Beauty products are a wonderful way to pamper ourselves and raise our self-esteem, but it’s critical to be sure they’re not causing you more harm than good. The easiest way to do this is to look at the substances in the items you’re using and see whether any of them have been linked to serious side effects. We’ve compiled a list of ten of the most frequent compounds in cosmetic products that you should avoid. Some, such as coal tar and polyethylene glycol, are industrial wastes that are also environmentally damaging, therefore avoiding them will help the environment.
1. Parabens
Parabens are one of the most commonly found ingredients found in the cosmetics products. These parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetic products and foods to prevent the growth of microbes. This chemical absorbed through your skin, blood and digestive system affecting your health in end.
Present In:
Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions, Facial and Shower Cleansers and scrubs.
What to check on Label:
Ethylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, other ingredients ending in –paraben.
Effect on Health:
Endocrine disruption, cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity. Pregnant women and young children are more vulnerable to Parabens.
How to Avoid:
When buying any cosmetic or beauty products look for labeled “Parabens-Free” and read ingredient list on labels to abstain yourself in buying such products. To avoid microbial growth in personal care products, many natural and organic cosmetics firms have identified viable alternatives to parabens. Preservative-free products have a shorter shelf life than conventional items, according to certain firms (six months to a year).
2. Phthalates
These are salts or plasticized chemical used for increasing the spreadability of a product. Phthalates are commonly used in nail polishes, perfumes, shampoos, and lotions.
They are known to be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, early breast development in girls, and reproductive birth defects in males and females. Unfortunately, it is not disclosed on every product as it’s added to fragrances (remember the “secret formula” not listed), a major loophole in the law. They can be found in deodorants, perfumes/colognes, hair sprays and moisturizers.
Present In:
Color cosmetics, fragranced lotions, body washes and hair care products, nail polish and treatment
What to check on Label:
Pthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP and Fragrance
Effect on Health:
Endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, cancer
How to Avoid:
Look for the labels on nail products, and choose options that do not contain DBP. Some nail product labels indicate they are “phthalate-free.” Products that list “fragrance” on the label should be avoided to prevent possible exposure to phthalates.
3. HEAVY METALS
Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, aluminum, zinc, chromium and iron are found in a wide variety of beauty care products which includes lipstick, whitening toothpaste, eyeliner and nail color. Some metals are intentionally added as ingredients, while others are contaminants. Usage of such metals causes health problems including reproductive, immune and nervous system toxicity.
Present In:
Lip care products, whitening toothpaste, eyeliner, nail color, foundations, sunscreens, eye shadows, blush, concealer, moisturizers, eye drops
What to check on Label:
Lead acetate, chromium, thimerosal, hydrogenated cotton seed oil, sodium hexametaphosphate. Note: products that contain contaminant metals will not list them on ingredient labels.
Effect on Health:
Cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, environmental concerns.
How to Avoid:
Despite the fact that the issue of lead in cosmetics has received a lot of attention, the metal is still found in majority of products. Heavy metals aren’t usually indicated on the label, it’s advisable to keep color cosmetics for special occasions and encourage young girls to avoid wearing lipstick. Furthermore, sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and iron oxide are frequently good choices, but make sure these metals are not-nanoized.
4. TRICLOSAN
Triclosan and triclocarban are antibacterial compounds that are often found in soaps and detergents. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Triclosan was found in the urine of 75% of people tested. Concerns about their effects on individuals and the environment, such as endocrine disruption, bioaccumulation, and the evolution of microorganisms resistant to antibodies and antibacterial treatments, have arisen as a result of their widespread usage and lack of controls.
Present In:
Antibacterial soaps and detergents, toothpaste and tooth whitening products, antiperspirants/deodorants, shaving products, creams, color cosmetics.
What to check on Label:
Triclosan (TSC) and triclocarban (TCC)
Effect on Health:
Endocrine disruption, triclosan-resistant bacteria, environmental toxicity, especially pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers are more vulnerable to this chemical.
How to Avoid:
Avoid products that indicate triclosan and triclocarban on the label. Try to use plain soap and water—the FDA found no evidence that antibacterial washes containing triclosan are any more effective at protecting against bacteria.
6. TALC
Some talc may contain the known carcinogen asbestos, therefore it should be avoided in powders and other personal care products, unless it is known to be asbestos-free. Even asbestos-free talc should be avoided in the pelvic areas.
Present In:
Baby powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, deodorants and face masks.
What to check on Label:
Talcum powder, cosmetic talc
Effect on Health:
Irritation, cancer, organ system toxicity, Women, infants, children, miners, millers, and processors of talc are more vulnerable to this chemical.
How to Avoid:
Avoid personal care and cosmetic products that contain talc if used in the pelvic area. Choose companies that certify their talc is free of asbestos.
7. TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is used in a variety of personal care products, including sunscreens, pressed powders, and loose powders, as a UV filter or whitening agent. In lotions and creams, it presents low risk of exposure. However, when TiO2 is inhalable—as it may be in powders—it is considered a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Nanoized TiO2 does not appear to confer any unique health hazards
Present In:
FOUND IN: Sunscreen, pressed and loose powders
What to check on Label:
Titanium dioxide, TiO2
Effect on Health:
Irritation, cancer, organ system toxicity, Women, infants, children, miners, millers, and processors of talc are more vulnerable to this chemical.
How to Avoid:
Avoid loose powders and blushes that contain titanium dioxide. Use caution as well with pressed powders, since they can become airborne when used.
Caveat: TiO2 makes a very effective sunscreen in creams and lotions, and is one of the safest options available. Avoid it only in aerosolized (spray on) sunscreens
8. PABA
PABA and PABA derivatives are commonly used in sunscreens as ultraviolet B (UVB) filters. PABA use has declined over the years, but its derivatives are still around today. PABA may alter thyroid activity and PABA derivatives may have additional endocrine disrupting properties.
Present In:
Sunscreens
What to check on Label:
PABA, OD-PABA, padimate O, 4-aminobenzoic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, Et-PABA, 2-ethylhexyl ester, p-carboxyaniline.
Effect on Health:
Mostly it is unhealthy for everyone, some health related concerns include Endocrine disruption, sensitization and bioaccumulation.
How to Avoid:
Read labels and avoid sunscreen products that contain PABA, Padimate O and other PABA derivatives.
9. MICA
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral dust that is commonly used in makeup foundations, cement and asphalt fillers, and electrical cable insulation. Mica inhalation is a significant risk for workers in cosmetic production plants.
Present In:
Makeup products, shingles, wallpaper, insulation, cement and asphalt.
What to check on Label:
Mica, muscovite
Effect on Health:
Usage of Mica generally causes Irritation to your skin
How to Avoid:
Proper industrial hygiene practices should be followed, such as appropriate. Mica use in cosmetics is not a concern for consumers.
10. PETROLEUM JELLY
Petrolatum, sometimes known as petroleum jelly, is a moisturising substance used in many personal care products. Petrolatum has no known health risks when properly refined. Petrolatum, on the other hand, is frequently not fully refined in the United States, which means it can be polluted with dangerous compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (PAHs).
Present In:
Lotions, Cosmetics
What to check on Label:
Petrolatum, Petroleum Jelly, Paraffin Oil, Mineral Oil and White Petrolatum (refined and safe for use).
Effect on Health:
Cancer. The primary concern with petrolatum is the potential contamination with PAHs.
How to Avoid:
Avoid products with petrolatum, unless the company clearly indicates petrolatum is fully refined as white petrolatum either on their label or on their company website.