Most Americans’ daily routines involve everything from shampoo and conditioner to body lotion and sunscreen. Most of these products contain a unique scent associated with cleansing, grooming or protecting us from the elements. In fact, the average adult uses dozens of personal-care products each day – exposing ourselves to fragrances morning, noon and night.
On the surface, none of this seems troublesome. According to public-opinion polling, the majority of Americans assume personal-care products are tested for safety, checked and overseen by some regulatory body. The beauty industry, however, is one of the most under-regulated markets in the U.S., allowing harmful ingredients to be used in the products we use every day. Many are shocked to learn that there hasn’t been a major reform to personal-care product safety laws since 1938.
For decades a technicality within the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has allowed manufacturers to keep us in the dark about which chemicals actually make up those fragrances we love so much. According to the International Fragrance Association, fragrances can contain any number of nearly 3,000 ingredients, which currently go undisclosed to the end consumer.
Disclosure of these unreported chemicals and ingredients is especially important for individuals with allergies to ensure that they can make informed choices about the products they are using on their bodies.
Fragrances are considered to be among the top five known allergens and can cause and trigger asthma attacks.
Fortunately, there is hope for Rhode Islanders. Rep. Carlos Tobon, D-Pawtucket, has introduced legislation in the General Assembly to require companies to disclose fragrance ingredients, rather than leaving consumers in the dark. This legislation would help mark an important step in realizing our goal of getting safer beauty products in the hands of everyone.
The legislation would require companies to disclose all fragrance components, effectively closing the current loophole that treats synthetic fragrances’ chemical compounds as “trade secrets.”
Transparency, education and advocacy are key to creating a healthier beauty industry. Join us in supporting this cause.
Gregg Renfrew is the founder and CEO of California-based Beautycounter. The company’s skin care products are sold across the country, including by about 100 consultants in Rhode Island.
