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WEN’s
Ending the Cosmetics Cover Up campaign which highlights
the thousands of potentially harmful chemicals used in skincare
products and toiletries generates many enquiries from those seeking
out alternative products. In response WEN has invited cosmetics
and toiletries companies to complete a questionnaire on the sustainability
of their manufacturing processes. These responses can be viewed
or printed by clicking on the links above. Click on 'Q' next to
the company name to see their full answers.
Due
to staff shortages the process for adding new companies, updating
the list and reinstating previously listed companies is severely
delayed. We apologise and appreciate your patience in this matter.
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Only
companies which as a minimum state that their products are
free from both parabens,
and synthetic
fragrances are included on the list.
Inclusion
on this list does NOT represent an endorsement by WEN of
the companies or their products. more… |
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New criteria for 2005
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This
certification criteria was added in 2005 to take account of
developments in independently monitored standards for the
health and beauty industry, particularly the Soil
Association in the UK, and BDIH
in Germany. Click on the links to learn more about these standards.
For clarity we only indicate if ALL of a companies’
products carry a recognised certification, though some of
the listed companies do have specific products or a range
of products which carry certification. |
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The
Nano free criteria has been added as nanoparticles are already
being used in cosmetics, e.g. titanium oxide nanoparticles
is used in some sun creams. Nanoparticles are defined as anything
smaller than 100 nanometres in size. A nanometre is one-billionth
of a metre, 80,000 times smaller than a human hair. It has
already been shown to be possible for nanoparticles to enter
the bloodstream on inhalation and cross the blood-brain barrier,
thus entering the brain itself. WEN is calling for an immediate
precautionary approach to the use of nanoparticles especially
in consumer products as more research is required to see what
their long-term effects could be. Position statement available
on request. |
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The
Fair Trade criteria has been added in 2005, as a number of
cosmetics products now include ingredients which carry the
FairTrade Mark. For more information about Fair Trade and
for an explanation of the differences between organic and
fair trade standards please visit the Fair Trade Foundation
by clicking on the Fair Trade logo. |
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Parabens
and synthetic fragrances were selected as the two
basic criteria for inclusion as they are among the most common found
in many products. Parabens are one of the most widely used preservatives,
are oestrogen mimics and have been implicated in a number of health
issues. Synthetic fragrance, often labelled parfum, can contain
between 50 and 100 chemical fragrances and may indicate the presence
of phthalates linked to reproductive damage. (see separate cosmetics
briefing, and our Pretty
Nasty report on phthalates). It
is worth noting that skin may react to natural as well as synthetic
ingredients.
Inclusion
on this list does NOT represent an endorsement by WEN of the companies
or their products. WEN’s approach would be first and foremost
to question the need for many of the products marketed, and secondly
to encourage consumers to be discerning, and to use less of the
products they do buy. What you can do: Arm yourself with our cosmetics
briefing, check labels, and contact the companies yourselves for
verification of their claims. Also contact retailers to encourage
them to stock alternative brands. |
