Every woman loves cosmetics. But did you know that some ingredients in your favorite cosmetic products are hazardous? Keeping up appearances is necessary in this fast-paced world. Self-care products help with this, but you must use them wisely. We highlight a few dangerous ones.
The Dangers of Cosmetic Ingredients
There may be more to your lipstick and eyeshadow than meets the eye. Recent research proves that health-related complaints have increased since the Food and Drugs administration began researching these products some time ago.
Currently, the manufacturers of these cosmetics don’t have to seek FDA approval before marketing them in stores. The FDA encourages doctors to report health complications to its database, called the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition’s Adverse Event Reporting System (CFSAN), instead. Consequently, people fail to report dangerous chemicals.
Researchers of the Environmental Working Group analyzed 1177 beauty products marketed to black women and scored them against 64000 personal care products stored in its database. Only 25% of these products fell into the low hazard category. This amount is high considering the number that is on the market.
The most dangerous ones are hair bleaching products. They contain lye, which breaks the chemical bonds in the hair. It also causes burns. Many of the health issues reported to the FDA concern cancer. They also include allergies, reproductive disorders, and hormone disruption.
Moreover, many women turn to over-the-counter cosmetic products to improve the look of their skin. These products do so through the process of Reemergent Skin Repair, which attempts to alter the skin’s DNA. However, they only affect the epidermis and not the underlying dermis, where skin cells regenerate. In other words, some cosmetic products may not be as useful as they claim.
10 Dangerous Toxic Ingredients to Avoid At All Costs
Government bodies like the FDA may not require manufacturers to list cosmetic ingredients. Looking for them may be difficult but not impossible. Here are a few dangerous ones and how to look for them when buying your favorite make-up.
1. Dioxane
First of all is Dioxane, which is a by-product of ethoxylation, a process that prevents petrol-based ingredients from irritating the skin. The US Environmental Protection Agency has determined it to be a human carcinogen. Also, there are suspicions that it introduces toxins into the blood, immune system, kidneys, respiratory tract, and brain.
You’ll find it in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, and bubble baths. Manufacturers may not list it on product labels, but you’ll discover it in compounds contaminated with it, such as sodium laureth sulfate and PEG compounds.
2. Dimethicone
You can find this silicone-based polymer in many personal care products. It makes skin and hair feel smooth. It’s in makeup, body moisturizers, anti-acne products, and sunscreens. It is dangerous because it releases toxins and causes skin irritation.
3. Formaldehyde
Synthetic preservatives release this toxic compound. Formaldehyde, a carcinogendamages the liver and brain, according to this study. You may inhale it or absorb it through the skin. Formaldehyde is an ingredient in hair strengthening products, hair dyes, and nail polish.
4. Heavy Metals
Cosmetic producers introduce these compounds to block sweat or whiten the skin. You may find them on product labels. You may see them on product labels. Common heavy metals include arsenic, lead, aluminum, zinc, mercury, and chromium. They disrupt hormones and may cause cancer. Here is evidence that there is a link between heavy metals and brain tumors.
5. MIT
Manufacturers use MIT to prevent bacterial growth. This review shows that MIT in shampoo poses a risk to pregnant women and fetuses. It may cause allergies as well. It is a common ingredient in body washes, sunscreen, and skincare products. Some skincare products labeled as Paraben-free have MIT.
6. Parabens
Parabens are among the most toxic cosmetic ingredients. Found in breast tissue, they slow fetal development. According to this study, Parabens have consequences for the brain. They are common ingredients in hair care products.
7. Petro-Ingredients
Petroleum-based ingredients act as lubricants. These often have cancer-causing compounds. According to this study, petro-ingredients trigger tumors in the Aerodigestive Tract. They are typical ingredients in skin and body care products. Manufacturers list them as Petroleum Jelly on product labels.
8. Phthalates
Manufacturers add these to substances to make skincare products more flexible. The National Toxicology Program lists them as possible carcinogens. They also affect fetal development. Look out for them the next time you buy new nail polish.
9. PEG compounds
These compounds help makeup products retain moisture. According to this study, PPG agents irritate the skin when fed intravenously. They are in many skin, hair and body care products.
10. Artificial Colorants
These contain carcinogenic properties and are in many shampoos. You will also come across them in baby and hair care products. The National Cancer Institute reports that hairdressers have an increased risk of cancer because of exposure to it.
Healthy Alternatives to Harmful Ingredients in Self-Care Products
If your hair feels limp because you cannot use your favorite shampoo, take heart. There are natural alternatives to commercially available cosmetic products full of toxic ingredients.
- Organic Products: The first of these are organic products. Makeup that is 100% organic has no Dioxane. You may also use natural foaming agents to avoid this substance.
- Use Natural Emulsifiers: Also, use products like Beeswax and Vegetable wax. These come from plant sources and act as lubricants.
- Natural Skin Softeners: Use cocoa, mango or shea butter instead of your usual facial moisturizer. These soften the skin naturally and unclog pores.
- Natural Preservatives: Use products made with these to avoid formaldehyde. Vitamin E, essential oils and Grapefruit extract straighten the hair and are antioxidants.
- Use Natural Brands: Use color cosmetics from natural brands to avoid heavy metals. Try sunscreens made with titanium dioxide.
- Natural Emollients: Mango, cocoa, and shea butter are natural emollients. They replace the petroleum-based ingredients in moisturizers.
- Natural Fragrances: Purchase natural fragrances cosmetics. If the product lists ‘fragrance’, check its source.
- Natural Humectants: Use Aloe Vera or honey to thicken your hair and moisturize your skin naturally. These natural ingredients have no side effects.
- Use Plant-Dyes: Many plant-based dyes are in beautiful colors and are natural. Check the source of these ingredients when in doubt.
In all, cosmetic ingredients enhance your appearance but may be harmful. Try natural alternatives.
