The Most Overlooked Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics and Toiletries
Today, there are many types of cosmetics and toiletries for a wide range of purposes, from face contouring, eyelashes enhancement, eyeshadow accentuation, lips highlighting, to teeth whitening. But believe it or not, the ingredients in the available beauty products have not all been regulated appropriately.
It is true that it would be unwise to say that a product can be entirely chemical-free because that is not how chemistry works. All substances on Earth have their chemical formula, and one can be toxic only when it surpasses the safe limit of usage.
Find out more about those potentially harmful chemicals that you can easily find in either cosmetics or toiletries.
Petrol, or coal-tar based artificial coloring
It is safe to argue that cosmetic products are all about colors. One product that has the strongest intensity of this substance is hair dye.
FDA has mandated to hair dye manufacturers who use coal-tar coloring additive to include a warning statement on their products. It commonly says that the product has ingredients which are potentially causing allergy and skin irritation, and must not be applied for coloring either eyelashes or eyebrows.
People who are sensitive to coal-tar hair dye can suffer hair loss and scalp skin irritation. The symptoms may not appear immediately, but prolonged and frequent exposure can lead to chronic sensitivity.
You might find the chemical substance in lipsticks as well. But some products have added a portion of a more natural coloring source, such as from Cochineal beetle for achieving the Carmine color.
Dental whitening agent
The most famous dental cosmetic product is teeth whitening kit, basically a mouthguard and bleaching gel. Improper use can lead to chemical burnt on the gum. This procedure needs an expert, and must not be applied independently and without supervision.
The whitening strip is the second most common dental product to enhance teeth color. The strips work by removing the yellowish protective layers from the teeth. As you might have got it just now, that ugly appearance of your teeth does not come from bacteria or parasites, but from your dental defense mechanism against the harmful environment. You can read how organic beauty products can be safer to use daily.
Skin lightening nightmare, Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is commonly in found in skin lightening products. The pursuit of lighter skin has been in trend for the last decade, which leads to the high sales rate of hydroquinone. The substance can give instant result after just a few times of appliance because originally it is used to treat people with hyperpigmentation.
To people with normal healthy skin, too much of hydroquinone can result in irreversible skin discoloration. You should think twice if you want to stick to your skin lightening products. And it would be much better if you consult with a dermatologist first.…