Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just a Pretty Face, will be reading from her book at the U of M tomorrow evening. The effect, probably, will be a chorus of indignant gasps from a congregation of eco-conscious consumers. Malkan’s book chronicles all the harmful chemicals found in everyday cosmetics, like lead in our lipstick, coal tar in our shampoo, and dioxane in baby soap. What
the … ?
So long as it resides in Minneapolis any such forum must also include Horst Rechelbacher. (Other panelists include Jeanne Rizzo, RN; Jane Houlihan, V.P., Environmental Working Group and architect of the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database; and Lindsay Dahl, coordinator for the Minnesota Healthy Legacy Coalition.) Rechelbacher, of course, is founder of both Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients. I’m a fan of both product lines, even if my pocketbook mandates the occasional Suave purchase.
Random aside: Some of my favorite local legends concern cash-strapped students at the Aveda Institute getting busted for using non-Aveda products. True story: My best friend from high school, who studied massage, was walking to class one day when a teacher approached and said scornfully: “Do I smell a synthetic fragrance on you?” She was kicked out for the rest of the day. You’d think that, for $20,000+ per year, she could have worn whatever the hell she wants. I recently asked my stylist, who also graduated from Aveda, whether these stories were true. Her response was an emphatic “yes!”
Helpful aside: If you want to checkup on your favorite cosmetic, Rizzo’s database is quite helpful. As it turns out, my favorite face lotion, Neutrogena Original Formula Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15 (with Retinol A), received a “moderate hazard” rating and includes ingredients linked to cancer and developmental/reproductive toxicity. Yikes! And who knew Neutrogena was still engaging in animal testing! Fooled again by another eco-feigny name, I suppose.
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