lip balm Other products

Amazon.com: philosophy kiss me lip balm: Beauty Your Store Beauty See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Browse Brands & Products | Free Gifts & Special Offers | Fragrance | Makeup | Skin Care | Bath & Shower | Hair Care | Men's Grooming Search Amazon.com Beauty Skin Care Makeup Fragrance Bath & Shower Hair Care Men's Grooming Health/Personal Care Web Search This item is not eligible for Amazon Prime, but over a million other items are. Join Amazon Prime today. Already a member? Sign in . This item is currently not available. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . See larger image Share your own customer images philosophy kiss me lip balm Other products by philosophy (4 customer reviews) More about this product Availability: This item is currently not available. Product Description Product Description kiss me was formulated as a high density lip salve for people who are in search of the ultimate lip balm. kiss me is a long-time philosophy favorite that is known for its super smoothing, softening benefits. with kiwi, vitamin e, and sweet almond, you are guaranteed world-class kissable lips. Important Information Ingredients varies by color. Directions apply liberally to lip area. Product Details Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item. ASIN: B0002HDH5G Average Customer Review: based on 4 reviews. ( Write a review. ) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,680 in Beauty (See Top Sellers in Beauty ) Yesterday: #10,672 in Beauty This page was created by a seller. Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. Search Customer Reviews 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: kissable pucks! , June 9, 2005 Reviewer: govagabndgrl "dodovagabndr" (pueblo, CO U.S.A.) - See all my reviews Used this for a month now and my lips are very soft, got rid of the dry weather chapped effect on my lips in a little over 3 days, and they add a nice balm over lipstick.A little pricey though, but it's always nice to try things despite the price. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) I love it, but my boyfriend could do without it , April 14, 2005 Reviewer: Lindsey Morrison "trust me on this" (Jacksonville, FL, USA) - See all my reviews I absolutely adore this lip balm. It is super moisturizing, long-lasting, and the red lip balm gives the perfect amount of color and shine. Plus, it only takes the tiniest bit to have an effect so one pot will last MONTHS (up to a year for me). However, when it comes to kissing other people it leaves a lot to be desired. Several men I've talked to don't like the taste or the smell (which I, and several of my girl friends, like). Because of that, I only use it when I'm alone (it's so good I'll never give it up, though!). Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Not the best flavor , January 20, 2005 Reviewer: Kat "kttykat16" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews It's true that this balm creates smooth kissable lips, but the taste is really another matter. It tastes something like grapefruit and grape seed (heavier on the grape seed flavor). If it wasn't for the weird taste, I would be more inclined to purchase this item again...! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 3 of 5 people found the following review helpful: Red KISS ME , July 23, 2004 Reviewer: A. Cline "philosophy girl 04" (maryland) - See all my reviews Very emollient. The red just gives you a hint of red color on your lips. Has a hint of mint flavor to it for a fresh brushed teeth kins of fragrance but like I said it's very subtle. Fabulous. Love it. Can't live w/o this one either. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Look for similar items by category Beauty > Products > Makeup > Lips > Lip Treatments Beauty > Products > Men's Grooming > Skin Care > Face > Lip Balms & Moisturizers Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Lip Balms & Moisturizers Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Men > Face > Lip Balms & Moisturizers This Item and You Write a Review | Write a So You'd Like To... Guide | Tell a Friend About This Item | Rate This Item Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect. The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . Product offered violates Amazon.com's policy on items that can be listed for sale. Comments or Examples: Examples: Missing information such as dimensions and model number, typos, inaccuracies, etc. Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . 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Sun Tan Lotion

