From shampoo to lotion, almost every cosmetic product is filled with chemicals and hundreds of ingredients; many that are known to be hazardous. The cosmetic industry has very few regulations and it is the consumer’s job to become aware and educated about the products they use every day.

“U.S. researchers report that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors” said by the David Suzuki Foundation in the article ‘Dirty Dozen’ cosmetic chemicals to avoid.

So how does the estimated seventy-one billion dollar industry get away with putting dangerous and extremely harmful chemicals within products millions of people use every day? There are major loopholes within the federal law that have not been significantly amended since they were enacted seventy-five years ago, which is a large contribution.

“[The FDA cannot] review or approve cosmetic products or ingredients before they are sold in public. [And  cannot] effectively and efficiently regulate cosmetic products without facing cumbersome legal proceedings with manufacturers,” Nudelman, author of the article FDA Shortcomings, said.

The cosmetic industry is allowed to market any product as “all-natural,” “safe” and even “organic,” without the label including the lists of harmful chemicals that have been linked to cancer, disrupting hormones and have caused reproductive issues.

Many of these dangerous chemicals are kept well hidden and masked by being labeled as “fragrance,” and because scents are thought of as “trade-secrets,” companies are not required by law to include fragrant ingredients on a label.

“[The] FDA estimates 12,500 cosmetic ingredients, and a similar number of fragrance ingredients, but has formal records for only 4,066,” Nudelman said.

The facts about the hundreds of dangerous chemicals and ingredients in cosmetic products that are being used by millions of people every day is truly terrifying. So what can consumers do to change the terrible truth about beauty products that are not so pretty? Simple. Be cautious, and be educated about the products you buy.

Big industry does not run the world, consumers do. If people do not want the cosmetic industry to get away with putting hundreds of harmful ingredients within products we use every day, then make every purchase count, and do not hesitate to spread consumer awareness.

Becoming a conscious consumer does not have to be a drastic and difficult lifestyle change. In fact, changing to more healthy living can be extremely simple. Downloading the app “Think Dirty” is just one way for the populace to easily educate themselves  and have expansive research about products from multiple sources at their  fingertips.

Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database is another easy-to-use, reliable research site for cosmetics in which people have the ability to search more than 68,000 products. These organizations also offer quick tips for safer cosmetics, lists of safe and healthy products and links to other research centers to provide expansive, factual information.

Living a healthy lifestyle does not just include exercise and a balanced diet; it means using safe and healthy cosmetic products that are used every day. Change in the regulations of the cosmetic industry begins with self-education, which leads to consumer awareness and safer purchases. Consumer demand affects big industry and that is what will lead to change for more safe and healthy products on store shelves.