formaldehyde

There are often two reactions from people when I share with them the purpose of Pretty Ugly. If the individual is aware of the issue of concerning chemicals in our personal products and cosmetics, their eyes light up and they become overjoyed as I share the reason for creating the story and my hope in how it will help educate and empower people to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

The other reaction I get is from people who believe the situation “isn’t that dire” and that the government must regulate products and protect us from any potential health hazards. These are the people to whom I can’t wait to show the finished film.

So what is the regulation situation? The reality is the last cosmetic-focused bill to be passed into law was in 1938. Yes, that’s not a typo. It has been nearly 80 years since a federal law was passed to regulate the cosmetics industry in the United States. [Read more…]

It’s What’s On the Inside that Matters

The time has finally come in the journey of preparing to make this film to begin sharing it with the world. For nearly four years I have researched the topic of cosmetic safety, consulted with industry experts, sought advice from successful filmmakers and storytellers, and dreamed up a game plan to bring a very important story to life. That story is my quest to discover the true safety of ingredients being used in personal care products and cosmetics.

Spurred on by my own family’s experiences with a variety of life-threatening diseases–and specifically my mom’s two-time battle with breast cancer–I realized that there were daily, environmental factors larger than genetics at play that could be causing illness in my family and even my friends’ lives.

[Read more…]

A History of Personal Products and Cosmetics Government Regulation

The Quest Begins

It’s What’s On the Inside that Matters