We all use different cosmetic products as part of our daily skin and hair care routine. There are various reasons why people rely on these cosmetic products. From enhancing natural skin tone to reducing ageing and preserving hydration, you can find a product for almost every skin and hair issue.
The evergreen demand for these products is why the cosmetic industry is always booming. And with the popularity, you can also find many fake and harmful cosmetic products that are readily sold in the market.
And as a conscious buyer, you should know what products are safe and which to avoid so that you are adapting to the healthy use of cosmetics. You can determine the safety of a product depending on the ingredients.
Below is a list of harmful ingredients and you should pay heed before buying the products containing these compounds.
Parabens
Butyl, propyl, and ethyl parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products.
So why are these harmful? A study in 2004 proved to contain traces of parabens in breast cancer tissue. So, excessive use of products containing parabens is harmful to your skin.
However, cosmetic industries use a very small amount of concentration (0.4%), which is safe and non-reactive to most skin types. And it may be reactive to those with sensitive skin. So, you have to be careful in choosing the products that cause no reaction. So, whenever you want to buy something, look at the ingredients used and avoid those containing parabens.
Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is found in cosmetic products like lip balms, lotions, makeup removers, and face creams.
Also called mineral oil, petroleum jelly is not harmful if it’s refined properly. However, it becomes dangerous when it’s not refined well.
Some countries like the United States don’t refine petroleum jelly properly, and hence it leads to the formation of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). These are common skin irritants, and you may want to avoid using such products which cause irritation and redness on your skin.
Phthalates
One of the harmful ingredients in cosmetic products is phthalates. Performed like an adhesive, it is used to attach fragrance to the skin. So this compound is also seen in nail polishes and fake eyelashes as they are the products that should be stuck to the skin.
Excessive usage of these compounds enhances hormone disruptions in the body. It is said to cause early puberty in girls, and it can also affect men by decreasing their sperm count.
Additionally, it’s also harmful to the environment and causes pollution when mixed with soil and air.
These are some of the reasons why some countries have completely banned selling products containing phthalates.
Formaldehyde
Many studies have proven that formaldehyde is a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance), and yet it is fairly seen in cosmetic products such as a hair straightening things, nail polishes, and eyelash glue.
Some conscious sellers are banning the products containing formaldehyde, however, you should know there are preservatives that act as formaldehyde releasers. Hence, it’s not recommended to use expired cosmetics and products that were manufactured a long time ago.
Mercury
Mercury is yet another harmful ingredient that’s found in cosmetics such as skin-lightening agents and anti-ageing products.
Mercury, when absorbed into the body, causes both physical and mental issues such as irritation, depression, and tremors.
It’s particularly harmful to pregnant women as it can affect the baby’s growth. It’s also harmful to babies and young children as they are sensitive to mercury. Stay clear from mercury-containing products and cosmetics.
Use organic products
All the effort of choosing harmless cosmetic products can be reduced if you choose to buy organic products. Organic variants are prepared without using artificial chemicals and substances. Every ingredient used is a natural or naturally produced substance and it’s highly unlikely to develop a reaction to these substances.
Moreover, organic products do not contain any of the above-mentioned harmful ingredients that are generally seen in non-organic cosmetics and products. Say yes to natural beauty products so that your body and skin are not in danger for a prolonged time.
Also, read here: Products That Can Help You Take Care Of Your Skin
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