A new study by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) has found that some cosmetics brands claiming to be organic actually contain harmful carcinogens. After rigorous testing by a “reputable” lab known for its chain of custody testing, the chemical Ethylene Oxide, was found in more than one brand. The chemical is a known carcinogen because it generates 1,4-Dioxane as a by-product. Not only is it a major contaminant of groundwater, but its harmful effects are felt in the kidney, as a neurotoxicant and respiratory toxicant.
Some leading “natural” and “organic” brands found were to contain the chemical were:
• JASON Pure Natural & Organic
• Giovanni Organic Cosmetics
• Kiss My Face
• Nature’s Gate Organics
Executive Driector of OCA, Ronnie Cummins stresses, “the practice of ethoxylating ingredients or using other petroleum compounds must end for natural personal care, and is that much more outrageous in so-called ‘organics’ brand products.” David Steiman author of The Safe Shopper’s Bible, and member of OCA, is also concerned by the petroleum based, or “petrochemical” because of the chronic dependence on foreign oil by the US, he notes quite alarmingly, that we are “literally bathing ourselves and our children in toxic petroleum compounds.” This is clearly not appropriate for a brand that is “organic” or “natural”.
What’s a bit disturbing is that there have been other cases of mislabeling. Labels have always been vague and misleading, but this is not to be expected from the organic industry. The study by OCA also found that products that were certified by the USDA National Organic Program, tested Dioxane-Free. The safest bet when reading the label is to check for a USDA certified label in the States. However, most organic and natural products in the US don’t have this label, let alone other countries. In addition, a worldwide certification seal and standard has yet to be established so each country must come up with it own labeling. For instance, in Australia organic products have increased 30% over 2007, yet there are eight different certification bodies overseen by the government.
So your best bet is to start learning the words and ingredients to avoid. A good tip is to squint your eyes further and look for words like, “myreth,” “oleth,” “laureth,” “ceteareth,” any other “eth,” “PEG,” “polyethylene,” “polyethylene glycol,” “polyoxyethylene,” or “oxynol,” in ingredient names on the under the ingredients portion of the label, and indicate the presence of ethoxylation. It’s a little more hassle at the grocery store, but it will ultimately help in choosing the most organic and more importantly, least harmful shampoo or soap brand.
