The Dangers in Revlon cosmetics

I found this to be very enlightening. So often you hear about toxic chemicals but can never remember all the names to look out for when checking labels. Also, I am sure that these chemicals will not only by found in Revlon products, but a whole host of other brands too.  I have noticed that many cosmetics don't give an ingredients list, especially on items such as lipstick.

“Dare to be Revlon.” That’s Revlon’s motto.              

But with all the chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health concerns in Revlon products, no woman should take that dare. To make things worse, Revlon—one of the biggest cosmetics manufacturers in the world—is running ads promoting its support of breast cancer awareness. Do you smell the scent of irony? Do you see the glimmering shades of hypocrisy?



Here’s what we found when we did a survey of Revlon’s products on store shelves:

• Butylated compounds (BHA, BHT)  Found in hair dyes and lip gloss; linked to cancer
• Quaternium-15 and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals  Found in mascaras, pressed powders and eyeliner; linked to cancer
• Parabens  Found in eyeliners and hair dyes; an endocrine disruptor linked to cancer
• Octinoxate  Found in foundation makeup; an endocrine disruptor linked to thyroid disorders
• Resorcinol  Found in hair dye; an endocrine disruptor and allergen
• p-Phenylenediamine  Found in hair dye; a respiratory toxicant
• Carbon black Found in eyeliners; linked to cancer

While Revlon continues to use toxic chemicals, industry leaders are moving toward safer cosmetics. Thanks to our collective efforts, in just the past two years, Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble agreed to reformulate their personal care products to remove certain toxic chemicals. And Walmart and Target are taking steps to help keep dangerous chemicals off their shelves. Now it’s time for Revlon to move.

Received from The Breast Cancer Fund.