Are My Beauty Products Safe? | Nour Abochama

How do you really know that beauty products are safe to use? You can’t always trust what companies say, and even an ingredient that is generally safe may still cause a rash or reaction due to an allergy. In this episode, Nour covers the full details to help you learn whether a beauty product is safe to use.

The Importance of Beauty Product Testing

Before fully using a new beauty product, it’s important to test it on a small area of your body. This way, if you start to experience a rash or an upset stomach, you’ll know it’s because of the new product and not something else. However, product testing isn’t just about checking for safety—it’s also about ensuring that the product’s claims are accurate.

Big Companies vs. Farmer’s Market Regulations

In the U.S., regulations for natural health products and pharmaceutical products differ. The regulations for natural health products are less strict than those for prescription drugs. It's a good idea to review the ingredients list for natural health products before buying to ensure there’s no contamination.

What Happens if a Beauty Product Fails Testing?

When a product fails to meet regulatory requirements, a quality control specialist will take corrective actions to ensure consumer safety. For example, if a multivitamin does not match its label claims due to contamination or incomplete formulation, the manufacturer may revise the formulation or retest it. In some cases, the entire batch may need to be destroyed if the contamination cannot be resolved, affecting product availability on the market.

How to Know Which Products Are Safe

Nour’s advice is to stick to organic beauty products from big brands. This way, you know the product was tested and regulated properly. Also, always trust your body. If you notice a reaction after testing a product on yourself, it may not be safe for you.

“The most important thing is: don’t panic. Trust your body. If there’s something you’ve been using for a long time, it’s probably safe. When you have a problem, your body will usually tell you right away.” - Nour Abochama.