Don't Worry Your Pretty Heads, Says Cosmetics Industry

In response to growing concerns about the safety of some cosmetics, the industry group Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) "has embarked on what it calls an 'education process' designed to reassure consumers." As the Center for Media and Democracy reported previously, part of CTFA's PR campaign is a website with industry-provided safety information -- perhaps intended to counter the "Skin Deep" online database by environmental and public health advocates. "Consumers are looking for greater transparency," noted CTFA's John Bailey. While "the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not test cosmetics before they enter the market," companies apply "good science" to assess their products' safety, assured Bailey. But former model Olivia James, among others, has her doubts. Her son was born with a condition linked to exposure to phthalates, chemicals commonly in cosmetics. The European Union has banned some phthalates and other chemicals allowed in U.S. cosmetics.