The Truth About the Ingredients in Your Cosmetics

The cosmetics industry is a billion dollar business with household names like Cover Girl and Maybelline just to name two. Then there are the high end cosmetics with fancy names and packaging fit for royalty that many makeup-lovers can't resist. Women everywhere apply makeup every day, it is as natural to them as having coffee. As a matter of fact in today's society two more demographics have arisen – teens and men. More teens are wearing cosmetics and even males are seeking personal grooming products perhaps due to the metrosexual trend.

The makeup industry lures us with their fragrant concoctions and miracle promises. While it may not be a cure-all there are many cosmetic imperfections makeup can conceal and beauty that can be accentuated. You can enjoy fuller lips, longer lashes and sculpted cheeks with a few swipes of the makeup brush. However, have you ever wondered what's in the cosmetics you apply each day?

Try and read the average makeup label, and you'll find the ingredients to be unpronouncable and often unnatural. Not only that, but the FDA does not require safety testing if the products do not carry any of the ten listed toxic ingredients classified as dangerous. This means the people who are wearing the cosmetics are the testers themselves. The UK has stricter regulations and their toxins list is 1200 chemicals long. Who knows what toxins we are being exposed to?

Sometimes, even the toxic banned items can still find their way into makeup products. Awhile back a former L'oreal employee disclosed that the company continuted to use a banned material in their products. The story was recently featured at CosmesticDesign.com. If you're curious about the banned chemicals keep reading as we delve into the hotlist:

Colors Made with Coal Tar

This type of coloring is contained in haircolor and most all makeup products. This colorant is irritating to skin and allergies, and certain colors may even have carcinogenic effects.

Diethanolamine (DEA)

A common shampoo ingredient and potential carcinogen, linked to laboratory animal cancer.

Formaldehyde

This substance can be found in common cosmetic products like blush, eyeshadow, nail polish, shampoo and more. Formaldehyde can make asthma worse in sufferers. It may also cause reproductive system problems and it is strongly suspected of being a carcinogen.

Glycol Ethers

This is a common ingredient in fragrances, antiperspirants and nail laquers. It is damaging to the reproductive system, irritating to the ocular system and skin, and connected to anemia.

Lead

This is actually a rather common ingredient in eyeshadow, haircolor and even lipstick. The consumption of lead may lead to problems with the nervous system, reproductive system and other parts of the body. Also, lead is thought to be a carcinogen.

Mercury

Believe it or not, mercury is a common ingredient in skin lighteners and eye cosmetics. The effects of mercury may harm the reproductive system, respiratory system and even the gastrointestinal system. It may also slow development and have a negative effect on the nervous system.

Parabens

Parabens can be found in deodorants, shampoos, cosmetics and even products for babies. These substances may have a detrimental effect on hormones and are linked to breast tissue tumors.

Phenylenediamine
(PPD)

This substance is contained in peroxide and certain hair coloring products. It has a connection to cancer because it interrupts the normal functioning of healthy cells. PPD has also been thought to contribute to breathing problems and is currently prohibited in Europe.

Phthalates

These are often used in makeup, fragrances, nail laquers, haircare products, skin care products and deodorant. The problem with this substance is its link to leukemia, kidney cancer and reproductive system abnormalities.

Scary isn't it? Well, it doesn't stop there. Chemicals contain enhancers that increase the likelihood of absorption into the body. For example, hair color has been found to show up in urine half an hour after being applied. Although the chemicals may be absorbed into the body in minimal amounts there's no telling what damage can be done by repeated exposure over the long-term.

The sad truth is that up to 70 percent of bath, body and cosmetic products sold in stores today contain cancer causing substances and toxins like those described above.

To make sure your cosmetics and toiletries are safe to use, check the database available from the Environmental Working Group or EWG. Check cosmeticsdatabase.com for more information about the safety of makeup products.

It's not all bleak – we don't need to walk around bare-faced. Luckily there are naturally made cosmetics you can choose to beautify yourself. Your area health food store or whole foods market should have a good selection of natural cosmetics. You may even want to learn to make your own cosmetics from natural ingredients. There are also lots of books on the subject of cosmetic safety and natural beauty products.

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