Nowadays makeup products have gained immense popularity among women than ever before. In 2014, the global cosmetic market reached $460 billion, stated Business Wire. According to the experts, this sale will continue to rise with an annual rate of 3.8% for the next 5 years.
The market abounds in a vast number of beauty products even the number of YouTube beauty subscribers is overwhelming.
The makeup was first used 5000 years ago in order to hide the first signs of wrinkles and many other skin flaws. When used only for this purpose, there is nothing wrong with the makeup, but the problem arises when it causes psychological dependence.
According to a study conducted by The Renfrew Center Foundation, nearly half of the women feel unattractive when not having makeup. Relying on makeup is not the only problem, but scientists, practitioners, and consumers are concerned with the way it affects people’s health.
The Dangers of Makeup Products
The makeup products are loaded with many chemicals that can harm your health. These chemicals can cause skin flaking, dryness, and some allergic reactions. They can even penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. If they are toxic than can cause a significant risk to the overall health of your body.
According to many researchers, the use of white facial powder causes lead and mercury in breastfeeding women. Another study from 1991 states that kohl makeup also leads to dangerous levels of lead.
Even nowadays, these things haven’t changed yet. The Breast Cancer Fund has released a study in which it was found that nearly half of Halloween makeup products contained harmful and toxic chemicals.
These chemicals were found at a low level and as such, they couldn’t cause immediate side effects. People who suffer from acne wonder whether they should wear makeup or not in order not to clog pores.
Harmful Chemicals Found in Makeup Products
Cadmium
This bluish-white metal in color is often connected with bone disease, kidney failure, or even cancer. Researchers claim that it becomes toxic even at a level that is below the limit set by the World Health Organization.
The FDA has conducted a test of the presence of some metals in the popular brands of cosmetics. This particular metal was found in Jafra Cosmetics, Estee Lauder, L’oreal, Revlon, Yves Rocher, Proctor and Gamble, Jane & Co products, and Mary Kay and Jane in products like cream eye shadows, powder eye shadows, foundations, and eye primers.
Toluene
This paint-thinner can harm the nervous system and cause different neurological disorders including dementia. It can be found in some nail products as well as hair dyes.
Benzophenones
This substance is used as a foundation in order to protect from UV light. According to an article from Dermatitis, it can cause some allergic reactions including skin rashes and anaphylactic shock. Benzophenones are usually part of foundations, lip balms, fragrances, nail polish, conditioner, shampoo, baby sunscreens, and hairsprays.
Parabens
Parabens take part in almost every cosmetic product because it prevents overgrowth of bacteria. They are potential endocrine disruptors and can even cause breast cancer. They can be found in shampoos, shower gels, lotions, and conditioners.
Lead
This heavy metal can be found in many makeup products such as eye shadow, foundation, eyeliner, and lipstick. When a lead enters the bloodstream, it can cause serious toxic outcomes that can further lead to cancer and infertility.
It can be found in lip glosses, lipsticks, and lipliners as well as in mascaras, hair dyes, foundations, and blushes.
Talc
This mineral is used in powder makeup products such as blush and pressed powder foundation but also in liquid foundation. It is full of asbestos, carcinogens which the experts claim that cause ovarian cancer.
It is also found in baby powders, feminine hygiene products, deodorants, powdered eyeshadows, lipsticks, foundations, and facemasks.
To conclude…
Although the small amount of these chemicals couldn’t cause immediate negative effects, regular exposure to them can pose a serious risk to your health.
In order to protect your health, make sure you read the labels carefully and avoid using makeup products as much as you can. People have become quite conscious about this problem and there is a significant rise in the natural beauty products such as ILIA, Physicians Formula, Dr.Hauschka, Josie Maran Cosmetics, and many others.
Also, make sure you buy products from reputable companies because they invest more money in clinical-testing of the products and there is a minor risk of toxic chemicals.
Via FDA
