by Fiona Ostermayer
Do you ever consider the chemicals in cosmetics when ever you put on makeup, use soap or hair spray?
Many of us are becoming more conscious about food and what we put in our bodies. Do you also consider that what you put on your body? Did you know that chemicals used in make up can impact your health?
Chemicals in cosmetics, skin care products and bath products may be highly toxic. Even worse, they can be absorbed through your skin over time they can have a disastrous impact on health.
Public awareness about the potential health risks of chemicals in cosmetics and skin care products is fairly low. The information available from watchdog groups is so great that it can be overwhelming. What can you do?
Simply become an educated consumer.
Chemicals in Cosmetics: The Effect of the Make Up of Make Up
- Your skin absorbs 60 – 70 percent of whatever you put on it.
- There is no testing for long-term health effects of chemical ingredients in cosmetics. The FDA only requires irritancy tests on beauty products.
- Many of the major commercial beauty product companies torture and maim animals to test their products for irritancy.
- The FDA does not require cosmetics manufacturers to register their products.
- Many of the chemicals found in every-day cosmetics are carcinogenic (cancer causing substances).
- 90 percent of the ingredients in cosmetics have not been tested for safety or long-term health effects.
- Some estimates say that women absorb over 2 pounds of toxic substances through their makeup and skin products every year!
Here’s a short list of what to avoid:
Parabens – Found in processed foods and cosmetics, parabens are used as preservatives. They are found naturally in many plants, but those used in consumer products are synthetically made. Parabens function similar to estrogen, disrupting the endocrine (your hormone) system and increase your risk of getting breast cancer.
Phthalates – Phthalates are petrochemicals used to soften plastics. They are used in hairsprays, perfumes, and mascaras. Recent studies indicate that even low doses of phthalates can increase the risk of development problems for male babies in utero. The production of phthalates – almost a billion pounds per year – is a major contributor to air and water contamination.
Petrochemicals – Are found in most cosmetics and are derived from petroleum. They are suspected to be neuro-toxins (toxic to brain), heart, lungs and the immune system. Petrochemicals may also be listed with names like isoparaffins, petroleum distillates, or propylene glycol.
FD&C Colors – Carcinogenic coal tar derivatives used for color in mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner and nail polish.
Chemicals in cosmetics are not regulated as strictly by the FDA. Since they are not foods, they are not required to list their ingredients. This can make it difficult for you to determine whether the cosmetics you purchase are healthy and safe.
Fortunately, more people are becoming aware of this problem. There is a growing demand for organic and vegan cosmetics.
The variety and selection of products that are non-toxic, cruelty-free, and organic is growing. Think of it this way: You shop for foods that support your health from the inside out. Now give the same consideration to the personal care products you purchase and support your health from the outside in as well.
About the Author
Fiona Ostermayer is the owner and operator of Busy-Vegan.com, a web site dedicated to the vegan and raw food lifestyles. She has been a practicing vegan for 10 years and has been researching and writing about vegan issues for the last 5 years. If you would like to learn more about healthy and safe cosmetics you and yours, please Visit the Vegan Cosmetics section of Busy-Vegan.com.