KENS 5 Eyewitness News (San Antonio)
November 26, 2006

We watch what's in the food we eat and the medicines we take, but what about the makeup we wear?

An environmental watchdog group says some cosmetic could cause cancer, so they did some testing, because they say, the government doesn't.

With lotions and potions, gels and paste, we clean, brush and wipe away. However, with all the products out there, do we really think about what goes in them?

That holds true for makeup. These days some makeups contain beneficial ingredients like sunscreen that we all know helps prevent cancer.

"Many foundations and moisturizers contain sunscreen, which is very important in the primary prevention of sun damage, which will go on to cause skin cancer," oncologist Dr. Debra Patt said.

But now comes a warning by a Washington, D.C., environmental group that some makeup ingredients could actually cause cancer.

"What we found was disturbing," said Ken Cook, founder of the Environmental Working Group.

The group studied some 14,000 personal care products, and the results are raising eyebrows.

More than one-third of the products contained at least one ingredient linked to cancer, 57 percent contained penetration enhancer chemicals, and 79 percent may contain impurities like known human carcinogens.

"(When) something like 89 percent of ingredients have not been adequately reviewed for safety, (that) sends off an alarm bell in our minds that we need a system to make sure products are safe," Cook said.

He said it's difficult to know if they are safe, because he said the Food and Drug Administration requires testing on color additives, but does not review or approve other cosmetic ingredients before they're sold to the public.

"We feel people should not panic, but be aware and be concerned," dermatologist Dr. Jason Reichenberg said. “There are no elements in any of the makeups that are very highly linked to cancer."

Reichenberg said people don't need to be alarmed — just aware — of what's going on and in their skin.

"I don't think there's strong enough evidence to show great concern, but I do think it might merit more investigation," he said.

In the meantime, doctors said people would do better by making some healthy lifestyle changes, instead of being overly concerned about their makeup.

People should just keep an eye on the products they buy and use.




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