Women may ask “what is so dangerous about cosmetics and why should I switch to organic?” But a when one looks beyond the pretty hues and cutesy names, the labels reveal several ingredients such as the petroleum-based compounds; mineral oil, parabens, propylene glycol and the man-made phthalates. Petroleum comes from fossil fuels extracted from the earth that can be distilled and refined into mineral oil, propylene glycol and parabens while phthalates are synthesized plasticizers which make products more durable, transparent, flexible and longer-lasting. And in our quest for beauty, women are applying these products on their face and nails regularly without thinking about the potential consequences.
Mineral oil is put in many products such as moisturizers, cleansers and foundations. In addition to causing problems related to it being a petroleum-based product, the products that contain it are typically applied over most of the face and block pores. While not associated with profound negative health effects, it can be harsh on the skin. This “suffocates” the skin which can lead to acne. A new technique has allowed for mineral oil to be purified and more highly refined so it would not clog pores and many products now contain it.
Propylene glycol can irritate the respiratory tract, lead to nausea and cause renal and hepatic problems. Parabens acts as preservatives in makeup and have ironically been linked to premature skin again and hormonal disruptions that can lead to diseases such as breast cancer. Some studies suggest that exposure to these compounds during pregnancy leads to giving birth to kids who are less fertile. Serious health issues with the ovaries, compromising the immune system and miscarriages have all been linked to petroleum-based products. Another compound 1, 4-dioxane is found in 1 in 5 cosmetic products and has been consistently shown to be highly carcinogenic.
Phthalates are commonly found in products to moisturize the skin and it is the component in nail polish that makes it flexible once it dries. Studies have linked exposure to this compound to a wide range of health problems, ranging from reproductive problems especially in men, birth defects and a higher risk of cancer. It is also used as a synthetic fragrance in conventional perfumes.
It is important to note that the studies done to determine the health risks of these chemicals is typically on animals or cell lines so it can be difficult to determine if those results translate into having an effect on humans. But often this is the best way to understand chemicals effects on organisms and they often lead to larger epidemiological studies.
As humans, we are exposed to a number of chemicals everyday of our lives and it can be difficult to sort out which ones are linked to health problems of if they are more or less potent in conjunction with other chemicals. But in regards to cosmetics, many women wear apply them regularly for many, many years and they are often placed near the mouth and eyes where they can enter the body. While the use of cosmetics may be fueled by the adage that “beauty is only skin deep,” women need to take time to take a deeper look at what ingredients are in these products.
Mineral oil is put in many products such as moisturizers, cleansers and foundations. In addition to causing problems related to it being a petroleum-based product, the products that contain it are typically applied over most of the face and block pores. While not associated with profound negative health effects, it can be harsh on the skin. This “suffocates” the skin which can lead to acne. A new technique has allowed for mineral oil to be purified and more highly refined so it would not clog pores and many products now contain it.
Propylene glycol can irritate the respiratory tract, lead to nausea and cause renal and hepatic problems. Parabens acts as preservatives in makeup and have ironically been linked to premature skin again and hormonal disruptions that can lead to diseases such as breast cancer. Some studies suggest that exposure to these compounds during pregnancy leads to giving birth to kids who are less fertile. Serious health issues with the ovaries, compromising the immune system and miscarriages have all been linked to petroleum-based products. Another compound 1, 4-dioxane is found in 1 in 5 cosmetic products and has been consistently shown to be highly carcinogenic.
Phthalates are commonly found in products to moisturize the skin and it is the component in nail polish that makes it flexible once it dries. Studies have linked exposure to this compound to a wide range of health problems, ranging from reproductive problems especially in men, birth defects and a higher risk of cancer. It is also used as a synthetic fragrance in conventional perfumes.
It is important to note that the studies done to determine the health risks of these chemicals is typically on animals or cell lines so it can be difficult to determine if those results translate into having an effect on humans. But often this is the best way to understand chemicals effects on organisms and they often lead to larger epidemiological studies.
As humans, we are exposed to a number of chemicals everyday of our lives and it can be difficult to sort out which ones are linked to health problems of if they are more or less potent in conjunction with other chemicals. But in regards to cosmetics, many women wear apply them regularly for many, many years and they are often placed near the mouth and eyes where they can enter the body. While the use of cosmetics may be fueled by the adage that “beauty is only skin deep,” women need to take time to take a deeper look at what ingredients are in these products.
RSS Feed
