What cosmetics are harmful to our health?
Shampoos, body lotions, cosmetics, and even perfumes contain harmful chemicals that can cause health problems, from skin irritation to infertility to cancer. Because these chemicals are cheap and there is generally no law restricting their use, companies continue to use dangerous toxins despite extensive research. Learning about hazardous substances and safer alternatives is the best way to protect yourself. Manufacturers will have no choice but to change their standards if consumers change their shopping habits and buy safer products. The following is a list of harmful and dangerous cosmetics and care products.
perfume:
“Perfume” refers to “secret raw materials.” The word “perfume” has different meanings. To protect their secret formulas, many companies hide some ingredients behind the word “perfume.” Private compounds are not required to be disclosed to consumers.
Unknown or unlisted ingredients are the dangers of perfumes. There are many mysterious scents that can cause allergies, cancer, neurotoxicity, or adversely affect reproductive health.
During the Safe Cosmetics Campaign’s investigation of 17 perfume brands, 14 chemicals were found to have adverse effects on humans. Aromatic compounds are also responsible for 30% of allergic reactions to skincare products, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Alternatives to synthetic perfumes include perfume-free products, quality essential oils, and other natural alternatives. People with sensitive skin and children can find fragrance-free products from some cosmetic companies.
Colors created artificially:
Cosmetics containing synthetic dyes are dangerous
The color name on the product label (a combination of letters and numbers such as red 40 or yellow 6) should not be bought. It is unnecessary and harmful to use synthetic dyes.
In addition to causing cancer and skin irritation, synthetic dyes are usually derived from coal tar or oil. Heavy metals in these dyes can harm the brain.
Paraben:
Many shampoos, beeswaxes, moisturizers, and beauty products contain parabens, which are inexpensive preservatives. The use of parabens increases crop shelf life and prevents the growth of bacteria, molds, fungi, and even parasites.
In the body, parabens mimic the effects of estrogen and upset the hormonal balance. These chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the skin, remain there, and accumulate in the body. Breast cancer is increased by parabens because they disrupt endocrine function.
Safe and effective alternatives to paraben are available! Here are the best options:
Vitamin E;
Rosemary extract;
Fermented radish root;
Grapefruit kernel extract;
Sodium benzoate;
In beauty products, petroleum products or derivatives are added to create radiance and moisture. Many toxic chemicals can be found in petroleum products, some of which can cause cancer and nerve damage. Health risks associated with petroleum products are greater because they penetrate the skin. Mineral oils have been shown to accelerate tumor growth in a 2009 study.
Natural moisturizers can be used instead of these materials, such as:
Vegetable glycerin;
coconut oil;
Sunflower oil;
olive oil;
Raw honey;
Paraffin wax, toluene, polyethylene glycol, diethanolamine, ethanolamine, and perfume are unsuitable alternatives.
Formaldehyde:
As a carcinogen, formaldehyde causes allergic reactions and negatively affects the immune system. Formaldehyde is commonly used in beauty products to prevent bacteria from growing. In nail polish, shampoo, and eye shadow, formaldehyde is used. Heat from hair irons can also release formaldehyde gas into the air.
Formaldehyde has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Therefore, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends hairdressers wear respirators and provide proper ventilation.
Phthalates:
This group of chemicals is used to make liquid products and soften plastics. Plastics are durable and flexible because of phthalates. Materials such as these can be found in a variety of products, including:
Nail Polish;
Deodorant;
Perfume;
lotion;
Shampoo;
Hair spray;
Cream and moisturizer.
Perfumes sometimes contain phthalates that are hidden from view.
There are many health risks associated with phthalates, including:
Disfunction of the endocrine system;
Cancer of the breast;
Hormones increase;
Problems with infertility;
Disorders of child development;
Symptoms of asthma;
Inattentional hyperactivity;
The disease diabetes.
To prevent phthalates, avoid products containing perfume. Choose quality beauty brands that do not use these materials.
Preservatives:
Many moisturizers and beauty products contain preservatives. In addition to increasing the life of products, these substances are also carcinogenic and harmful to the environment.
Foaming agents:
There are some foaming agents that are dangerous and harmful to cosmetics.
Too much foaming in facial cleansers and shampoos can be hazardous to health and cause cancer. The substances cause irritation to the skin, lungs, and eyes, as well as harming fish and the environment.
Siloxanes:
Soft, smooth, and moisturizing skin is made possible by siloxanes. Deodorants use them to create a smooth, silky texture, while hair products use them to speed up the drying process.
It is known that siloxanes are toxic and can cause endocrine and reproductive problems.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) compounds:
Petroleum products called polyethylene glycol are used to absorb cosmetics faster. Creamy products, thickening agents, and moisture carriers contain these substances.
Genetic poisoning can be caused by GPEG compounds, which are known carcinogens. If used on damaged or inflamed skin, these products can cause irritation or poisoning.
Are there any ingredients or other cosmetics that are harmful?
It is common for mascaras to contain mercury, which can be absorbed into the skin and cause brain damage.
There are usually synthetic dyes, oils, synthetic fragrances, and carcinogens in lead.
The cream powder made from talc contains arsenic, which can cause mesothelioma (a type of cancer). Cosmetics usually contain small amounts of talc and asbestos. The carcinogenic properties of asbestos are well known.
Cancer can be caused by arsenic talc contamination in tanners and powder embarrassments.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, 1,4-Dioxane may cause cancer. Sometimes it is found in beauty products that contain detergents, foams, stabilizers, or solvents.
A small amount of lead is sometimes found in lipstick and some traditional eye lines such as kohl. There is a link between lead exposure and brain damage, as well as a decrease in IQ.
Many chemicals, including phthalates, parabens, and many others, are unknown to the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A group of industrialists also believes that intermittent chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products are very low and safe.
Health problems that may occur years or decades later cannot be directly linked to chemical exposure. It is almost impossible to examine the link between early exposure to chemicals and things like fertility problems, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s later in life.