The Super Scary Reason You Should Probably Stay Away From This Popular Face Mask
Beauty products containing clay have become very popular in the past few years, with everything from foundation to body scrubs containing the detoxifying ingredient. But clay isn't safe in every form, and a new FDA safety alert is warning customers that one popular product could be particularly harmful, and it's something you should definitely look out for.
Alikay Naturals Bentonite Me Baby is usually sold at stores including Sally Beauty Supply and Target, and is billed as "100 percent bentonite clay" to use on your skin, scalp, and on your hair. It's now been taken off all retail sites, after the FDA warned of a potential lead poisoning risk. "Exposure to lead can cause serious damage to the central nervous system, the kidneys, and the immune system," the FDA report reads. EEK.
But then things get confusing. Alikay Naturals released a statement that says the product is safe.
"They tested it as a food product instead of a cosmetic product, so that's the issue, so now we just have to fix labeling," a representative from Alikay Naturals told Mic. "Otherwise the product is fine. It is not to be consumed; it's a topical product."
But the MinnPost reports that the product did say it could be consumed, with the packaging reading: "Internal: Works to aid in colon and detox cleansing to remove harmful toxins from the body, which helps many things including raising energy levels."
What's the takeaway? Don't be too trusting of products that are labeled as "natural" or "organic," because that doesn't necessarily mean they're safe. And make sure you read all the warning labels, and don't consume anything without first speaking with your doctor.
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