Life and Health | Experts | Emma Mitchell: Is suntan lotion made of vinegar and olive oil safe? Skip to main content Read today's paper Sign in Register Go to: Guardian Unlimited home UK news World news Newsblog ---------------------- Archive search Arts Books Business EducationGuardian.co.uk Film Football Jobs MediaGuardian.co.uk Money The Observer Politics Science Shopping SocietyGuardian.co.uk Sport Talk Technology Travel Been there ---------------------- Audio Email services Special reports The Guardian The northerner The wrap ---------------------- Advertising guide Crossword Events / offers Feedback Information GNL press office GuardianFilms Headline service Help / contacts Living our values Newsroom Notes & Queries Reader Offers Soulmates dating Style guide Syndication services Travel offers TV listings Weather Web guides Working for us ---------------------- Guardian Weekly Money Observer Public Searchthis site Home Eat right The experts Soulmates Reader offers Garden centre Find a job Find a car Shopping Rent DVDs Horoscopes Private lives Consumer & ethical living Recent articles Leo Hickman Lucy Siegle Anna Tims Family & relationships Recent articles Annalisa Barbieri Libby Brooks Mariella Frostrup Anne Karpf The sexperts Private lives Soulmates Fashion & style Recent articles Jo Adams Andrew Anthony Catherine Bennett Jess Cartner-Morley Hadley Freeman Hannah Pool Charlie Porter Food & drink Recent articles Tim Atkin Nikki Duffy Rose Elliot Matthew Fort Richard Johnson Alex Kapranos Dan Lepard Giorgio Locatelli Victoria Moore Matthew Norman Jay Rayner Nigel Slater Health & wellbeing Recent articles Dr Simon Atkins Tim Dowling Joanna Hall Nicola Maffulli Lucy Mangan Emma Mitchell Matthew Robinson Eat right Homes & gardens Recent articles Monty Don Hannah Griffiths Oliver Heath Lia Leendertz Christopher Lloyd Mil Millington Caroline Roux Sue Stickland Reader offers Garden centre Motoring Recent articles Martin Love Matt Seaton Giles Smith Buying advice Selling advice Vehicle crime Find a car Recent articles 21.01.06 Emma Mitchell: Prostate problems 14.01.06 Emma Mitchell: A post-baby boost 7.01.06 Emma Mitchell: How to reduce a seriously high cholesterol? 24.12.05 Emma Mitchell: Pregnancy yoga 17.12.05 Emma Mitchell: Fungal fix 10.12.05 Emma Mitchell: Making injections easier 3.12.05 Emma Mitchell: Is suntan lotion made of vinegar and olive oil safe? 26.11.05 Emma Mitchell: Treating inflammatory conditions 12.11.05 Emma Mitchell: Getting rid of blackheads 29.10.05 Emma Mitchell: Causes of cysts Our experts > Emma Mitchell on natural health therapy Ask Emma Is suntan lotion made of vinegar and olive oil safe? Natural health therapist Emma Mitchell answers your questions Saturday December 3, 2005 The Guardian While holidaying in the south of France, I was told by locals to replace my suntan lotion with a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts extra-virgin olive oil. This I have done with great success. Is it a safe way to tan? This sounds something better left in the kitchen. You may get tanned, but it in no way provides protection from cancer-causing UVA and B rays. I think the safest way to get some colour without risking your health is to use Green People's Self Tan Lotion (£14.99 for 200ml; from greenpeople.co.uk or healthfood shops). This thoroughly researched organic product enables you to develop a healthy tan without sun exposure, using a natural tanning ingredient derived from sugar. It has aloe vera, rosehip oil and sandalwood, which nourish and heal skin while a tan develops. If you're a real sun lover, Green People's sun lotions (from £13.99 for 200ml) have protection factors of 8, 15 and 22, use edelweiss extract, titanium dioxide and cinnamic acid for natural protection, and are rich in organic antioxidants to protect against ageing. Article continues Following two weeks in hospital four years ago, when I was treated for cellulitis in both legs and found to be allergic to most antibiotics, I have suffered from burning sensations and extreme discomfort. I am 83, and also suffer from IBS. Cellulitis is a condition where there is an abnormally excessive inflammatory response in the skin to an infection; the inflammation of surrounding tissues is the major cause of pain and discomfort. There are many very positive reports from New Zealand of using manuka honey for cellulitis - but no specific clinical trials completed yet. More than 70 studies on treating wounds with honey have shown it is antibacterial, reduces inflammation, oedema and exudation, and is very soothing. The honey should be used