6.20.2011

toxic make-up.



Virtually everyone that I know has used make-up at least once in their lives, at least the girls have. And it got me thinking. With how much society uses make-up and how much I actually use it, I have really never read the ingredients on the back of my foundation, eyeshadow, or mascara. I have listened to a couple of podcasts that have talked about all of the different things that companies put into their make-up, like different bugs and types of rocks. But what about chemically? What is the actually chemical composition that makes our faces look better than before? And what should we avoid to make sure that we stay as youthful looking and young as possible. I did some research. Here is what I found.



 There are 12 big chemicals used in personal beauty products that are harmful to us such as carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptor's. Yes, hormone disruptor's. You think you are looking more girly when applying that foundation...but in reality you could be end up looking like a man. (Okay, I am over exaggerating a little bit.) But seriously, these chemicals are not things that you should be putting on your face and we all, including me, have made that mistake for the sake of beauty.


Here are the dirty dozen.


1. BHA & BHT - These are mostly found in lipsticks and moisturizers. Long-term exposure to high doses of BHT is toxic in mice and rats, causing liver, thyroid and kidney problems and affecting lung function and blood coagulation. Fun. Can't wait to put some of my red lipstick on.


2.  Coal Tar Dyes - These are labeled on products with a "Cl" followed by a 5 digit number. This is usually found in darker colored hair dyes. It's derived from petroleum and is recognized as a human carcinogen and a potential to cause cancer. So, my dark-haired sisters. Make sure you check the label before touching up your hair color.


3. DEA-Related Ingredients - Found in moisturizers and sunscreens. In laboratory experiments, exposure to high doses of these chemicals has been shown to cause liver cancers and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid. So, use in moderation.


4.  Dibutyl Phthalate - This is found in a lot of nail products. DBP is absorbed through the skin and it can enhance the capacity of other chemicals to cause genetic mutations. Not fun, not fun at all. Definitely checking all of my nail polishes.


5. Parabens - These are used in a lot of things. But mostly in fragrances. And good luck trying to find this on the label. The companies do not have to list the chemicals of the fragrances. These babies can cause can mimic estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. They have been detected in human breast cancer tissues, suggesting a possible association between parabens in cosmetics and cancer. Did I mention that it is estimated that 75-90% of cosmetics contain parabens.


6. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives - Used in a bunch of different cosmetics. It slowly releases small amounts of formaldehyde, which causes cancer. Yay.

7. Parfum - Found in, you guessed it, perfume (and other fragrances). Not only does this lovely chemical trigger allergies and asthma, but also could potentially lead to cancer or  neurotoxicity. Not fun, my friends, not fun.

8. PEG Compounds - Used in cosmetic creams, and again, could potentially lead to cancer.

9. Petrolatum -  Found in hair products for shine and as a moisture barrier in some lip balms, lip sticks and moisturizers. A petroleum product that can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may cause more cancer.


10. Siloxanes - Used in cosmetics to "smooth". These have been a suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant. Not to mention, harms wild-life.

11. Sodium Laureth Sulfate - Found in shampoos and body wash like products. These can lead to cancer as well.

12. Triclosan -  This is used in antibacterial cosmetics, such as toothpastes and deodorants.

And they may contribute to antibiotic resistance. That means that the bacteria will LOVE you.


-- Now, this is all "worst-case-scenario". But it is something to think about when you go out and by your cosmetics. I went through my make-up and most all of my products had at least one of these in them. So, think before you shop, my friends.


Info from: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/index.php 

20 comments:

  1. this is really great that you're advertising this. great article.

    Tara
    greeneyedopinions.blogspot.com

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  2. thank you for this! seriously, this is why i'm a fan of not wearing a lot of makeup.

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  3. I think many people are beautiful the way that they are and wish that women wouldn't cover up their natural beauty with make-up.

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  4. DUDE!!! I've been trying to find some information on this! Thanks! It's so concise and clear! OH! And thanks too for visiting my blogaroo! Have a greattt day!!


    Janette, the Jongleur

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  5. wow how crazy. Thanks for sharing this!

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  6. This is such a great post! I often wonder why companies use products like these when they KNOW that they could cause cancer. I guess, anything to make a buck! Just use the chemicals and pray the public never find out (or brainwash them with marketing)

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  7. Great post... you can go to this website and look up your poducts that you currently use to see how toxic they are... http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ I found it very useful... If it's makeup or whatever, just go the category, then the type of poduct and search for your brand. It will tell you how likely it is to cause cancer or other illnesses.

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  8. Oh, and p.s. you will be able to find brands of products with little to no toxins to replace the highly toxic ones :)

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  9. such an informative post!lovely.really like your blog.i am following you now.follow back if u want :)

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  10. I try not to wear a lot of makeup. Not because I don't enjoy putting it on, but am really lazy about taking it off.

    Thanks for posting all this info. I knew about animal tested make-up, but never really gave much thought to the added chemicals in things.

    Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives - YUCK.....

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  11. Amazing blog! What about following each other?:D kisses <3 <3

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  12. WOW interesting post!!

    Thanks for commenting on my blog :) I like that your blog is so witty :) I am following now, hope you can follow mine too :)

    ~Pau
    www.lilbitsofchic.com

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  13. Hi Rach! Thanks for visiting my blog :)

    What a great post, I had to stop using shampoos with SLS since its quite harmful for your hair. Its good that you are putting the spotlight on this issue. I think its quite important what we expose ourselves to.

    It would be great to follow each other, you are quite inspiration yourself.

    xoxo

    Cinderella's Closet NYC

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  14. oh my god ... it is disturbing to know there are many toxic substances in cosmetics ....
    Following! Follow me back??
    kiss
    www.thegiuliasbag.com

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  15. Wow, this is so disturbing. Thank you for such an informative article. this definitely makes me think twice.

    http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com

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  16. Love that post and I followed you already honey :)
    kisses;*

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  17. Hi :) Nice blog you got there, I was wonderin if we could be friends and follow each others blogs? ^__^ Thank youuuu.~

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  18. Definitely going to make more of an effort to use organic make-up.

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  19. This is actually pretty scary. I never knew what parabens were, but I wondered why my lotion says "paraben free".. I guess I got the right lotion ;)

    xo katie elizabeth
    ohheyylife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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