Is your product chemical-free? Products that many of us use daily can contain toxic chemicals in cosmetic products so reading this article will help you to find how to choose the right product by just investing a few minutes in checking the label or changing your selection option. Do you even know using harmful chemicals on your skin may lead to skin cancer, tumors, allergies, and a few more issues? Below I have given a list of 10 toxic ingredients or chemicals that might be in a few of your cosmetic products. Products are mentioned in front of the chemical so this will help you to directly read the toxic chemicals in the cosmetic information you want as per your choice product.
Many more cosmetic products contain the above 10 chemicals. So let’s start with the topic. Chemicals are explained in four basic categories 1. why they are used? 2. Health-related issues? 3. In which Product did they are used? 4. How to avoid them?
Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetic Products
- Butylated compounds (BHT, BHA)
- Carbon Black
- Fragrance
- Lead
- Octinoxate
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Toluene
- Triclosan
Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetic Products
1. Butylated compounds (BHT, BHA)
Why Butylated compounds is used in cosmetic products?
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are used as preservatives in lipstick, moisturizer, and a few other cosmetic products.
Health-related issues?
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a famous name in the cosmetic industry. BHT applied to the skin was associated with toxic effects in lung tissue. This additive may also promote the growth of tumors in both men and women.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Moisturizers, Makeup, Lip products, sunscreen, deodorants, creams & hair products.
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any product read the label properly if it’s mentioned BHA, or BHT on the label avoid that product.
2. Carbon Black
Why did Carbon Black use in cosmetic products?
Carbon black is a dark black powder; this powder is used as a pigment in cosmetic products like eyeliner and mascara.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Mainly found in Eyeliner, mascara, and a few other products like foundation, nail polish, brush-on-brow, lipstick, blushers, eye shadow, and makeup
Health-related issues?
Carbon black containing PAHs may lead to skin cancer and it may also increase the risk of lung disease.
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any product read the label properly if it’s mentioned Carbon black, D & C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black on the label avoid that product.
3. Fragrance
Why Fragrance is used in cosmetic products?
Fragrances impart a pleasant odor and enhance the experience of using the product. They are also used to mask the inherent smell of some ingredients.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Mainly found in Perfume, deodorant, and a few other products like shampoos, body lotion, facial cream, and skin toner.
Health-related issues?
Many fragrance chemicals are not disclosed but many are linked with health problems such as cancer, allergies, and sensitivities.
How can I avoid this?
It is hard to avoid these ingredients as if you see any cosmetic product it will surely contain fragrance, perfume, parfum, essential oil blend, and aroma one of these written on it so alternative can be using natural perfume or you can make your own perfumes at home (make perfume at home)
4. Lead
Why Lead is used in cosmetic products?
Lead can be present at very low levels in some color additives it is an impurity and it can be found in lipsticks.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Mainly in lipstick and a few other products like eyeliner and nail color.
Health-related issues?
Lead has also been linked to miscarriages and infertility. It’s a known neurotoxin that may cause neurodevelopmental problems in children.
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any product read the label properly if it’s mentioned Lead acetate avoid it but remember many products that contain contaminant metals don’t list this ingredient on labels. So buy products colored with fruit and other natural pigments.
5. Octinoxate
Why Ocyinoxate is used in cosmetic products?
Octinoxate is a UV filter. In products other than sunscreens, it is used as a UV filter to protect the products from degrading when exposed to the sun.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Mainly found in hair color products and shampoos and a few other products like sunscreen, lipstick, nail polish, skin creams
Health-related issues?
It can be absorbed rapidly through the skin. It may also lead to endocrine disruption, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and organ system toxicity
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any hair care product or product mentioned above-read label properly and try to purchase products that do not contain Octinoxate.
6. Parabens
Why Parabens is used in cosmetic products?
Parabens are used to preserve cosmetics. Many other alternatives are available still companies prefer using parabens to extend the shelf life of their cosmetics.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Mainly found in Shampoos, conditioners, and a few other products like lotions, facial and shower cleansers, and scrubs
Health-related issues?
Parabens can cause skin irritation, cancer, and a few health issues like endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and neurotoxicity.
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any product read the label properly if it’s mentioned “paraben-free” on the label go can buy that product.
7. Phthalates
Why Phthalates is used in cosmetic products?
Phthalates are plasticizers. The main use of phthalates is that help to hold color and scent in products.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Mainly found in nail polish and products like color cosmetics, fragranced lotions, body washes, and hair care products
Health-related issues?
It may lead to cancer, endocrine disruption, and developmental and reproductive toxicity.
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any nail product read the label properly and select one which does not contain DBP or few that also indicate they are “phthalate-free”
8. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Why Sodium Laureth sulfate(SLES) is used in cosmetic products?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is used in cosmetics as a detergent it helps to make products bubble and foam.
Found in which cosmetic products?
They can be found in shampoo, body wash, cleanser, and mascara
Health-related issues?
SLSs cause skin and eye irritation. SLS has the potential to interact and combine with other chemicals which can lead to a host of other issues like kidney and respiratory damage.
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any product read the label properly if indicates Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLES on the label avoid that product.
9. Toluene
Why toluene is used in cosmetic products?
Toluene is a toxic chemical used in nail products and hair dyes, it is used to suspend the color and form a smooth finish across the nail.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Mainly found in Nail polish, nail treatment, and hair dyes.
Health-related issues?
Toluene can result in temporary effects such as headaches, dizziness, and cracked skin.
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any product read the label properly if it’s mentioned toluene on the label avoid that product.
10. Triclosan
Why triclosan is used in cosmetic products?
Triclosan is used as an antimicrobial agent and they are found in many soaps and detergents.
Found in which cosmetic products?
Mainly found in Antibacterial soaps, detergents, and in a few products like deodorants, shaving products, creams, and color cosmetics.
Health-related issues?
Triclosan causes irritation to the skin and eyes and it is also toxic to aquatic organisms.
How can I avoid this?
Before buying any product read the label properly if it’s mentioned triclosan and triclocarban on the label avoid that product.
Thank You.
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Varsha is a keen content writer with having an interest in writing content on topics like beauty, health & lifestyle. Although she’s fairly new, what she likes best about content writing is that it allows her to learn and write about a variety of topics and issues.
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