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New research from the United States, based on more than 200 surveys, could take the shine off children's makeup. The study suggests that most children under the age of 12 could potentially be using toxic makeup products, exposing them from an early age to lead, asbestos and other chemicals harmful to health.
New research from the United States, based on more than 200 surveys, could take the shine off children's makeup. The study suggests that most children under the age of 12 could potentially be using toxic makeup products, exposing them from an early age to lead, asbestos and other chemicals harmful to health.
A little lip gloss, some glitter, and why not a little touch of nail polish... Children often like to copy what grownups do, especially when it comes to makeup. And while this may seem like harmless fun, at first glance, it could actually be more harmful than we think, according to the findings of a study conducted by scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Earthjustice, based on more than 200 surveys. The research reveals that most American children use makeup and body care products that "may contain carcinogens and other toxic chemicals."
A popular pastime
Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the research reports that more than three quarters of parents surveyed in the study (79%) say that their children aged 12 and under regularly or occasionally use makeup or body products specifically marketed for children. This can range from face paint to temporary tattoos, glitter, lip gloss, lipsticks, stick-on jewelry, eye shadow, nail polish and hair sprays.
In fact, more than half of the children surveyed (54%) use makeup and body products formulated for children at least once a month, while 12% use them every day, and 20% of them use them for eight hours or more at a time. One third of children also reported having unintentionally ingested such products in the past year -- an observation that highlights the need to use safe products, without any potential danger for the users concerned.
Lead, asbestos, phthalates
However, this is not the primary focus of the study, which in turn draws on previous research. This has found that these products, although intended for young users, 'often' contain toxic chemicals ranging from lead to asbestos, perfluoroalkyl substances, phthalates and formaldehyde. Chemicals that, in some cases, are associated with an increased risk of cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other 'serious' health issues.
“It is alarming that industry is being allowed to sell makeup and body products marketed to children that contain extremely toxic chemicals. Findings from this study can help federal agencies better understand how children are using these products and will hopefully spur agencies to act to protect children from toxic chemical exposures,” said Earthjustice Attorney Lakendra Barajas. “Unfortunately, currently, little is being done at the federal level to protect children from toxic chemicals in children's makeup and body products.”
This is further supported by the study's senior author, Julie Herbstman: "Children are particularly vulnerable to adverse health risks associated with chemicals often found in makeup and body products. In addition to dermal exposure through the skin, behavioral patterns such as hand-to-mouth activity may increase exposure to products through unintentional ingestion. Additionally, children’s small body size, rapid growth rate, developing tissues and organs, and immature immune systems make them biologically susceptible to the effects of toxicants."
What's the situation in Europe?
In 2014, the French consumer association UFC-Que Choisir also highlighted the presence of harmful compounds in some makeup and costume cosmetics products intended for children, calling for a tightening of European regulations. Four years later, the French federation of beauty and cosmetics companies, theFEBEA, sought to reassure consumers… so long as they follow some basic rules. "Makeup products for children are considered both cosmetics and toys. They must therefore comply with two European regulations: one relating to cosmetic products and the other to toys. This double requirement is a robust guarantee for consumers when it comes to finding safe products for their children," reads the organization's website.
To avoid any risk, it is advisable not to buy any product that does not have the CE mark, which guarantees compliance with European regulations. But the FEBEA goes even further, by recommending buying only products on which the list of ingredients is clearly displayed, and not buying products that do not mention the age group for which they are intended. These requirements form part of European Union regulations on cosmetics and toys.
