US 8, UK 361
We’ve fallen behind folks! Fallen behind on our cosmetic testing! That’s right; the FDA has banned 8 ingredients from being put into our cosmetics, while the UK is up to a whopping 361. Why the gap? Lets first see the list of ingredients that both countries frown upon:
Bithionol
Chlorofluorocarbon propellants
Halogenated salicylanilides
Vinyl chloride
Zirconium-containing complexes
Chloroform
Methylene chloride
Not being a chemist, I didn’t recognize most of them. Considering both countries gave them the boot, lets just agree that they’re the bad guys. However, the FDA listed two “restricted ingredients” that were both all on the banned list of the UK. Those ingredients being Mercury and Hexachlorophene.
Besides the 354 ingredient difference, it’s odd unto why the FDA would look into these two ingredients and not ban them entirely. Ive researched each of their functions, as well as their hazards. Click the links for more info as well.
Mercury: The only heavy metal that is in liquid form. It is predominately used in mascara as a preservative and prevent bacteria growth. Cosmetic companies are allotted up to 65 parts per million of mercury in their products in order to be deemed as “safe”. What the risk? There are several. For starters, there’s infertility. Mercury lowers zinc levels, which in turn lower progesterone levels. Progesterone is needed to bring a pregnancy to term. Low zinc levels will also lower testosterone levels–sorry guys. Mercury can cross the placental barrier, endangering the unborn child for birth defects and neuronal defects (AKA-learning disabilities). I wont even go into autism and the contraversies that surround it. Moreover, mercury rapidly depletes the immune system. In 2008, Minnesota became the first state to ban mercury in cosmetics, giving it a tougher standard than the FDA. For more information related to ban/phase out states: Click here.
Hexachlorophene (HCP): A disinfectant widely used in toothpastes and acne soaps and creams due to the efficiency of it’s odorless, powder form. However, due to its powder form it is easily inhaled and massively irritating to the lining of the lungs, creating an asthma-like allergy. Already have asthma? Watch out! MCP can also cause nerve damage that may lead to blindness with consistant exposure.
arbonneme 