The Harmful Effects of and Ingredients in Beauty Products

chillibreeze writer — Titten John

A 'cosmetic' is best defined as a substance or preparation intended for application to the external parts of the body, including the mouth and teeth, to bring about a desired change in the complexion or control over body odor. Cosmetics also serve as therapeutics when they prevent, alleviate or cure certain body disorders like dandruff, black heads or increased perspiration levels. A synthetic cosmetic usually contains seven base ingredients, which are water, emulsifiers, preservatives, thickeners, colors, fragrances and stabilizers.

Doubtlessly, the mass media hype and global proliferation of beauty parlors, cosmetology centers and skin treatment salons have further accentuated the growth of a beauty sentient generation, a beauty sentient generation sightless to the adverse and hazardous effects of the cosmetics.

Natural cosmetics have lost their worth and relevance today amidst the flooding of synthetic cosmetics. It is ironic that artificial cosmetics that promise to alter your body in a positive way actually harm it, sometimes irreparably.

Despite these dangers, manufacturers continue to stick to their claims of producing "New Futuristic Customized Enhancers” or “Naturally Soft" cosmetic products for consumerist society. It is an alarming and true fact that the cosmetic class of products undergoes less supervision and safety check measures before launched in to the market. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel (CIR), a safety and quality regulatory firm for beauty products, has proven to be just a name with no real action to prove its worth. An investigative report produced by a non profit organization, Environmental Working Group (EWG), confirms that 89% of cosmetic ingredients are not checked for suitability and safety by CIR or by any other publicly accountable analysts.

From Phalates to Brake fluid

It's proven scientifically that chemical cosmetics are linked to disorders like dermatoid allergies, cancer and birth defects. One of the most harmful ingredients present in cosmetics is a sort of industrial plasticizer called Phalates. Surprisingly, Phalates are not listed by manufacturers in the ingredient chart of products as they are banned in a majority of countries, excluding the United States. An average consumer is totally unaware of the presence of Phalates in the products they buy; Phalates are more prominently found in nail polish, tanning agents and hand rinse solvents.

The accumulation of Phalates in the body will eventually lead to mutation, hormone disruption and abnormalities in the reproductive tracts. An overuse of Phalate induced cosmetics by an expectant mother can cause abnormalities in the reproductive system of the foetus, particularly of the boy child. The study reports of a University of Rochester team solidify the claim that Phalates lead to irregular development of genitals in the form of undescended testes or relatively smaller penises in babies and even to demasculinasation of the male reproductive system. A research report published by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) tells us of an upsetting fact that two thirds of health and beauty products tested positive for Phalate presence.

Another hazardous ingredient which was brought in to the limelight recently was Para Hydroxy Benzoate, better known as Parabens. Parabens are used in cosmetics as a preservative to prevent microbial growth; Paraben traces are found more in deodorants and nail polish and are classified as a direct carcinogenic agent, cancer causative. The presence of Parabens was confirmed recently in breast cancer tissue. It isn't only Parabens, but other cosmetic ingredients like formaldehyde and toluenes, which are also classified under the genre of carcinogenic agents.

Thickening agents like Propylene Glycol and Polyethylene Glycol are broadly used in beauty products to alter their stability. These polymeric derivatives are widely used in the preparation of hair gel, anti-perspirants and aftershaves. Will you be disturbed to learn that the same polymers are used in brake fluids, anti-freeze solutions and oven cleaners? Can you digest the fact that you clean your delicate hair with a heavy duty metal cleaner?

More unsettling is the fact that uncommon cancers like Multiple Myeloma and Non Hogkins Lymphoma are affiliated to the use of hair dye. Study reports by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Cancer Society show that hair dye users are prone to cancer four times more than non hair dye users. Similarly anti-wrinkle lotions and creams containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids make the user's skin sensitive to sunlight and Ultra Violet Rays, eventually causing skin cancer.

Tips to counter negative effects

Consult a dermatologist or a registered cosmetician before using any of these products.
Read the ingredient chart thoroughly before your purchase
Buy your cosmetic products only from a reputed retail store where sales transfer is high. This will ensure you unsullied products.
Long shelf life of cosmetics can cause increased carcinogenic reactions so strictly use the products before the stipulated time.
Check whether your personal care products confirm to the FDA or European Union standards.
Perform a skin patch test for allergies before applying the product to your face.
Reduce the usage of synthetic products and treat your skin with natural derivatives.
Wash your face of makeup and camoflouage applications thoroughly with water to keep the skin pores open before you go to sleep.
Scrub your skin often to get rid of dead cells and to look rejuvenated
Subscribe to health magazines and be aware of the effects and defects of beauty products.

Always bear in mind that cosmetics are a mixture of complex chemical substances, which can both replenish and blemish your body at a same time. You do not have to die because of your relentless pursuit of beauty. Wannabe Victoria Beckhams and Brad Pitts should use their discretionary powers to substantiate the quality and suitability standards of a product before trying them. Be aware and stay healthy!

"Healthy living for a better tomorrow"

Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.

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—About our writer:

Titten says, "After my journalism study stint in Ireland, I'm now a dedicated journalist enjoying creative and informative writing. My best work policy is - 'Write concisely, succinctly and to the pith'. Cheers to Chillibreeze for faring well."

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