Because everything seems so
vague and inconclusive in the cosmetics industry, one of the best ways to stay
protected from harmful chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products is to be
educated on the toxic chemicals commonly found in these products. To help you stay informed, I’ve put together
a sort of “cliff notes” list for you!
Below you will find ten harmful chemicals found in many products in the cosmetics
industry. These chemicals can serve as a
“red flag” if you may when looking at a product’s ingredients:
1.
Antibacterials: Some antibacterials absorbed by the body may
be toxic or carcinogenic. They can also
be killing both the “good” and harmful bacteria, increasing your susceptibility
to infection.
2.
Coal tar: This
human carcinogen is used to soften skin and soothe itchy skin. Sometimes, it's even used as a colorant.
3.
1,4-dioxane: This
chemical is known to cause cancer in animals and is suspected to do the same in
humans.
4.
Diethanolamine: This chemical can be absorbed into the body
through the skin. It is a hormone disruptor
that acts as a carcinogen and robs the body of choline, an essential nutrient
in fetal brain development.
5.
Formaldehyde: Already banned in the European Union, it is
associated with multiple health concerns including breathing issues, irritation
problems, and immune system and genetic damage.
Unfortunately, formaldehyde is not always clearly mentioned on product
labels, making it an even greater focal point for safe cosmetic activists.
6.
Fragrance: This ingredient can encompass number of
chemicals, most of which may be toxic.
The term “fragrance” is sometimes used in place of the term phthalate. Phthalates are obesogens, can cause developmental
defects and delays, and can disrupt normal endocrine function (including
reproductive health).
7.
Lead: Lead acetate, a neurotoxin, is an ingredient
in some lipsticks and men’s hair dyes.
8.
Mercury: Although
the FDA permits the use of a certain amount of mercury compounds in eye makeup,
mercury has a record of causing harm to the body as it readily passes through
the skin.
9.
Talc: A product
used to provide an allusion of sparkle, talc acts as a human carcinogen and has
been directly linked to ovarian cancer. It
can also lead to lung tumors if inhaled.
10. Toluelene: Used
to add gloss, toluelene is a toxic chemical that can decrease a person’s fertility
and can cause liver and kidney damage.
You may be asking, what products
can we trust if not all are properly labeled? Since regulation for cosmetics
and personal care products is currently weak, the best way to find trusted,
harm-free brands is to use the companies named “champions
and innovators” by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
Hope this helps you find
safer cosmetics! If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment in this
post.
~ Ivana
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