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 

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