Title: Cosmetics Database Assignment
Course: BIS 105 Environmental Biology > Section: BIS 105 Environmental Biology

Q: Go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com and then enter the name of a favorite personal care product (shampoo, makeup, lotion, etc) in the search box to see if it has been evaluated.  If you cannot find that product, try another favorite product until you find one that is rated.

What is the full name of your product, and what is the full web address of the Skin Deep webpage on your product?

Q: In the upper left-hand side of the Skin Deep webpage for your product is a circular shape with a numbered SCORE and below that it says DATA.  What are the hazard and data scores for your product?

Q: Scroll down to the ingredients listing.  How many ingredients in your product have a high (red) score, and how many have a moderate (orange) score?  Describe why each of these ingredients is potentially problematic.

Q: Define what bioaccumulate means.  Identify any ingredients listed here that are identified as being persistent or that bioaccumulate.  Which ingredients may be harmful to the environment (labeled with ecotoxicology as a concern)?

Q: Scroll back to the top of the page and click on the Product Type category (if there is more than one listed just pick one).  A list of similar products will appear with the lowest rated products listed first.  How many products listed have the lowest hazard score (it may be helpful to click on show 100 items per page)?  Then, click on the score column to sort the products from the highest to lowest score.  What is the most hazardous product identified and what is the score.

Q: Visit http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/top-tips-for-safer-products/.  Describe two things you learned from reading the tips about how to best choose better products for you and the environment.

Q: Do the issues raised about your product by this website concern you? Why or why not? Why did you buy this particular product?  Will you continue to use it?  I’m looking for a thoughtful response that reflects your honest opinion and responds to the information you found on this website and any others you may have researched.  Your response should thoughtfully explain why or why not you are concerned about the health issues you discussed previously. I will grade you response on your ability to express and support your opinion, not on your position—so don’t just write something to please me!