Lipstick is Full of Metal and Lead: Why Use It? by Kristina Chew, Care2 May 9th, 2013 Many lipsticks and lip glosses found at local drugstores and department stores contain lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other metals, a just-published study by researchers at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health reports.

Lipstick: The Price for Pretty Lips May Be Heavy... Metals by  Bill Chameides, Huffington Post May 9th, 2013 A new study says picture-perfect lips may be nothing to smile about.

Are Your ‘Natural’ Beauty Products Really Natural? by Alison Rose Levy, Take Part May 8th, 2013 Even if your shampoo, moisturizer, or body wash claim to be good for you (and the environment), you’ll need to make sure that’s actually the case. Here’s where to look.

Which 20 Lipsticks Contain the Most Lead? by Maggie Severns, Mother Jones May 6th, 2013 And lead isn't the only toxin lurking in your lippy—a new study finds cadmium, aluminum, and other heavy metals, too.

Pressure Mounts For FDA Decision On Safety Of Triclosan by Alan McStravick, RedOrbit May 6th, 2013 n FDA decision expected later this year will determine whether manufacturers will be able to continue using triclosan in a variety of personal care products.

Beauty Tips for the FDA by John Wasik, The Investigative Fund May 6th, 2013 Did my wife's cosmetics give her breast cancer? Inside a regulatory disaster zone.

Johnson & Johnson Removes Some Chemicals from Baby Shampoo, Other Products by Jane Kay, Scientific American May 6th, 2013 One of the world's largest producers of personal care products, J&J has vowed to remove many chemicals from its baby products

UC Berkeley study reveals health concerns with lipstick usage by The Daily Californian, Yvonne Ng May 6th, 2013 Long-term exposure to the heavy metals found in commonly used cosmetics can cause adverse health effects, according to a new study by UC Berkeley researchers.

Minnesota Legislature Votes to Ban Formaldehyde in Children’s Soaps, Lotions May 6th, 2013 Minnesota’s legislature took a giant step toward protecting children by banning formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical, from children’s personal care products like lotions, shampoos, and bubble baths.

Chemicals from Personal Care Products Pervasive in Chicago Air Hindustan Times May 4th, 2013 The quest for lush lips could be exposing women to toxic metals in lipsticks and glosses, a new study from the University of California Berkeley finds.

India regulators pull J&J plant license on baby powder concerns Reuters May 3rd, 2013 Officials say sterilization process not compliant; J&J says will appeal decision; Latest in long string of J&J quality problems

Toxic chemical found in hand soap, study shows Chicago Tribune May 3rd, 2013

Chemicals from Personal Care Products Pervasive in Chicago Air by Brian Bienkowski, Scientific American April 30th, 2013 On the brink of federal regulatory review, chemicals in deodorants, lotions and conditioners are showing up in Chicago’s air at levels that scientists call alarming.

A Pre-Baby Detox: Necessary or Just a Fad? by Alison Rose Levy, Take Part April 29th, 2013 Whether you want to get pregnant now or down the road, many recommend clearing out toxic chemicals—especially the ones that disrupt hormones—before conception.

Consumers Rank Ingredient Transparency Among Most Important Issues For Brands GlobeScan April 25th, 2013 Study finds large majority of consumers say “ingredient transparency”among top purchase drivers for food, beauty and household products, yet only 57% regularly check the list of ingredients before purchasing

The dark side of skincare products by Eleanor Chen, New Straits Times April 8th, 2013 BEAUTY AT A PRICE: Cosmetics companies pack expensive products using ingredients hazardous to health

Dying to look good: Ingredients in personal care products harmful to health and environment by Sarah Turner, The Manitoban March 28th, 2013 Beauty products help us look clean, fresh, put-together, and mask any unwanted odours; but is there more to these products than what meets the eye? Could their routine use actually pose a threat to our health and the health of the environment?

For a Holistic Lifestyle, Go to Aisle 2 by Bee-Shyuan Chang, The New York Times March 27th, 2013 Once upon a time, the beauty aisle of a health-food store was something of an oxymoron, stocked with dubious image boosters like powdered henna and Dr. Bronner’s soap. But just as Whole Foods has helped make over Americans’ diets, so it is laying claim to their complexions.

The Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Act of 2013 Is Introduced by Donna Maria, Indie Business blog March 22nd, 2013 A free community event aims to address chemicals in everyday products. From what they are to how folks can reduce their health risks towards them.

Reps. Schakowsky, Markey Statement on Introducing the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act Rep. Jan Schakowsky March 21st, 2013 Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Edward J. Markey released the following statement on the introduction of the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act.

E.U. Bans Cosmetics With Animal-Tested Ingredients by James Kanter, New York Times March 11th, 2013 European Union regulators announced a ban Monday on the import and sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals.

Exclusive: New Research Links Chemical Regulation with Market Innovation by Amy Westervelt, Forbes February 13th, 2013 New research indicates that chemical regulation may actually have an upside for businesses.

Toxin-Free Cosmetics Expand Market-Share by Molly M. Ginty, WeNews February 7th, 2013 Toxic chemicals have been removed from some makeup, but the ugly truth is that these ingredients persist after a decade of controversy. The good news is that consumer resources are coming to the rescue.

Chemicals Linked to Obesity in Black Children by  Brian Bienkowski, Scientific American February 4th, 2013 African-American children with high levels of hormone-altering chemicals known as phthalates are more likely to be obese, according to new research.

Shampoo, Soap, and Toothpaste: The New Water Pollution? by Stacey Detwiler, American Rivers Blog January 28th, 2013 A study found that increasing amounts of triclosan were present in lakes across Minnesota.

How Green Was My Shampoo? by Alexa Brazilian, Wall Street Journal January 25th, 2013 A new wave of organic products is a more efficient and luxurious departure from its crunchy predecessors.

26 States to Consider Toxic Chemicals Legislation in 2013 by Sarah Doll, Safer States January 23rd, 2013 Despite intense industry opposition and Congressional inaction, state governments continue to defend the vulnerable from toxic chemical exposure.

Face up to what is in your make-up by Eleanor Chen, New Straits Times January 8th, 2013 GREEN WASHING: Certification of organic cosmetics is still a grey area

How safe are our cosmetics? (video) CNN December 12th, 2012 CNN's Holly Firfer takes a look at the cosmetics we use and whether their ingredients are safe.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics reports on 'who's naughty and who’s nice' by Michelle Yeomans, Cosmetics Design December 12th, 2012 The lobby group has compiled a report based on its’ ranking of retailers that it believes to be doing well, and not so well in terms of their commitment to cosmetics safety.

Could Your Shampoo or Body Lotion be Harmful to Your Health? by Kate McPherson, KTVA December 11th, 2012 How closely do you read the back of your lotion or sunscreen bottles? A report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics says many big retailers are stocking cosmetics and other personal care items without an adequate screening policy.

Alaska toxins group issues warning to holiday shoppers Alaska Dispatch December 11th, 2012 With Christmas right the corner and holiday shopping on everyone's mind, a local environmental health group wants consumers to be aware of toxins in personal-care products.

Consumer group ranks retailers WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh December 11th, 2012 A consumer group says many everyday products contain harmful chemicals that can cause cancer, infertility or birth defects, and the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t have the authority to regulate them. Consumer investigator Robin Taylor learned safety advocates want retailers to be the gatekeepers.

Cosmetics Safety: Which Retailers are Naughty and Which are Nice? by Lori Popkewitz Alper, Groovy Green Livin' December 11th, 2012 Want to know which retailers are naughty and which are nice when it comes to their commitment to cosmetics safety? Who is leading the market trend toward safer products and who’s lagging behind?

Report Ranks Retailers on Safe Cosmetics by Amy Westervelt, Forbes December 11th, 2012 After working with the industry for years to encourage the manufacture of non-toxic personal care products, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is now targeting retailers, encouraging them to make more space on shelves for the growing inventory of safe cosmetics.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics ranks retailers' cosmetics safety policies by Jessica Rubino, New Hope 360 December 11th, 2012 Known for its education and advocacy in the personal care industry, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics turned its attention to the cosmetics policies and practices of retailers in its latest report, Retailer Therapy, released today.

The best and worst places to buy safe cosmetics by Jessica Rubino, Delicious Living Blog December 11th, 2012 With very weak FDA regulations on cosmetic ingredients in place, our retailers have an important responsibility to be the “gatekeepers,” according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. This means screening products for ingredients, offering safe alternatives and—perhaps most importantly—making all of their practices (the good and the bad) publicly available.

Does Lipstick Contain Lead? ‘GMA’ Tests Lipsticks and Lip Glosses by Elisabeth Leamy and Vanessa Weber, ABC News December 3rd, 2012 But have you ever thought about what’s in lipstick? “Good Morning America” wanted to know if lipstick contains lead, and whether it would be a problem if it did, so we commissioned our own tests.

Why Campaign for Safe Cosmetics? by mizjo, HubPages November 27th, 2012 Learning from Kristi and many others like her, ex-victims of the toxic world created by the cosmetics companies, we can reduce the harm caused to us and to our precious earth.

The Manscape: The Dirt on Toxic Ingredients in Men’s Body Care Products Environmental Defence November 16th, 2012 Men are using more personal care products than ever before. But what’s actually in them?

Will this election create a safer cosmetics industry? by Jessica Rubino, New Hope 360 November 6th, 2012 Okay, maybe cosmetics safety hasn't been top on either candidates’ agenda, but the fiery legislative battle emerging from the natural cosmetics industry rages on, and this election will likely have a significant impact.

Seven Tricks to Green Halloween by Michele Berger, Forbes October 30th, 2012 This year, why not swap one of them for something a little more eco-friendly, say making your own decorations or mixing up some homemade face paint?

