Dec 4, 2018
Image: Cosmetics - clipartpanda.com
Your beauty products might be doing more harm than good according to this eye-opening article from cheatsheet.com.
If you think food products are not well regulated, you’ll be shocked to know how little the United States government regulates skin care and beauty products. There are many ingredients that you expose your body to every day that could be seriously harmful to your health. Here are a few chemicals and toxins lurking in your skin care products that you might want to avoid.
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in many skin care and makeup products. Although parabens prevent bacteria from growing in your product, they can also be dangerous. Studies have shown parabens are potential endocrine disruptors. This means they can disrupt your hormones and alter growth, development, and reproduction. Some experts also believe they can be linked to breast tumors.
Synthetic colors
Some dyes might be carcinogenic.
Synthetic colors, known as FD&C colors or D&C colors, are often derived from coal tar dyes. In recent years, these types of synthetic colors have shown to be potentially carcinogenic. These dyes are also skin irritants and have been linked to ADHD in children. The European Union has classified these dyes as carcinogens and banned them.
Resorcinol
The government has placed limits on its use in salons.
This ingredient is commonly used as a bleaching product. It has been found to be toxic to the immune system and can also disrupt hormones. The federal government has placed limits on resorcinol use in the work place (such as a salon), but does not regulate it for use in personal products. It has also been linked to cancer, but the evidence is limited.
Fragrance
It can cause dermatitis and asthma.
The problem with fragrance is that people love it so much. It smells wonderful, but it’s actually a frequent cause of contact dermatitis, which mimics the effects of poison ivy on your skin. Fragrance has also been linked to asthma, which can cause lung problems down the road. Even worse, the FDA doesn’t require an item with “fragrance” to enclose what its fragrant ingredients actually are.
Hydroquinone
It can be carcinogenic.
In high doses, hydroquinone can be carcinogenic. This skin-lightening ingredients also becomes toxic in high doses and can cause nausea, seizures, and bluish skin. Hydroquinone can be a cause of ochronosis, which is a skin condition that causes a blue-black skin discoloration. Several countries have banned hydroquinone, and the FDA has proposed a ban.
Phthalates
They’re in lotions and other skin care products.
Phthalates are commonly used in plastic — but they’re also found in lotions and skin care products. Studies have linked phthalates to reproductive and hormonal issues in males. According to ecocenter.org, fetal animals exposed to phthalates showed infertility issues and a decreased sperm count.
Petroleum
It’s common in self-tanners.
The problem with petroleum, and also with its counterpart, mineral oil, is that it can’t be metabolized. This means that once it’s in your body, it doesn’t really leave. Plus, the Environmental Working Group has found that products containing petroleum could be carcinogenic. Petroleum is common in products like self-tanners. If you’re prone to acne, you’ll want to avoid petroleum — it can completely block your pores.
Triclosan
The FDA banned it in 2016.
In 2016, the FDA issued a rule that stated any consumer antiseptic wash products containing triclosan could no longer be sold to consumers. However, you might still have some products (pre-2016) lying around your house. Triclosan has been linked to altered hormone regulation. It can potentially help you develop antibiotic-resistant bacteria and be harmful to your immune system.
MIT
It’s common in sunscreens.
Methylisothiazolinone, known as MIT, is commonly found in skin care products like lotions and sunscreens. Lab rats showed serious toxicity problems when exposed to high concentrations of MIT, such as swollen intestines and reddened lungs. Some rats died. Factory workers who are exposed to MIT are the highest concern, but consumers who use products containing MIT are also encouraged to discontinue use. Europe is trying to get MIT-based products banned from shelves.
SLS
You might find it in your shampoo.
SLS, or sodium laureth sulfate, is known to irritate the skin, lungs, and eyes. While SLS itself is not a carcinogen, some studies have showed that it can cause mutations that can lead to cancer, according to Livestrong.com. However, the evidence of whether or not small amounts (such as the amounts in shampoos or skin products) can cause cancer still needs to be further evaluated.
Oxybenzone
It actually might increase your risk of melanoma.
Oxybenzone is commonly found in sunscreens. However, it has also been linked to a rise in melanoma. Yes, that sounds counterproductive. According to the Environmental Working Group, oxybenzone has demonstrated an ability to attack DNA cells. Scientists believe it behaves like estrogen and have also linked it to breast cancer.
Formaldehyde
It’s in some hair care products.
Chronic exposure to formaldehyde can cause issues with the nervous system. In high concentrations, it can also affect a person’s likelihood of contracting ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. In 2011, the U.S. government classified formaldehyde as a known carcinogen, yet it is still found in many skin care and beauty products.
Toluene
You’ll find it in nail polish.
Toluene is a solvent that is used to make nail polish. Overexposure to toluene can create problems with the brain and nerves. Cognitive impairments, vision problems, and hearing loss can become permanent with too much exposure. It can also cause memory loss, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Propylene glycol
It’s in scented products.
Propylene glycol is a liquid alcohol found in perfumes and scented products you spray on your skin. It is a known skin irritant. It is not as bad as other chemicals, unless you have very sensitive skin. Propylene glycol can cause hives in humans. This chemical has, overall, been deemed safe for use in cosmetics, but if you’re worried about developing dermatitis or a skin rash, it’s best to steer clear.
Benzoyl peroxide
It might cause more skin issues than it helps.
Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to clear up acne. While benzoyl peroxide might not be “poisonous,” it can cause skin unwanted skin issues. The dehydration factor can lead to premature aging. Also, hyperpigmentation is common with benzoyl peroxide. Patches of skin become darker than the rest of your skin. Plus, benzoyl peroxide can cancel out the effects of SPF, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer.
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