Cosmetics: The Harm Lurking In Its Ingredients

Today, the beauty industry has been booming more than ever. With so many trends coming out, people are joining the fun and expressing the artists within them by the use of make-ups. Aside from the skincare craze, make-up styles and routines are soaring. You can see a lot of these, especially on social media. Try to go to youtube, and you will see tons of make-up reviews, make-up tutorials, and make-up influencers trying to sell the products that they think are worth the hype.

With so many options to choose from, from different shades to brand names, what are the things to consider when using make-ups? They are indeed beneficial in covering our unwanted spots, changing our facial features, and bringing out the best version of our appearance but are all make-up formulated the same? Let’s find out more about cosmetics and how they can harm or benefit you.

When buying your beauty product, it is essential to know that not all are equally and safely made. Whether you’re buying from a local brand or an international brand, it is vital to check the ingredients of the make-up product that you’ll be putting on your skin. There are lots of different products in the market that contain harmful ingredients that are hiding in those chemicals. Here are some:

Parabens – This widely used synthetic compound preservative is mixed in many products such as food, personal care, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic items to prevent fungi, bacterial, yeast growth and other microbes that can cause spoilage. Parabens are bad for the health due to their ability to disrupt the normal hormone system by mimicking the hormone estrogen, which can cause problems in both sex’s reproductive systems, including fertility, reproductive and birth outcomes. Excessive parabens are also linked to the development of tumours that are linked to breast cancer. It is crucial to always check the ingredients on the label of the product you are buying. If you see the terms methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben, these are all kinds of paraben. Although many beauty products in the market use parabens, there are brands nowadays that utilize natural and organic alternatives to parabens.

Artificial fragrance – Many products containing this mixture of chemicals are often patronized by many consumers due to their appealing scent. Aside from masking other unpleasant chemical compounds of a product, it also makes the product attractive. When you check the label of the products with scents, it is difficult to know whether it contains artificial or synthetic scents due to the fact that they mostly labelled as ‘fragrance’ so manufacturers are obliged to disclose what the components of scents are because it is protected by law as a trade-secret that only those companies know. Unbeknownst to many, these synthetic aromas are harmful not only to the skin but to the entire body. When used on the skin, it may cause skin irritation such as eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, allergies, asthma, headaches, even cancer.

Phthalates – This group of chemicals are used to make many products durable or dissolve other materials. Phthalates are present in almost anything that people use daily such as food packaging, detergents, wall coverings, and personal care products like cosmetics. It is also a common component in various fragrances. Nowadays, the common phthalate used is Diethyl phthalate (DEP) which is an odourless, clear liquid phthalate ester that is still considered toxic. Phthalates are said to be harmful to the liver, kidneys, lungs, reproductive system and can cause skin irritations as well.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate – These sulfate-based chemicals are used as surfactants. It can be found in a lot of products such as cosmetics, cleaning agents, and other personal care products. You would know if a product contains sulfate when you see these terms: SLES, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), and sodium pareth sulfate. It can cause skin discomfort, skin irritation, inflammation, and it can clog pores that may lead to acne.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) – This synthetic compound derived from petroleum is used in many household products such as cleaners, wipes, and cosmetics. They act as thickeners, softeners, moisture carriers, and solvents. In cosmetics, polyethylene glycol enhances the rate of absorption of products into the layers of skin. Although approved by the FDA, this compound can reduce moisture in the skin, causing it to be dry and also can cause skin ageing. In addition, when products with this chemical are used in broken skin, it may cause irritation and may harm your skin health.

Healthy and Natural Ingredients to Look For

Vitamin E. Aside from its ability to boost your immune system and support cell regeneration, this vitamin is a common ingredient in many beauty products, including make-ups. Vitamin E helps nourish and protect the skin due to its antioxidant properties that can reduce UV damage. It can also reduce inflammation and can slow down the skin’s ageing making your skin look younger. Due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is also believed to help with inflammatory acne.

Collagen. This naturally occurring protein in the body has become a popular ingredient not only as a supplement mixed in drinks and other vitamins but also in the beauty industry. You can find collagen-infused skincare and make-up products in the market. Other than promoting heart health and helping relieve joint pain, collagen is believed to improve skin health by enhancing its elasticity and moisture. Collagen is also said to reduce skin wrinkles and dryness. Additionally, taking collagen can stimulate beneficial skin proteins called elastin and fibrillin, which helps the structure of the skin.

CBD oil. Famous for its many therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, anti-anxiety and anti-nausea properties, many people also use CBD oil for skin. It is believed that CBD oil can nourish and restore skin health due to the fact that it has powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe and reduce skin irritations like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. At present, there are make-up and skincare brands that incorporate the best CBD oil in their products for extra benefits.

Aloe vera. This thick and fleshy plant has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years. Aloe vera has the ability to soothe sunburns because it is known for containing amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Nowadays, the food and pharmaceutical industries, including the cosmetics industry, use aloe vera in many of their products. Not only does it increase collagen production and skin elasticity, but it also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and fade stretch marks. Aloe vera is known for its powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which can help with the management of acne.