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What is Bismuth Oxychloride, why is it in so many mineral brands and why don’t you include it in BARE Natur-ALL products?
Many women experience skin irritation when using mineral makeup and don't know why. Often the inclusion of bismuth oxychloride in mineral makeup is the reason.
Bismuth is the by-product of lead and copper refining, as well as other metals to a smaller degree. It is very heavy and chemically resembles arsenic and antimony. It has a whitish/iridescent hue and has a very high shine property to it, which is why cosmetic companies use it to make their makeup shiny or pearlescent. It also makes makeup highly refractive, which means that it will more easily camouflage fine lines, wrinkles and discolourations.
Bismuth components are used in everything from detection work, to making acrylic fibres, to safety devices in fire detection and extinguishing items, soldering, magnets and medicine as well as cosmetics. Bismuth is also used as a carrier for fuel in nuclear reactors!
Companies use Bismuth Oxychloride in their cosmetics because it is cheap to buy and is an inexpensive filler. It does have binding qualities, so the makeup will "stick" to your skin, so to speak.
The reason BARE Natur-ALL does not use Bismuth Oxychloride in our products is because it can act as an irritant to some women. Bismuth is a very heavy element, which makes it difficult for many people to wear. It has to be forced into the pores using a buffing technique; otherwise it is capable of sliding off the wearer's face. The heaviness can result in clogged pores or irritated skin.
On a molecular level, it has a crystalline shape, which may be a cause of the itchiness some women get when they wear it. Also, with Bismuth being a close cousin to arsenic, and our bodies get sick from ingesting arsenic, it makes sense that skin would become irritated from having bismuth forced into it.
Bismuth Oxychloride is NOT an essential part of mineral cosmetics, so we choose not to use it. There are other ways to adhere makeup to your skin and add sheen that are better for your skin! Because BARE Natur-ALL does not use Bismuth Oxychloride, you’ll find that our makeup has a lighter feeling and blends into the skin better and with less effort.
Why do you talk about not using talc in your cosmetics? What’s so bad about Talc?
Talc is a mineral, produced by the mining of talc rocks and then processed by crushing, drying and milling. Processing eliminates a number of trace minerals from the talc, but does not separate minute fibres which are very similar to asbestos. Talc itself is toxic and a known carcinogen.
Despite this, Talc is found in a wide variety of consumer products ranging from home and garden pesticides to medications, antacids and of course, cosmetic and body products. Talc is a cheap filler for cosmetic products and also helps to create makeup in a compact form – e.g. eyeshadow compacts, powder compacts etc.
Talc is closely related to the potent carcinogen asbestos. Talc particles have been shown to cause tumors in the ovaries and lungs of cancer victims. For the last 30 years, scientists have closely scrutinized talc particles and found dangerous similarities to asbestos.
Responding to this evidence in 1973, the FDA in the USA, drafted a resolution that would limit the amount of asbestos-like fibres in cosmetic grade talc. However, no ruling has ever been made and today, cosmetic grade talc remains non-regulated. This inaction ignores a 1993 National Toxicology Program report which found that cosmetic grade talc, without any asbestos-like fibres, caused tumors in animal subjects indicating that with or without asbestos-like fibres, cosmetic grade talcum powder is a carcinogen.
Talc poses a health risk when exposed to the lungs. Talc miners have shown higher rates of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses from exposure to industrial grade talc, which contains dangerous silica and asbestos. The common household hazard posed by talc is inhalation of baby powder by infants. Since the early 1980s, records show that several thousand infants each year have died or become seriously ill following accidental inhalation of baby powder.
Because of this overwhelming evidence to suggest that Talc is a dangerous ingredient, we do not include Talc in any of BARE Natur-ALL’s products.
What are parabens?
Parabens are preservatives which are commonly used in products such as soap, shampoo, deodorant and makeup.
There is accumulating evidence questioning the safety of parabens. There is evidence to suggest that they can have an effect on the endocrine system of humans - especially in relation to women's risk of breast cancer. Traces of parabens have been found in breast tumour samples, although its link to the development of cancer is disputed.
We’ve been using regular makeup for decades – why all the fuss now?
All of this information is only coming to the fore now because it’s only just becoming apparent the harm we are doing to our bodies with the toxins found in so many of our day to day cosmetic products. We were previously unaware that perfume which is toxic turns up in our breast milk. We didn’t know that our bodies have a toxic chemical body burden. We are only now just learning that a lot of these ingredients are carcinogenic. Everyone is decrying the epidemics of cancer that we are suffering in our societies and leading scientists and health experts are only just now telling us that these toxins may well be the cause of these escalating degenerative diseases.