Ten beauty health hazards Gulf News October 30th, 2012 We all like to look our best, but did you know your beauty routine could be bad for you? From salon treatments to everyday beauty procedures, check out how looking good can be bad for you

Clamping down on beauty product claims by Alene Dawson, LA Times October 28th, 2012 Regulatory agencies such as the FDA and FTC and consumer websites are calling out companies for unsupported claims and doctored photos. Skepticism is in order.

Chemical link to early menopause by Martin Johnston, The New Zealand Herald October 26th, 2012 Pthalates have been linked to early menopause in women.

Avon Claims to Fight Breast Cancer, But Are Its Products Safe? by Lori Zimmer, Ecouterre October 19th, 2012 As one of the more visible organizers of breast-cancer rallies across the United States, Avon talks a good game about “crusading” against the deadly disease, particularly when October rolls around. Yet the beauty firm has far to go before it walks the walk, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Top 5 Green Halloween Costume Tips by Claire Moshenberg, MomsRising blog October 12th, 2012 Try one of these tips to make your Halloween a little greener.

50 Shades of Green: Shampoo for Breakfast? by Lindsay Hoganson, 303 Magazine October 10th, 2012 Wearing makeup is like eating it… sorta, bear with me.

J&J’s Aveeno Organic Harvest baby care product loses USDA NOP certification by Simon Pitman, Cosmetics Design October 10th, 2012 The USDA has confirmed that one of the products in the Johnson & Johnson’s Aveeno Baby Organic Harvest has lost NOP certification status on account of its formulation containing an unapproved ingredient.

Help the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Get More Companies to Follow in J&J’s Footsteps by Britta Aragon , Cinco Vidas blog October 8th, 2012 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, with the help of the Breast Cancer Fund, is trying to capitalize on the momentum J&J started by getting other companies to make a similar pledge. Here are the details and how you can help!

The Cancer Lobby by Nicholas D. Kristof, The New York Times October 6th, 2012 Who knew that carcinogens had their own lobby in Washington?

Skin bleaching creams linked to diabetes by  Sola Okenla, RN, BSN, The Grio October 4th, 2012 Use of skin bleaching creams may increase the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases, according to a study in Canadian Family Physician.

Unilever in court for misleading claims on its formaldehyde product line by Michelle Yeomans, Cosmetics Design October 1st, 2012 A Texas-based firm has filed a complaint against the global giant with regards to alleged false, deceptive and misleading claims in connection with its Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30 Day Smoothing Kit.

Denmark bans four phthalates, despite EU decision by Michelle Yeomans, Cosmetics Design August 29th, 2012 The Danish government has gone ahead and banned four industrial chemicals linked to disrupting the human endocrine system, despite the European Union's ruling to phase out phthalates.

Triclosan in antibacterial soaps studied by Kathryn Roethel, San Francisco Chronicle August 21st, 2012 There's insufficient evidence that antibacterial soaps are any better than plain soap and water. But what's especially troubling is that an antibacterial agent found in many of those soaps may have harmful health effects, several studies have shown.

A Guide to the Most Safe, Eco-Friendly Shampoos for All Hair Types by Mia Davis, EcoSalon.com August 20th, 2012 Your brief guide for safe and eco-friendly shampoos.

J&J to remove harmful chemicals from adult products by 2015 Reuters August 16th, 2012 Johnson & Johnson announced plans to eliminate several harmful chemicals like formaldehyde from its line of consumer products meant for adults by the end of 2015, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.

J&J First to Promise Toxin-Free Products by Daniel J. DeNoon, WebMD August 15th, 2012 Johnson & Johnson, maker of brands including Aveeno, Neutrogena, and Johnson's Baby Shampoo, says it will remove controversial chemicals from all its baby and adult products by 2015.

Johnson & Johnson Plans To Reformulate Products CBS Local August 15th, 2012 As part of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of advocacy groups are urging manufacturers to remove the worrisome chemicals.In response to this pressure, Johnson & Johnson is going to reformulate its products over the next three years.

J&J Removing Harsh Chemicals From Products by 2015 The Associated Press August 15th, 2012 Johnson & Johnson plans to remove trace amounts of potentially cancer-causing and other dangerous chemicals from nearly all its adult toiletries and cosmetic products worldwide within 3 1/2 years.

Salon Week of Action in D.C. Tousled July 31st, 2012 Last week I had the honor of accompanying the National Healthy Nail and Beauty Salon Alliance and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics to Washington, D.C. where we lobbied to pass the Safe Cosmetics Act in an attempt to protect salon workers and consumers from toxic chemicals.

How Safe Are Your Cosmetics? by Rachel Pomerance, US News July 31st, 2012 Examining the make up of our makeup

Salon workers rally on Hill for ban on Brazilian Blowout by Jeremy P. Jacobs, E&E News July 26th, 2012 More than a dozen salon workers from across the country descended on Washington, D.C., yesterday calling on lawmakers and regulators to ban the controversial hair straightening product Brazilian Blowout.

Sunscreen scandal: Ingredient used in major brands falsely marketed as non-nano Friends of the Earth July 24th, 2012 Finding raises health concerns for consumers in Australia and the U.S., sparks formal complaint

Chemicals in personal care products may increase risk of diabetes in women Brigham and Women's Hospital July 13th, 2012 Brigham and Women's Hospital study is the first to examine an association between phthalates and diabetes in a large population of American women

Green Good Housekeeping Seal: Criteria for Cleaning and Beauty Products Good Housekeeping July 10th, 2012 For the Beauty and Cleaning product categories, a product that earns the Green Good Housekeeping Seal cannot contain certain harmful ingredients or any ozone-depleting compounds (ODCs) above 0.001%, produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) above a certain threshold, or have been tested on animals within the last five years (unless required by government regulation).

EC deems formaldehyde equivalent unsafe for use in hair straighteners by Andrew McDougall, Cosmetics Design July 10th, 2012 The European Commission believes the use of methylene glycol/formaldehyde at 0.2 per cent formaldehyde equivalent is not considered safe in hair straighteners following a meeting held on the subject in June.

If looks could kill CBS42 June 30th, 2012 A federal analysis of 400 popular shades of lipstick showed each contained trace amounts of lead. Still, the amount of lead found in 380 of the products tested was greater than the maximum 0.1 parts per million (ppm) allowed in candy bars.

Chuck Norris takes on toxic suds in baby shampoo by Chuck Norris, WND June 30th, 2012 Discovers America's trust in 'no more tears' may be unfounded

Discount Retail Chains Importing PVC Packaging in Violation of State Laws Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse June 29th, 2012 For one brand of personal care products, eleven PVC packages were tested, including three different products purchased in 7 states over several months, and all failed for excessive cadmium.

How to avoid chemicals in common baby products by Julie Revelant, Fox June 27th, 2012 Your baby smells even more beautiful after her bath, but as you wash her hair, lather her up with soap, and then slather on lotion, you could actually be exposing her to toxic chemicals.

Phthalate, Environmental Chemical Is Linked to Higher Rates of Childhood Obesity ScienceDaily June 26th, 2012 Obese children show greater exposure than nonobese children to a phthalate, a chemical used to soften plastics in some children's toys and many household products, according to a new study, which found that the obesity risk increases according to the level of the chemical found in the bloodstream.

Ethnic cosmetics market is doing well despite recession, says market researcher by Michelle Yeoman, Cosmetics Design June 25th, 2012 According to a recent report by US market researcher, Packaged Facts, the market for cosmetic products aimed at consumers of ethnic origin is fast growing as figures reveal it rose to $3 billion in 2011.

Antibacterials in Personal-Care Products Linked to Allergy Risk in Children Johns Hopkins Children's Center June 18th, 2012 Exposure to common antibacterial chemicals and preservatives found in soap, toothpaste, mouthwash and other personal-care products may make children more prone to a wide range of food and environmental allergies, according to new research from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

One Down, The Rest Of My (Long) Life To Go by Alejandra Owens, AARP Blog June 15th, 2012 One year ago this month, I heard the words that turned my world upside down. “You have breast cancer.”

Spray Tan Risks: Dihydroxyacetone Chemical Could Damage DNA, ABC News Finds Huffington Post June 13th, 2012 A chemical in spray tan could possibly alter and damage DNA, according to an investigation by ABC News.

Laying down the law on nanotechnology by Steven Vaughan, The Guardian June 11th, 2012 Regulating nanotechnology is fraught with difficulties. Current environmental law simply doesn't apply on the nano-scale

Markey to FDA: Stop Use of Toxic Chemical in Children’s Shampoo Congressman Ed Markey May 31st, 2012 Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to halt the use of the insecticide lindane in pharmaceutical treatments for head lice in children.

Black Women’s Transitions to Natural Hair by Zina Saro-Wiwa, The New York Times May 31st, 2012 A video on black women's decision to embrace their naturally kinky hair, rather than use chemical straighteners.

Industry Front-Group trying to look like Campaign for Safe Cosmetics by Danika Carter, Greenwala May 31st, 2012 The saying goes, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." If that's true, then the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics must be feeling very flattered these days.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics – Empowering Consumers to Make Healthy Choices by Claudia Mosby, North State Parent May 29th, 2012 Last March celebrity tabloids were abuzz when toddler Vivienne Jolie-Pitt was spotted wearing lipstick in public. Observers were decidedly focused on the appropriateness of the 3-year-old’s “dress up” demeanor. Noticeably absent were comments about the health risks of exposing a child so young to potential lead contaminants contained in the lipstick.

