FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2012
Contact: Kathleen Dezio, (703) 338-0646 or Lisa Powers, (202) 466-0489
PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS COUNCIL REAFFIRMS SAFETY OF COSMETICS,
SAYS SILENT SPRING STUDY FLAWED AND NOT REFLECTIVE OF SOUND SCIENCE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Personal Care Products Council said a study by the Silent Spring Institute
that claims to have found “harmful chemicals” in a wide range of household products again demonstrates
the group’s lack of understanding of safety science. Equating the mere presence of certain chemicals in
products with potential harm is wrong and needlessly scares consumers about products that have a wealth
of scientific data to support their safety.
The study, titled “Endocrine Disruptors and Asthma-Associated Chemicals in Consumer Products,” will
be published tomorrow in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
“The results of this study are not new or surprising and should not alarm consumers. The mere presence
of those chemicals identified does not mean they are harmful,” said Linda Loretz, PhD, senior scientist
and director of safety and regulatory toxicology for the Council. “Cosmetics and personal care products
companies formulate their products to ensure that the amounts of ingredients used fall clearly within
safety limits that have been established by scientific and regulatory bodies around the world.”
“The report contains several key flaws, including: 1) no criteria for the list of chemicals identified as
“endocrine disruptors” or “asthma-associated” is included in the study; 2) products were inappropriately
tested together in batches, so no conclusions can be drawn about the results for any particular product;
and 3) the analysis also gave no consideration for the potency, dose or exposure levels of the ingredients.
Analysis of the study
“Endocrine disruption”: Chemicals with endocrine activity are abundant in nature, including much of the
food we eat such as soy, cabbage, cereals, pomegranates, and coffee. The study’s findings that allege
“endocrine disruption” are not based on relevant science and ignore the fact that these ingredients are
used at levels well within safe limits set by scientific and regulatory bodies around the world.
“Asthma-associated”: The authors do not define what is meant by “chemicals linked to asthma” and
“asthma-associated chemicals.” Instead, the study includes compounds that are reported to have effects in
occupational settings, which has no relevance to the significantly lower exposures in cosmetics and
personal care products.
ADD ONE/SILENT SPRING STUDY
Diethylphthalate (DEP): The study itself notes, “DEP is not generally characterized as an endocrine active
compound,” and cites numerous references in support of its lack of endocrine activity, yet the authors
persisted in listing it among “endocrine disruptors.”
Sunscreens: Sunscreens were cited as endocrine disruptors based on the results of screening assays with
no proven relevance for humans. High levels in products are cited, without acknowledgment that these
are the FDA-approved, normal levels for sun protection. Despite the body of scientific evidence and the
determination by FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology that sunscreens play a critical role in
protecting consumers from UV radiation and premature aging, the authors still assert that sunscreens are
harmful to humans.
Mixtures: The finding of multiple fragrance materials in a fragranced product is considered a “mixture,”
seems to overlook the fact that fragrances are mixtures by definition. The paper reports that the presence
of fragrance compounds is significantly correlated with the presence of other fragrance compounds and
DEP. These are totally expected findings and raise no concern.
Consumer Safety Benefits of Personal Care Products Ingredients Reviewed
The ingredients examined in the Silent Spring study are important to the safety and functionality of
personal care products. For example, parabens, which function as preservatives, are highly effective in
preventing the growth of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, ensuring both the safety and quality of personal
care products.
UV filters and antimicrobials are critical as well. UV filters are used to absorb or reflect the UV rays
contained in sun light or artificial light, and are used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV
light that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
For more information on cosmetics and personal care products, visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org.
Based in Washington, D.C., the Personal Care Products Council is the leading national trade
association representing the global cosmetic and personal care products industry. Founded in 1894, the
Council's more than 600 member companies manufacture, distribute, and supply the vast majority of
finished personal care products marketed in the U.S. As the makers of a diverse range of products
millions of consumers rely on every day, from sunscreens, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer,
lipstick and fragrance, personal care products companies are global leaders committed to product safety,
quality and innovation.
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