We get so caught up in the race for beauty that we often do not pay attention to the adverse effects our routine beauty products have on our overall health. Most of these beauty products consist of different kinds of chemicals and synthetic ingredients which, in spite of making them effective, increase the probability of developing into skin allergies, irritations and side effects. The beauty that is brought about by such products is only ephemeral, as you are at risk of premature aging if you use them continuously. Toxic ingredients are prominent in these chemicals, which overtime exhaust your skin and make it sag because it loses its natural reproductive elements. As a result, more harm is often done than good.
Luckily for you, here we have compiled a few harmful products that you need to watch out for in your frequently used beauty products:
1. Carbon black
Carbon black is a dark black powder used as a pigment in cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, nail polish and eye shadow. It is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based products such as coal tar, and has been linked to increased incidence of cancer and negative effects on organs. Read labels and avoid cosmetics and personal care products containing carbon black, D & C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black.
2. Fragrances
Many products such as shampoos, soaps, deodorants, body lotions, facial creams, skin toners, and perfumes list “fragrance” on the label, but very few name the specific ingredients that make up a “fragrance.” This lack of disclosure prevents consumers from knowing the full list of ingredients in their products. While most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, we do know that some are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies and sensitivities.
3. Homosalate
Homosalate is a widely used chemical in sunscreens and skin care products with SPF. It is a potential endocrine disruptor and studies in cells suggest it may impact hormones. In addition to direct health concerns following homosalate exposure, the chemical may also enhance the absorption of pesticides in the body. It is best to read labels carefully and avoid products with Homosalate– choose cream or lotion-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
4. Coal tar
Coal tar is a known carcinogen derived from burning coal. It is a complex mixture of hundreds of compounds, many of which are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Coal tar is used in shampoos and scalp treatments, soaps, hair dyes, and lotions. Experimental studies have found that application of and exposure to coal tar produce skin tumors and neurological damage. Avoid cosmetics and personal care products containing coal tar or synonyms. Be especially vigilant about hair dyes.
5. Metals
Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, aluminum, zinc, chromium and iron are found in a wide variety of personal care products including lipstick, whitening toothpaste, eyeliner and nail color. Some metals are intentionally added as ingredients, while others are contaminants. Exposure to metals has been linked to health concerns including reproductive, immune and nervous system toxicity. Heavy metals can be difficult to avoid as they are not always listed on the label, so the best strategy is to save color cosmetics for special occasions, and to encourage young girls to wait to use lipstick.
Although everyone loves to get dolled up and feel beautiful, however, beauty should never be prioritized over health. So if you do frequently use beauty products that contain these chemicals, it is high time to switch to a new routine!
Kluchit Staff
