Gamble holds the most that propose to use DBP in personal care products. Other major companies with multiple patents are L’Oréal, Lever Brothers , and Maybelline .

The CDC has postulated that one of the routes of DPB exposure in young women would be cosmetics and personal care items. DBP is used to help nail polish form an even film as it dries, as a consistency enhancer to keep products blended, and as an ingredient to help cosmetics penetrate the skin. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled as a product is applied.

About The Author:

April Tom is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com.  Tips on skin care, hair care and beauty products to bring out natural beauty.