externally, with a waterproof dressing over the top to stop it escaping. Comvita ManukaCare 18+ ointment is 100% high-potency sterilised honey (£11.40 for 60g, from Xynergy, 0845 658 5858; xynergy.co.uk ). For someone of your age and with IBS, to enable you to fight the infection and enhance your peripheral circulation, take 200iu MicroCell Vitamin E twice a day, and Vit-C-Plex and Zinc Citrate once a day (all from BioCare), as well as echinacea. · Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@guardian.co.uk . Printable version | Send it to a friend | Save story Privacy policy | Terms & conditions | Advertising guide | A-Z index | About this site Guardian Unlimited ; Guardian Newspapers Limited 2005

Skincare Lift & Lighten

Amazon.com: MD Skincare Lift & Lighten Eye Cream - 0.5 oz: Beauty Your Store Beauty See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Browse Brands & Products | Free Gifts & Special Offers | Fragrance | Makeup | Skin Care | Bath & Shower | Hair Care | Men's Grooming Search Amazon.com Beauty Skin Care Makeup Fragrance Bath & Shower Hair Care Men's Grooming Health/Personal Care Web Search This item is not eligible for Amazon Prime, but over a million other items are. Join Amazon Prime today. Already a member? Sign in . 1-Click ordering is not available for this item. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . See larger image Share your own customer images MD Skincare Lift & Lighten Eye Cream - 0.5 oz Other products by MD Skincare (3 customer reviews) More about this product Price: $45.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days. Ships from and sold by DERMAdoctor . Product Promotions Save $5.00 when you spend $75.00 or more on offered by DERMAdoctor. Enter code DERMA2OI at checkout. Here's how (restrictions apply) Customers who viewed this item also viewed Dark Circle Remover Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue - 0.5 oz Estee Lauder Uncircle Eye Treatment for Dark Circles 15ml/0.5oz StriVectin SD Eye Cream - 1.3 oz Explore Similar Items Product Description Product Description Lift & Lighten Eye Cream delivers a potent dose of vitamin K, vitamin C and kojic acid directly to delicate under-eye skin to effectively diminish under-eye darkness and support the skins own collagen-building function, helping to reverse the visible signs of aging. Plus, this advanced revitalizing cream provides essential moisture, protection, and a noticible skin tightening effect for an immediately firmer, more youthful appearance. Smooth Lift & Lighten Eye Cream gently onto eye-area skin with fingertip. Use AM and PM or as needed. Important Information Ingredients Purified Water, Cyclomethicone, Emu Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cucumber Extract, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Emulsifying Wax NF, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid Copolymer, Petrolatum, PEG-40 Castor Oil, DEA-Cetyl Phosphate, Kojic Acid, Urea, Phytonadione (Vitamin K), Carbomer Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Caffeine, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Propylparaben. Product Details Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item. ASIN: B0000Y8JEU Average Customer Review: based on 3 reviews. ( Write a review. ) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #275 in Beauty (See Top Sellers in Beauty ) Yesterday: #1,323 in Beauty This page was created by a seller. Customers who bought this item also bought MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel - 30 applications MD Skincare All-In-One Facial Cleanser with Toner - 8 oz MD Skincare All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15 - Light - 1.7 oz MD Skincare Maximum Moisture Treatment - 1 oz Explore Similar Items Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. Search Customer Reviews 2 of 4 people found the following review helpful: Better than hydroquinone! , September 6, 2005 Reviewer: April L. Savage "web shopper" (Hampton VA USA) - See all my reviews I have been using this product for 2 weeks. This stuff is lightning my hyperpigmentation (dark) marks from an injury to my face. I am brown skinned. Before, I spent over $100 for perscription hydroquinone and Glycolic acid. All the perscription did was just make my skin red and swollen. But with this product I am quickly seeing better and better results. I will continue use. