The cosmetics industry is growing exponentially, and while many of us may use cosmetics, a lot of us don't know about the dangerous chemicals that may constitute our makeup, skincare, etc. The dangerous chemicals that we'll be discussing are phthalates, parabens, and talcum powder. Keep reading to learn more!
Phthalates, which are often referred to as plasticizers, are a group of chemicals that make plastics more flexible and harder to break. They're found in many personal care products, including nail polish, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, shampoos, soaps, and perfumes. They can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system, especially in males. As many phthalates may interfere with the production of the male sex hormone, testosterone, they can hinder the proper development and function of male reproductive organs.
Parabens are a group of chemicals that are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. They're found in a wide variety of beauty products, such as makeup, cleansers, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products. Not only can parabens lead to skin irritation, but studies show that they can interfere with the production of hormones and disrupt the normal function of hormone systems, which affect both male and female reproductive system functioning, reproductive development, and fertility and birth outcomes.
Talcum powder is a substance made from talc, a mineral made up mainly of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. It absorbs moisture well and helps reduce friction, keeping skin dry and preventing rashes. Talc is a common ingredient in blush, eyeshadow, and foundation. Some talc, in their natural form, contain asbestos, which is a substance known to cause cancer. The relationship between talcum powder and ovarian cancer was discovered years ago; however, the evidence that talcum powder does cause cancer is not very strong, as there are many factors that can cause ovarian cancer.
I hope this article encourages you to carefully read the ingredients list the next time you purchase cosmetic products. Thank you for reading!
Written by: Ashlee Liu
References:
Bray, Karina. “Chemicals in Cosmetics – Are They Safe?” CHOICE, 5 Aug. 2020, www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/beauty-and-personal-care/skin-care-and-cosmetics/articles/chemicals-in-cosmetics.
“Parabens in Cosmetics.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 24 Aug. 2020, www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics.
“Phthalates.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 24 Aug. 2020, www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates#:%7E:text=Phthalates%20are%20a%20group%20of,soaps%2C%20shampoos%2C%20perfumes%20and%20other.
“What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t They Belong in Cosmetics?” EWG, www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics/parabens. Accessed 8 Oct. 2020.
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