Lifestyle
The Ultimate List of Makeup Chemicals You Should Avoid
Makeup is a quick and dependable way to transform ourselves. When used to its best advantage, it gives us access to so much self-confidence and self-expression!
Whether you love the natural look or something more theatrical, or anything in between, you should know that it’s important to understand the ingredients that are in your makeup. Some are healthier than others, and a lot of people who wear makeup don’t realize that some makeup ingredients are actually harmful.
If they did understand, they’d probably choose makeup formulas which don’t have certain additives and ingredients.
Today, we’d like to empower you by sharing the ultimate list of makeup chemicals that you should avoid. Once you’ve learned which ingredients are bad for your skin and/or general health, you’ll be ready to shop for cosmetics which are purer and healthier. These days, there are lots of exciting cosmetics lines which offer products that are free of these harmful chemicals. For example, you’re not going to find these chemicals in cosmetics which are organic.
Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
These types of preservatives do not have a good reputation and, unfortunately, they are found in a lot of cosmetic lines. When checking product ingredients, keep an eye out for these formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, methenamine, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15.
You should avoid all of these chemicals as they are known to release minimal amounts of formaldehyde in a slow and consistent manner. Formaldehyde is linked to cancer. Regarding how formaldehyde in makeup can hurt you, it may in inhaled when it is off-gassed from makeup products. It may also be absorbed via the epidermis (the uppermost layer of skin).
Parabens
These are very common in cosmetics, and more and more people are becoming aware of just how detrimental parabens actually are. You may also find them in perfumes and other scented products. The truth is that most manufacturers of cosmetics are well aware of the bad reputation of parabens, so they don’t list them on their product labels. The safest strategy is to choose products and scents which are marketed as being paraben-free. At present, it’s estimated that more than seventy-five percent of makeup products contain minimal levels of parabens.
Unfortunately, these parabens may infiltrate our bodies via our largest organ – the skin. Parabens have been proven to disturb the function of our hormones. For example, they tend to act in the human body the way that estrogen does. As well, parabens are linked to the development of breast cancer. Also, they may negative impact male reproductive functions.
Parfum
Did you know that thousands of chemicals are utilized to make fragrances? The fragrance is found in so many cosmetics, skin care products and scented personal care items. The sad truth is that many products which are labeled as being free of fragrance (i.e. unscented) actually do contain fragrance chemicals, as well as masking agents who stop our brains from detecting their odors!
Certain ingredients are even perfumes. Instead, they are chemicals that make perfuming chemicals more noticeable. One chemical of the parfum type which should be avoided is diethyl phthalate. It’s also known as DEP, and it’s found in many cosmetics. It’s a masking agent type of parfum chemical, and it’s believed to alter the function of hormones. For example, phthalates may bring on puberty earlier in females and may decrease sperm count in males.
Even parfum ingredients which aren’t linked with altering hormone function may wreak havoc, by triggering allergic reactions, causing headaches and aggravating asthma.
PEG Compounds
PEG stands for polyethylene glycol, and it’s a compound which has a petroleum base. You’ll find PEG compounds in a host of makeup products. They are often utilized to thicken, soften or carry moisture. They may also be utilized as solvents.
Quite often, PEG compounds make up the creamier base of cosmetics. How harmful these compounds really depend on how they were processed. Some PEGs are known to feature quantities of ethylene oxide, as well as 1,4-dioxane. These chemicals may be carcinogenic (contribute to the development of cancer). They may also be irritating to the skin.
Petrolatum
Petroleum jelly is a petrolatum. It’s a mineral oil jelly which is utilized as a barrier which seals in moisture. You’ll find it in cosmetics, and some women also apply it on top of cosmetics to access added shine. Cosmetics ingredients which contain petrolatum may also contain PAHs, and this stands for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Some people feel that PAH exposure contributes to the development of cancer. For example, the EU (European Union) considers this common cosmetic ingredient to be carcinogenic and has restrictions in place regarding how it may be utilized in the production of makeup.
The skin may be irritated by this ingredient, and allergic reactions may also occur.
Siloxanes
Siloxanes are compounds which have a silicone base, and they are common ingredients in makeup products. In general, they are utilized to make the skin softer and/or smoother. They are also known to add moisture. Regarding potential harm, two chemicals which are classified as Siloxanes (Cyclopentasiloxane and cyclotetrasiloxane) are considered to be toxins. They may be referred to as D4 and D5, respectively, and they are believed to disrupt the function of the endocrine system, via interference in hormone activity.
As well, they may negatively impact fertility.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Another common cosmetic chemical to avoid is Sodium Laureth Sulfate. While it’s more common in skin and care hair products that foam up, it’s also found in a lot of makeup products. If is not processed with care, this chemical may contain quantities of 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide. One of these compounds is known to be carcinogenic (ethylene oxide), while the other is believed to be carcinogenic. As well, 1,4 dioxane tends to hang around environments for a long time after it’s released into the environment via cosmetics or other skin/hair care products. Also, you should know that Sodium laurel sulfate may make your eyes or skin irritated.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a common cosmetic ingredient which isn’t good for our planet. It’s found in some makeup products and, when makeup is taken off and rinsed down drains, Triclosan goes into waterways, where it may harm marine life, including fish and plants.