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 8 of 9 people found the following review helpful: The dark circles, puffiness and fines lines are gone , May 8, 2005 Reviewer: M. Scovronski "super mom" (St. Paul, MN) - See all my reviews I picked up Lift and Lighten when on vacation at a little boutique store. As with many products, I figured I probably just put $36 down the drain. But what the heck, I was on vacation and wanted to pamper myself. Well, I'm glad I did. Lift and lighten worked wonders on my tired eyes. I'm 37 and was looking every bit my age and then some. I put it on twice a day. Once in the morning and once before bed. I hope these MD skincare products are around a long time. I'm going to try the facial peel next. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 9 of 9 people found the following review helpful: Pretty Good , December 17, 2004 Reviewer: Tina M. Scanlon "tbird" (White Plains, NY) - See all my reviews I've purchased this product to reduce dark cirles. I've been using this product for about 3 weeks. As far as I can tell at this time, it's working. I do like the texture of cream, and find it works into the skin nicely. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Look for similar items by category Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Anti-aging > Dry Skin Treatments Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Eye Treatments This Item and You Write a Review | Write a So You'd Like To... Guide | Tell a Friend About This Item | Rate This Item Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect. The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . Product offered violates Amazon.com's policy on items that can be listed for sale. Comments or Examples: Examples: Missing information such as dimensions and model number, typos, inaccuracies, etc. DERMAdoctor Privacy Statement DERMAdoctor Shipping Information DERMAdoctor Returns & Exchanges Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . 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GORGEOUS SKIN WITH WONDER

Skin disorders, problem skin, Ozonated Wonder Gel The ultimate defense against problem skin. Wonder Gel is an effective aid for: -Psoriasis -Herpes -Shingles -Eczema -Acne -Wrinkles and so much more! //-- //-- //-- Welcome Thank you for selling me your Wonder Gel. I have struggled with psoriasis for years and never found any topical ointment prescribed by my doctor or dermatologist to be very effective. A few applications of your Wonder Gel produced an amazing result. I am told psoriasis can not be totally cured, it is now completely under control. Paul Salmon Arm, BC HAVE GORGEOUS SKIN WITH WONDER GEL - LOOK BETTER AND FEEL BETTER -- Problem skin can impact our life in a very negative way. We dont want to leave the house, our self-esteem is shattered and in extreme situations, we experience physical pain and discomfort. Wonder Gel can help! What is Wonder Gel? Wonder Gel is ozonated pure virgin olive oil. The active ingredient, Ozone (O 3 ), a triatomic form of oxygen, is bubbled through pure virgin olive oil until the oil solidifies to a gel, trapping the Ozone . The gel becomes highly oxygenated and is therapeutic for many annoying skin disorders. The application of Wonder Gel increases the local oxygen supply to the affected area, improves and speeds healing, kills viruses, fungi, protozoa and bacteria. Microbes, the problem causing bacteria, are generally anaerobic, meaning they thrive in an oxygen-starved environment. When highly oxygenated Wonder Gel is applied, the microbes are destroyed. What can Wonder Gel do for me? Wonder Gel is an effective aid for many problematic skin disorders. If you or someone you know is experiencing a persistent, annoying skin condition, its time to try Wonder Gel! Order on-line or contact us for more information HERE . Just a few of the conditions Wonder Gel can aid: Dermatitis Seborrhea Eczema Herpes Shingles Dermatomycoses Psoriasis Staphylococcus Carbuncles Cellulitis Impetigo Sweat gland infections Ringworm Skin yeast Tinea versicolour Dry skin Athletes foot Insect bites Skin ulcers Cuts and scrapes Rashes Ozone Gaining Wide Acceptance Medical Ozone is used all over the world to treat many different health problems. It has become extremely popular and is receiving widespread acceptance throughout the medical profession. There is extensive information available on the internet. Search for Ozone therapy or activated oxygen and you will uncover many interesting articles and different uses for Ozone. Results will vary depending on skin type and as with any gel or skin product test for skin reaction before applying a generous amount. Discontinue use of this product should a reaction occur. ©2004 Fly Hills, makers of Wonder Gel. Site design by Prima Design.

