Toxic Makeup: Should I Really Be Worried?

Don't make the mistake of assuming that just because a beauty product is available for sale in Australia that it does not contain an unhealthy cocktail of cancer causing chemicals. Did you know that there are many chemicals that have been classified as "safe" for use in cosmetics in Australia that have been banned (or restricted for use) in the European Union, Canada and Japan. Did you also know that there is currently no regulating body in Australia that assesses the safety of chemicals in makeup? You may be asking, "if these chemicals are so toxic, then why are they used?" The answer is simple, they are used because they are much cheaper to manufacture than natural ingredients.

A list of the main chemicals that are found in beauty products that should be avoided at all costs:

Bismuth-Oxychloride: (a by-product from refined Lead & Copper). Used as a cheap filler it can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, rosacea and eczema.

Parabens: Parabens (including ethyl, methyl, butyl,) are used as a preservative in cosmetics. Parabens have been found (in low concentrations) in breast cancer tumors and have displayed the ability to mimic estrogen (a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast cancer).

Phthalates: Phthalates are industrial compounds widely used in hairsprays, perfumes, nail polish and cosmetics and may cause a variety of problems, including reproductive and developmental harm (especially in baby boys), organ damage, immune suppression, endocrine disruption, and cancer.

Phenoxyethanol: Used as a preservative it is absorbed via the skin and toxic to the kidneys, liver and nervous system. It is Restricted for use in Japan.

Propylene Glycol: Usually labeled as PEG or PPG on labels, this ingredient is a synthetic petrochemical and is the active component in antifreeze. Propylene Glycol has been known to cause allergic reactions and brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, persons handling this substance are legally required to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. No warning labels are required on cosmetic products where the concentration of PEG / PPG is higher than that in most industrial applications (such as in deodorant sticks).

Sodium Hydroxide: Also known as Caustic Soda, it is a possible Carcinogen that can be poisonous if swallowed. Prolonged contact with dilute solutions has a destructive effect upon tissue.

Talc: Used in cosmetics as a lubricant and as a cheap filler. Talc can become dangerously contaminated with cancer causing toxins during the manufacturing process and there has been (debated) links to the use of Talc and the incidents of ovarian cancer.

Carmine: Carmine is used for its bright red colour. It is often prepared by boiling dried insects (Cochineal) in water to extract the carminic acid and treated to create a red pigment. If you buy a lipstick containing carmine, then you are (in essence) eating boiled bugs. Therefore, products containing this ingredient are not certified vegetarian or vegan because it contains animal byproducts.

Be sure to check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for more information on the chemicals in your natural cosmetics and mineral makeup.
By Adriana Woolf