Makeup products have become a necessity for most women these days. But many of them don’t think about the chemicals present in these products that can harm your skin.
Sometimes, these harmful chemicals present on these products can get absorbed in your bloodstream, leading to have a negative impact on your immune system. According to a survey published in the Journal of Hospital Infection in 2003, regular exposure to harmful or alcohol-based products can harm the natural protective barrier of your skin, making it more vulnerable to molds, bacteria, and viruses.
“Anything toxic to our body will do harm to it than any good. Toxic products in your make up like imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM Methylene glycol, hydantoin, and triclosan, formaldehyde, mercury, phthalates, etc will surely harm your skin. They can be allergic or carcinogenic and it will suppress the immune system,” said Dr Kapoor.
Effect Of Toxic Chemicals Present In Beauty Products
A lot of times, these beauty products mention harmful chemicals on the label of the product but they have no message to make consumers aware of their harmful effects. Using some of these toxic chemicals can cause skin allergies, sensitivity, eczema, hyperpigmentation, headaches, eye infections, burns, etc.
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“It can even cause more serious problems like cancers, birth defects, compromised immune system, lower sperm count in males, pregnancy problems in females, kidney problems, etc,” the expert said.
Beware Of These Harmful Chemicals In Beauty Products
There are many harmful chemicals that can lead to the above problems. Some of them are:
- Sulfates
- Parabens
- Formaldehyde
- Mercury
- Methylene glycol
- Triclosan
- Phthalates
- Synthetic colours & fragrance
- Toluene
- Alcohol
- imidazolidinyl urea,
- Hydroquinone
- Petrolatum
- DMDM
Things To Keep In Mind While Buying Beauty Products
According to Dr Kapoor, one must read the labels on makeup products carefully before buying them. Below mentioned are some other points that one should follow:
- Look for beauty and makeup products that are transparent and disclose all their ingredients.
- SLS & SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are the common sulfates that you spot on the labels of your shampoos and other personal care.
- Toluene is often labelled as benzene, phenylmethane, toluol and methylbenzene.
- Chemicals under methyl, butyl, propyl classes fall under parabens.
- Formaldehyde like formalin, glyoxal, and bronopol on the labels of makeup products indicate formaldehyde.
- Diethanolamine is abbreviated as DEA on skincare products.
- Ethanol, methanol, denatured alcohol, ethyl alcohol are all drying alcohols.
- benzene, paraffin wax is also petrolatum ingredients.
- FD&C or D&C represent artificial colors.
- Consider natural brands that have ingredient derived from plants
- Don’t be quick in judging a natural brand and do a thorough survey before finalizing on a natural ingredient brands for you.
Harmful Chemicals In Beauty Products: Are There Any Alternatives Available?
“Yes! There are many alternatives available to change from toxic chemical makeup products to more natural non-toxic skincare and makeup products,” she said.
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According to the doctor, non-toxic makeup products include everything that is not a harmful ingredient.
“These ingredients are not toxic, allergic hormone disruptors, carcinogens, or allergens. They are safe to use and are not listed as toxic by environmental agencies. Most of the natural ingredients from plant sources come under the category of non-toxic skincare and cosmetic ingredients,” the doctor said.
Hence if you have to go for non-toxic makeup products then opt for more natural brands with plant extract ingredients in it.