How many times have you heard the slogan “clinically proven” linked to pharmaceutical or cosmetic products? Yet how many of us actually know what that means? What kind of testing is done, and which facility runs it? How do they get the results they get?

The awful truth is that there’s no law that governs these tests. It’s not regulated what the best tests would be, and there are no guidelines around which clinic should run them. Unfortunately, “clinically proven” is often simply a way to add a bit more marketing spin to a product.

You don’t need much to put a label on a cosmetic product that reads “clinically tested”. Companies perform these tests according to their own specifications, in laboratories of their own choosing. The consumer is given no further details. Did the product or component pass all the tests required? And if so, how? You, as the consumer, have no way of knowing for sure.

If a company runs tests that show that a product is harmful to human health, they can still label it “clinically tested”, because yes, it has been tested! There is no law preventing them from this labelling. Of course, this is an extreme example, but recent studies confirm that people are showing increased sensitivity and getting allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetics (face, body, hair, make-up) containing commonly used petrochemicals.

Using these cosmetics for a prolonged period of time definitely increases the possibility of being adversely affected by these substances.

How Many Chemicals in Your Bathroom Cabinet?

Have you ever considered how many cosmetic products that you come in contact with on a daily basis, containing synthetic fragrances or petrochemicals? Your morning routine usually consists of: toothpaste, face cleanser, tonic, moisturiser, deodorant, and then (if you’re a lady who loves her make-up), mascara, powder, pencil and lipstick . Men can add a little shaving cream and aftershave to that list.

Then you slip into your clothes for the day, bleached and perfumed with detergents that contain synthetic fragrances. Before you run out the door, add a little hand cream and lip protection to the pot. Repeat several times over the course of the day. That’s a whole stack of chemicals!

It doesn’t stop there either; there are synthetic flavourings in 90% of packaged foods. When you consider how high the average person’s exposure level is to these substances, it becomes absolutely essential to be aware of what you’re using, eating and rubbing onto your skin. Simplicity is a guideline that can improve our lives, our health and that of our planet.

Expect More from your Cosmetic Products 

The solution is for us, as consumers, to vote with our wallets, and take back some control over what we choose to buy and use. We need to stay informed about the products that we are using. That means checking ingredient labels, and looking out for certifications from reputable companies. Start by avoiding cosmetic products that contain harsh chemicals, preservatives, dyes, additives and synthetic fragrances. Your skin (and your whole body) will thank you!