Products classified as drugs require to disclose all potential side effects to consumers and must get FDA approval before going to the market. Here we briefly go through drugs vs cosmetics. These products are also required to prove their safety and effectiveness. Any drug can still be considered safe despite potential side-effects, so consumers have to determine whether the benefits outweigh the potential downfalls.
Cosmetic products on the other hand, are mostly self-policed. The FDA has only banned 11 ingredients since the Federal, Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act was passed in 1938. This is compared to the over 1,400 banned ingredients in the United States. The federal agency does investigate cosmetics products periodically when adverse effects are reported, however, they have no authority to recall products unless manufacturers voluntarily agree to. Also, unlike drugs, cosmetic manufacturers are not legally required to report adverse effects to the FDA.
What is Prostaglandins? Prostaglandins are chemical compounds with hormone-like effects. Common side effects of these compounds are:
- Darkening of the skin around the eyes,
- Eyelid inflammation
- Burning, stinging, and eye pain
- Darkening of the iris
- Thinning and loss of eyelashes
- Blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
While cosmetic users are taking a risk with these products, they’re aware of the probable complications when they purchase. But the real problem is that some lash serums marketed as cosmetics contain a synthetic version of the same prostaglandin analog found in brand Latisse. These ingredients have the same potential side effects and no one is making sure these products are safe in the short or long term. Other toxic ingredients to avoid in lash serum products are:
- PEGS
- Sodium benzoate + ascorbic acid
- Potassium sorbate
- Triethanolamine
- Boric acid
- Sodium borate
The Personal Care Products Safety Act is a proposed bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic act for the first time in 81 years. It would give the FDA more authority to order recall and police unsafe products. If passed, the first action would be to ban 5 known carcinogens from cosmetics. With HawkScanner you can search up to 5 ingredients a day at no cost and gain access to the official FDA database. With our paid tiers you gain unlimited searches, trusted data, and 24/7 online customer support. Sign up to our mailing list and stay updated with news.