Summary of DW TV Prisma El Sucio Mundo de los Cosméticos

00:00:00 - 00:40:00

The DW TV Prisma video series exposes the dangerous ingredients and unethical practices of the cosmetics industry, particularly in the production of cheap makeup in China that is sold all over the world. With little regulation, manufacturers use toxic and cancer-causing chemicals in cosmetics, putting consumers, particularly children, at serious risk. Fragrances can contain allergens, and the lack of testing and control means the use of harmful substances in cosmetics is widespread. The marketing of so-called 'natural' cosmetics is also confusing, making it difficult for customers to make informed decisions. The video also highlights the risks of online purchases, with no guarantee that the products are safe, causing health hazards. Overall, it highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and regulation in the industry to provide consumers with safe and ethical choices.

• 00:00:00 In this section, the video highlights the risks and dangerous effects of cosmetics, where the testing of the products is done on the consumer, resulting in some becoming chronically ill. The cosmetics industry is a business worth billions of dollars, and the marketing campaigns of children's cosmetics start even earlier, hiding toxic substances that are banned in Europe, but are still produced in China. These toxins, such as cancer-causing dyes and heavy metals, highlight the alarming extent of the industry's lack of regulation and control. Despite the detection of cancer-causing toxins in samples, the products remain on the market, putting consumers, especially children, at risk of serious harm.
• 00:05:00 In this section, the video exposes the dirty world of cosmetics, specifically the production of cheap makeup in China that is sold around the globe. The factories producing these cosmetics are not regulated and often use toxic ingredients such as heavy metals and colorants that are mutagenic, cancerous, and can act as hormones. These colorants can also render people infertile. The video confronts manufacturers producing and selling these products, which are often found in stores in Germany, about their use of these dangerous chemicals, but they often shift blame or refuse to disclose information about the list of ingredients contained in their products.
• 00:10:00 In this section, the video discusses the importance of labeling cosmetics with lists of ingredients to help consumers with allergies. The use of colorants and their identification through a five-digit international color index number is also highlighted. Every fifth person is affected by contact allergies, so it is important for consumers to know what products might be causing them issues. Dermatologists are constantly searching for the triggers of allergies, believing cosmetics could be a potential cause. However, it is challenging to determine the substance that causes the allergy, as not many people remember what they have used. The professor discusses the patch test, where cosmetics are tested to determine which may be causing the allergic reaction. The importance of identifying allergens is not just for epidemiological reasons but also for diagnosis. The expert suggests there are still many substances out there that could cause allergies in people, including in products that are applied most frequently.
• 00:15:00 In this section, the video highlights the lack of information and control regarding the use of potentially harmful substances in cosmetics. Fragrances contain a series of problematic ingredients, including an allergen that can cause a dangerous reaction in some consumers. The use of phthalates as plasticizers, which can affect fertility and behavior in animals, is also a concern. The lack of testing and control over cosmetics means that consumers are left vulnerable to the potential risks of these products. Despite efforts by consumer protection organizations like Test, there are still limited options for consumers to identify safe cosmetics.
• 00:20:00 In this section, the video highlights the confusion and lack of regulation in the natural cosmetics industry. Many products claim to be natural or vegan, but lack any certification or verified ingredients. While natural sunscreens are becoming more popular, it is difficult to produce high levels of protection due to the limitations of mineral filters. The brand "Alverde," sold at DM, claims to have a natural certified sunscreen with a protection factor of 30, but the source of their materials and manufacturing process are unclear. The video also focuses on the strict standards of natural cosmetics brand "Logona," which prohibits synthetic ingredients and chemical additives. The pressure on companies like Logona to compete with uncertified brands' low prices and unchecked ingredients is a growing issue.
• 00:25:00 In this section, the video highlights the difficulties in producing organic cosmetics as it requires a large amount of raw materials, in particular for rose oil, which is highly valued in the industry. The cosmetics market is dominated by major corporations that produce both natural and synthetic products. The labeling of cosmetics often misleads consumers as certain chemicals may be included even in "natural" products. Nivea, for instance, promotes its "95% natural" creams, which contain the cheapest vegetable oil, palm oil, known to be produced through monocultures and the use of pesticides and herbicides, including dangerous substances like paraquat. However, manufacturers' claims regarding the environmental and health benefits of these products are not always supported by evidence, making it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.
• 00:30:00 In this section, the video explores the struggles of Lisa Lyon, a woman who suffers from a chemical syndrome that was caused by cosmetics. She worked for Avon and Berlin and began to develop skin problems until she was diagnosed with eczema. Despite her beliefs that natural cosmetics were healthy, even certified cosmetics contain allergenic fragrances which can cause respiratory difficulties for Lisa. However, not all natural cosmetics are created equal; while Berlin prides itself on sustainable cosmetics, they still need to rely on certain chemicals such as palm oil, which has been deemed as toxic. Additionally, even natural products are not immune to issues such as harsh dyes as seen by the puravera hair color product. Nonetheless, Berlin insists on avoiding animal testing, and the potential adverse effects of their products are tested using cultured cells, although lab tests are not always foolproof.
• 00:35:00 In this section, the video examines the dangerous chemicals present in hair dyes and the exploitation of workers, including children, in the production of the cosmetics. Despite consumer demand for natural colorations, most natural hair dyes still contain harmful chemicals such as peroxide and para-phenylenediamine (PPD). The video also highlights the issue of product labeling, where toxic chemicals are often concealed or marketed as natural. The lack of regulation and punishment for deceitful labeling puts consumers at risk of experiencing allergic reactions or worse. Additionally, the video touches on the concerns of consumer advocates regarding the increasing prevalence of dangerous cosmetics sold via the internet, and how this lack of oversight should be addressed.
• 00:40:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the risks of purchasing cosmetics online and the potential dangers of these products. He highlights the fact that even when advertised as natural or organic, there are no guarantees of safety. The cosmetics industry is a multi-billion dollar business with little effective regulation, and consumers are often misled into thinking a product is good for them. The speaker emphasizes the importance of starting anti-aging skincare early but also warns about the potential dangers of purchasing corrosive or acidic products online, which may not be properly identified or sanctioned.