ORGANIC PANIC : COSMETICS

SYNOPSIS

What are the health costs of beauty? In this episode, we examine products like lipstick, foundation, eyeliner and mascara. Aspiring actress Gracie Robbin is concerned about the health risks she takes in order to be beautiful. She visits with celebrated broadcaster, journalist and author Gill Deacon. Gill believes that years of using conventional makeup may have led to her breast cancer. She describes the toxic effects of the chemicals found in conventional makeup and offers organic alternatives. Scientist, academic and “fraud buster” Dr. Joe Schwarcz explains the science behind the ingredients and insists that conventional beauty products are perfectly safe for Gracie to use. Gracie tells us about a health scare in her own family and draws her own conclusions about what’s best for her.