Chemical In Personal Care Products May Contribute To Childhood Obesity Mount Sinai Faculty Practice Associates May 25th, 2012 Researchers from the Children's Environmental Health Center at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York have found an association between exposure to the chemical group known as phthalates and obesity in young children – including increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

If You Knew the Danger, Would You Buy it? by Indie Lee, The Huffington Post May 18th, 2012 What surprises me is that many consumers pay so much attention to the ingredients that go into their food but so little attention to what goes on their skin, their largest organ.

FDA warns of skin creams, lotions tainted with mercury by Michael Finney, ABC 7 May 16th, 2012 Concern about the safety of cosmetics and the amount of chemicals in them is growing in Congress. This follows a warning by the Food & Drug Administration about dangerous levels of mercury found in some anti-aging skin lightening creams, lotions and soaps from foreign countries.

Sunscreen Ingredient May Be Linked to Endometriosis Science Daily May 9th, 2012 Scientists are reporting a possible link between the use of sunscreen containing a certain ingredient that mimics the effects of the female sex hormone estrogen and an increased risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis, a painful condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus.

This Mother’s Day, Clean Up the Toxic Cosmetics Aisle by Lisa Archer, Healthy Child Healthy World blog May 9th, 2012 Since I lost my mother to breast cancer at the age of 18, I have usually spent Mother’s Day outdoors in one of her favorite spots, reflecting on what an amazing human being she was, and creating intentions for the coming year around how to live my life in a way that would make her proud.

What's in your makeup? Burden of keeping cosmetics safe left up to manufacturers by Robin Erb, Detroit Free Press April 29th, 2012 Slather them on your face, rub them into your pores, take a bath in them -- they are the chemicals and minerals and nanoparticles that make up the makeup we use to try to look our best, protect ourselves from the sun and even turn back the aging process.

Can Heavy Metal in Foods, Cosmetics Spur Breast Cancer Spread? by Denise Mann, HealthDay April 23rd, 2012 Preliminary study suggests danger from prolonged exposure to cadmium

Ask Umbra: What’s the deal with lead in lipstick? by Ask Umbra, Grist April 16th, 2012 I just read an article about the quantity of lead in lipsticks. The obvious question is: Why? We took the lead out of gas and paint, and put it in lipstick. I love my lipstick, but I’m starting to wonder if I should.

Toxins Found in "Toxin-Free" Nail Polish: Another Reason Beauty Regulation Needs a Makeover by Virginia Sole-Smith, Slate April 13th, 2012 Back in 2006, the nascent eco-health movement scored what seemed like a major victory: OPI, Essie and several other brands of nail polish agreed to remove a "toxic trio" of chemicals from their products

Study finds hazardous chemicals in some nail polish by Erin Allday, San Francisco Chronicle April 11th, 2012 Nail polishes that claim to be free of harsh chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and fertility problems may contain the hazardous ingredients anyway, according to a state study released Tuesday.

Even Nail Polishes Labeled "Natural" May Not Be by Dan Shapley, The Daily Green April 11th, 2012 A study finds toxic substances in many nail polishes that claim to be free of harmful ingredients.

QR code aids ingredient disclosure Personal Care Magazine April 10th, 2012 Floratech announces an innovative web-based service which provides full ingredient disclosure via a QR (Quick Response) code printed on the product label. Scanning the code leads to a rich menu of useful information about the raw material, in essence providing full product disclosure from the label.

California finds dangerous chemicals in nail polishes advertised as nontoxic by Associated Press, The Washington Post April 10th, 2012 Some nail polishes commonly found in California salons and advertised as free of a so-called “toxic trio” of chemicals actually have high levels of agents linked to birth defects, state chemical regulators said Tuesday.

Industry research finds formaldehyde exposure not a problem for consumers in cosmetics by Michelle Yeomans, Cosmetics Design April 5th, 2012

The Hidden Risks of Using Lipstick AOL Video April 5th, 2012 The Doctors reveal the hidden dangers of lipstick, and how to stay safe.

Early Puberty in Girls – Is There a Connection to Plastics? by Mike Schade, Center for Health, Environment, and Justice April 2nd, 2012 Yesterday, the NY Times Magazine ran a fascinating yet disturbing story about a growing trend – young girls going through puberty, way before their time. In the story, the Times explores how early puberty is effecting girls and their families across the country, and what parents, doctors and scientists are doing to address this troubling issue.

Dangerous Moment: Industry plots to keep products toxic by Lisa Archer, Not Just A Pretty Face March 30th, 2012 “I have loved every minute of my career as a stylist until Brazilian Blowout completely changed my life. Our laws are obviously broken. We are pleading for you to help protect our health and our livelihood.” – Jennifer Arce, written testimony to Energy and Commerce Committee’s March 27 hearing on cosmetics safety.

Do you want this guy writing the rules for cosmetics safety? by Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face March 30th, 2012 Peter Barton Hutt of Covington and Burling, LLP, representing the biggest beauty corporations, testified before Congress this week that his clients’ products are perfectly safe and there’s no need to worry about silly little things like carcinogens in baby shampoo (we’re paraphrasing here).

As FDA Rejects BPA Ban, Congress Looks Set To Punt On Chemical Reform by Amy Westervelt, Forbes March 30th, 2012 It’s quite the week for chemicals regulation. The FDA is set to rule on whether to ban the use of bisphenol-A (BPA) in food packaging today (check back here for an update when the ruling comes through), and the House began hearings on overhauling the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act earlier this week that seemed heavily weighted toward supporting industry over regulation.

A Study of Boston Nail Salons by Meda Kisivuli, The Mayor's Health Line Blog March 30th, 2012 A recent study on the Indoor Air Quality of Boston Nail Salons conducted by Brandeis University students from the Environmental Health and Justice Program revealed that a high percentage of toxic chemicals and fine particles are found in nail salon air.

Puberty Before Age 10: A New ‘Normal’? by Elizabeth Weil, New York Times Magazine March 30th, 2012 One day last year when her daughter, Ainsley, was 9, Tracee Sioux pulled her out of her elementary school in Fort Collins, Colo., and drove her an hour south, to Longmont, in hopes of finding a satisfying reason that Ainsley began growing pubic hair at age 6.

Lawmakers Want FDA to Regulate Cosmetics by Janie Lorber, Roll Call March 29th, 2012 There’s formaldehyde in your Brazilian Blowout, lead in your Grecian Formula hair dye and who knows what in your perfume. Certainly not the government.

Starting Early, and Young by Shivani Vora, New York Times March 28th, 2012 DR. AMI SHAH NAGARAJAN, 38, a specialist in integrative medicine who lives in Manhattan, estimates that she spends $150 a month on Mustela and California Baby products for her 3-year-old twins. “I spend more on my kids than I do for myself,” she said. “It’s worth it to me to get something pure for them.”

At trailblazing hearing on cosmetics, congressmen bounce ideas off FDA by Gabriel Nelson, E&E News March 28th, 2012 It's rare for businesses to ask Washington to hit them with new regulations, but that's exactly what the members of the Personal Care Products Council did yesterday.

Common toothpaste additive triclosan to be deemed toxic to environment by Sarah Schmidt, Edmonton Journal March 27th, 2012 The federal government is set to declare a bacteria killer found in many toothpastes, mouthwashes and anti-bacterial soaps as toxic to the environment, a move which could see the use of the chemical curtailed sharply, Postmedia News has learned.

Are 'brighteners' bottling the idea of fair beauty? by Vanessa Greco, CTV News March 25th, 2012 Boutique shelves have long been stocked with the promise of bolder lashes, fuller lips, clearer skin and countless other products branded with aspirational adjectives.

The 3 main sources of chemicals in your home by Rodale News, Mother Nature Network March 22nd, 2012 Ever wonder what's exposing you to the highest levels of chemicals? A new study hopes to give you an answer.

FDA carries out asbestos tests in cosmetic talc after concerns are raised by Michelle Yeomans, Cosmetics Design March 21st, 2012 The US Food and Drug Administration has announced it recently carried out tests on certain cosmetic products containing talc after general concerns about the possible presence of asbestos were raised.

Author shares the dangers of lipsticks, face creams and Brazilian Blowouts by Shandra Martinez, M Live March 20th, 2012 Spend a few minutes listening to Stacy Malkan, and you’re likely to toss your lipstick and deodorant in the trash, along with a lot of the other beauty products fighting for space in your bathroom cabinets.

Hair Salons Still Putting Workers' Health At Risk with Brazilian Blowout by Virginia Sole-Smith, The Investigative Fund March 20th, 2012 Even though public health officials have issued such warnings, though salon workers and consumers have reported health consequences, and the courts have demanded more than $5 million in fines, Brazilian Blowout remains in salons and on the head of many a beauty consumer, because no government agency, including the FDA, has the authority to issue a recall.

Styling Practices Can Lead to Serious Hair and Scalp Diseases for African Americans NewsWise March 19th, 2012 Styling practices can lead to serious hair and scalp diseases for some African Americans, says Henry Ford Hospital dermatologist Diane Jackson-Richards, M.D.

FDA to hold public cosmetic regulation cooperation meeting by Michelle Yeomans, Cosmetics Design March 19th, 2012 The Food and Drug Administration has announced it will hold a public meeting to discuss the international cooperation on cosmetic regulations before its upcoming committee meeting in Rockville, Maryland in July.

The secret ingredient for better, safer beauty products by Jessica Rubino, New Hope 360 March 16th, 2012 New European research shows promise for organic agricultural waste as a long-term, sustainable solution to synthetic surfactants used in cleaning and personal care products.

“Little Changes” {review and giveaway} Captain Fussybuckets blog March 16th, 2012 Let me start by saying this is a book review. WAIT! STOP!! Keep reading! If you have never read a single post I've ever written, or you're not big into reading (like me), let this be one post to read. Bookmark it and come back. It's that important!