Skin Care Product

FDA Consumer: Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care: SmoothSailing or Rough Seas? U. S. Food and Drug Administration FDA Consumer March - April 1998; Revised May 1999 Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care Smooth Sailing or Rough Seas? by Paula Kurtzweil Baby boomers and others who once sought the sun's rays with little thought of skin damage are now paying the price--billions of dollars annually for cosmetics containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Derived from fruit and milk sugars and served up in creams and lotions, AHAs attract customers with their supposed ability to reduce wrinkles, spots, and other signs of aging, sun-damaged skin. Some scientific evidence suggests they may work. But are these products safe? Since 1989, the Food and Drug Administration has received more than 100 reports of adverse reactions in people using AHA products. Their complaints included severe redness, swelling (especially in the area of the eyes), burning, blistering, bleeding, rash, itching, and skin discoloration. FDA believes reactions from AHAs are probably even more widespread. Past experience suggests that for every adverse reaction report the agency receives, the manufacturer receives 50 to 100. "This would translate into approximately 10,000 adverse reactions being received for AHA-containing products," says John Bailey, Ph.D., acting director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors. Also, their relative newness (they've been widely available only since about 1992) means that their long-term effects are unknown. An industry-sponsored study found that people who use AHA products have greater sensitivity to sun, raising the specter of greater risk of photoaging and skin cancer. "There are many unanswered questions in front of us," Bailey says. "AHAs are unlike anything else ever introduced onto the cosmetic market on such a wide scale. They are not your traditional cosmetics." In spring 1997, the National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Science accepted FDA's proposal to study AHA safety. While FDA awaits the results, expected by the year 2000, the agency is cautioning consumers to take extra care with AHA products: for example, avoiding the sun when possible, otherwise using adequate sun protection, and reporting adverse reactions immediately to doctors or FDA directly. "These are very, very popular products," Bailey says. "Very little about the process restricts their sale. And it's a somewhat alarming idea to put acids on the skin. It raises obvious safety questions." AHAs Are Everywhere AHA cosmetics are believed to have derived from the "chemical peels" that dermatologists and plastic surgeons have used for years. The peels, typically trichloroacetic acid, phenol, resorcinol, and salicylic acid, help remove undesirable signs of skin aging, such as discoloration, roughness and wrinkling. The chemicals cause the skin to lose its outer layer, or peel off, revealing a fresher-looking layer of skin. Known as chemical exfoliation, the procedure is done in doctors' offices so that doctors can control the process and prevent deep skin burns from the highly acidic solutions. Cosmetic manufacturers began to market similar but milder versions of these chemical peels containing AHAs for salon and at-home use around 1989. They quickly caught on, and by 1992, mass marketing had begun. Today, says Lisa Berger, a cosmetic sales manager for a Hecht Co. department store in Washington, D.C., "every [cosmetic company] has AHA products. There used to be only three product lines; now there are 20." The AHAs used most often in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid, although there are others, and many are used in combination. Increasingly, says Zoe Draelos, M.D., a dermatologist in High Point, N.C., manufacturers are using poly-AHAs, which have larger molecules, and ingredients such as salicylic acid. According to Draelos, who consults for several large U.S. cosmetic companies, these products may produce less skin irritation. Typically, AHA products sold to consumers have an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less. The concentration of AHA products used by trained cosmetologists may run between 20 and 30 percent, while those used by doctors can range from 50 to 70 percent. Though sold to consumers mainly in face and body creams and lotions, AHAs also can be found to a lesser degree in other cosmetics, such as shampoos and cuticle softeners. Available everywhere, from discount pharmacies to fine department stores, the products typically range in price from a few dollars to as much as $60 a bottle. Product Status Some in the cosmetic industry have suggested that AHA products are more than simple cosmetics, coining the term "cosmeceutical" to describe them instead. Under the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics are defined