The desire to be beautiful is a strong desire. So strong, cosmetics manufacturers hope consumers aren’t looking too closely at the effects of their beauty products.
Studies show that not all of these chemical ingredients are safe for human use.
There is evidence that exposure to some ingredients in cosmetics can have adverse health effects on human internal organs. Coal tar hair dyes can cause allergic reactions, hair loss, and eye injuries. And it’s just the beginning.
Knowing Where to Start
For the average consumer, having relevant information available is a good first step to learning more about potentially harmful chemicals hidden in cosmetics.
The FDA designates cosmetics as items used to cleanse, beautify, or alter a person’s appearance to make them more attractive. These products can be applied to the human body in a variety of ways, such as rubbing, spraying, or pouring onto the skin.
In this sense, the term ‘cosmetics’ can be expanded to include common everyday items such as moisturizers, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants, hair dyes, nail polishes and perfumes.
Read the product label
Some of the chemicals listed on the product label are known to be harmful.
Below are common chemicals found in cosmetics and personal care products and the risks of using them.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLS
SLS can cause skin and eye irritation and contains known toxic ingredients.
Triclosan
Triclosan helps prevent or reduce bacterial contamination. Short-term animal studies have shown an association with reduced thyroid hormone levels, but no effects have been demonstrated in humans. The FDA says triclosan is not widely recognized as safe and effective in some over-the-counter medical antiseptic products due to insufficient data, but it is currently available to healthcare professionals according to infection control guidelines. We recommend that you continue to use our products.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is a powerful chemical preservative found in up to 20% of personal care products. To make matters worse, cosmetic companies use a combination of chemicals that slowly release formaldehyde into their beauty products, so you won’t even know it’s there (hence the need to list “formaldehyde” on the ingredients). there is no). Studies have shown that it can release formaldehyde vapors when inhaled and cosmetics are applied. . There are significant associations between the use of coal tar hair dyes and certain types of cancer. Coal tar dyes can also be contaminated with heavy metals such as aluminum, which increases the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s d
Phthalates
Phthalates are one of the most common and worrying hormone-disrupting chemicals and are widely used in hairsprays, nail polishes, deodorants, perfumes, lotions and creams. It has been conclusively established that phthalates are readily absorbed through the skin and are known to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system. It may also increase the risk of childhood asthma and obesity. Unfortunately, phthalates are most commonly found in the blood of women of childbearing age and can expose babies to these harmful chemicals. It is also commonly found in the products used.
Phthalates have been banned from cosmetic use in Europe for more than a decade, but so far the US government has not taken any action to limit the use of phthalates in the beauty industry. Phthalates are often hidden in ingredients simply as a “taste”.
Butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
BHA and BHT are compounds used as antioxidants and preservatives in cosmetics.
Coal tar dye
Coal tar dyes, formerly made from coal industry by-products, are now made primarily from petroleum. An ingredient in hair dye called p-phenylenediamine (PPD) is known to cause allergic reactions.
Diethanolamine or DEA
DEA is used as a blowing agent and emulsifier. Although a 1998 study showed an association with cancer in animal studies, the same study found no association between DEA and cancer risk in humans.
Parabens
Parabens, used as preservatives in cosmetics, are associated with skin irritation, endocrine disruption, and damage to the reproductive system.
Fragrance ingredients
Companies are not legally required to disclose fragrance ingredients, as they are considered “trade secrets.” However, like any other raw material, companies must ensure the safety of the raw material before it is put on the market.
Polyethylene glycol or his PEG compound
Polyethylene glycol is used in a variety of beauty care products and has also been associated with various types of cancer.
Vaseline or Vaseline. Unrefined petroleum jelly can contain toxic chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Siloxane or Silicone
Some siloxane compounds are considered toxic and can interfere with hormone function.
Cumulative Effects of Chemicals in the Body
Proponents of using chemicals in cosmetics may point out that small amounts are harmless. But scientists have discovered that the cumulative effects of all the chemicals we ingest and absorb are cause for concern. It’s low, but it adds up by washing your hands, hair and clothes daily with soap containing SLS, using phthalate-rich cosmetics and sunscreen, and coloring your hair with coal tar dye. Combine that with all the chemicals we breathe and the foods we eat, and it’s no surprise that so many health problems are on the rise in modern society.
What you need to know?
The safest course is to avoid products containing these chemicals as much as possible. There are many organic brands out there that have formulated their cosmetics, detergents, and personal care products without any harmful chemicals. Because of the chemicals used, read labels and buy certified organic products whenever possible.
Keep out of reach of children
Many toothpaste and soap manufacturers put a warning on their label, “Do not use it on children under 6 years of age.” What you may not realize is that risk factors in your home can harm your children just as much as any outside risk.
The foods your child eats every day may contain ingredients that research has shown to cause cancer, blindness, and even death. The most common of these chemicals is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It is mainly used by manufacturers because of its low price and easy availability. Some products with SLS include: shampoo, soap, toothpaste, lotion. You’re probably aware that fluoride may be present in your children’s toothpaste because that is what dentists have recommended for years to prevent cavities.
The majority of toothpastes, however, contain enough fluoride in four ounces of toothpaste to kill a tiny child because they tend to swallow the toothpaste. In 1990, a study found that fluoride did not prevent cavities. Since then, numerous studies have shown the danger of fluoride (see the website), and today, researchers are finding links between fluoride and conditions like dental deformity, arthritis, allergic reactions, and 10,000 avoidable cancer deaths annually. Enamel damage from fluoride can result in Crohn’s disease when toothpaste is swallowed, according to studies. Fluoride can also destroy tooth enamel.
Another dangerous product is propylene glycol, an ingredient commonly used as a humectant (additive to keep food moist for a long time). It is an inexpensive glycerin replacement.
