Sometimes pretty really does hurt.

Most have heard of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), where their primary goal is to secure the public’s health. The name FDA gets commonly thrown around when talking about food that people purchase and drugs that can be administered. However, the FDA has another area that they are involved in: the makeup industry. 

Every product humans put in or on their body must have approved ingredients or approved quantities to be able to be sold. Makeup is no exception to this rule, but in recent years, many are becoming aware of just how non-strict these regulations really are within the makeup industry. Elkhart High School senior Ivette Ramirez speaks on the matter. “I have noticed just how quickly some makeup products get made. It scares me because I think How careful are they really being?”

With makeup, the FDA has one main priority–and that is approving color additives. Everything else from packaging to ingredients have laws and regulations that govern it. It is fair to say that the FDA does not have full legal authority over the production of makeup products, but acts as a side support. Many have even spoken on their outrage and fear in the subject commonly criticizing the FDCA (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act). With a 500-page law book, only two pages’ primary focus falls under the law of makeup. “I understand that other things that are administered–such as food we consume, prescribed drugs, and more–are important, but  makeup is also a common product that comes in contact with skin.” Ramirez comments. “The worst part of this to me is the fact that makeup commonly touches the eye, a very sensitive area.”

In recent years, many cosmetic companies have been subject to criticism as the truth of their ingredients comes to light. Consumers have found themselves being outraged that a powder they use everyday could maybe have cancer-causing products in it. “I know someone who wears a translucent powder that has recently been found to have cancerous ingredients!” Ramirez exclaims. “And, the part that makes this worse is that it’s still being sold!”

Sometimes, relying on the hope that everything that is being sold in a store is safe isn’t enough. Taking precautions, really looking at the ingredient list, and understanding what it at all means might be what many consumers must do. As the famous saying goes: The body is a temple; take good care of it!