Even if these chemicals are dangerous – just because I’m putting them on my skin, doesn’t mean I’m absorbing them into my body does it?
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and is your body’s interface with the external world. The skin absorbs chemicals so well in fact, that this is now a preferred method of application for various hormones and drugs - think Nicotine patches, Hormonal patches etc.
Recent studies have shown that women who use makeup on a daily basis are absorbing almost 5 pounds of chemicals a year into their bodies. Some of these chemicals are linked to side effects ranging from skin irritation to cancer.
When a product is applied to the skin, those chemicals which can be absorbed penetrate the dermis where there are many tiny blood vessels, as well as a layer of fatty tissue. Here, chemicals enter the bloodstream through these vessels where they can be carried to organs and other areas of the body, while others accumulate in the fatty tissue. Some chemicals will be processed by the liver and excreted, however when the rate of absorption exceeds the body’s capacity to excrete, the chemicals will start to accumulate in the fatty tissues of the body and in the organs.
Rather than just assuming that the chemicals in the products you are putting on your skin are safe, start questioning and doing your own research so that you can make the right choices about what you choose to put on and into your body.
If all of these ingredients are so bad for us, why do companies put them in our everyday products and why hasn’t regulation been put in place to ban them?
None of the chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products are fully tested, and for most, there is only very basic information available on their health effects. This means the magnitude of their potential adverse effects is unknown. Increasingly, however, there appear to be large numbers of the population affected by many of the chemicals in these products, and we are also seeing an increasing prevalence of diseases like asthma, multiple chemical sensitivity, auto-immune disorders such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and allergies.
The study of toxic substances is still in its infancy. But because of the mounting evidence of the dangers of some of these ingredients, BARE Natur-ALL has chosen to make products without them. Every consumer has a choice as to whether they are happy to continue using chemical ingredients that may potentially be harmful, or to look for a more natural, and hopefully safer alternative. Many people simply aren’t aware of the uncertain risk of long term health effects, but some that are may choose to continue using the same products.
Regulatory authorities believe that the number of people experiencing adverse reactions is small and that others who enjoy using the products should not be deprived of them. Authorities do not necessarily investigate how many people are affected or how seriously, because this research is expensive.
Cosmetic companies are also not required to submit any information on the harmful effects of products, as this can be done on a voluntary basis. Through this system, virtually any product, regardless of safety, can be sold to the public. Right now, research shows that these products can be produced with lower and lower toxicity.
There are also arguments that low levels of carcinogenic substances in a product are okay. It is our view that this is completely false and can be verified by the likes of Dr Samuel Epstein, chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition in the USA who says that there is NO safe limit for a carcinogen. Further to this point, no research has been done as to the interaction of these chemicals with one another, and it is those interactions that are often the most potentially harmful.
Even though there is enough evidence and studies out there in the world to suggest that Talc is a carcinogen, if regulatory bodies were to rid every shelf in the world of any product containing talc, it would pose a massive disruption to the industry they represent.
How do I know what chemicals are in a product that I am using?
Simply read the ingredients! When reading an ingredient list, the main ingredient is listed at the top or first, followed by the second main ingredient, and so on. At the end of the list are those ingredients that only make up 0.5% of the actual product – and these can be listed in any order.
In Nord America, consumers should be aware that companies are not required by law to list every one of their ingredients. They can simply list their active ingredients. Hence companies could potential wax lyrical about their organic, natural ingredients and not mention AT ALL the fact that there are some very undesirable additional ingredients contained in the product.
If all these ingredients are so dangerous how come I’ve never had a reaction?
The chemicals in cosmetics may seem to have little or seemingly no affect on the majority of the population. However, we should always remember that some health problems take years to develop and may be the result of a number of factors, including repeated exposure to minute amounts of chemicals over a long period. Also, different people have different skin reactions depending on their skin type, the length of time their skin is exposed to a chemical and the quantity and concentration of a product used.
You use Titanium Dioxide in your products. I heard that’s bad for you.
There are two kinds of Titanium Dioxide used in cosmetic products. There is concern about the nano-sized or micronised particles of Titanium Dioxide, but BARE Natur-ALL DOES not use this kind. BARE Natur-ALL has conducted extensive research in this area and is extremely confident in the safety of the non-micronised titanium that they use – which has had no adverse health effects reported.
