Hype and Half-Truths on Mercury in Mascara

A recent posting on a Web site states that our chief scientist John Bailey defends the use of "toxic chemicals" in cosmetics and personal care products.  The issue in question is mercury, which was used years ago as a preservative in mascara and other eye products.  Dr. Bailey's quote to the Associated Press was taken out of context by Stacy Malkan, an activist who has been promoting her book, "Not Just Another Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry."  Needless to say, Ms. Malkan is no fan of cosmetics companies. 

Read what Dr. Bailey actually did tell the Associated Press. 

The interview was in response to a ban on mercury in mascara and eye liners by the state of Minnesota.  Minnesota's cosmetics provision was part of a larger ban focused on more significant sources of mercury including; fluorescent lights, thermostats, barometers and medical devices. Although mercury hasn't been used in mascara or other eye products for many years, it was originally used as a preservative at a time when few alternative preservatives were available.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized the critical importance of protecting the integrity of products used around the eye area and established safe mercury levels for use in mascara and other eye products to protect them from microbial contamination.  FDA banned mercury from all other cosmetic products more than 30 years ago.  Mercury has since been significantly reduced, if not eliminated, by companies and replaced with safer alternatives that are now available. 

Ms. Malkan is entitled to her opinion, but she is not entitled to distort the facts on important public health issues and disparage a respected member of the scientific community in the process.