Are you aware of what’s going inside the products that you put on your face? Are the chemical ingredients safe for your skin and body? After researching the top 16 harmful ingredients in cosmetics and skincare, we wanted to brief it down for you. Here you go.
Highlights:
- Harmful Effects Of Chemicals In Cosmetics
- How Do I Know If A Product Contains Harmful Chemicals?
- What Are Non-Toxic Skin Care And Makeup?
Harmful Effects Of Chemicals In Cosmetics
1. Sulfates
Sulfates are salts that are formed when sulphuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with another chemical. They are also produced from petroleum and plant sources like coconut and palm oil. They act as surfactants and are used for lathering purposes.
Sulfates can irritate your eyes and skin. They can prematurely clear off dye from your hair.There is also an ongoing debate about their use due to potential threats to the environment [1]. Deriving them from natural sources like palm oil is causing the destruction of rainforests. When they are washed away, they can be toxic for the aquatic species.Did You Know?
Most Mascaras available in the market contain Sulphates
2. Parabens
Parabens are the preservatives used to keep your skincare and makeup fresh and germ-free [2]. They are found in a variety of products, from soaps to lotions and makeup. Research shows that they cause increased production of the hormone estrogen (female sex hormone) and interfere with reproductive and brain function.
Some studies explain that parabens enter your skin and mimic estrogen that triggers excessive cell division in the breast. This eventually leads to breast cancer.
3. Phthalates
Phthalates are salts or plasticizing chemicals [3] used for the spreadability of a product. They are used in nail polishes, perfumes and lotions to name a few. Also used as softeners in shampoos, they are reproductive and developmental toxins.
4. Synthetic colors
Synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar [4]. Coal tar is made of hydrocarbons, carbon and water. It is a thick, dark and viscous liquid with a characteristic smell. Have you been looking for deeply pigmented lipsticks? Now is the time to think about what goes into these pigments. The heavier the pigment, the higher the chances of increased coal tar percentages.
Coal tar is also present in many of the commercially available eyeshadows. Synthetic colors can cause skin irritations, cancers, acne breakouts and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
5. Fragrance
Fragrances are found in skincare products like perfumes, moisturizers, shampoos, cleansers and conditioners. They are made with chemicals that are associated with respiratory disorders, skin allergies [5], dermatitis and side effects in the reproductive system.
There is no organization that restricts manufacturers from using fragrances. They do not require to reveal what’s actually inside their fragrances. Fragrances are potential carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), irritants and endocrine disruptors. So it’s time to switch to unscented products!
6. Triclosan
Triclosan is a common chemical found in tubes of toothpaste, antibacterial soaps and deodorants. It is effective against microbes [6] (anti-bacterial in nature), but it is also an endocrine disruptor and a skin irritant. Some studies reported that triclosan can lead to gut inflammation and tumor growth in mammals.
Triclosan breaks down slowly and hence, is considered a potential threat to the environment. Like sulfates, triclosan too is dangerous for aquatic life.
7. Toluene
Toluene is a petrochemical solvent found in most hair dyes and nail polish [7]. They can be dangerous for your immune system and may carry the risk of birth defects and blood cancer. Refrain from using hair dyes and nail polish if you are an expectant mother as it can cause damage to the developing fetus.
Toluene can affect the human central nervous system and can lead to fatigue, headache, nausea and drowsiness.
8. Talc
Remember how soft talcum powder feels? This is because talc is the softest mineral occurring naturally. Talc is used to absorb moisture and is majorly found in baby powders, eye shadows, blush, deodorants and some soaps.
However, talc is directly associated with ovarian cancer [8]. It first became a matter of concern when a woman who was using talc made by Johnson & Johnson for 35 years died of ovarian cancer. When inhaled, talc can cause lung tumors.
TO BE CONTINUED
SOURCE: https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/toxic-chemicals-in-cosmetics
