Top 6 Health-Risk Substances In Cosmetics

Wearing makeup has become an everyday routine by most people, especially women. Various techniques and styles were applied to enhance the features of the face. The goal is to look attractive — it’s a no-brainer.

Beauty comes at a price, and we’re not talking about the monetary expense of make-up. But the potential dangers to your health.

Unfortunately, it is upsetting to know that most personal care industries are unregulated that it’s almost hard to believe what they put on their product labels. Nevertheless, it pays to be informed. So to help, here are the most common harmful substances present in beauty products. If you see them in the product label, think twice about buying or using the product.

Talc

Talc is a clay mineral and processed to be used in a variety of products like in making rubbers, paints and cosmetic products. Talc absorb moisture, prevent caking and avoid making makeup opaque.

In its natural form, some talc are contaminated with asbestos – a mineral associated with cancer, if inhaled. Therefore, this should be avoided in most cosmetics and other personal care products.

Coal Tar

Coal Tar is another carcinogen found in most eyeshadows and hair dyes. It is derived from burning coal and it is a mixture of several compounds particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Use of this substance can cause allergic reactions, skin tumors and neurological damage.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound. It is colorless, flammable with a strong smell and usually used as a preservative in cosmetics and nail products.

Continuous inhalation in small amounts and absorption through the skin is known as dangerous to humans causing cancer and irritation.

Lead

Lead is a bluish-white lustrous metal and the scariest known carcinogen found in lipsticks and hair dyes, but always listed as a contaminant, not an ingredient.

Mercury

Mercury is another substance used in trace amounts in eye mascara as a preservative. Trace amounts absorbed through your eyelids can become an allergen that can impair brain development.

Parabens

Parabens are series of parahydroxybenzoates and are widely used as preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.  These chemicals are linked to endocrine disruption and toxic to reproductive organs.

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