05:35 PM CST on Friday, February 10, 2006

Lisa Manzo, News 4

Watch Lisa Manzo’s report

(KMOV) -- More and more people are going natural as a way to avoid certain chemicals in cosmetics, bath, and body products.

Health Team Reporter Lisa Manzo looks at some alternatives and why there is concern over possible cancer causing agents in many products.

Bare Escentuals' popularity stems, in part, from its purity.

"Our makeup is 100 percent pure bare minerals.  It does not contain any additives, or fillers or waxers, binders or preservatives," says the company’s Jackie Nordmann.

In a push to avoid certain chemicals in cosmetics, an environmental group has created the compact for safe cosmetics.  250 companies have signed the agreement to follow European standards that limit or ban certain chemicals thought to cause cancer or birth defects.  One thing about this list, you probably won't recognize many of the names on it.

Botanical Earth owner Debra Hendron signed the agreement two years ago.  She makes organic soaps and skin care products.

“You never know until ten years down the road. So if there is something that is throwing up a red flag around the world, Japan, the UE, have all banned the ingredients,” she says.  “I'm trying to be a step ahead and not just follow the minimum us requirements."

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics works closely with groups like the Breast Cancer Fund. Both are working to pressure the cosmetics industry to eliminate suspected hazardous chemicals.

"Breast cancer is a disease that is increasing massively.  It's pretty much an epidemic in the United States,” says Dr. John Anstey.

Dr. Anstey suspects many chemicals in our environment are partially to blame. But he points out that there needs to be a massive, nationwide study on these chemicals since the data is unclear.

Cosmetics are uncontrolled by the FDA so we don't really know what's in some of these.  Are there some carcinogens in cosmetics?  Most likely there are, but say lower than the dose that would cause a problem. But if it's cumulative doses over time then you say maybe this chemical is over time causing problems. The FDA does regulate the colors that go into cosmetics.

Some cosmetics companies are voluntarily removing certain chemicals from products even though the data isn't conclusive.

Dr. Anstey says if you have concerns, read product labels and do your research.