Make-up and other cosmetic products are often made of complex combinations of chemicals. Ingredients for cosmetics, both synthetic and natural, come from a vast array of sources. Although these ingredients are regulated in many countries, there is no absolute guarantee that cosmetic products are safe. Their formulations may contain dangerous chemicals that went overlooked, and in some cases , products can become contaminated before they are sold to the public.
Compared to food products and medications, regulation of cosmetics is very limited. The FDA only regulates the use of color additives, with very little oversight of the wide array of other ingredients. Cosmetics companies are often only held responsible for marketing dangerous products when they have been shown to be in violation of the Federal Food , Drug , and Cosmetic Act . With the large number of new products released each season, violations usually only surface after they cause harm.
In response to consumer concern over the contents of cosmetic products, some cosmetics companies have produced lines of “all natural” or organic cosmetics. While there is no regulation of “natural” products, companies must meet strict guidelines before they can market products as organic. So-called “natural” cosmetics can still contain substances that are hazardous, given the number of naturally-occurring toxic substances.