as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." Drugs are defined as products intended for treating or preventing disease and affecting the structure or any function of the body. They are subject to premarket review and approval; cosmetics are not. "The term 'cosmeceutical' is not recognized by law," Bailey says. "These products, depending on their intended use, would be regulated either as cosmetics, drugs, or both as cosmetics and drugs." FDA has a particular concern about AHAs because, unlike traditional cosmetics, AHAs seem capable of penetrating the skin barrier. In reviewing the limited data on AHAs, FDA concluded in a 1996 report that certain formulations of AHA products can affect the skin in a manner similar to that of chemical peels--that is, increasing cell turnover rate and decreasing the thickness of the outer skin. The effect depends on the product's pH level (a measure of its acidity), the AHA concentration, and the AHA vehicle cream, as well as how the product is used (for example, frequency of use and where on the skin it is applied). Sun Sensitivity An additional concern arose as FDA prepared its 1996 report on AHA safety: Some people who had reported adverse reactions cited increased sun sensitivity. In addition, one industry-sponsored study found that participants whose skin was exposed to 4 percent glycolic acid twice daily for 12 weeks developed minimal skin redness with 13 percent less ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure than normal. Three participants developed minimal redness with 50 percent less UV exposure than normal. Another study that looked at the effects of glycolic acid on production of sunburn cells (markers for UV-induced skin damage) found that people who received the AHA product in the presence of UV radiation experienced twice the cell damage in areas where the AHA had been applied than those who were treated with the non-AHA product. FDA's concern is that people who are sensitive to sunlight may be particularly susceptible to UV rays, which can damage the skin and, over a long period, can cause skin cancer. In 1997, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel--the cosmetic industry's self-regulatory body for reviewing and addressing safety of cosmetic ingredients--concluded that the AHA's glycolic acid and lactic acid and their related chemical compounds are safe for use in products intended for consumer use when: the AHA concentration is 10 percent or less the final product has a pH of 3.5 or greater (lower numbers indicate greater acidity) the final product is formulated in such a way that it protects the skin from increased sun sensitivity or its package directions tell consumers to use sunscreen products. For AHA products used by trained cosmetologists, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel concluded that formulations of glycolic acid and lactic acid at concentrations of 30 percent or less and a pH of 3.0 or greater intended for only "brief" use at one time followed by thorough rinsing and daily use of sun protection are safe. The panel's conclusions actually serve as guidelines for cosmetic manufacturers, Bailey says. "This means that each manufacturer of an AHA product should conduct appropriate testing on their products to measure whether or not the product increases the sensitivity of the user to UV radiation and, if so, should add sun protection to their product and warn consumers to take extra steps to protect themselves at all times." Meanwhile, FDA continues to study AHA safety. Later this year, scientists with the National Toxicology Program and FDA will use hairless mice to study the effect of AHAs on the risk of cancer associated with sunlight and UV radiation. The study will run for about three years. Depending on the outcome of FDA's investigation, Bailey says, the agency may or may not take action against AHA products. "The absence of action by FDA to date doesn't mean that there won't be any in the future." Use with Care Considering the questionable safety status, FDA and dermatologists advise consumers who use AHA products to follow these precautions: Always protect your skin before going out during the day. Use a sunscreen product with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. Wear a hat with a brim of at least 4 inches (about 10 centimeters). Cover up with lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Buy products with adequate label information: for example, a list of ingredients to see which AHA or other chemical acids are in the product; the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, which can serve as the contact if a problem or question arises; and a statement about the product's AHA concentration and pH level. The first two pieces of information are mandatory; the third is optional. Consumers can call or write the manufacturer, however, to get information about a product's AHA concentration and pH level. Buy only products that comply