The trend for clean cosmetics appeared several years ago, and every year the problem of cosmetic formulations and the content of toxic ingredients in them becomes more acute, along with the trend towards conscious consumption. It is sometimes quite difficult to figure out complex ingredients on your own, so we have compiled a list of the most dubious of them that you should pay attention to when studying the labels of beauty novelties.
Parabens
Parabens are a whole group of preservatives and antibacterial agents that prevent the spread of bacteria and mold in the product. As shown by numerous studies, parabens mimic the action of estrogen in the human body, causing significant harm to the reproductive functions of the body, provoking malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, obesity and numerous types of cancer, closely associated with hormonal imbalances. Teenage girls and pregnant women are especially susceptible to parabens. The European Commission has banned the use of several types of parabens in personal care products: isopropyl, isobutyl, phenyl, benzyl and pentyl parabens. But in some countries they are still used.
Flavors and phthalates
Up to 3000 synthetic or natural chemicals are used to create a pleasant scent. As a rule, any perfume is considered to be a commercial secret, which is strictly forbidden to divulge. Phthalates can also be found in fragrant products, which make the smell more persistent. These are the chemicals used in some products (nail polishes, hair sprays, all kinds of plastic materials) to make them flexible. In the composition on the packaging, they are indicated in the form of similar designations: DEP, BBzP, DBP and DEHP. Research proves the direct effect of phthalates on obesity, second-degree diabetes, breast cancer, birth defects, infertility and cardiovascular disorders. And the smell itself is an involuntary provocateur of all kinds of allergies and asthma attacks. Over the past several years, cosmetic giants such as Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson have actively advocated complete transparency in providing information about the content of fragrances in formulations.
Ethoxylates
Includes polyethylene glycol (PEG), cetaretes, olives, and sulfates. Sulfates are responsible for lathering in detergents such as shampoo and washing products. Some sulfates are synthetic, while others are derived from sulfur and petroleum, as well as natural sources such as coconut and palm oils. Sodium sulfate itself is a very harsh detergent ingredient, which is why it enjoys a bad reputation among hair care products. This is because sodium lauryl sulfate is converted to sodium laureth sulfate using a process called ethoxylation. A byproduct of this process is 1,4-dioxane, a chemical that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers to be a probable human carcinogen. In July of this year, the Sephora retailer network introduced a mandatory requirement for brands to test for the tolerable presence of 1,4-dioxane.
Formaldehyde
The most infamous preservative in history, formaldehyde is commonly found in hair products containing keratin. Formaldehyde is known worldwide as a man-made carcinogen, that is, an ingredient that causes cancer in humans, which is why this substance and all substances indirectly related to it have been categorically excluded from the composition of most cosmetics, such as, for example, nail polish. For some salon keratin treatments, this dangerous ingredient is still used. It is especially dangerous for hair stylists who have to spend most of their time indoors. Sore throat, nosebleeds, red eyes are some of the few side effects.
Refined products
Mineral oil (petroleum jelly, paraffin) is a widely used oil-derived moisturizer and is often found in lip balms and face creams. There are about a thousand environmental reasons to avoid petroleum products. The unprocessed or lightly processed mineral oils used in manufacturing (not the cosmetic grade listed in the lip balm) are marked carcinogens by the World Health Organization. After another 2016 study, scientists called for a reduction in the amount of mineral and oil-based ingredients that enter the body, "in most cosmetic products for lips."
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone can be found in skin whitening creams and serums, which are also widely used in the treatment of pigmentation. It was originally approved in 1982, but after a few years it was temporarily withdrawn from the market for safety reasons (it turned out that the product in question contained mercury). Hydroquinone has been linked to cancer, a weakened immune system, and adrenal malfunction.
Talc
A common ingredient in powders and eyeshadows is a mineral containing magnesium, silicon, hydrogen and oxygen. Untreated, unfiltered talc can be contaminated with asbestos-containing substances, that is, carcinogens.
Triclosan
The antibacterial and antimicrobial chemical triclosan, found in hand sanitizers, soaps, mascara, and even toothpaste, can be one of the causes of liver fibrosis, skin cancer, and hormonal disorders. Its effectiveness has also been called into question. According to the results of a study by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), its properties can be compared to a bar of soap.
Silicon
Also known as silicone dioxide, silicon is used as an absorbent in products ranging from toothpastes to foundations. The very nature of silicon is extremely controversial. Only one kind is officially approved for use in cosmetics, namely amorphous silicon, not crystalline silicon, also known as silica dust. Silicon also has a complex relationship with the environment. This applies to products with liquid silicon dioxide, which is found in every face primer - silicone. Some silicones are not biodegradable.
