The skin is the largest organ of the body. Hence, it has several functions, the most important being to form a physical barrier to the environment, allowing and limiting the inward and outward passage of water, electrolytes and various substances while providing protection against microorganisms, ultraviolet radiation and toxic agents (Washington education, 2006).
Are you concerned about what's in your make up products? You're not alone. There are many products on the market claiming to be clean and natural but contain toxic ingredients that aren't really safe. So the question is: how do you know if your products contain any of these potentially harmful ingredients? It can get a little tricky navigating all the different labels out there.
That is why we've put together this list of five toxic ingredients that might be in your makeup skincare products — and what they can do to your body and health.
Parabens
They’re practically famous and most widely used preservatives in cosmetics, and they have no troubles penetrating your skin. Parabens can mimic estrogen, and have been detected in human breast cancer tissue. They also interfere with reproduction, the nervous system, and the immune system—all things we would like to keep in well-working order.
Lead
We know that lead is bad for us. But why is it still being used and showing up in our foundation, lipsticks and whitening toothpaste? Lead is a proven neurotoxin linked to miscarriage, reduced fertility, and delays in the onset of puberty for females.
A more recent study by the FDA tested popular cosmetic brands and found 400 that contained up to 7.19ppm of lead. The best way to avoid lead is to buy makeup from companies that make products in small batches and avoid contamination, or to buy products colored with fruit and other natural pigments.
Phthalates (Synthetic Fragrance/Parfum)
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that may be disruptive to the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production. Such interference can lead to developmental, reproductive, and neurological damage.
Alternatively, you may choose plant-derived essential oil or plant-derived fragrance for your aromatherapy treatment.
Butylated Compounds (BHT, BHA)
Butylated compounds are endocrine disruptors, may induce skin allergies, and are linked to organ, developmental, and reproductive toxicity. There’s evidence that suggests that BHT mimics estrogen, which can throw off hormonal function in both men and women. In some situations, this additive can promote the growth of tumors.
Avoid these ingredients, and turn to products with natural preservatives instead, like aspen bark extract and vitamin E.
Petrolatum
Commonly found in lipstick, lip gloss and moisturizers. Petrolatum is a type of mineral oil jelly, and most often used as a moisturizing agent to help lock in moisture in the skin or hair.
The main concern about Petrolatum is its susceptibility to contamination with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs.). This occurs when the petrolatum has not gone through stringent refinement processes. As with most other harmful chemicals, PAHs have been shown to be cancerous and can also trigger skin allergies and irritation.
We’re not here to scare you! If the makeup industry isn’t going to make transparency a priority, we have to take it upon ourselves to do our research so we can make healthy choices.
Take your healthy skin to the next level and explore our natural and safe cosmetic products now! Shop now!
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