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Makeup contains harmful chemicals.
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Some
say that true beauty is inside rather than on the outside. If this were true,
then many people would reconsider what skin products they use. Many skin
products on the market today are harmful and can cause toxic build ups in the
body which can lead to skin outbreaks or internal diseases. The situation is
made worse by the fact that many of these products are applied to the outside of
the body but are actually absorbed by the skin.
The
skin, and not the large intestine, is the largest organ of elimination and the
largest organ of the body. It is also the largest organ of absorption. The skin
absorbs chlorine from the water when people swim in pools and absorbs oxygen
from the air around it. In aromatherapy, special oils are absorbed into the skin
to promote healing. However, when the wrong substances are used on the skin
outbreaks can occur like dermatitis or eczema or hives.
The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) estimated that $35 billion is spent in the U.S.
annually on cosmetics alone (FDA-CFSAN #2, p.2).
This
is a staggering figure for an industry that remains largely unaccountable for
its products. Under the Food and Drugs Administration and Center for Food Safety
and Applied Nutrition’s voluntary “Cosmetics Compliance Program,” it is
acknowledged that some cosmetics may also be drugs “intended to cure,
mitigate, treat or prevent disease, effect the structure or function of the
human body” (FDA-CSFAN #1, p.2). However, without complete regulation, the
claims of the cosmetics industry continue to go relatively unchallenged. In
response to concerns, the European Union Scientific Committee recently called
for a blanket ban on all confirmed and possible carcinogenic, mutagenic and
reprotoxic substances in cosmetics without a prior assessment (ENS, p.1).
However,
in the U.S. and Canada, as well as other countries there are no such laws. And
in no country are there any mandatory tests for scented products that can cause
chronic neurotoxic effects. Voluntary withdrawal is the only thing that has
taken most substances off the market. Musk AETT (tetralin) and Musk Ambrette had
been used for 21 years before they were pulled from the market. The former
caused permanent brain damage in laboratory animals and vascular degeneration of
the brain. Musk Ambrette caused central and peripheral nervous system damage
(Barrett, p.1)
Oftentimes
skin outbreaks can be a direct result of use of scented products, cosmetics and
medications as well as metals and poisonous plants (Stein, p. 294). One example
of a dangerous skin product is the skin peeler. In 1994, the FDA received 22
complaints about the chemical alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) found in skin
peelers (Dori, p.1). It can still be found in skin care products. However,
studies concluded that AHA not only removed the dead skin cells but also removed
the skin’s protective barrier. This can cause long-term skin damage (Penn,
p.1).
Because
the skin does breathe oxygen, healthy skin needs oxygen and needs to release
carbon dioxide. However, if too many products are slathered on the skin, it can
inhibit the natural cycle. Although ingredients with chemical sounding names may
sound impressive many of them are actually harmful. Mineral oils, for example,
found in skin creams are actually from crude oil. They can form an oily layer on
the skin and suffocate it. In holding large amounts of moisture on the skin it
causes immature, unhealthy and sensitive skin that dries out easily (Penn, p.3).
In such cases people usually buy more skin cream, however, this just continues
the cycle.
One
of the foremost preservatives used is formaldehyde. U.S. made cosmetics may
include Quaternium 15, a formaldehyde- releasing agent found in deoderized
soaps, mascara, talcum powders, foundation creams and firming facial creams.
Formaldehyde is also in shampoos, conditioners, fluoride toothpaste, mouth
-washes, haircolors and nail varnish. Some companies, like the Garden Botanika,
even sell “natural” cosmetics that contain diazolidinyl urea – a
formaldehyde releasing preservative (scidiv, p.1). Formaldehyde is a known
carcinogen (Penn, p.3).
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Soap products contain SLS. |
Sodium
Laureth Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate are detergent
emulsifiers added to many cosmetics to remove oil and soil from the skin. A
study in the Journal of American College Toxicology found that the longer
these chemicals stayed in contact with the skin, the greater the irritation
(CIR, p.1). Common in shampoos, Tom Mower’s of Images International found SLS
inhibited hair growth, caused hair loss and could even cause cataracts if it got
into the eyes (Miller, p.1). Industries use SLS as a garage floor cleaner and an
engine degreaser. SLS is known to cause potentially carcinogenic nitrates to
form in skin cleaners from its reaction with other ingredients. It is cheap and
small amounts are required to generate a large amount of foam. However, SLS has
a systemic effect, causing liver abnormalities and kidney damage when in contact
with the skin. It is retained in the eyes, brain, heart, liver and kidneys with
potential long-term effects (Penn, p.4).
The
Canadian government has already prohibited the use of chloroform, estrogenic
substances and mercury; which can all be found in cosmetics. Mercury
compounds, found in eye make-up, can be easily absorbed through the skin and
accumulate in the body. Chloroform, another widely used ingredient in
skin care products, is a known carcinogen (Barrett p.1 & FDA-CSFAN #2, p.1,
2).
Other
ingredients on the FDA Prohibited Ingredients list as of the year 2001 are hexachlorophene
which penetrates the skin and has a neurotoxic effect, bithionol, and halogenated
salicylanilides which increase photosensitivity and zirconium which
is toxic to lungs through inhalation (FAD-CSFAN #2, p1, 2). Propylene glycol
found in facial moisturizers and hand body lotions has a systemic effect causing
liver abnormalities and kidney damage. It is also used as an industrial
anti-freeze and a brake and hydraulic fluid (Penn p.3, 4).
Ingredients
currently under scrutiny by the FDA are alkanolamines and nitrosome
agents like Bronopol, Onyxide 500 and Bronidox L. These combinations form
nitrosamines, which are reported animal carcinogens (FDA-CSFAN #2, p.3). They
can be found in sun-tanning preparations.
Because
of recent fears over the effects of toxins in and on the body, the local and
International natural cosmetics market is booming, However, John Bailey of FDA
said, “There are no standards for what ‘natural’ means and who’s to say
what they’re actually using.” The cosmetics trade journal Drug and Cosmetic
Industry stated “All plants (including those in cosmetics) can be heavily
contaminated with bacteria, pesticides and chemical fertilizers widely used to
improve crop yields” (Dori, p.4). For example cerebrosides in skin
products provide a smoother skin surface. Marketed as “luminous” and
“improved hydration”, they are produced from the deepest layer of the skin.
Secreting into outer cells, they serve as a protective coating, providing the
skin’s moisture and suppleness. The raw material for cerebrosides comes from
cattle, oxen and swine nervous system tissues and occasionally plants (Foulke,
p.2).
Many
people have concluded that it is better to use homemade skin care products of
which there are endless varieties. Papayas, eggs and even sunflower oil can be
used in these preparations. Many books and websites are dedicated to the making
of natural skincare products at home.
Sources:
