Pinkwashing...

Two weeks ago, I wrote about GREENWASHING.  Then I realized that October, the month of Breast Cancer Awareness was coming to an end - which leads me to the topic of PINKWASHING. 

Look at all the companies and spas that are promoting their products and services in support of breast cancer research.  Are they practicing what they're preaching or are they just using Breast Cancer as a tool to generate more sales?

According the most recent statistics issued by the Susan G. Komen foundation, breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths.  Race is not considered a factor for increased risk of this disease, but differ among ethnic groups.  For instance, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among African American women, exceeded only by lung cancer.  Among Hispanic/Latina women, it is the most common cancer.  Breast cancer in men is rare but it does happen. 

Unfortunately only a small fraction of breast cancer can be linked to genetics and we have yet to find a cure.  However, what we are sure of is that many cancers are linked to environmental exposure and chemicals present in items we use daily. 

What is within our control are the lifestyle choices we make beginning with the products we use.  My last blog In US, On Us, Around Us, clearly illustrates how everything we use on our body, feed our body and surround ourselves with has an effect on our health.  Cosmetics and skincare are the items that women utilize most on a daily basis.  In fact, even during a recession, women will scrimp on food and household items before they sacrifice their favorite toiletries. 

But how does the regular consumer begin to wade through they myriad of ingredients and false labeling that skincare giants have successfully masked?  At the recent Green Spa Network Conference, they gave us a few tips which I'd like to share...

The Dirty Dozen are ingredients to avoid in personal care products - Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Phthalates, Nanoparticles, DEA/TEA/MEA, Coal Tar Derivatives, Formaldehyde/Formaldehyde Donors, Hydroquinone, BHA, Octoxynols,  & Ethyl Acetate.  

Did you know that the Beauty Industry is not regulated by the FDA?  This means that companies must list ingredients in order of use but are not required to test their products.  I can't speak for you but I certainly don't feel like being a guinea pig.  So what is the alternative?

Familiarize yourself with this word - INCI... International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.  Many countries including the US, Australia, Japan and the members of the European Union, require manufacturers of cosmetic ingredients to submit all new ingredients for registration in the INCI system.  If you intend to sell your cosmetic products for LEGAL LABELING REQUIREMENTS, you need to use the official INCI name of the ingredients on the label.  This cosmetic regulation law is important for consumer safety.

How do we know whether an ingredient is bad for us?  A great source is the Safe Cosmetics Campaign Database.  What percentage of the ingredients are natural?  "Plant Derived" does not = natural.   How were they extracted?  That makes a difference too.  Do they use Fragrance Oils or Essential Oils?  Fragance oils are synthetic, so definitely watch out for those.  Also remember that unless a product is designed to be use within the next 48 hours, companies must utilize a minimum amount of synthetics to preserve the shelf life.

There are 3 basic rules - Avoid the ingredients that are not good for you.  Look for full disclosure ingredient listing, preferably INCI.  And when in doubt, select the product with a higher percentage of natural ingredients.

So back to Pinkwashing... just like Greenwashing, we need to concentrate on the issue and how we can resolve it rather than getting sucked into the hype and the marketing gimmicks that come with it.  As in any cause, make a conscious effort to support those who truly believe and are working towards the cause.  Personal and social responsibility is the key...