Also, it may not be too good for human beings. It’s considered to be potentially irritating to the lungs, eyes, and skin and it may disrupt endocrine function. As well, it may contribute to thetoxicity of organ systems which aren’t reproductive.
Usually, this ingredient is added to cosmetics and other personal care items due to its germ-resisting properties.
Benzophenone
This chemical may contribute to cancer development, and it’s found in a lot of makeup products, including lip balms and nail enamels. It’s used to keep cosmetics and nail polishes from breaking down when they are exposed to ultraviolet light.
This type of preservative is best avoided. It’s better to find natural cosmetics which contain only organic and pure ingredients. While some organic makeup may cost a bit more, it’s worth it, because you’ll be able to use it without the risk that putting carcinogens onto your skin brings.
It’s important to understand that cancer-causing chemicals are quite prevalent in a host of cosmetics. Benzophenone is one of them. If you apply a lip balm with this chemical in it many times per day, it may be time to find a healthier substitute. They are safer ways to keep your lips soft and cared-for.
Homosalate
This chemical is found in sunscreens, and plenty of makeup contains sunscreens these days! In particular, liquid and powder foundations with SPF are now more popular than every before. While sun protection is really important (sunscreen should block UVA and UVB rays), it’s vital to understand that Homosalate in sunscreen and other products may negatively impact the function of hormones. Also, it may make it simpler for your body to absorb pesticides, which are toxic.
When checking product labels, search for Homomenthyl Salicylate, 3,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexyl-salicylate, HMS or Homosalate.
Hydroquinone
This ingredient is found in a lot of cosmetics that have skin lightening properties. For example, women who use a foundation that includes skin-lightening ingredients may be exposed to this chemical. These days, foundations which offer skin care benefits, as well as coverage, are more popular than every before. Hydroquinone is quite toxic, and it’s not something that you should put onto your skin.
It’s usually listed as Hydroquinone or tocopheryl acetate on product labels, so watch out for it. It’s banned in European Union countries because of its toxicity. It may trigger the development of cancer or irritation of the respiratory tract, as well as thetoxicity of organ systems.
How to Find Better Cosmetics
No one wants to put these chemicals on their skin…most are just unaware than harmless-looking makeup products are often anything but. This is why education matters so much. Regarding how to stay away and still enjoy wearing makeup, you should find product lines which are renowned for their purity. Even if you do need to spend more, you’ll find that they work very well, without the carcinogens and other toxic chemicals.
RMS Beauty is an example of a respected makeup brand which is completely organic and thereby free of harmful chemicals. It gets high ratings from women who are in the beauty industry and has a cult following. We’re not affiliated with any particular brand or promoting anything. We’re just sharing information about RMS Beauty because the brand demonstrates that their is a more natural and healthy way to enjoy makeup.
The brand produces eye shadows, luminizers and lots of other beautifying makeup products, minus the makeup chemicals that you want to avoid.
Former model Josie Marain was a favorite of fashion designer, Calvin Klein, and she’s contributed to the world of beauty by creating her own makeup line (Josie Marain) which is natural and free of harmful chemicals. As a successful model, she knows which makeup products are true essentials and has created exciting versions that are chemical-free and fun to wear. As well, she offers natural skin care products.
Another option is Alima Pure. This brand was created by a makeup artist, and it was inspired by the makeup artist’s daughter. The creator of Alima Pure didn’t want her daughter to start wearing makeup with chemicals in it, so she made her own collection of products which are chemical-free. The line is the handiwork of Kate O’Brien, and it’s loaded with gorgeous eye shadows and lip balms, to name just a few options.
Find Better Cosmetics Today
A simple Google search for the makeup lines that we’re listed here should help you to find some amazing new makeup products which aren’t harmful to your health or your skin or the environment. With this in mind, why not search for new products today and throw away any makeup which does contain the chemicals on our “avoid” list?
When you purify your makeup bag with natural, chemical-free products, you’ll know that you’re doing something which is good for your body. Makeup isn’t worth it when it comes with chemicals which may cause cancer or hormone function problems. As well, the risk of skin irritation and allergy is present in so many chemical-laden makeups.
Now that you have the ultimate list of makeup chemicals you should avoid at your disposal, you’ll be ready to stay away from them. As well as avoiding makeup products with these chemicals, you should check product labels for skin care products and hair care products, too. These chemicals lurk in a lot of formulas and knowing how to check labels is important. The first key is discovering which chemicals cause the most problems. Hopefully, this detailed guide will help you to learn about the chemicals and to look for them while you’re shopping for makeup and personal care items.
There are better makeup products out there which don’t contain these harmful chemicals, so why not treat yourself to them today?