Is It Safe to Play Yet? by Michael Tortorello, New York Times March 14th, 2012 Laura MacCleery was four months pregnant when she parked herself on the couch and started an inventory of the chemicals in her Alexandria, Va., town house.

Get the Lead Out (of Lipstick) by Mia Davis, Crazy Sexy Life March 14th, 2012 A $25 tube of department store lipstick should be safe, right? You might assume it is safer than $2 drugstore brand. Not necessarily...

Perms Linked to Uterine Fibroid Tumors and Early Puberty by Brande Victorian, Madame Noire March 9th, 2012 A new study in the American Journal of Epidemiology definitely adds a point to the #TeamNatural tally with a published paper from researchers at Boston University linking hair relaxers to uterine fibroid tumors in women and early puberty in young girls.

Study Highlights Hidden Dangers In Everyday Products -- Even The "Green" Ones by Amy Westervelt, Forbes March 8th, 2012 A first-of-its-kind, peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Health Perspectives today reveals an alarming number of unlabeled chemicals of concern in commonly used household and personal care products.

Mercury found in lotions and cosmetics, says FDA; products are often sold in ethnic neighborhoods and online by Lindsay Goldwert, New York Daily News March 7th, 2012 Women are being warned to stay away from beauty products that contain a toxic ingredient — mercury.

Skin products tainted with mercury CNN Health March 6th, 2012 The Food and Drug Administration is cautioning consumers that skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps and lotions contaminated with mercury have been found in at least 7 states.

Maker of a Hair-Straightening Product Settles Lawsuit by Andrew Martin, New York Times March 5th, 2012 The manufacturer of the popular hair-straightening product Brazilian Blowout, the subject of government inquiries and health complaints, said on Monday that it had agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit for about $4.5 million.

Cosmetic chemical hinders brain development in tadpoles Brown University March 1st, 2012 A new study finds that low concentrations of a chemical found in cosmetics has subtle but measurable negative effects on the neural development of tadpoles.

Brazilian Blowout Consumer Alert ABC News - WCVB 5 March 1st, 2012 Do salons know "Brazilian Blowouts" contain a form of formaldehyde? Good Morning America used a hidden camera to find out.

Lead in lipstick: Are natural cosmetic brands at risk? by Jessica Rubino, New Hope 360 February 29th, 2012 A 2007 study on lead in lipstick revealed a dirty little secret about cosmetics, and a recently released U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) follow up proves that the industry has yet to clean up heavy metal contamination. Lead still taints hundreds of lipsticks—including natural ones. But who’s to blame?

It’s All in the Kiss: The Tricky Love Affair of Lead and Lipstick by Kelly Hamilton, Green Answers February 24th, 2012 A series of recent news articles has been painting the cosmetics industry in a less than appealing light, raising an alarm with consumer protection and rights groups who are now asking that the United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set limits on how much lead can be found in cosmetics.

J&J CEO steps down by Andrew McDougall, Cosmetics Design February 22nd, 2012 Johnson & Johnson CEO Bill Weldon has announced his retirement and will be succeeded by Alex Gorsky at a time of mixed fortunes for the company.

Heavy Metals Found in Many Cosmetics: Not Listed on Labels by Sarah B. Weir, Yahoo! News February 22nd, 2012 In light of recent news that the FDA found lead in 400 brands of lipstick, Yahoo! Shine took a look at other products containing potentially hazardous ingredients. Historically, women have risked their health for beauty by using cosmetics laden with poisons.

Mercury Found in Skin-Lightening Cream Smuggled from Mexico Fox News Latino February 22nd, 2012 California health officials have found mercury in an illegal skin-lightening cream smuggled in from Mexico.

Does Your Favorite Lipstick Contain Lead? by Lauren Arute, Philadelphia Weekly February 21st, 2012 Though lead has been banned in paint since 1978 for its toxicity levels, you may be exposing yourself to it when you swipe on your favorite tube of lipstick, according to a recent MSNBC article.

Lead in lipstick, arsenic in eyeliner and cadmium in mascara: The ugly secrets that the beauty industry isn’t telling you by Daisy Dumas, Mail Online February 21st, 2012

Natural Lipsticks Like Burt’s Bees Can Still Contain Lead by Elizabeth Nolan Brown , Bliss Tree February 17th, 2012 Yesterday, I mistakenly told you that Burt’s Bees made lead-free lipstick. Um, psych?

Can Your Lipstick Give You Lead Poisoning?! Perez Hilton February 14th, 2012 Beware when you give your love that Valentine's Day smooch!

Lipsticks, Perfumes May Be Hazardous to Health by Mikaela Conley, ABC News February 14th, 2012 Beware of lipstick-stained lips before puckering up this Valentine’s Day. They could be covered in lead.

Could your Valentine's kiss give you lead poisoning? by Mitch Lipka, AlertNet February 13th, 2012 If you're going to be on either end of a kiss this Valentine's Day, you might want to consider smooching bare-lipped. Most lipstick contains lead.

Brazilian Blowout to carry warning labels Los Angeles Times February 8th, 2012 The maker of the popular Brazilian Blowout hair-smoothing treatment has agreed to begin warning consumers and hairstylists that its products contain potentially hazardous formaldehyde, but some consumer advocates say that doesn't go far enough.

Fatal Attraction: Cosmetics and Chemicals [infographic] by Chelsey Kilzer, Daily Infographic February 7th, 2012 The cosmetic industry is self regulated and allows companies to include harmful chemicals, 89% of which have not been tested by the FDA.

Is that Lead in Your Lipstick? FDA Tests Reveal Raised Lead Levels in U.S. Lipsticks by Amy Westervelt, Forbes February 7th, 2012 In December 2011, the FDA updated its tests and posted the results on its website rather quietly. There are now two brands (Maybelline and L’Oreal) with lipsticks above California’s standard.

Wearing Scented Products Like Perfume or Cologne in Public Could Become Regulated Fox Chicago February 3rd, 2012

Planned Parenthood controversy also exposes Komen's corporate problem by Susan Perry, MinnPost February 3rd, 2012 It looks like Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s defunding of Planned Parenthood's breast cancer services may have finally yanked the curtain aside and revealed what’s really been going on behind the scenes of that powerful and well-funded breast cancer organization.

Brazilian Blowout fallout by Kim Painter, USA Today February 1st, 2012 The company that makes those popular Brazilian Blowout hair-straightening treatments will have to change labels to warn hairstylists that two of its products emit formaldehyde gas, under a settlement with the California attorney general.

Brazilian Blowout: Perfect Case Study for our Broken System by Stacy Malkan, Not Just A Pretty Face February 1st, 2012 Kudos to California Attorney General Kamala Harris for doing what no other government agency in the U.S. has been able to do: get Mike Brady and the folks over at Brazilian Blowout to stop lying about the dangers of their products.

Brazilian Blowout Maker Agrees to Warn Consumers About Formaldehyde by Sora Song, Time January 31st, 2012 The maker of Brazilian Blowout, a popular line of hair-straightening treatments used in salons, has agreed to warn consumers and hairstylists that two of its products emit formaldehyde gas, California’s attorney general said on Monday.

Brazilian Blowout maker settles with state over formaldehyde claim by Matt Stevens, LA Times January 31st, 2012 The company behind the popular Brazilian Blowout hair-straightening treatments will have to warn hairstylists that two of its most popular products can expose users to formaldehyde gas, according to the terms of a settlement with the California attorney general.

Brazilian Blowout maker agrees to labeling changes Fox News January 31st, 2012 The maker of a popular line of hair-straightening products has agreed to alert consumers that two of its formulations emit formaldehyde gas, a possible carcinogen, California's attorney general announced.

Brazilian blowout case raises safety concerns CBS News January 31st, 2012 The Brazilian blowout is one of the most popular hair styling trends seen in years. The hair treatment promises straight hair for months after just one salon visit. But now, the treatment comes with a warning: the products involved may be dangerous.

Brazilian Blowout agrees to post formaldehyde warning by Jeremy P. Jacobs, GreenWire January 31st, 2012 The maker of the controversial Brazilian Blowout hair product yesterday agreed to a settlement that requires it to warn consumers that the solution emits formaldehyde when used.

‘Skin deep’ in more ways than one by Thandisizwe Chimurenga, San Francisco Bay View January 31st, 2012 Very little if any media attention or research has looked at the possible connections between African American beauty salons, the personal care products utilized primarily by Black women and adverse health outcomes, specifically in the area of reproductive health. But that has begun to change.

Breaking Brazilian Blowout News Virginia Sole-Smith January 31st, 2012 Hey, remember waaay back in 2010 when the supposedly “formaldehyde-free” Brazilian Blowout hair straightening treatment tested positive for — irony alert! — formaldehyde?

Brazilian Blowout Legally Labeled Carcinogenic ... Will It Matter? by Amy Westervelt, Forbes January 30th, 2012

Soaps, makeup and other items contain deadly ingredients, say consumer advocates by Carolyn Butler, The Washington Post January 30th, 2012 In the past few years I’ve become much more attuned to “clean” living — organic foods, limited sun exposure, filtered water — so when a friend suggested that many of the lotions and potions we apply to our skin are bad for us, I went through my family’s bathroom cabinets and began reading labels. It wasn’t pretty.

Maker of Brazilian Blowout hair products agrees to settle Calif. lawsuit with labeling changes Associated Press January 30th, 2012 The maker of a popular line of hair-straightening products has agreed to alert consumers that two of its formulations emit formaldehyde gas, a possible carcinogen, California’s attorney general announced Monday.