with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel's 1997 recommendations--that is, products with an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less and a pH of 3.5 or greater. Do a skin-sensitivity test on a patch of skin if you are a first-time user of any AHA product or are using a different brand or a product with a different concentration or pH than you are used to. Stop using the product immediately if you experience adverse reactions. Signs of adverse reactions include stinging, redness, itching, burning, pain, and bleeding or change in sun sensitivity. Even mild irritation is a sign that the product is causing damage, FDA's Bailey says, despite what the manufacturer may indicate on the product label. "Cosmetics shouldn't sting or cause irritation," he says. If you have an adverse reaction, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can tell you whether an adverse reaction is from the product or is an indication of an underlying disease, such as skin cancer. Dermatologists also can recommend appropriate skin-care products, and they will report your case, keeping your name confidential, to FDA's adverse reaction monitoring program. You also can report your adverse reaction yourself to FDA. Reports can be made to local FDA offices, listed in the Blue Pages of the phone book or to FDA's1ffice of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-532-4440 . + Have the label and any other packaging information on hand. Be prepared to give the name of the product, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, and any identifiable product code numbers. Also be prepared to state where and when you bought the product, if you can remember, and whether you saw a doctor. "We'd like to know about it even if it's only a mild reaction," Bailey says. Bailey adds that these precautions are important until AHAs' safety is better known. "We are told that AHAs are here to stay," he says. "But they are not reviewed for safety before they are put on the market. And we don't have enough information to say that they are safe." Paula Kurtzweil is a member of FDA's public affairs staff. Ingredient Terms Here are some ingredient terms that indicate a cosmetic contains alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid lactic acid glycolic acid + ammonium glycolate alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid + ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid hydroxycaprylic acid mixed fruit acid triple fruit acid tri-alpha hydroxy fruit acids sugar cane extract alpha hydroxy and botanical complex L-alpha hydroxy acid glycomer in crosslinked fatty acids alpha nutrium Beta hydroxy acids: salicylic acid * beta hydroxybutanoic acid tropic acid trethocanic acid Alpha and beta hydroxy acids: malic acid citric acid * From a chemist's perspective,salicylic acid is not a true BHA.However, cosmetic companies often refer to it as a BHA and,consequently, many consumers think of it as one. Approved Treatments for Signs of Aging, Sun-Damaged Skin These are the only products that have been studied for safety and effectiveness and approved by FDA for treating signs of sun-damaged or aging skin: Renova (tretinoin emollient cream). This vitamin A derivative, available by prescription only, is approved for mitigating of fine wrinkles and mottled darkened spots and roughness of facial skin in people whose skin does not improve with regular skin care and use of sun protection. Renova does not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, or restore skin to its healthier younger structure. Also, the safety of daily Renova use for longer than 48 weeks has not been established, and it should not be used by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Renova has not been studied in people 50 and older or in people with moderately or darkly pigmented skin. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) lasers. These medical devices are approved for treating wrinkles. The procedure requires removal of facial skin in a layer-by-layer manner. It is performed under anesthesia by a doctor in an outpatient surgical setting. --P.K. For More Information FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Information Line 1-888-723-3366 FDA's Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Website: Backgrounder on Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Cosmetics Information About Cosmetics For more information, consumers can also call toll-free 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332). Questions concerning the content ofthis article should be directed to FDA's Office of Public Affairs. . This is a mirror of the page at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/298_ahas.html + Updated Contact Information: CFSAN Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) Phone: 301-436-2405 Email: Cosmetics Foods Home | FDA Home | HHS Home | Search/Subject Index | Disclaimers & Privacy Policy | Accessibility/Help