Most of us take a look at the labels before buying food items to check if any harmful ingredients are present. We are still skeptical of certain products even if it's FDA approved. But, are we this vigilant while choosing personal care or cosmetic products? Hundreds of chemicals (sometimes harmful) are present in these products which can be absorbed by your body.
The cosmetic industry is one of the most unregulated industries. The approval procedure is minuscule, and it only checks for the presence of over-the-counter drugs or color additives in these products.
Some of these artificial chemicals presents are considered to be carcinogenic to humans. These chemicals are also endocrine disruptors, skin penetrators and irritants. Let's take a look at 5 toxic chemicals that you should avoid which are present in many common cosmetic products:
Parabens(Methylparaben, Ethylparaben and Butylparaben etc are the varients of paraben used in beauty products)
Facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, deodorants and makeup contain Parabens. Many pharmaceutical and food products are also said to be having Parabens.
FormaldehydeYou should always be careful while reading labels because many products contain variants of Formaldehyde and thus goes unlisted. These are known as FRPs (Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives). DMDM (dimethyl-dimethyl), sodium hydroxymethyl glycinate, quaternium-15, etc. are FRP's.
Chemicals In SunscreenMethoxycinnamate, avobenzone, benzophenone PABA, etc. are the common names of these chemicals.
TolueneThis is a petrochemical extracted from coal tar or crude oil. Phenylmethane, Toluol, Benzene and Methylbenzene are the names you can find on the labels. Toluene has the capability to dissolve paint. So, can you imagine its effects on our skin cells? It can adversely affect your respiratory system as well.
TriclosanIt is an antimicrobial chemical which is present in a lot of products and is known to be an endocrine disruptor. It can negatively impact reproductive and thyroid hormones. It is a skin irritant as well.
It might not be possible to discard all chemicals altogether. But, should be vigilant in limiting your body's exposure to numerous toxins. Go for organic products whenever possible. Do ample research and educate yourself before you take decisions on buying beauty products.
Other than the toxins listed above Propylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)/ Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), Phthalates and certain synthetic colors are also harmful to your skin.