J&J recalls Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion Reuters January 27th, 2012 Johnson & Johnson on Friday said it is recalling more than 2,000 tubes of its Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion after U.S. regulators identified excessive levels of bacteria in a product sample.

Environmental Chemical Exposure May Contribute To Childhood Obesity Medical News Today January 24th, 2012 Researchers from the Children's Environmental Health Center at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York have found an association between exposure to the chemical group known as phthalates and obesity in young children - including increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Scared Straight by Mary A. Fischer, Allure January 23rd, 2012 Warning: A hot new hair-straightening treatment from Brazil could be a health hazard. But that hasn't stopped people from performing it.

Know What's in Your Personal Care Products by Sheila Hollender, 7Gen Blog Starting a new year always makes one think about the changes possible in one's daily life. At Seventh Generation we have always held the principle of ingredient disclosure in our products as a basic tenant of our business. To help you get the information on product ingredients in personal care products, we suggest the following sites:

Perfume Ban in New Hampshire? State Explains Why by Joanna Douglas, Shine - Yahoo January 19th, 2012 Many women love wearing perfume, but have you ever gotten a headache from someone who has sprayed on way too much of a scent you don't like?

North grad takes aim at toxins by Amy DeMelia, The Sun Chronicle January 16th, 2012 Darylle Sheehan is on a mission to rid everyday products of toxic chemicals.

Raising a stink about the contents of fragrances by Tom Watson, The Seattle Times January 13th, 2012 Fragrances evoke emotions and bring back memories, and we all have our favorites. But when they come in a bottle or a box, the reality is not so romantic. More than 3,000 different chemicals are used to create fragrances in cosmetics, household cleaners and other consumer products.

Canadians Asked to Face the Facts About What They Put on Their Faces: National TV and online ads alert Canadians to the dangerous, undisclosed, substances in their cosmetics Environmental Defence January 9th, 2012 Putting on makeup in the morning should not be a dangerous game. In a cheeky new ad campaign launched today, Environmental Defence, the environmental organization who led the charge for the ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles alerts Canadians to the many cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting and allergy-inducing substances contained in the personal care products they use every day. The campaign urges the federal government to ban harmful ingredients in cosmetics and to give the Canadian beauty industry a long overdue makeover.

The Health Cost of Black Women’s Hair Products by Kat Friedrich, Our Bodies Ourselves December 21st, 2011 There is a striking lack of mainstream news coverage of the health hazards posed by beauty products, such as hair relaxers and skin lighteners, that are commonly used by black women. African-American women spend more on beauty products than white women do, but far too little research has looked at how women use these products.

Cancer Prevention Coalition: Multiple Carcinogens in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Shampoo by Samuel S. Epstein, Business Wire December 15th, 2011 The following is an opinion editorial provided by Samuel S. Epstein, M.D., Chairman of Cancer Prevention Coalition: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics must be congratulated for securing a 11/15/11 agreement with Johnson & Johnson “for reducing or gradually phasing out - - trace amounts of potentially cancer-causing chemicals” from Baby Shampoo, “one of its signature products.”

Five Things You Should Know About Environmental Links to Breast Cancer by Amy Westervelt, Forbes December 7th, 2011 A report released today by the Institute of Medicine, and funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, took a comprehensive look at the current research available on the potential environmental causes of breast cancer and laid out several preventative measures women can take to help lower their risk of breast cancer.

Compact for Safe Cosmetics: 321 companies changing the beauty industry by Jessica Rubino, New Hope 360 December 5th, 2011 If ever there were a time to be in the nontoxic personal care business it’s now, with ”natural” cosmetics representing the fastest growing segment of the $50 billion cosmetics industry. But in the absence of strict government regulations, which companies truly fit the bill? Just call them the Champions.

Smelling good without stinking up the environment Environmental Health News December 1st, 2011 Chemists developing compounds used to create fragrances can weed out chemicals that don't meet toxicity and environmental standards early in the design process, finds a study that predicted the toxicity and persistence of a variety of musk chemicals using a sophisticated computer program.

Safe Cosmetics: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Health and to Motivate Change by Hillary Peterson, The Huffington Post December 1st, 2011 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics announced today that 335 companies have been named Champions and met the goals of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a voluntary pledge to avoid chemicals banned by health agencies outside the U.S. and to fully disclose product ingredients to consumers.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics urges makeup companies to update ingredients Daily Record November 30th, 2011 More than 400 companies selling cosmetic and other personal care products have removed potentially hazardous chemicals from them, after a seven-year campaign by a large coalition of consumer, health and environmental groups.

Campaign Gets Companies To Make Safer Cosmetics by Linda A. Johnson, The Associated Press November 30th, 2011 More than 400 companies selling cosmetic and other personal care products have removed potentially hazardous chemicals from them, after a seven-year campaign by a large coalition of consumer, health and environmental groups.

True Beauty: Cosmetics Companies Ban Chemicals, Disclose Ingredients by Robyn Lawrence, Care2 November 30th, 2011 Natural cosmetics, free of the most harmful chemicals, are the fastest growing segment of the $50 billion cosmetics industry, according to a report released today by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The report—the culmination of a seven-year effort to raise the bar for safer personal care products—states that 321 cosmetics companies have removed chemicals banned by health agencies outside the United States and are fully disclosing product ingredients. That’s positively pioneering in the cosmetics industry. An additional 111 companies made significant progress toward those goals.

Campaign gets companies to make safer cosmetics The Associated Press November 30th, 2011 A coalition of consumer and environmental groups says several hundred companies now meet all or many of the goals in its campaign to get hazardous chemicals removed from cosmetics and other personal care products.

Are You Using This Popular But Cancer-Causing Shampoo? by Dr. Mercola, Mercola.com November 21st, 2011 If you buy special shampoo for your baby, the last thing you'd expect it to contain would be known or suspected carcinogens...

Woes for Johnson & Johnson by Michael L. Diamond, USA Today November 20th, 2011 Johnson & Johnson, the gold standard for American corporations, has been admired for its devotion to a simple business philosophy: Put your customers first, no matter the cost, and profits will follow.

Johnson & Johnson agrees to make its baby products a little bit cleaner by Lisa Elaine Held, Well and Good NYC November 17th, 2011 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (and babies!) scored a major victory this Wednesday, when Johnson & Johnson agreed to reformulate all of its baby products worldwide to no longer include formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.

Johnson & Johnson Needs to Provide More Action, Answers by Deidre Imus, Fox News November 17th, 2011 Johnson & Johnson announced plans to eliminate potentially carcinogenic chemicals from certain baby shampoos within two years. Sounds like great news, right? Not exactly.

Corporations: Invest in Safer Products, Not Spin Doctors! by Stacy Malkan, Not Just A Pretty Face November 17th, 2011 What do climate-science deniers and “spin doctors” who attack environmental health protections have in common? They’re like moths to the flame of an activist victory for safer products. Ever since my organization succeeded in pressuring Johnson & Johnson to get carcinogens out of its baby products, the “boys who know best” are coming round to tell us not to worry our pretty little heads about cancer-causing chemicals in baby shampoo

J&J steadily removing toxins from baby products Associated Press November 16th, 2011 Amid pressure from activists, Johnson & Johnson said Wednesday that it is continuing efforts to remove traces of two harmful chemicals from its baby products around the world.

Markey on Johnson & Johnson Decision to Remove Carcinogens from Baby Products Congressman Ed Markey November 16th, 2011 Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and co-author of the Safe Cosmetics Act, released the following statement today after Johnson & Johnson announced their plan to reformulate all its baby products worldwide to remove formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical. The company’s renowned baby shampoo still contains formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in the United Sates even though formaldehyde-free versions of the product are available in other countries.

Johnson & Johnson, amid activists’ push, starts removing toxic chemicals from baby products The Washington Post November 16th, 2011 Johnson & Johnson has begun removing two harmful chemicals from its iconic baby shampoo and other baby products in the U.S.

My newborn's 'baptism' into a toxic world by Erin Boles, MomsRising blog November 8th, 2011 I was surprised when the nurse took Thomas to the sink for his first bath so quickly. My plan indicated that Thomas be washed with just water, or at least with the soap that we carefully chose for him but, before I knew it, out came the bottle of Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo.

China says Johnson & Johnson should 'practise morality' AsiaOne News November 7th, 2011 China said on Monday Johnson & Johnson should “practise morality”, a week after the U.S. consumer and healthcare group was accused of continuing to sell baby shampoo with a possible cancer-causing ingredient.

J&J's harmful baby shampoo angers buyers Global Times, China November 3rd, 2011 Chinese parents backed calls for a boycott of Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) baby products following a report by a US organization that said the healthcare giant was selling baby shampoo with cancer-risk elements in a number of countries.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo Still Contains Cancer-Causing Chemicals: Report International Business Times November 2nd, 2011 Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is the target of new analysis from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which released a second report detailing two cancer-causing chemicals found in Johnson & Johnson's popular baby shampoo.

J&J will phase out chemicals in shampoo United Press International November 2nd, 2011 Johnson & Johnson said it is phasing out formaldehyde-releasing chemicals from its baby products, following the U.S. report "Baby's Tub Is Still Toxic."

Health campaigners urge boycott of J&J baby shampoo Reuters November 1st, 2011 A coalition of health campaigners on Tuesday urged a boycott of Johnson & Johnson until it removes from its baby shampoo a preservative considered by the government to be a possible trigger for some cancers and skin allergies.

J&J, under fire, commits to formaldehyde-free Johnson's baby products by Sheila Shayon, Brandchannel November 1st, 2011 Johnson & Johnson's signature baby shampoo sold in the U.S. contains trace amounts of two chemicals considered harmful and potentially cancer-causing, 1,4-dioxane and quaternium-15 that releases formaldehyde.

