Toxic Beauty
By Nancy Palermo MD
Putting on makeup shouldn’t be like playing with matches.
The average woman may place 15-20 beauty products on herself, exposing her body to up to 170 different ingredients daily.
Recent studies suggest we may acquire more toxins through skin absorption and inhalation than through the food we eat. This raises new interest in many beauty care products known to contain potential toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.
There is growing interest among consumers to eat organic foods free of processing and pesticides, yet they appear to be ignoring the impact of their personal care products on their health and well-being. The skin is the body’s largest organ so there is more surface area to absorb synthetic, toxic chemicals. Incidentally many beauty care products are designed to penetrate the skin’s exterior barrier more readily getting the toxins into the bloodstream within minutes!
Most consumers assume if a product contains a potentially dangerous chemical a manufacturer would avoid using it or at the very least would notify the public of potential concerns. The truth is the Federal Government does not require companies to provide full disclosure on what chemicals are used in their products and manufacturers are allowed self-regulation.
There are more than 80,000 chemicals use in everyday skin products and US researchers report 1 in every 8 include carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins or hormone disrupters. At least 1300 of these chemicals have been banned in Europe because of their suspected risks, yet the US has only banned 8 of them. These concerns have led researchers to develop “The Dirty Dozen” of beauty care products isolating the top twelve chemicals found in everyday products which of real concern. The list can be found on the EWG-Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database.
Consumers are encouraged to buy beauty care products that are deemed holistic and organic by third party testing. These products should be shown to be free of toxic chemicals, SLS, phthalates, parabens, gluten, artificial colors and fragrances. While this recommendation is not easy and may be more expensive in the short term, the long-term effects may be life-changing. While purchasing such products is challenging, consumers should at least aim to use products devoid of the most dangerous chemicals.
Below we have listed some of the most concerning chemicals found in beauty products. Use this list as guide to clean out your closets and replace dangerous products with safer alternatives.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Used in products that foam, like shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths and toothpastes, SLS not only damages the immune system but also causes separation of skin layers causing inflammation and chronic skin irritation
Tricosolam and Triclocarban
These ingredients are used in antibacterial products. They are pesticides and suspected of causing cancer and disrupting human reproductive systems. These dangerous compounds have been banned from hand soaps but are still present in acne washes and treatments and body washes and believe it or not toothpastes.
Parabens
These chemicals are used to prevent bacteria and mold growth. They are known endocrine disruptors and have been shown to alter hormone mechanisms in the body. They are believed to be carcinogenic and have been found in the majority of breast cancer tissue. Usually found in shampoos, face cleansers, body wash, body lotion, deodorants and foundations.
Phthalates (also referred to as synthetic flavor or fragrance)
These chemicals, often listed under “perfume”, are engineered scents and flavors which are known hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected by federal laws as “trade secrets” so it is difficult to know all the potential effects. These are found in many different products.
Formaldehydes and DMDM and Imidazolidinyl
These chemicals are used in products as preservatives. They are known carcinogens and ae also linked to asthma and allergies, neurotoxicity and depression and chronic joint pain and inflammation. Commonly found in shampoos, bubble bath and body wash.
1,4- Dioxane
This chemical is a known carcinogen and has been deemed “carcinogenic” in the state of California. It is also suspected to be toxic to the kidneys, respiratory system and nervous system. This chemical is common in many personal care products listed as “natural” and “organic”.
Ethanolamines ( MEA Monoethanolamine/DEA Diethanolamine/TEA Triethanolamine)
These chemicals are hormone disrupting and can form cancer causing nitrates when combined with other chemicals commonly found in personal care products. They have been banned in Europe because of studies suggesting their link to allergies, skin toxicity and inhibited fetal brain development. They are commonly found in hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens and pharmaceuticals.
BHT and BHA
These chemical additives are used as synthetic preservatives to extend shelf life. They are believed to be carcinogens, hormone disruptors and may cause liver damage. They are commonly found in lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams and other cosmetics.
Coal tar dyes and other coal tar ingredients
These chemicals are a byproduct of coal processing. They are derived from petroleum and are known carcinogens and may be contaminated with heavy metals like mercury and aluminum. They are found in hair dyes and anti-dandruff products.
While it is impossible to remove all toxic chemicals from daily use, any reduction will have a significant impact on the overall toxic load. Our bodies can detoxify and remove harmful ingredients if not over-loaded, so by simply switching to daily use products devoid of these known toxins consumers will be taking positive preventative measures.
Don’t put it on your skin if you wouldn’t put it in your mouth.
Resources
Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep Database Site
