Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics??? Yes, You Read it Absolutely Right!

Did you ever wonder that the cosmetics, which you trusted in hope to get a perfect, glowing skin, might actually be containing some skin scarring chemicals? A study says that an average adult uses more than 7 skincare products a day, and most of them are not thoroughly tested for toxicity. Although exposure to such elements once in a while might not do much harm to your health, but daily exposure for a prolonged period can result in life-threatening ailments. What’s even more shocking is that many brands, which advertise themselves as ‘All-Natural’, they too have been found to be containing the below mentioned poisonous chemicals in some of the very commonly used cosmetics.

1. Sunscreen: Oxy-benzone

Most of the commercial sunscreens in the market contain oxybenzone, a hormone disrupter. An ingredient that is sometimes linked to obesity and fertility problems.

2. Hair Care Products: Formaldehyde

This is the same ingredient that is used in embalming a corpse, ugh! In 2012, the presence of formaldehyde in many brands had raised concerns. The FDA then stepped in, and now many brands have avoided its usage, switching to safer options.

3. Lipstick: Lead

The FDA had confirmed in the year 2012 that traces of lead was found in around 400 lipsticks brands. The fact is - nothing can be done about it. If you need color, you need lead, which is a by-product of color additives. The main drawback is that lead builds over time in the body, and can sometimes cause breast cancer.

4. Hand Wash: Triclosan

We all love the anti-bacterial hand wash. But it is good if you read through the ingredient label. A potential hormone disrupter, triclosan too can accumulate over time in the body. This doesn’t mean you should stop washing your hands! Look for safer alternatives.

5. Lotions and creams: Paraben

 Most of the ‘decent’ brands have this ingredient written on their label. Parabens and its variants, butyl, iso-butyl, propyl, ethyl and methyl – all preservatives, can have weakening effects on the estrogen hormone. Scientists have found that butyl paraben can inhibit sperm formation in mice. Sodium methyl paraben has been strictly banned by the E.U.

Many companies are working towards bringing toxin-free beauty cosmetics in the beauty industry. But this might take a while before they end up discovering something. So in the meantime it is better you switch to using natural, herbal products.

Most cosmetic brands that you see in the stores are packed with truckloads of toxic chemicals. The truth of the irony is that such ingredients can actually make you age faster, and harm your gentle skin. At the end of the day such products are fooling consumers, and defeating the very purpose of cosmetics.