Johnson & Johnson gently poisons babies with its shampoo by Margaret Hartmann, Jezebel November 1st, 2011 Health and environmental groups have been pressuring Johnson & Johnson to remove two potentially cancer-causing chemicals from its popular baby shampoo, and for some unfathomable reason, they're dragging their feet.

As report reveals toxic ingredients in baby shampoo, Johnson & Johnson goes public with plans to clean up products by Amy Westervelt, Forbes November 1st, 2011 Less than a month after Johnson & Johnson ranked as the most trusted brand in America in Forbes' survey comes a report that could give consumers pause, calling the company out for removing chemicals of concern in its iconic baby shampoo in some countries, but not others.

Groups push J&J on baby shampoo chemicals by Linda A. Johnson, Associated Press November 1st, 2011 Two chemicals considered harmful to babies remain in Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoo sold in the U.S. and some other countries, even though the company already makes versions without them, according to an international coalition of health and environmental groups.

Why we can't shop our way out of breast cancer by Mia Davis and Amy Lubitow, MomsRising blog October 27th, 2011 Companies like Proctor & Gamble, Estee Lauder and Avon position themselves as champions for women through their work to bring about "breast cancer awareness." But they also can – and do — use chemicals linked to cancer in their products.

Heavy metals in Halloween face paint: Still spooky by Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face October 24th, 2011 While the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics' 2009 tests of heavy metals in face paint haven't been updated, a spring 2011 report by Environmental Defense Canada indicates that not only has the problem not been solved, it may be worse than we thought.

What's in that pink ribbon product? by Stacy Malkan, CrazySexyLife October 19th, 2011 Before I rush out for a pink-ribbon makeover, I have some questions for these companies: How much money are they actually contributing to breast cancer charities, and what is the money being used for? And most importantly, are they willing to stop using chemicals linked to cancer?

Straight hair at what cost? Treatments using formaldehyde may pose a risk. by Laura Hambleton, Washington Post October 17th, 2011 Health officials say such smoothing products, often known as Brazilian treatments, may pose a hazard to stylists and users alike. That's because most of them contain formaldehyde or chemicals that release formaldehyde, which has been identified as a cancer risk.

Your guide to safe, non-toxic makeup by Alden Wicker, LearnVest October 14th, 2011 Today we tackle green and toxin-free makeup—to help you get to the bottom line about natural and organic beauty.

Environmentalists investigate toxic beauty by Yumna Mohamed, The Uptowner October 12th, 2011 The environmental activist group WE ACT for Environmental Justice is surveying women of color uptown about their use of hair products and cosmetics that could endanger their health.

The stinky facts about smelling good by Sloan Barnett, Huffington Post October 10th, 2011 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found 14 secret ingredients not even listed on the label -- they call them trade secrets. I call them synthetic chemicals.

The "Safe Cosmetics Alliance" is not what it sounds like by Siobhan O'Connor, No More Dirty Looks blog October 5th, 2011 Look at what now exists? The Safe Cosmetics Alliance. It sounds a lot like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, right? Except it's not. It's an industry-funded campaign that appears to me to be designed to confuse you.

It's time to tell Congress: No more toxic chemicals in our products! by Laura Turner Seydel, Huffington Post October 3rd, 2011 I was shocked to learn that even the cosmetics I use and the sunscreen I slather on my children to protect them could very well be causing harm.

Formaldehyde in cosmetics: What's the verdict? by Lisette Mejia, Women's Health blog October 3rd, 2011 Cosmetic treatments like the Brazilian Blowout are under heavy fire lately for their use of formaldehyde, a chemical the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially classifies as a carcinogen.

Global and green: Beauty trends from the WIE Symposium by Deborah Stambler, Huffington Post September 29th, 2011 While it's easy to point to the sustainable, organic beauty products as a marketing trend, I'd like to think there's more to the story.

Deepak dialogues with activist celebs: Mark Ruffalo, Fran Drescher and Russell Simmons by Alison Rose Levy, Huffington Post September 14th, 2011 Drescher wants to "turn the tide on cancer through asking Congress to support the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011."

D-day for Brazilian Blowout following FDA warning over 'misleading' formaldehyde claims by Andrew McDougall, CosmeticsDesign.com September 13th, 2011 Following a letter sent to parent company GIB, today is judgment day for Brazilian Blowout to respond to a letter sent from the Food and Drug Administration, which questioned the safety of the products and threatened legal action if demands were not met.

Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011: 4 effects on the personal care industry by Jessica Rubino, New Hope 360 September 9th, 2011 Cosmetics business practices and convoluted supply chains, coupled with arguably outdated legislation, make full transparency of beauty products a challenge—even for the most astute consumers and diligent retailers.

Brazilian Blowout must stop misleading consumers, FDA warns by MyHealthNewsDaily Staff, MyHealthNewsDaily September 7th, 2011 The notorious hair straightening products company, Brazilian Blowout, has received its first official warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has stated that the products are 'adulterated' and misbranded.

Campaign for safe cosmetics by TheSucculentWife, BlogHer August 24th, 2011 Would you choose to put lead in your lipstick? Not a single one of us would, I'm sure.

Safe Cosmetics Act: Forcing FDA to take charge by K. Keeker, Consumers Digest August 22nd, 2011 In our July/August 2011 story on hair-care products, "Shampoos: Perception vs. Reality," we were hopeful that lawmakers would introduce the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 sometime this summer.

Skin Deep continues despite Compact's close by Silvia Milanova, EcoPlum July 25th, 2011 Regardless of the Compact discontinuing its acceptance of new members, the Skin Deep database and the effort to influence companies to make safer products is continuing.

Make lipstick less risky: Support the Safe Cosmetics Act by Diane MacEachern, BlogHer July 21st, 2011 If you're anything like me, when you buy lipstick or eye make-up, it's because you want to look better, not feel worse.

Bath & Body Works targeted by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics by Mark J. Miller, Brandchannel July 21st, 2011 Marketing anti-bacterial soap and hand cleansers with fruity names and a promise of "spreading love, not germs" sure sound like they are sweet fun — but not if they contain an ingredient that some health and environmental groups say is bad for teenagers.

Triclosan: Is Bath & Body Works' new soap harmful to teens? by Ashlie Rodriguez, LA Times Greenspace blog July 18th, 2011 Health and environmental groups have mounted a campaign against Bath & Body Works, urging the retailer to stop selling its line of “Summertime Scent” soaps that contain triclosan, a chemical categorized as a pesticide.

What is ingredient transparency? by Sarah F. Berkowitz, Mother Nature Network July 15th, 2011 For decades, the trend with cosmetics manufacturers has been to guard their ingredient list as a trade secret, but today’s consumers want to know before they buy.

4 myths about the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 by Jasmin Malik Chua, Ecouterre July 14th, 2011 You'd think that stricter standards for the products we slather on ourselves each day would be a good thing, but not everyone's standing behind the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, a new bill that could—quite literally—change the face of the beauty industry as we know it.

Pinkwashing: Corporate sponsored cancer by Meghan Casserly, Forbes blog July 11th, 2011 Millions of dollars change hands each year in the name of breast cancer awareness. Who’s really benefiting?

Call for regulation of hair-smoothing products by Stacy A. Anderson, Associated Press July 8th, 2011 At least 10 members of the House are asking the FDA to look into whether women who undergo the treatments, including the popular Brazilian Blowout, pay another, nonmonetary price that's way too great, one that's the result of formulas high in formaldehyde.

Dove: Please don't hang your chemicals on my door knob by Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face blog July 7th, 2011 Hello Dove, Today I discovered at my front door: a Dove advertisement, coupon and a sample of your "nutritive therapy" product that I never requested.

Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011: What it means for the beauty industry and you by Lina Hanson, Ecouterre July 6th, 2011 The beauty industry is one of the few industries where harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, and lead are allowed as ingredients.

Are you using toxic cosmetics? by Rachel Grumman Bender, YouBeauty.com July 1st, 2011 The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 may make your favorite beauty products safer.

Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011 could clean up chemical-laden beauty industry by Emma Grady, Treehugger June 28th, 2011 From the toxic heavy metals found in popular cosmetic products to the shocking amounts of formaldehyde found in Brazilian Blowout formula, finding harmful chemicals in cosmetics is no new story. In fact, the existing law hasn't been updated since 1938.

Safe Cosmetics Act will clean up harmful beauty products by Terri Bennett, Examiner.com June 27th, 2011 There are more than 12,000 chemicals used in the make-up, shampoo, lotion and other beauty products we use every day. What consumers may not know is the vast majority of those chemicals have never been tested for safety.

New and improved Safe Cosmetics Act could boost green chemistry by Amy Westervelt, Forbes blog June 27th, 2011 The resulting Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011, introduced Friday afternoon, eliminates fees for businesses making less than $10 million, and exempts businesses making less than $2 million from registration.

No more hazardous ingredients with introduction of Safe Cosmetics Act 2011 by Pooja Kondhia, CosmeticsDesign.com June 27th, 2011 Loopholes within the 1938 Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act have resulted in a largely unregulated cosmetics industry; the vast majority of approximately 12,500 chemicals in use by the $50 billion cosmetics industry have never been assessed for safety.

Safe Cosmetics Act: Good for babies, moms and business by Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face June 24th, 2011 We love this bill and here's why it has the full support of the environmental health community:

5 reasons why the Safe Cosmetics Act makes sense for small business by Rebecca Hamilton, GreenBiz June 24th, 2011 I entered this industry because my family, the founders of Badger, believed in creating healthful products for people that we care about.

