Concern Arises Over Chemicals in Teen Cosmetics

September 2008

A small study conducted by the Environmental Working Group has found that teenagers may be contaminated with potentially dangerous chemicals from cosmetics. Researchers found ingredients linked to health problems in animals in the blood and urine of all of the teens who were tested.

Author Rebecca Sutton says that she found 16 cosmetic-related chemicals in the teenage girls. The ingredients belong to four classes of chemicals – triclosan, which may affect the thyroid, and parabens, synthetic musks, and phthalates, all of which act like hormones. According to the report, ingredients in all four classes have been linked to cancer in laboratory studies.

Sutton says that scientists are concerned about girls using chemicals that interfere with the hormone system because children's bodies are still developing. Teens involved in the study used an average of 17 personal care products a day, compared to adult women who use 12 personal care products a day. The report urges the government to set safety standards for ingredients that are used in cosmetics.