It is true that we all want to enhance the appearance of our bodies by applying cosmetics, but it is very important to know that most of them contain ingredients that can wreak havoc on our health. Unfortunately, most manufacturers list all these ingredients on the label without informing consumers of the dangerous effects they can have.
In fact, sometimes some consumers intentionally eat their lipsticks because of its taste or fragrance, thereby poisoning themselves without knowing it. While we are doing our best to eliminate the poisons in our food, we should also be mindful of the ones absorbed through the skin.
Here are some of the toxic substances you should look out for in your cosmetics.
1. Paraffin
This chemical pollutant is found in baby oil, lip gloss, hair gel, eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, body soap, face powder, and hair conditioner. This jelly chemical seals off the skin, not allowing it to breathe. This slows down the skin’s function and results in skin disorders.
2. Sodium Lauryl
Sodium Lauryl is a foaming agent found in floor cleaners, Body Wash, toothpaste, shampoo, and detergents. This powerful chemical irritates the skin. When absorbed, it causes damage to your eyes, liver, heart, and brain, and slows down wound healing, and impairs hair growth.
3. Formaldehyde
These are carcinogenic substances found in nail polish, body wash, and hair products.
Inhaling these substances can be very hazardous to your health. It could cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, neurologic toxicity, and reproductive toxicity.
4. Hydroquinone
This chemical can be found in Skin Lightening creams. It inhibits the production of a natural pigment known as melanin. This skin lightening agent causes skin irritation and cancer.
5. Thimerosal
This metallic element can be found in mascara and eye drops. It causes severe harm to the nervous system and affects the function of the brain.
6. Parabens
These substances have antibacterial properties. They are found in most personal care product and using them regularly can result in skin irritation, breast cancer, skin aging, and infertility.
7. Phthalates
These chemicals mimic some hormones in the body such as estrogen. Exposure to this chemical can result in premature delivery, decrease the production of testosterone, cause endometriosis, and infertility.
8. Lead
Most foundations, tooth pastes and lipsticks contain this substance. This contaminant causes infertility, miscarriages, and delayed puberty. In order to avoid this contaminant, it is important to purchase products colored with natural pigments.
9. Butylated compounds
These are unhealthy ingredients found in eye shadows, foundations, skin cleansers, perfumes, and lipsticks. They cause skin allergies and organ toxicity.
