“Lead is a proven neurotoxin that can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as lowered IQ, reduced school performance and increased aggression,” says Dr. Sean Palfrey, a professor or pediatrics and public health at Boston University and the medical director of Boston’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. “Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure because lead easily crosses the placenta and enters the fetal brain where it can interfere with normal development.”

We know that what we put on our skin gets absorbed into our bloodstream. Multiply that by the amount of times women reapply their lipstick and there’s cause for concern. Scientists say lead builds up in the body, causing significant levels of exposure.

The consumer advocacy group, The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), first sounded the alarm about lead in lipstick in 2007, when it conducted an independent test that found the toxin in several brands it tested. The FDA’s most recent findings revealed that these lead levels are actually higher than the CSC originally reported. In response to the FDA’s recent findings, CSC says it cannot make any recommendations about lipsticks to use.

Lead appears to be a byproduct produced by certain colorants in lipstick. It is not an actual ingredient, so it’s not something you can check for by reading a list of ingredients on the labels. In 2007, CSC listed three brands whose products had the highest levels of lead—L’Oreal, Maybelline and Cover Girl. Until further details are made clear, CSC suggests that women wear lipstick only on special occasions and that pregnant women and young girls be particularly careful about using it.

Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency reassessed 1,4-dioxane and concluded that it is more potent than the EPA originally thought in 1990. The greatest risk stems from low-level inhalation by workers exposed to the chemical, according to the EPA.

So why isn’t 1,4 dioxane listed as an ingredient? Because it is a byproduct that is produced when cosmetic chemicals are processed with ethylene oxide, an ingredient that softens the irritating effects of soap. Similarly, formaldehyde is a byproduct of certain preservatives as well, so it too, is not listed as an ingredient.

Unlike Europe and Canada, the United States does not restrict the use of formaldehyde, 1,4 dioxane or most other harmful chemicals found in personal care products. In addition, U.S. law doesn’t require manufacturers to remove toxic byproducts, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. When young children are repeatedly exposed to chemicals, small exposures add up. It is up to consumers to know what’s safe and what isn’t and be able to read between the lines.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics says common ingredients likely to be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane are PEG-100 stearate, sodium laureth sulfate, polyethylene and ceteareth-20. Ingredients likely to lead to the production of formaldehyde are quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.

Numerous ads tell you to buy the newest scientifically engineered anti-aging creams filled with synthetic chemicals. But we suggest you listen to the wisdom of the ages. For centuries, women have used pure essential oils and East African shea butter to make them look and feel more beautiful. Now, Neroli Rose brings the amazing regenerative capabilities of these ingredients to you.

Our All Rose Face Cream is made with pure rose oil extracted from thousands of actual rose petals. Rose lovers will truly appreciate this soft, balancing and completely natural cream that makes you feel as though you’re actually in a garden of roses. In addition to being a great oil for sensitive and aging skin, rose is a potent antidepressant. Of course, if you love roses, you’ll probably enjoy our jasmine wrinkle cream and our gentle baby cream with chamomile and lavender, as well.

Essential oils are the ultimate multi-taskers. Neroli Rose’s peppermint foot cream nourishes your feet with its refreshing smell and pain relieving properties. Yet peppermint also helps people focus on the task at hand, helps cure nausea and serves as an anti inflammatory oil.

Many people love our Crisp and Clean Hand Cream, a blend of pure grapefruit, geranium and sandalwood oils. In addition to being anti-bacterial and exceptionally hydrating, our hand cream contains grapefruit, an anti-depressant oil. There’s nothing sunnier than the smell of grapefruit on a dreary winter day. Geranium, which promotes healing, has a sweet, pungent smell that people sometimes mistake for rose. And sandalwood, also antiseptic, has a spicy scent that has been used for thousands of years. Dab a little of our Crisp and Clean Hand cream on your nails and cuticles to soften them and make them shine.

When you use Neroli Rose products you are spreading the love because so many people actually benefit from them—women in the Lulu Life Cooperative, who make the shea butter in Africa, people at The First Occupational Center of New Jersey, who package and ship our products and consumers who purchase our pure, nourishing skin care at affordable prices. Check out all of our amazing aromatherapy products and hug your inner vegan!