Eye Opener: Environmental Working Group

To be completely honest, generally speaking, I do not tend to use a lot of cosmetic supplies. I actually had to look up on the Target store website to search through the cosmetics section in an attempt to find a product I 'use' that's probably lying in the bottom of my dresser's drawer. I do not wear any foundation creams or anything so the product I chose was CoverGirl Lashblast mascara, Black Brown. 


After typing the product's name into the Cosmetic Safety Database I was slightly discouraged.  It was revealed to me that the safety of my mascara was rated 5/10 (10 being the most toxic), which means it poses a moderate hazard.  The database continued on and revealed that some of the ingredients found in this product are linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, and allergies/immunotoxicity.  From that the most toxic ingredient in my mascara is Petroleum Distillates scoring 8/10 (10 being the most toxic ingredient).  Unfortunately some side effects linked to this ingredient include cancer and organ system toxicity (non-reproductive).  Followed closely behind Petroleum Distillate was Propylparaben scoring 6/10.  Negative side effects and links to this ingredient entail developmental/reproductivity toxicity, endocrine disruption, allergies/immunotoxicity, and again, organ system toxicity (non-reproductive).


When I view these results I am both shocked and disappointed.  Since I don't wear make-up very often I do feel I am less likely to develop any of the negative side effects, however, that being said, I do have a high concern about using the product now.  The next time I wear make-up instead of applying mascara I will be thinking that I am applying cancer to my lashes.  After using this database I have really realized how much I need to assess my life as a whole.  I feel as if I would like to go home right now and toss the mascara into the trash.  As I was browsing through the Target webpage I notice they carry an organic mascara, Physicians Formula Organic mascara.  I attempted to look this product up on the database, however, was unable to find any results.  This is a product I will be conducting more research on and will hopefully consider in the future.