Top 5 Toxic Cosmetic Ingredients
Oh for the days of blissful ignorance, when I could simply shop for the makeup in the cutest packaging, or the sleekest compact - instead of choosing my makeup by reading a list of ingredients that you need a degree in chemistry to interperet. I do realize that makeup was no less harmful and the chemicals no less damaging - in fact, it was likely worse before the pioneers in green cosmetics began to raise awareness, but I still miss those days.
Now days, shopping for cosmetics is a scientific endeavor! It used to take me quite a bit of time to read through the list, trying to remember what was what, and what to avoid. So I decided to make it a bit easier on myself. When I shop for cosmetics,I have a basic list of things to scan the ingredient list for.
Here are my top 5 ingredients to avoid:
Parabens:
Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics, and it has been suggested that it may be both a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and may have negative effects on hormone levels. There are many chemicals in this family, the most common being methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. I usually just avoid any ingredient that ends in "paraben".
Phthalates:
This chemical is used as a "plasticizer", which is exactly what it sounds like... a chemical that makes something "plastic-like". Usually only found in nail polish, it is a toxic substance that affects the reproductive system.
Petroleum:
You mean, the stuff they make gas out of? Yep, not a reassuring thought, eh? Petroleum is found in MANY cosmetic products including mascara and foot powder. It is sometimes listed as "Paraffin".
Nanoparticles:
Thought "nano" anything was relegated to the world of sci fi? Think again. Nanoparticles are found in the form of zinc and titanium dioxides, generally in sunscreens and liquid foundation. These particles are so small that they are absorbed into the brain, causing cell damage.
Fragrance:
I know, I know, fragrance? But the truth is, most artificial fragrances are known neurotoxins -- a dirty truth the cosmetic companies do not want you to know. It's generally best to avoid all product that have added fragrance. Instead, look for items with naturally occuring fragrances.
I know that paring my "list to look for" down to a manageable size has helped me - I hope it does the same for you!
8 comments:
Be careful and look out for these too:
Mineral oil - a petroleum derivative used in baby oils and in most moisturizers. It is not easily absorbed by the skin, instead it merely creates a film on the skin layer, leaving a greasy residue and over time, causes dry skin and skin irritation.
Propylene Glycol - nne of the most commonly used emulsifiers, it is petrochemical derived from propylene alcohol that is easily absorbed by the skin and the scalp. Linked to abnormalities in the liver and the kidney, blocked pores and blemishes, it is the major component of brake and hydraulic fluids.
Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulfate - a synthetic wetting and cleansing agent, it can be found in almost all commercial brand shampoos and toothpastes.
Talc - the main ingredient used in face powders, its structure and molecular size is similar to asbestos. Commonly used in babies in the genital areas, it has been linked with ovarian cancer and is a known carcinogen when inhaled.
Diethanolamine (DEA) - which are used as emulsifying agents, solvents and are found in most shampoos. Studies have shown that DEA-related ingredients have been known to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
Healthy Lifestyle Blogzine
Great tips! Yes - mineral oil is hiding everywhere! Not only does it not absorb well - but it can be harmful to your health.
Thanks!
Sorry to rain on your parade but ......
Most of this is just scare mongering.
If you actually review the scientific data (as opposed to the junk on the 'net) you find that most of the products are basically innocuous.
Mineral Oil / Paraffin / "White Oil" - specifically those used in cosmetics (which actually have a different chemical makeup to gasoline/etc) - are so pure that they are virtually inert. They are approved by the FDA/TGA for internal use because they are so inert - so a bit on the skin won't hurt you.
Propylene glycol is another product that is often used in food preparation - if you don't believe me look at the commercial bread recipies (E1520) - it's often there as a humectant. In most formulations it could be replaced by glycerine - to which it is chemically closely related.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) / Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) - there is no scientific evidence that either of these components are carcinogenic. They ARE both very effective cleaning agents and, like any cleaning agent - including soap - will cause irritation to sensitive skin if overused. The irritative effect can be lessened by the addition of other surfactants and oils - just like soaps - this is the job of a good cosmetics formulator.
The negative data on parabens is scant - the positive data goes back over 50 years of use. If there was really a problem parabens related cancer clusters should be everywhere - they aren't.
OTOH -
phthalates (and their esters) are a concern and this is being appropriately dealt with.
And you are correct that many of the ingredients in fragrances are toxic. This is not limited to synthetic fragrances, however. Most of the natural fragrances are also toxic. It's a question of dose/response - the level of exposure is usually so low that the toxin effect level is not reached. Severe allergic response to most cosmetics is almost always first centred on the fragrance.
When formulating any product a good formulator will try to keep all of this of information in mind - that's the difference between a professional and a backyarder.
Sakironin - no need to apologize - I don't feel rained upon ;). I respect the fact that you seem to have done research on this - however I disagree with your conclusions.
Parabens are dangerous when accumulated over time. Small amounts *may* not do anything, but as just about everything includes them - the quantity absorbed by your skin is more than you might think.
I would try to refute you point by point - but I feel I would be rehashing and I've got a busy morning ahead of me. For info, search for any of these ingredients on http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ and see what they have to say about them.
Since your skin is your largest organ - I find it safest to follow the axiom "If you wouldn't eat it - don't put it on your skin"
Kat, your post was right on. The person who said the FDA regulates is completely wrong she needs to do her research in the US the cosmetic industry is not regulated, plus FDA approves cigarettes so for what that's worth. Safecosmetics, cosmeticdatabase have lots of studies research and science to prove what you said in your posting. Read Not Just A Pretty Face, Or Dying To Be Beautiful and learn about what's found in the blood of unborn babies. Teenagers need to be very concerned as they mature. I updated my blog on this and would appreciate any feedback you may have. www.ljhealth.wordpress.com
Thanks Kat for educating others on this important subject.
Lori
Thanks Lori - and you're right. I don't know how reassuring it's supposed to be that something is "FDA approved" - when they do in fact approve many harmful things.
I read your post - it's great :-)
Hi Kat, thanks for this post, that's exactly the information I was looking for.
I found your blog today and can't stop reading.
Nice job! :)
Emma
Thanks Emma :-) I really appreciate it!!
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