While washing up, students may be putting more on than taking off.

The average American simply doing their daily hygienic routine of washing, deodorizing and beautifying, is exposed to about 168 chemicals, some of which are causing great concern, according to the Environmental Working Group, a consumer and environmental advocacy research organization.

“There are a lot of different things out there, in our moisturizers and other products and some are linked to cancer,” said naturopathic doctor Colleen Murphy, who uses botanically derived products in her practice.

Research about chemicals in products prompted state Sen. Carole Migden to sponsor the bill SB 484, which requires that all companies selling cosmetics in California report to the Department of Health Services any ingredients that are deemed carcinogens by the state of California, per a pre-existing list created under another proposition. It passed and became a law in October 2005.

As part of the bill, about 263 companies have signed a pledge circulated by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, in which they promise to replace certain hazardous ingredients within three years. Several of these brands are currently sold at health food stores and smaller stores, including Burt’s Bees and Aubrey Organics.

Students who value their skin and the environment may be more cautious while shopping.

“It has been years since I bought conventional products (toiletries) because I am trying to avoid the chemicals," said Drake Ewing, 24, creative writing major. "Also because I am concerned about the chemicals going into the environment. I am concerned about the chemicals, I don't know their names. I’ve read some things about potential carcinogens and also skin getting dried out.”

Despite these findings, students may continue to buy these products.

“I’ve heard about chemicals in products, but it doesn’t bother me,” said Christine Perez, 21, child development student.

Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration has little to no regulatory power over the cosmetic industry. The only rule that is enforced is that all ingredients must be listed on the label according to the EWG.

The EWG states that the correlation between certain cancers and carcinogenic chemicals is becoming increasingly clear, with petro-chemicals like parabens being found in 100 percent of breast cancer biopsies.

Parabens, the byproducts of petroleum processing which have been linked to breast cancer, are just one of the target ingredients currently being phased out of many more natural products.

David Hockin, a buyer for Whole Foods in the health and body section, said their company already implements a strict screening process for products. The product must contain no artificial dyes, colors, and fragrances and be cruelty free to be sold at their store. Generally these products come at a somewhat higher cost than drugstore brands.

"People usually want to buy less expensive products," Hockin said.
But chemicals in toiletries affect more than our skin.

“All chemicals in the environment add to the total chemical load,” said Murphy. “We are bombarded by environmental insults from all directions, so it’s best to use organic (cosmetic) products to lower this, because it is something we can control, unlike exhaust and environmental pollution.”

Practicing dermatologist Dr. Karen Keller disagrees with the idea that chemicals found in skincare products pose any threat.

“I am not concerned with the chemicals found in (skincare) products,” she said. “They aren’t harmful, if they were they wouldn’t be on the market.”

Hockin believes that people should be willing to pay more for a purer product.

“The skin is an organ, ultimately, anything you put on your skin, you are essentially eating,” he said.
“Skin products are more than skin deep.”