We have checked our Titanium Dioxide with the EWG in the US and it has come back as little or no adverse reactions reported. Our Titanium Dioxide is considered Fine with the particles being between 1 and 2 microns. Our Titanium Dioxide is not micronised (less than 0.1 microns) and has no nanoparticles, and therefore can not under any circumstances penetrate the skin.
Once again, education is key here in letting consumers know that there are two types of Titanium Dioxide – and which one to look out for.
What is happening in the natural cosmetics industry at the moment?
The natural cosmetics industry is booming all over the world as women are increasingly buying makeup based on ingredients rather than glamour.
The market for natural cosmetics is expanding at an incredible rate. It is estimated that natural and organic personal care sales are currently worth $4.3 billion in the US and may reach close to $7 billion by 2010, a jump of more than 50%.
Natural color cosmetic sales are around $336 million in the US and are projected to reach $500 million by 2010.
The same trends can be seen in Europe where natural cosmetic revenues are doubling every few years. With this in mind, Nord America is set to follow suit.
Initially most demand for natural cosmetics was from consumers who suffered from ailments like skin irritation and rashes, however the consumer base has expanded in recent years. The recent popularity of mineral makeup illustrates that natural ingredients are resonating with all consumers and have broad appeal.
Natural cosmetics are gaining favor as they contain low levels of possibly harmful substances. Other consumers are turning to natural and organic cosmetics because of the functionality and quality of natural ingredients. As a result we’re seeing natural cosmetics make a move from fringe/specialty retail into mass retail.
Why should beauticians/make-up artists/Pharmacies etc stock and use mineral make-up in their salons?
Beauticians/pharmacies etc should stock and use mineral makeup in their salons because from a business perspective, more than ever before, consumers are seeking safer, more natural, chemical free products in all facets of their life which means the increase in consumer demand for mineral makeup is on the rise. The mineral cosmetics market is BOOMING in the U.S. and the U.K.
According to the “US Market for Natural and Organic Personal Care" report published by Packaged Facts in 2005, "Natural and/or organic personal care sales have rocketed to $4.3 billion, and may reach $6.6 billion in 2010 -- a jump of more than 50%. Natural Color Cosmetics sales are around $336 Million, and are projected to reach $500 Million by 2010 in the US.”
Essentially, if salons do NOT stock a mineral makeup range with this in mind, they simply won’t be able to cater to the changing demands of their clients nor will they be able to claim a slice of this emerging market. The trend towards mineral makeup will continue and only increase as more and more women become educated about the benefits of using mineral cosmetics.
How important is it to educate consumers/clients on the benefits of mineral cosmetics and the harmful effect of chemicals?
Consumer education about mineral cosmetics and the harmful effect of chemicals in beauty products is massively important. The only way that people move over to mineral cosmetics is if they are educated on the benefits. In salons where BARE Natur-ALL is selling like hotcakes – the reason is because the salon pushes the benefits of mineral cosmetics and encourages trial. Mineral cosmetics ARE a new market and therefore does require education. But once people try it, they are instantly converted!
People that are looking for alternatives to traditional makeup, often give up on makeup all together because they don’t KNOW that an alternative exists. It is so important for Beauty Specialists to educate women about the makeup choices available to them.
In terms of educating women about the harmful effects of chemicals, we believe this is VITALLY important, but it is also ESSENTIAL that you have accurate knowledge at your finger tips about the different chemicals found in makeup and the effects they can have on the skin. There is more and more research coming out about the harmful effects of chemicals in all kinds of cosmetics. Body care, skin care, makeup etc.
People are becoming aware that they need to reduce their chemical body burden. So YES we need to educate, but at the same time, you’re opening a Pandora’s box and you want to make sure that you have the correct information and research on hand.
We certainly aren’t promoting scare mongering, so if you’re going to educate your customers, make sure you are up to date on the latest information and are able to inform people correctly. If you are not confident on the details, you can certainly provide general guidance for customers on their options – that option A) contains chemicals, and option B) doesn’t.
The important point comes in educating the consumer to always read the label so that they can start taking responsibility for what they put into their bodies. Too many brands are trading on this “natural/green” image and making out that their product is natural, but if you read the label, you’ll see that the product may still contain Talc, parabens, Bismuth Oxychloride etc. Encourage your clients not to be misguided by advertising hype, and to always read the label.
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