Ingredient Watch: Synthetic Colors
As I talk and work with women, I find more and more women who can’t wear makeup because of allergic reactions to the colors in them.
Most traditional makeup uses synthetic colors that have been derived from coal-tar and are categorized into two groups - D&C and FD&C. D&C stands for Drug and Cosmetics and can only be used in drugs and cosmetics, FD&C stands for Food, Drug, and Cosmetics and can be used in foods as well. According to ratings developed by Environmental Working Group, coal tar has been found to have the highest hazard rating available with effects ranging from allergic reactions to reproductive toxicity and cancer.
As these women have changed their makeup from synthetic coloring to natural colors and pigments, they have happily reported that all their allergic reactions have stopped and they can now wear makeup again!
Be sure to check the coloring agents used your product - especially if you have allegic reactions. Healthy makeup that uses natural occuring and/or inorganic pigments such as plant-based concentrates or extracts, iron oxides, and micas are safest and best for your skin.