For many women, applying makeup on their faces has become a daily ritual. But unknown to many, these products are laden with harmful ingredients which can pose adverse short- and long-term side effects.
Loose regulations
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration is mandated to regulate drugs and cosmetic products. Prior to being released on the market, the FDA requires companies to show proof that their products are both effective and safe for the public.
When it comes to cosmetics, the FDA still requires these to be safe for consumers. However, the agency is practically toothless because it has not been given the authority to require cosmetic manufacturers to have their products undergo extensive testing prior to market release. The responsibility of confirming the safety of a cosmetic product is left to the manufacturers. As such, a product that has not been tested may be sold but must carry a warning that its safety has not been fully confirmed.
Another cause for concern with regards to cosmetic products is that although cosmetic products must list the ingredients used, manufacturers are not required to include trade secret ingredients, flavors and fragrances.
Beauty, but at what cost?
If you happen to browse the list of ingredients used in the manufacture of cosmetic and personal care products, you will likely see five types of toxic ingredients. These include frank carcinogens, precursor carcinogens, hormonally disruptive ingredients, penetration enhancers and allergens. Other common ingredients that are widely used are hormonal phthalates and synthetic aroma boosters which are often unlisted by manufacturers on their product labels.
It should also be noted that among the different body parts, the skin is among the most permeable. Because it is thin and porous, it can easily absorb harmful toxins. Used by pregnant women, cosmetic products can also affect the unborn child.
The irony here is that although tobacco products need to be sold with labels containing explicit warnings about associated health risks, most conventional cosmetic products are practically left off the hook even if they may pose health risks like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Make the shift to organic makeup
If going au naturel is not an option for you, consider making the shift to organic cosmetic products. If the aforementioned adverse side effects of conventional cosmetic products are not sufficient reasons for you to make the change, consider these benefits offered by their organic counterparts.
Organic cosmetic products contain no harsh chemicals and are eco-friendly. They also contain natural fragrances which do not have toxic effects to the body.
Apart from these, organic products provide nourishment to your face and skin and can even help stem the tide against premature aging.