Do you know what’s in our makeup? Women love cosmetics; blush, bronzers, lipstick, and eye shadows in an array of colors. But, are all cosmetics created equal and are there health concerns that we should be aware of? I’m always amazed at the amount of money that is spent in this industry alone; a multi-billion dollar business that markets to women and teen girls constantly promoting the newest lines. I won’t deny the fact that I love makeup and it’s like eye candy when I walk through the cosmetic department at a department store.
Over the years, I have become more aware of the dangers of some of ingredients that are in certain cosmetics that has caused a great concern. I have since replaced all of my products for those that are more natural and healthier for the skin.
While it’s difficult to avoid everything that is a health risk, we can do a great deal to minimize our exposure in our day to day lives.
We are exposed to toxins everyday just from breathing, so I understand that we just can’t get away from chemicals and toxins, etc. My goal is to educate women to look for ways to reduce as much exposure to chemicals as possible. The more pro-active we are in caring for our health, the more we can decrease the risks of various disease and cancers.
When it comes to makeup, there are several chemicals that we need to stay away from, but the three primary ingredients that we should look to avoid are:
• Parabens, preservatives that have been linked to cancer
• Phthalates, found in ¾ of beauty products (birth defects, reproductive problems, and more)
• Talc known to cause cancer in animals
I have discovered a very resourceful website called The Cosmetics Database and it’s been beneficial in helping me to keep up with the cosmetic industry, especially now that I have a teenage daughter who loves to wear makeup. I am even more cautious about what goes on her face and skin.
There is a recent concern that certain chemicals in makeup alter teen girls hormones. I would encourage mothers with teenage daughters who experimenting with makeup and skin to read this article: Teen Girls’ Body Burden of Hormone-Altering Cosmetics Chemicals.
You can find products that rate between 0-10 (0= low hazard, 10= high hazardous). You would be surprised by some of the multi-million dollar products that rate in the 9-10 categories for harmful chemicals.
Click to see if your make up is listed in the health hazard rating: Makeup
You can also select any of the categories above to find out whether the products you are using are low hazard to high hazard.
The latest marketing campaign seems to be promoting natural makeup. I see all sorts of makeup in the cosmetics isle at retails stores claiming to be “natural”. Beware of the ads that claims that beauty in the bottle or jar has is natural.
Find out what’s in your makeup here.
If you see any of the ingredients listed and the health hazards associated with it, I would encourage you to take the necessary steps to replace it with something that not only enhances your beauty already, but will help you to live healthier and happier in the long run.
**Check for hundreds of makeup and skincare products in The Cosmetics Database that are in the low hazard zone.
Related posts:
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks Duong…this is great info to have!
Hi Duong – great topic as usual! I recently discovered the Cleure line, due to some allergy problems I was having. It is paraben-free, and free of most other bad stuff as well, and I’ve been having good results from the skincare line.