Harmful Chemicals in Beauty Products

Often when we read the ingredients on the back of any beauty or skin care product, there is a long list of chemicals we can’t even pronounce. Imagine what all these combined chemicals are doing to you. There is definitely a certain amount of risk associated with it. Don’t be fooled by the terms “organic” or “natural” on the front label. Make sure to read the list of ingredient on the back to check .

Here is a list of harmful chemicals commonly found in our daily use products:

Parabens are a group of compound used as preservatives in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Parabens are widely used in beauty, skin care and fragrance ingredients to prevent bacteria and fungus growth. These are basically in almost every other product to increase shelf life. It has been estimated that women are daily exposed to 50 mg of paraben from cosmetic use. Continued use of products with parabens are known to be allergic and cause rashes. It easily penetrates in skin. Naturally parabens are found at low levels in certain foods whereas when applied to the skin and absorbed into the body, parabens in cosmetics bypass the metabolic process and enter the blood stream and body organs intact. Commonly found in make up, face and body cleanser, moisturizer and shampoos. Look for  Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Isoparaben, Butylparaben on the label.

Any product that lather up has SLS in it. It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care. 90% of our daily use products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate. Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphate is what makes your shampoo, face wash and toothpaste foam. Researches have indicated that SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties.

Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, lotions, moisturizer, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer. It is commonly found in anti freeze, paint thinner and shellac. Rubbing alcohol consists primarily of Isopropyl Alcohol. When absorbed and inhaled, isopropyl disturbs the nervous system. Isopropyl alcohol is used in personal care products and cosmetics to decrease the thickness of liquids.

Mineral oil is commonly used petroleum ingredient that coats the skin like a plastic wrap. Our skin has a natural immune barrier which is disrupted by mineral oil. The ability of our skin to absorb moisture and breath is inhibited this plastic coating. Our skin releases toxins naturally which is very important to keep the skin healthy. Disruption is its function can lead to acne and other skin problems. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil. Conditioners, lotions and any product that claim to lock moisture in your skin uses mineral oil.

Fragrance is made up of nearly 4,000 separate ingredients. Artificial fragrance is commonly used in shampoos, deodorant, cosmetics, face and body products. Clinical observations have shown that exposure to fragrances cause allergic skin reactions, dizziness, coughing, headaches, depression, hyperactivity, irritability and behavioral changes. Synthetic fragrances are cancer causing or toxic.

Propylene Glycol is a solvent and the active component in antifreeze. It is used in makeup, toothpaste.Deodrants , mouthwashes, lotions and hair products. Stick deodorants use a higher concentration of propylene Glycol than the amount used in industries. It penetrates through the skin and has systematic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. In industries workers are required to wear gloves and take precaution to avoid skin contact while working with this toxic chemical yet there is no warning for the consumers.

Do you care to read labels?