7 Dangerous But Overlooked Ingredients
Lately, it has been a trend for Americans to be aware of
what is in their food that they consume on a daily basis. There have been
multiple efforts including documentaries, TV specials, among other things that
have gotten our attention on the subject of “What is actually in our food?”
With the alarming results, there has been a large market for organic foods that
do not contain fillers and harmful, un-natural substances that have become
widely popular among the American consumer. I think it has become a priority
for so many to watch what they are eating on a daily basis, but what other
harmful substances does the average consumer come in contact with on a DAILY
basis? Cosmetics. It hasn’t gotten much attention, but think about it… We
shower on a daily basis with shampoo, body wash, face wash, and perhaps you
indulge in many other beauty regimens in the shower, but that is JUST the
shower. Then, you get out of the shower to put your deodorant on, body lotion,
and those are just the essentials. For females makeup is a daily routine that
usually cannot be passed up. With that being said, the skin is a transportation
system directly into the bloodstream. There are seven ingredients to be sure to
avoid that most consumers look over.
Polyethylene Glycol
Better known by its acronym PEG, it is put in cosmetics to
moisturize and keep products stable. But, the trait that isn’t favored is that
they act as a highway for other chemicals and substances by allowing them to
penetrate the skin.
Nanoparticles
These small particles are usually unlabeled on products, but
they are very easily absorbed into the bloodstream. They are often found in
different makeup products, sunscreens, and lotions.
Phenoxyethanol
This is used as a preservative and sometimes even considered
“organic” but is banned from cosmetics in Japan. In its purest form
Phenoxyethanol if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, can cause
reproductive defects and damage to the nervous system. Although it is in low
percentages in cosmetics, it adds up when used daily and in multiple products.
Triclosan
An antibacterial compound that is found in deodorants and
cleansers that has been labeled as a human carcinogen. It has been linked to
cancer, developmental defects, liver toxicity, and when overused this pesticide
can cause drug-resistant superbacteria. Triclosan tends to accumulate in the
fatty tissues of humans which causes it to be found in our blood and breast
milk.
Petrolatum
This popular jelly is actually not the best for your skin, also known as petroleum jelly.
It leaves a film causing acne and it slows down cell turnover. Petrolatum jelly
is also very susceptible to contamination by chemicals that are human
carcinogens. In Canada petrolatum jelly is classified as a carcinogen, mutagen,
and environmental toxin.
Quarternium-15
This known human toxicant is found in bubble bath and even
“sensitive” and “gentle” baby washes. It is used as a preservative, and
although has been found to not be cancer-causing, it releases formaldehyde
which is in fact a human carcinogen. Quarternium-15 is also known to be an
allergen and can cause inflammation of the skin.
Fragrance
Most people don’t think of fragrance as a bad ingredient,
but companies will often put “fragrance” on their label without actually
disclosing all of the chemicals that so-called “fragrance” or “parfum”
contains. In 2002, a study was done and the products tested contained
phthalates, which are chemicals linked to birth defects, liver and kidney
damage, and infertility. The products that contained these phthalates were not
labeled and big brands such as Cover Girl, L’Oreal, Revlon, and Pantene were
all guilty of doing so.
As you can see there are many substances in cosmetics that
we come in to contact with on a daily basis that can be detrimental to our
health. The first step of making wiser choices when it comes to our beauty
products is being aware, be sure to check your labels and see what is actually
in the product before you purchase it!
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