Don't be taken in by myths about cosmetics and their safety. Many people believe that the products they see in stores have been assessed for safety. But the FDA does not test cosmetic products for safety.
The cosmetics industry is thought by many to police itself but its safety panel has only assessed less than 20 percent of ingredients in over 30 years. And any recommendations it may make are not binding.
We have believed that cosmetic products applied to the skin stay on the skin. But research has discovered that chemicals like phthalates, parabens and pesticides are absorbed through the skin. And exposure to these chemicals can cause serious health problems.
"Federal law allows companies to leave many chemicals off labels, including nanomaterials, contaminants, and components of fragrance. Fragrance may include any of 3,163 different chemicals, none of which are required to be listed on labels. Fragrance tests reveal an average of 14 hidden compounds per formulation, including potential hormone disruptors and diethyl phthalate, a compound linked to sperm damage."
http://www.enviroblog.org/2010/07/personal-care-products-myths-and-facts.html