Environmental Working Group Expands Skin Deep Database
by Leonora Oppenheim, London, UK on 05.22.07
The Skin Deep project by the EWG has recently announced the addition of nearly 10000 more products to its database. This update brings the total number of personal care products with safety ratings up to 25000, nearly a quarter of all products on the market. TreeHugger has discussed the confusing issues surrounding the ingredients in lipsticks and shampoos, Neutrogena moisturiser and sunscreen. While we can list all the potentially harmful chemicals in our beauty products, as we have tried to in the How to Go Green: Women's Personal Care, the reality of identifying these on the store shelf can be daunting. The Skin Deep database provides an easy way of researching the safety levels of your favourite products and comparing them with others brands on the market. With the recent update and new design the database is more comprehensive and easier to use than before. You can search by brand, product or ingredient and if your chosen product comes up with a stinking report then safer suggestions are on hand.
An EWG survey reports that 'the average adult uses 9 personal care products each day, with 126 unique chemical ingredients. More than a quarter of all women and one of every 100 men use at least 15 products daily.' That's an awful lot of unregulated ingredients going into our bodies every day, so while you are checking out out your new lip gloss's safety rating you should also take a look at the sign the EWG Action Fund petition to Congress which demands that manufacturers prove the safety of their products before they are allowed to sell them. For more information about beauty products you can check out TH's guide for How to Go Green: Women's Personal Care. Boys, in case you are feeling left out a Men's Personal Care Guide is currently in the works. :: Skin Deep
Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:
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- Revolution Organics Makes Multi-Tasking Cosmetics
- Makeup Artist Paige Padgett Gives Eco-Friendly Makeup Tips
- Nano Silver in Your Underwear? 600 Products With Nanoparticles Are Barely Regulated
The increased database is great. However, I found it can be quite daunting to check all products. It would be great if there were a few recommended products in each category.
Though EWG intends to help clear up the confusion regarding toxic ingredients in personal care products by publishing SKIN DEEP, I feel they miss the mark ... case in point ... Vaseline Petroleum Jelly gets a "low concern" according to the study. It's universally known that petroleum based personal care products are a health concern.
Hi!
I have recently developed a case of skin eczema from hair colouring. My hairdresser really doesn't understand why I would want to go the "natural /organic way" of hair products and colouring and really dances around this organic and natural way of doing things. But, this is funny! She likes organic chicken that we have brought her. She has chrons disease, so is therefore on a strict diet.
I find that people really don't understand the whys and wherefores. We have always shopped at a grocery store, what is wrong with that. "It costs too much" and a whole bunch of other excuses.
Anyways, I have been on the hunt for natural or organic hair colouring and was wondering if you could suggest a brand name with no peroxide, ammonia or parabens. I would really appreciate it.
Thanks, Jane in Ontario.
Hi,
I have been looking to buy 10 yrds or so of enviro-friendly stretch fabric.
I am using it for sports wear.
Could you guys recommend an online store?? Locate in Canada!
GO SENS GO
THANX
I'm all for regulating product ingredients. but asking these comanies to prove it may give them an excuse for animal testing.