Dangerous Chemicals and Ingredients in Cosmetics

Every brand of cosmetics, even natural and organic cosmetics, use cheap preservatives and other additives to add shelf life to the product and to keep the structure from breaking down. Most of these ingredients are harmless as long as you do not have an allergy to them, but a few ingredients may link to cancer and other illnesses.

The Top Three Risky Cosmetic Ingredients

Parabens

Parabens are a widely used preservative found in hair care products, makeup, moisturizers, lotions and shaving creams. When these parabens are introduced into the body through the skin, they act similar to estrogen. Many researchers see a link between parabens and breast cancer, but the results are inclusive. According to the Food and Drug Administration, a study conducted by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review in 1984 showed paraben usage to be safe in cosmetics. However, in 2004, the Journal of Applied Toxicology published a study showing that parabens had been found in breast tumors.

There are three types of parabens- methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. If they are in your cosmetics, they will be listed towards the end of the ingredient list. The majority of traditional drug store cosmetics and some organic and natural cosmetics use parabens.

Lead

We all know lead paint poses a danger to our homes, but would you be surprised to learn lead is a common ingredient in most drug store lipstick brands? According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the FDA conducted a study in 2004 that found lead in every lipstick tested. Lead poisoning even in small doses will build up overtime and lead has been found to cause aggressive behavior, learning problems and general reduced performance. According to the FDA's study CoverGirl, Revlon, L'Oreal and Body Shop brands held the highest concentration of lead.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is commonly found in shampoos as it helps create that foaming and sudsy reaction, but the chemical is also found in toothpaste and other cosmetics. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can cause skin and eye irritations. According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, the chemical may also damage the hair follicle, damage the immune system and find its way into the liver, heart, lungs and brain-potentially leading to serious health risks. However, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review feels that the chemical is safe for brief use as long as the skin is washed immediately afterwards.

Currently, the FDA does not regulate the ingredients in cosmetics and makeup, and no studies have proven conclusively that any ingredient found in makeup has a direct link to cancer or other life threatening illnesses. However, studies do show enough of a correlation between these products and major illness that you may want to consider reading the label carefully before buying that next tube of mascara.

Parbens, Food and Drug Administration
Lead in Lipstick, The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Jason Cosmetics