Ingredient Hazards Lurking Behind Labels
The secrecy behind ingredient lists isn’t just an issue of semantics; it has real health implications. Many hidden ingredients, particularly in fragrances, are linked to respiratory issues, skin sensitivity, and even long-term health risks like reproductive toxicity. For example, over 3,000 known fragrance chemicals exist, yet only 26 are mandated as allergens in the EU, with planned expansion to just 81. The U.S., meanwhile, has even fewer restrictions.
Several commonly used ingredients have been criticised for their potential health effects.
Parabens, for instance, are widely known to disrupt hormone functions, while
phthalates, often found in fragrances, have been linked to developmental and reproductive harm. Without full disclosure, consumers have little control over what they are absorbing into their bodies.
Jessica DeFino, a
beauty journalist and critic, has pointed out that brands often use the term proprietary as a defence mechanism, avoiding disclosure under the guise of trade secrets. This leaves consumers in the dark, only partially informed about what they’re putting on their skin every day.
The Problem With Greenwashing in the Beauty Industry: Marketing Over Substance
The transparency in ingredient disclosure isn’t just about protecting formulas—it’s often used to evade informing consumers of ingredients that might otherwise be considered to potentially toxic. Many beauty brands capitalise on vague, eco-friendly terminology to appeal to conscious consumers while dodging true accountability. Terms like natural, clean, or non-toxic are frequently found on packaging, yet there are no universal standards or regulations governing their use. For instance, the
U.S. FDA has no specific guidelines defining natural or organic terms in cosmetics, leaving them open to interpretation.
The
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have led campaigns pushing for increased regulation and transparency, arguing that the lack of oversight allows companies to make misleading claims without evidence. Consumers, meanwhile, are often swayed by these buzzwords, trusting that they indicate safety or sustainability without realising the lack of regulatory backing.