Toxic Chemicals Found in over Half of Cosmetic Products

In this May 22, 2018, cosmetic products are prepared for display inside the new Givenchy space at the revamped second floor devoted to beauty at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. (AP)
In this May 22, 2018, cosmetic products are prepared for display inside the new Givenchy space at the revamped second floor devoted to beauty at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. (AP)
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Toxic Chemicals Found in over Half of Cosmetic Products

In this May 22, 2018, cosmetic products are prepared for display inside the new Givenchy space at the revamped second floor devoted to beauty at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. (AP)
In this May 22, 2018, cosmetic products are prepared for display inside the new Givenchy space at the revamped second floor devoted to beauty at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. (AP)

Women who slather on makeup day after day don't look so great 30 years on. That's one great reason to stop wearing makeup. Here's another: The makeup itself is a toxic swamp.

After decades of women asking for safe products, cosmetics still contain a stew of worrisome ingredients, the Tribune News Service reported.

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame announced this week that they found substantial evidence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in more than half of popular cosmetic products, even though almost none were listed on ingredient labels. PFAS are commonly added to increase water resistance and durability.

US Senators Susan Collins and Richard Blumenthal responded swiftly, proposing a bill that would ban the entire class of chemicals.

Specific PFAS have long been banned in Europe and manufacturers have responded by simply substituting in other PFAS.

These compounds are associated with a raft of health ailments ranging from cancers to high cholesterol. Short version: You don't want them on your face.

"Lipstick wearers may inadvertently eat several pounds of lipstick in their lifetimes," says Graham Peaslee, senior author of the study and professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame.

"But unlike food, chemicals in lipstick and other makeup and personal care products are almost entirely unregulated in the US and Canada. As a result, millions of people are unknowingly wearing harmful chemicals on their faces and bodies daily."

The study did not single out individual companies, but said the problem is endemic to the cosmetics industry. Conclusively pinpointing the widespread presence of unlisted ingredients is a project.

This study was a five-year, three-country effort by 16 researchers at five universities and the Green Science Policy Institute.



Saudi Fashion Commission Releases 'Ihram Circularity' White Paper, Promoting Sustainable Pilgrimage

Saudi Fashion Commission Releases 'Ihram Circularity' White Paper, Promoting Sustainable Pilgrimage
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Saudi Fashion Commission Releases 'Ihram Circularity' White Paper, Promoting Sustainable Pilgrimage

Saudi Fashion Commission Releases 'Ihram Circularity' White Paper, Promoting Sustainable Pilgrimage

The Saudi Fashion Commission released its white paper, "Ihram Circularity: Weaving a Greener Hajj and Umrah Experience," detailing the innovative Sustainable Ihram Initiative and its potential to revolutionize textile waste management within the Kingdom and beyond.

This initiative marks Saudi Arabia's first foray into circular fashion, intertwining faith, cultural preservation, and environmental responsibility, said the commission in a statement on Monday.

The white paper serves as a comprehensive exploration of the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, which focuses on the creation of a special edition Ihram made from recycled materials.

This initiative transforms discarded Ihrams into sustainable garments for pilgrims undertaking the Hajj and Umrah, embodying a commitment to responsible resource utilization while honoring the spiritual significance of these sacred journeys, explained the statement.

CEO of Fashion Commission Burak Cakmak said: "The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry."

CEO of Tadweem – the Fashion Commission’s partner in the Sustainable Ihram Initiative- Mostafa Bokhari said: "This Circular Ihram represents more than a garment; it is a profound expression of faith intertwined with environmental stewardship. By uniting the principles of faith and sustainability, we are creating a legacy of mindful resource use while honoring the spiritual significance of Hajj and Umrah."

The "Ihram Circularity" white paper delves into the cultural symbolism of Ihram garments and their significance to pilgrims, the potential for scaling Ihram garment recycling and its impact on reducing textile waste, strategies for promoting the use of recycled Ihrams and raising awareness among pilgrims, and the role of technology and innovation in creating high-quality recycled textile products.

The commission invites industry stakeholders, researchers, and the public to explore the white paper and join the conversation about creating a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.