The Toxic Chemicals Found in Cosmetics
They say that beauty is skin deep. In a case of this blog, it really is! There are plenty of different types of chemicals found in beauty products nowadays that we rarely take notice of, and by the time we do, it might be a little too late to repair the damage. There are thousands of chemicals in your products, many of which are being absorbed into your body.
In this post, we look into the toxic chemicals found in your daily cosmetics and beauty products.
Phthalates (Dibutyl Phthalate)
What is it?
Phthalate is used in a wide range of products for everyday use such as plastics, paints, inks and cosmetics. They also make plastics soft and flexible. Its widespread usage has raised some concerns on the safety of this compound. Phthalates are unlisted fragrance ingredients in many other cosmetics.
Why is it bad?
Phthalate has been shown to cause developmental defects and is toxic to reproduction and can also harm the unborn and impair fertility. Phthalate exposure has also been linked as a risk factor for later-life breast cancer.
Toluene
What is it?
Tolune is a petrochemical derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. It is a potent solvent that is able to dissolve paint and paint thinner.
Why is it bad?
Tolune can affect your respiratory system, cause nausea and irritate your skin. Expecting mothers should avoid exposure to toluene vapours as it may cause developmental damage in the fetus.
Parabens
What is it?
Parabens are a group of compounds widely used as an anti-fungal agent, preservative and antimicrobial in creams, lotions, ointments and other cosmetics, including underarm deodorants.They can also be found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers. You can also find them in food and pharmaceutical products.
Why is it bad?
Parabens are widely used preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria, mould and yeast in cosmetic products. However, they do more than that. Parabens are easily absorbed by our skin. It will absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumours. Parabens has been detected in human breast cancer tissues and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumours.
Formaldehyde
What is it?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in building materials and to produce many household cleaning products. It is also used as preservatives found in cosmetics and beauty care products such as baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes.
Why is it bad?
Formaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects. These effects are both short term and long term, including watery eyes, nausea, skin irritation and others. Formaldehyde is known to be a human carcinogen; a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
What is it?
BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks and moisturisers and are also used as food preservatives. They are also widely used by the food industry as preservatives, mainly to prevent oils in foods from oxidising and becoming rancid
Why is it bad?
These two chemicals are linked to a wide range of serious health problems, organ system toxicity, skin irritation and more. They can cause allergic reactions, liver, thyroid and kidney problems along with lung function impairment and problems in blood coagulation. Both chemicals can cause allergic reactions and are suspected of interfering with hormone function, and may promote tumour growth.
Propylene glycol (PEG)
What is it?
Propylene glycol (PEG) is a small organic alcohol commonly used as a skin-conditioning agent. It is classified as a skin irritant. It can be found in moisturisers, sunscreen, makeup products, conditioners, shampoo and hair sprays. PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisturiser.
Why is it bad?
PEG opens up your skin’s pores, allowing harmful ingredients to penetrate more deeply. One typical adverse reaction to propylene glycol includes mild skin irritation. it is also potentially toxic to the kidneys and liver.
Petrolatum
What is it?
Petrolatum (mineral oil jelly) is used as a barrier to lock moisture in the skin in a variety of moisturizers. It is also used in hair care products to make your hair shine. Look out for the terms “petroleum” or “liquid paraffin.”
Why is it bad?
A petrochemical, it can be contaminated with cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The European Union considers petrolatum a carcinogen and restricts its use in cosmetics. 1,4-dioxane is not listed on ingredient labels. It is a petroleum-derived contaminant formed in the manufacture of shampoos, body wash, children’s bath products and other sudsing cosmetics. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has ranked it as a possible carcinogen, and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has identified it as a reasonably anticipated carcinogen.
Siloxanes
What is it?
Siloxanes are used in cosmetics to soften, smooth, and moisten. They make hair products dry more quickly and deodorant creams slide on more easily. They are also used extensively in moisturisers and facial treatments. Siloxanes can also be found in medical implants, water-repelling windshield coatings, building sealants and lubricants.
Why is it bad?
While it has not been proven that siloxanes pose a threat to human health, something used in a building material cannot be good for the skin!
Triclosan
What is it?
Triclosan is used mainly in anti-antiperspirant or deodorants, cleansers, and an anti-bacterial agent. Also used in laundry detergent, facial tissues, and antiseptics for wounds. Often a time, triclosan is also classified as a pesticide.
Why is it bad?
It can pass through skin and can affect the body’s hormone systems and may disrupt normal breast development. An increase usage of triclosan may also contribute to bacterial resistance to anti-microbial agents. (Note: An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth).
All that Glitters
There are still a number of toxic chemicals found in makeup and and cosmetics. Most of the time, all of them mentioned above, appear on labels. So you can read ingredient lists on cosmetics, personal care and food items to avoid them. If you are still unsure, you can always search online about the products or you can always email the company and ask them, just to be sure. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Same goes for any of our products found on our online store; be it a lipstick, foundation powder or that awesome eye shadow of ours. Drop us an email and we would gladly help you out!
Good luck!
