Chemicals That You Should Watch Out for in Cosmetics
Who does not want to look good?
The volume and variety of the beauty products decking many shelves in different establishments is a testament to the intensity of the human need to look attractive. However, some of such items can cause unfavourable effects to your body as they contain certain ingredients that may cause some cellular damage. Some of such formulas may contain pesticides, plasticisers, industrial chemicals, toxins and carcinogenic substances. As such, you need to be vigilant and always read the label before acquiring them.
Here are the top components that you should steer clear from:
- Parabens
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds
- Formaldehyde
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Dibutyl Pthalate
These are typically used as preservatives even in pharmaceuticals, and theyse come in a number of varieties which are differentiated by the prefixes used: butyl, propyl, ethyl and isobutyl. These also function as food additives and have fungicidal and bactericidal properties. However, these substances are found to be able to mimic estrogen and have been observed to be present in human tissues affected by breast cancer.
These can thicken solutions and can also act as moisture carriers and solvents. As such, they are utilised as base for skin creams and as dispersant in toothpastes. Some manufacturing procedures contaminate this with ethylene oxide, which has been classified as a carcinogen. Thus, this should be monitored and avoided as much as possible.
Also known as formalin, this is a pungent preservative commonly used as an embalming agent. Some chemicals that release this, like methenamine and DMDM hydantoin, are also to be watched out for as they are all known to promote cancer. You may find these added in some shampoos, nail hardeners, and polishes.
This is a surfactant responsible for creating the lather or foaming effect in detergents, body wash, certain hair care products and even toothpaste. Commercial cleaners and de-greasers contain this, too. This can cause dryness and can also be carcinogenic.
This functions as a plasticiser, or a substance that can keep certain components like concrete soft. It can be found in nail products and even perfumes. This can cause kidney and liver failure when used for long periods and in considerable amount.
So, the next time you acquire cosmetics, check whether their ingredients contain one of these. You can reduce risk factors by going for those that are manufactured using natural and organic materials. If you want to learn about other information that can help you avoid what is toxic and unhealthy for your body, do read the other articles posted on this website.