Skin care products raising red flags

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Red flags have been raised about popular products found in our homes. Cosmetics and skin care products we've used for decades may be dangerous.

Johnson & Johnson recently announced that they would be removing several potentially toxic chemicals from their products over the next three years. Read that full story here.

Dr. Philip Landrigan of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine said, "It's very good that Johnson & Johnson is taking these toxic chemicals out of their products, but why were those chemicals in there in the first place? That's the big issue. And why were they allowed to stay so long?"

The answer probably lies in a lack of regulation.

Pharmacist Barbara Madison said, "They don't regulate what is in the products. The FDA regulates food and drugs, and so you can pretty much put anything in a cosmetic or skin care product."

Madison and her partner, Larry Rosen, operate Parker Pharmacy on Hertel Avenue. They offer cosmetics that don't contain those suspect chemicals.

"You know, there so much toxins in the environment, we feel that the less you can get with your cosmetics and skin care, the better. A lot of people come in here specifically asking for salicylate-free products, sodium-laurel-sulfate-free, paraben free," Madison said.

The products range from lipsticks that don't contain lead to toxin-free shaving creams, even some skin care products suitable for youngsters. And while you're waiting for Johnson & Johnson, there are already toxin-free baby shampoos. Many people appreciate the availability of these products.

Deanna Myers said, "I think it's important, and I think more stores, like Parker Pharmacy, are starting to carry them, so they're out there, and you know what, this is not an expensive line."

The chemicals and preservatives in cosmetics may not be particularly dangerous, but we're not certain yet.

"People just feel better not having all those additives in the products," Madison said.