phthalates in their bodies had baby boys with changes in their genitals, which scientists described as "feminization of males." GL: How did we get to this point where we have such a huge industry that is largely unsupervised and self-policing? SM: The beauty industry has lobbied long and hard to keep unregulated. They've been using the same basic recipe of cheap, synthetic petrochemicals for many years that make cheap, effective products. So there is great resistance to changing, even though the science is emerging almost on a daily basis showing the health harm associated with some of the chemicals commonly used in cosmetics. GL: If this was any other industry people would be up in arms. It's it because it caters to women? SM: There are some elements of misogyny to this issue. There is also an outdated belief that what we out on our skin doesn't get into our bodies. People are always surprised to discover there is no safety testing for cosmetics and companies are allowed to use almost any chemical in their personal care products without testing them for safety. People are always mad when they find out about that but there just hasn't been a lot of awareness with the public. GL: Is any headway being made around changing the industry and educating the public? SM: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is making headway and I see reasons for great hope. I think the industry is changing. We've already seen some major changes, for example, new