Harmful Chemicals of Everyday Life

People may not know it but they are unintentionally exposing themselves to danger by using skin products that did not go through adequate testing. These skin products, which are used on a daily basis, contain ingredients that are considered harmful due to the fact that they haven't been tested for safety.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHA come from different plant sources or from milk. They are also known as glycolic acid, fruit acids, lactic acid. AHAs are usually found in anti-aging creams, moisturizers, acne and eye treatments and lip balms. They are used to peel the upper layer of the skin to bring out the new one. This procedure increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun and leads to sunburn and sun damage. Manufacturers have been required to put labels on products warning that sunscreens must be used. But almost none of them conform to the rule. AHAs may likewise cause mucous membrane irritations. Still, these substances have been reported to normalize over-thickened skin and improve unwanted changes through topical application of AHAs.

Carrageenan is a seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a stabilizer, binding agent, and emulsifier. Carrageenan, which is said to nourish skin, is used in toothpastes, mouthwash, facial moisturizers, conditioners and lip balms. Based on limited data, carrageenan is considered a potential human carcinogen.

Coal Tar, a brown or black liquid of high density, is a by-product of the distillation of coal to make coke. It is different from those used as hair dyes. Used in medicated shampoo as a treatment for dandruff and psoriasis, its purpose is to soften and dissolute hard, scaly and rough skin. Sufficient evidence is present to prove that coal tars are carcinogenic in humans.

Formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, defoamer and preservative. Other names for this chemical are formalin, formal and methyl aldehyde. It is found in deodorants, nail polish, nail hardeners, soaps, shampoo and shaving creams. Formaldehyde is a suspected human carcinogen that is considered neurotoxic, may trigger asthma and may also cause damage to the DNA. It also irritates the eyes, upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Recurring exposure to the chemical may cause sensitization.

Hydroquinone is a substance that is known to successfully lessen the intensity of freckles, melasma, and general brown patching by curbing melanin production. Found in skin-bleaching creams, it is used to lighten skin. It is considered safe when used briefly, but for continued and increased effectiveness, the product has to be used long-term. The chemical can cause allergic responses like itching, burning, scaling, hives and blistering. It has been suggested that hydroquinone may cause cancer in humans.

Lead Acetate, which is found in progressive hair dyes, is used mainly by men to dye grey hair gradually. This substance has been suspected of causing damage to the human reproductive system. Basing on studies conducted on humans and laboratory animals, the chemical is believed to be a human carcinogen.

Nitrosamines are formed in cosmetics when amines are combined with a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. Nitrosamines, which are estimated to be found in half of all cosmetic products in the U.S., have no specific purpose. It is just an impurity that took form during manufacturing. Nitrosamines are widely considered to be carcinogenic.

Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly), which said to be found in one of every 14 personal care products, is a petrochemical that forms a barrier on the skin. In topical applications, petrolatum can help the skin recover from damage, reduce inflammation, and generally heal the skin. It has been indicated that during the manufacturing process, impurities are formed in some petrolatum. These impurities are linked to breast cancer.

Phenol, which is used as a disinfectant, is found in medicated lip moisturizers. Though limited, data suggests phenol causes cancer in humans. Also, fatal poisonings have taken place when large quantities of phenol were absorbed through the skin.

Phenylenediamine is a dark dye that came from coal tars. It is found in permanent hair dyes often used by women. The substance is highly allergenic and can cause eczema, bronchial asthma, gastritis, skin irritation and even death. Phenylenediamine is also considered a probable human carcinogen.

Phthalates, which are found in hair sprays, nail polishes and fragrances, are used to keep nail polish from chipping, extend the life of perfumes, and increase the penetration of skin lotions. Phthalates are suspected to imitate estrogen and are known to induce dangerous reproductive and developmental effects. It has been evidently suggested that phthalates contribute to allergic diseases, including asthma.

Resorcinol is used as a coupling agent in dyes and has antiseptic properties. It helps get rid of hard, scaly, rough skin. It is found in hair dyes, dandruff shampoos and some acne and rash creams. Though the data is limited, possible link to cancer in humans has been suggested. Resorcinol is also a believed to be an endocrine disruptor. If the chemical enters a wound, it can cause a blood disease called methemoglobinemia. It is also an eye irritant and is likewise considered toxic to marine life.

Silica (Crystalline) is used as anti-caking agent, thickener, suspending agent and non-surfactant. It is found in hundreds of products, including eye makeup, foundation, lip makeup, powder, blush, toothpaste, mascara, hair dye and shampoo. There has been an indication that some silica used in cosmetics may be made impure with crystalline quartz, which is carcinogenic. Silica also irritates eyes, skin and lungs. Inhalation of the chemical, in powder and loose blush form, may cause cancer.

Synthetic Fragrance, the most common ingredient found in personal care products, is used to add scent. The word "fragrance" can mean any one of 4,000 separate ingredients, which are synthetic and acquired from petroleum. It has been reported that synthetic fragrances are known to trigger asthma and can cause irritation of the skin, headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting. It has been found that 100% of perfumes contain toluene, a substance that can cause liver, kidney and brain damage, and is harmful to a developing fetus.

Talc, which is used as a dusting or drying powder, is found in products including baby powder, face powder, blush, foundation. Though limited, data indicates a possible link to cancer in humans.