Cosmetics contain numerous harmful chemicals. Thus, it’s advisable to swap commercial makeup products like your lipstick, foundation, or mascara for natural varieties. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not compel cosmetics manufacturers to perform safety evaluation procedures.
That is why some companies can easily conceal harmful ingredients by using misleading or confusing labels such as “fragrances.” Or, the tags do not have any guidelines to inform consumers of possible dangerous effects. Makeup has become a “necessity” for many women which makes it necessary for them to know some of the leading toxic substances.
Fragrance
The scent category can be alarming. The word perfume or smell protects the manufacturer’s secret formula. For their part, users apply makeup which includes unsafe chemicals the pose hazards to the health and skin. The Skin-Deep Database of the Environmental Working Group states fragrances have been connected to allergic reactions, respiratory ailments, dermatitis, and injurious effects on the reproductive system. This is found in colognes, perfumes, conditioners, moisturizers, body wash, and shampoo.
Parabens
Parabens refer to preservatives that prevent bacteria, yeast, and molds from growing in cosmetics. One downside is these chemicals possess properties that copy estrogen which reportedly increase risks of breast cancer. The skin absorbs said chemicals spotted in biopsy examination samples from breast tumors. Parabens are found in certain foods as well as makeups and skincare commodities.
Some agencies worldwide like the European Commission on Endocrine Disruption classified parabens as Category One substances that disrupt hormone functions. These compounds have become notorious to the point that some cosmetic firms shifted to phenoxyethanol. However, this chemical was banned in Japan while the FDA issued a consumer alert warning on the product for causing vomiting, diarrhea, and depressing the central nervous system.
Artificial Coloring
Labels or notices in products like FD&C or D&C represent synthetic colors. FDC means FDA-approved colorants. D&C implies the products are applicable for drugs and cosmetics but not food items. The letters colors and numbers. Manmade coloring comes from coal, tar, and petroleum. These colors are said to be human carcinogen that irritates the skin and associated Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among kids.
Lead
Lead is a verified neurotoxin related to miscarriage, puberty delay for females, and reduced fertility. A program called Campaign for Safe Cosmetics discovered the presence of lead in more than ½ of tested lipstick trademarks. Recent research by the FDA also found out well-known brands contained 7.19 parts per million of lead compound. An effective way of avoiding lead is to purchase cosmetics from companies making products in small batches. Otherwise, buy makeup colored with natural pigments.
Peg Compounds
PEG or Polyethylene Glycols refer to petroleum-based substances that thicken or soften cosmetics. It has become a popular product in cream-based products. The danger of PEGS is contamination by Ethylene Oxide, a common human carcinogen and Dioxane, a colorless liquid with the same effect as its counterpart. PEG chemicals also increase dispersion of other ingredients in the skin.
Triclosan
Triclosan is commonly-used anti-microbial compound that also upsets the human endocrine particularly reproductive and thyroid hormones. Clinical studies raised the likelihood that triclosan makes bacteria resistant to antibiotics. There is also evidence that anti-bacterial soaps, deodorants, and toothpastes are more effective than ordinary versions.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
The surfactant is present in over 90% of personal care goods and cleaning compounds like thick foam products. SLS has the capacity to irritate the eyes, lings, and skin. Worse, it interacts with other chemicals to produce nitrosamine carcinogens. The merger may lead to other conditions including damage to the kidneys as well as respiratory organs.
Formaldehyde and Toulene
Formaldehyde releases preservatives for cosmetics. The International Agency for Research on Carcinogen found this chemical associated with occupational-related cancers (nasal and nasopharyngeal). It also brings about allergies that may impair the immune system. Toluene, on the other hand, originates from coal and petroleum. It is a powerful solvent that dissolves paint and pain thinner. Toluene is present in hair coloring and bleaching products, nail polish, and nail treatments.
There are other hazardous chemicals in makeups like quaternium-15, butylated compounds (BHT and BHA), octinoxate, and carbon black. This article was not written to scare consumers but make them aware of the downsides of using cosmetics with these hazardous chemical ingredients.
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