U.S. needs safer cosmetics by Fran Drescher, The Hill June 24th, 2011 It might seem like a leap to connect personal care products with cancer, but the President's Cancer Panel's report last year sounded the alarm on toxic chemicals in products we use every day.

Brazilian Blowout hair straightener, friend or foe? by Edel Howlin, KUHF-FM/NPR Houston June 13th, 2011 Brazilian Blowout is a hair-straightening product used in a growing number of Houston salons. But experts say chemicals in the product may cause cancer.

Brazilian Blowout concerns reach Capitol Hill by Deirdre Imus, FoxNews.com May 31st, 2011 For more than a year, Brazilian Blowout has come under increasing scrutiny...Now Congress is getting involved.

Explaining the 2010 Safe Cosmetics Act by EarthTalk, E – The Environmental Magazine May 30th, 2011 Dear EarthTalk: Can you explain the 2010 Safe Cosmetics Act? What does it purport to do and has it been signed into law?

Reflections from the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit by Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face May 24th, 2011 I'll get straight to the good part: What's the deal with the lady from L'Oreal? Many of you asked me this question after I tweeted: "L'Oreal rep is reportedly 'very upset' about my presentation at #suscon."

Shocking study finds secret toxic heavy metals in popular cosmetics by Emma Grady, Treehugger May 19th, 2011 The study tested 49 products from popular brands like Laura Mercier, MAC, L'Oreal, Mary Kay, and Sephora and found that 100 percent of the products contained nickel, 96 percent contained lead and 90 percent contained beryllium.

Groups Warn of Chemical Risks to Nail Salon Workers by Todd Zwillich, WebMD Health News May 18th, 2011 Groups are renewing a call for tougher federal regulation of salon products following recent studies suggesting dangerous chemicals could be endangering workers.

Hair curling health worries linked to straighteners by Roseanne Colletti, NBC New York May 18th, 2011 Salon and beauty industry workers are calling on lawmakers to pass new legislation that would increase safety measures surrounding hair straighteners that contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics highlights study on metals in cosmetics by Simon Pitman, CosmeticsDesign.com May 17th, 2011 Lobby group the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has drawn attention to a new study that highlights potential dangerous levels of heavy metals in cosmetics products.

Advocates want hair straightening technique Brazilian Blowout to be deemed illegal, health hazard by Kathleen Lucadamo, New York Daily News May 17th, 2011 Women will be sharing hair-raising experiences with Congress this week when they tell lawmakers a popular hair-straightener is a health hazard.

Calls for FDA to regulate hair straighteners by Anjali Athavaley, Wall Street Journal May 17th, 2011 Members of Congress are asking the Food and Drug Administration to issue a voluntary recall of two hair-straightening treatments sold in salons under the brand name Brazilian Blowout, citing concerns about unacceptably high levels of formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen.

The dose makes the poison? We know better now by Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face May 6th, 2011 I'm working on my keynote talk for next week's Sustainable Cosmetics Summit, and I got to thinking about the paradigm shifts in science that are changing the business of beauty.

Hair treatment alert by Courtny Gerrish, NBC-4 Milwaukee May 3rd, 2011 They say beauty is pain, but a new hair smoothing treatment could be taking that to the extreme.

The new toxic threats to women's health by Melinda Wenner-Moyer, Glamour May 1st, 2011 They're in your bathroom, your kitchen, your fridge--and mounting research hints they could be wreaking havoc on your weight, fertility and immune system.

The best and brightest hope for earth and life by Stacy Malkan, Not Just a Pretty Face April 25th, 2011 The environment is our bodies. It is our wombs, our breast milk and our babies.

Stealth shopper sneaks "toxic" labels on deodorant by A.K. Streeter, Treehugger April 25th, 2011 Jessica Assaf targeted Secret because it is one of the most popular deodorants used by young women in the United States today.

So, would you like formaldehyde with that hair style? by Francesca Lyman, Sacramento Bee April 24th, 2011 Words like formaldehyde and formalin popped into her head, as troubling fumes wafted up from her stylist's flatiron: "It really smelled like the cadaver lab."

10 things the beauty industry won't say by AnnaMaria Andriotis, Wall Street Journal SmartMoney blog April 20th, 2011 1. "Regulated? Only lightly."

Buying tips: Safe, nontoxic lipsticks by Emma Grady, Daily Green April 19th, 2011 When navigating the cosmetics aisle, it's hard enough finding the perfect shade of pink for your pretty pout. It gets harder still when you want to find a safe, nontoxic version that won't expose you to any potential health risks.

Health warning issued on popular hair treatment by Eve Troeh, Marketplace April 18th, 2011 The Brazilian Blowout is known in certain circles as the secret to smooth, straight hair. But recent safety concerns have tarnished the once-illustrious treatment.

Brazilian Blowup: It's time for the FDA to act by Stacy Malkan, Huffington Post April 17th, 2011 Massive hair loss, blistered scalps, severe rashes -- you might expect such complaints to prompt a federal agency charged with protecting public health to actually do something to protect the public. Not in the good ole U.S. of A.

The health risks behind drop-dead gorgeous hair by Michelle Miller, CBS Evening News April 15th, 2011 Chemical treatments may deliver smooth hair, but are risks like balding, scarring and formaldehyde exposure worth it?

Brazilian Blowout blow-up by Alene Dawson, Los Angeles Times' All the Rage blog April 14th, 2011 The ongoing controversy over the celebrity-endorsed Brazilian Blowout and similar keratin hair smoothing treatments that are used to tame frizzy hair intensified this week, when U.S. health officials issued a hazard alert.

Brazilian Blowout hair straightener draws fire from authorities by Christina Jewett, California Watch April 14th, 2011 Multiple state, federal and independent advocacy watchdogs have issued alerts, investigation findings and legal filings in recent days about the hair-straightening Brazilian Blowout treatment.

Warning: Getting Your hair straightened could endanger your health by Bryan Walsh, Time's Healthland blog April 13th, 2011 Bad news for women who like to get their hair severely straightened with the popular Brazilian blowout technique à la Jennifer Aniston: it may look good, but apparently it's not good for you.

Feds investigate safety of hair-smoothing product by Matthew Perrone, Associated Press April 12th, 2011 Federal safety regulators say a popular hair smoothing treatment called Brazilian Blowout can release unsafe levels of the chemical formaldehyde, posing a risk to hair salon workers and their customers.

Skin care: It doesn't have to be hazardous by Marcia G. Yerman, EmpowHer blog April 3rd, 2011 For a month, I sampled three different skin care lines that have no toxic chemicals.

Hurt by cosmetics? Tell the feds Chicago Tribune March 31st, 2011 If you've ever suffered from a rash, hair loss, infection, or other problem after using personal care products or cosmetics, the U.S. FDA wants to hear from you.

Campaign for safe cosmetics by Good Day Atlanta, FOX-5 Atlanta March 29th, 2011

KUHF Conversations: Stacy Malkan by Wendy Siegle, KUHF-FM/NPR Houston March 28th, 2011 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is hosting a seminar in Houston today to the discuss the latest research on toxic chemicals in personal care products. Stacy Malkan is co-founder of the group and one of the experts on the panel at today's seminar.

Are your cosmetics toxic? FOX-7 Austin March 23rd, 2011 Allison Evans tells her compelling story about how chemicals wreaked havoc with her health, and how she was able to heal.

New health hazards at salons and spas by Virginia Sole-Smith, CNN Health March 23rd, 2011 When Alexandra Spunt went for a keratin hair treatment at a Los Angeles salon two years ago, she hoped to walk out with two months' worth of silky-straight locks.

The taming of the curl by Anjali Athavaley, Wall Street Journal March 23rd, 2011 Fear of frizzy curls has taken hold in salons across America.

Brazilian Blowout safety is again questioned by Lori Abbott, Public News Service California March 21st, 2011 California women wanting to chemically straighten their hair may want to think twice before exposing themselves, and their hairdressers, to what could be dangerous levels of toxic chemicals.

The alchemy of grooming: Go green with your makeup with DIY cosmetics by Alene Dawson, LA Times All the Rage blog March 16th, 2011 Are you the crafty, 4-H blue ribbon-winning type? Have confidence that your cooking and cocktail-making skills can translate into whipping up an organic skin care tonic? Or do you simply crave beauty products that aren’t crazy expensive or carcinogenic? Then you might want to check out the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Your personal grooming products could be making you sick by Estelle Hayes, Huffington Post March 11th, 2011 Most of us follow personal care and beauty regimens that include at least that average dozen products giving us multiple repeat doses of offending substances every day. The cosmetics industry must think we can't do the math. They are wrong.

Not a pretty picture by Noelle Robins, Earth Island Journal March 1st, 2011 More than 500 cosmetics sold in the United States contain chemicals banned from beauty products in Europe, Canada and Japan. A proposed law aims to change that.

Toxic or not? by Karen Weintraub, Boston Globe February 28th, 2011 Researchers are studying the dangers of ordinary household chemicals.

Yadira's Austin: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics by Yadira Izquierdo, Austin Post February 27th, 2011 In my own quest to be healthier and learn about what's good and bad for my body, I asked one of my organic-culture-knowledgeable friends what line of make up she would recommend. Instead of making a recommendation, she directed me to the Safe Cosmetics webpage.

Fragrance free: 10 ways to protect yourself from toxic scents by Beth Greer, The Washington Times February 24th, 2011 Stinky, sweet smelling air fresheners, cologne, body sprays, and scented shampoo are made with synthetic fragrances, and they’re bad for your health.

The high price of beauty by Susan Hogan, WPRI-TV Providence February 23rd, 2011 Are girls increasing their risk of breast cancer by wearing blush, or their chances of reproductive abnormalities by applying lip gloss? It sounds crazy, but critics of the cosmetic industry say the concern is in the ingredients.

The chemicals in your cosmetics by Estelle Hayes, Huffington Post February 23rd, 2011 Sodium lauryl sulfate is an effective degreaser used to clean oil stains from the floor of my mechanic's repair shop; what's it doing in my toothpaste and my daughter's bubble bath?

Vegan, eco-friendly beauty products are worth learning about by Marques G. Harper, Austin American-Statesman February 17th, 2011 We've become a society that wants to know where our meat comes from and how it was raised, how the chicken was treated before it laid the egg, and how our vegetables are grown. So why wouldn't we want to know more about what's in our beauty and skin products?

Safe Cosmetics Compact to be dissolved by Anna Soref, Natural Foods Merchandiser February 8th, 2011 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has announced that it will be ending its popular Compact for Safe Cosmetics initiative.

Time to give safe cosmetics companies props by Melaina Juntti, New Hope 360 blog February 7th, 2011 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics announced it will sunset its Compact for Safe Cosmetics this summer and publish a complete list of compliant companies.

What the Yuck: Is there lead in my lipstick? by Dr. Roshini Raj, CNN Health February 4th, 2011 Q: Is it true there's lead in my red lipstick? A: This is one internet rumor that's true. Dr. Roshini Raj explains.

Tween Makeup Kits Destroy More Than Their Souls by Jeanne Sager, The Stir blog February 2nd, 2011 First it was the mom who had her 5-year-old daughter's eyebrows waxed on national TV. Now there's a whole range of makeup choices aimed at girls as young as 8 years old. And that's only half of the problem.

'Safe Cosmetics' pledge closes after seven years by Katie Bird, CosmeticsDesign.com February 2nd, 2011 The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is phasing out its Compact for Safe Cosmetics that it designed as a voluntary pledge for safety and transparency in the industry.

The green beauty challenge by Livia Firth, Vogue UK - The Green Style blog January 31st, 2011 Livia Firth challenges her red-carpet beauty routine to represent "less of a toxic slick."

Keratin hair treatments popular, but draw health warnings by Susan Berger, Chicago Tribune January 26th, 2011 Stylist Andre Walker had seen women get beautiful results with keratin hair-smoothing treatments. He'd also heard the complaints about the harsh fumes.

Stacy Malkan, Featured Interview with Co-Founder of Safe Cosmetics iaam.com January 25th, 2011 After our first article, “What’s in my Make Up?” iaam decided to do a follow-up interview with Campaign for Safe Cosmetics' co-founder, Stacy Malkan, to find out more about the current cosmetics industry and how harmful daily cosmetic use really is.

Poison Ives-y: Stranded in a Beauty Aisle of Toxins, Betrayal, and Greenwashing by Celia Jailer, The Busy Signal blog January 18th, 2011 Life is hard enough without being betrayed by a bottle, a compact, or a tube. But in the untested, unregulated grab-bag that is your bathroom cabinet, drugstore beauty aisle, or cosmetic case your personal care products hide a toxic tale indeed.

Stacy Malkan and Fran Drescher talk safe cosmetics The Fran Drescher "Tawk" Show December 3rd, 2010 Campaign co-founder Stacy Malkan sat down with Fran Drescher on Fran's new "Tawk" show to dish on safe cosmetics.

The proposed Safe Cosmetics Act 2010 could be a boon to green beauty The Daily Green December 1st, 2010 For decades, proponents of green cosmetics have warned that chemicals found in conventional cosmetics have the potential to cause serious health problems.

California sues Brazilian Blowout over high levels of formaldehyde initially found in Oregon by Katy Muldoon, The Oregonian November 11th, 2010 Lawyers have jumped into the tangled fray over Brazilian Blowout, the popular hair smoothing product found in tests conducted in Oregon to have dangerously high levels of formaldehyde.

Lead in lipstick not such a myth after all by Nicole Brochu, South Florida Sun-Sentinel November 11th, 2010 The blogosphere is afire with entry after entry about the needless alarm spread by this "hoax e-mail" toward everyday products like makeup. But there's a reason it's still bouncing around inboxes from South Florida to South Africa — it's not all myth.

At some nail salons, feeling pretty and green by Patricia Leigh Brown, New York Times November 11th, 2010 The bottles of nail polish at the Nova Nail Spa include Sky Sparkle blue, Hot Blooded pink and I Feel The Earth Move brown. But the predominant color at Kim Pham’s chic salon is health-conscious green.

Warning: Toxic formaldehyde found in popular hair treatments known as Brazilian Blowouts by Siobhan O'Connor, The Daily Green November 10th, 2010 Stacy Malkan with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and author of "Not Just a Pretty Face" told us that "Canada has already pulled the products from salons -- here in the U.S., FDA has done nothing."

Attorney general targets Brazilian Blowout over chemical by Christina Jewett, California Watch November 10th, 2010 The California attorney general's office filed a lawsuit today alleging that the company that makes the Brazilian Blowout hair-straightening product failed to warn consumers that its solution contains a cancer-causing chemical, despite company claims that it is "formaldehyde-free."

Brazilian Blowout blowup by Sandy Bauers, Philadelphia Inquirer's GreenSpace blog November 9th, 2010 The manufacturer claims, "No Damage! and No harsh chemicals! CONTAINS NO FORMALDEHYDE!!"

Natural skin care company Weleda backs Safe Cosmetics Act by Emily Dobell, CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com November 4th, 2010 Skin care company Weleda has teamed up with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and used its tour of the U.S as an opportunity to raise awareness of the Safe Cosmetics Act.

Ask Umbra addresses environmental links to breast cancer by Umbra Fisk, Grist.org November 1st, 2010 Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be over now, but that doesn't keep a reader from worrying that he's a boob for not knowing more about the connection between breast cancer and environmental factors.

Wash. compiles list of chemicals toxic to children by Phuong Le, Associated Press October 26th, 2010 Johnson & Johnson, Mattel Inc. and other manufacturers of children's products would be required to report whether toys, cosmetics, jewelry, apparel and other items contain certain harmful chemicals, under new rules proposed by Washington state.

Study: Scented consumer products emit toxic chemicals by Wendy Koch, USA Today Green House blog October 26th, 2010 Widely used scented products – including those that claim to be "green" – emit many chemicals not listed on the label, including some considered toxic and possibly carcinogenic, a study today says.

U.S. asked to probe 'formaldehyde free' claim by hair-product maker by Gayathri Vaidyanathan, E&E News October 6th, 2010 Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) is urging two federal agencies to investigate a hair-care product that Oregon regulators say contain high levels of formaldehyde.

Perfume protest: Teens storm 'toxic' Abercrombie & Fitch by Allie Townsend, Time Magazine's News Feed blog October 4th, 2010 Ridiculous teen franchise finally protested for being ridiculous? Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Teens protest A&F for their use of harmful fragrance by Perez Hilton, Coco Perez October 4th, 2010 According to a new study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, A&F’s fragrance Fierce “contains many hidden chemicals that post a health risk.”

Teens storm Abercrombie & Fitch store to protest toxic perfume by Virginia Sole-Smith, Lemondrop October 1st, 2010 If you're over the age of 25, you know it's pretty much impossible to go in Abercrombie & Fitch without gagging. "They made us spray the signature scents every 20 minutes like clockwork, so the store always smells," reports a former employee.

Teens decry "sperm-killing" perfume at Abercrombie & Fitch by Matt Baume, KNTV-NBC Bay Area September 30th, 2010 What's the link between the sexy atmosphere at Abercrombie & Fitch and millions upon millions of dead sperm? According to a dozen teenage protesters at a downtown retail outlet, it's all about the fragrance.

Green teens get 'Fierce' at A&F by Katharine Mieszkowski, The Bay Citizen September 29th, 2010 Teen protesters briefly shut down the Abercrombie & Fitch store on Market Street in San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon. Their unlikely cause: the retailer’s practice of perfuming the air in its stores.

Why your natural, organic soap, cosmetics and other personal care products may be bad for you by Jill Richardson, AlterNet September 20th, 2010 It all began with toxic nail polish... [E]nvironmental groups then wondered what other chemicals were used in the cosmetics and personal care products that we put on our bodies every day. A lot, as it turns out.

Do 'hypoallergenic' products really cause fewer allergies? by Kiera Butler, Mother Jones September 20th, 2010 I've always chosen soaps and lotions labeled "hypoallergenic." That label means they won't cause me to have an allergic reaction, right?

What price beauty? New legislation seeks safety regulations by Marcia G. Yerman, Huffington Post September 19th, 2010 Are American consumers being adequately protected? Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) doesn't think so.

The beauty industry has an ugly side? Cape Argus (South Africa) September 15th, 2010 The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) is to begin researching cosmetics and bath products following reports that a number of shampoos, hair dyes, perfumes, skin lighteners, soaps and baby bath products contain cancer-causing carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as hydroquinone.

Cosmetic safety act highlights health issues by Ashley Michelle Papon, Global Shift blog September 14th, 2010 Most of the responsibility rests with the government, which has routinely allowed for the cosmetic industry to police itself.

Ask Umbra on dangerous cosmetics and regulatory loopholes by Umbra Fisk, Grist September 1st, 2010 As there appears to be a hole in the system, exposing us to toxic chemicals on a daily basis, how can we find the safest and most natural cosmetics that really are natural and organic?

The dark side of beauty? by Kelly Botham, Delaware News Journal August 24th, 2010 It's a part of our daily routine many of us don't give a second thought to -- shampooing our hair, washing our face, dabbing on some makeup.

Two dangerous ingredients in everyday products that are threatening our health by Jill Richardson, AlterNet August 20th, 2010 Over the past several months, your bathroom has become the site of a major controversy.