Harmful Ingredients Found in Cosmetics, Soaps

Before slathering on skin moisturizer or splurging on a new bottle of shampoo, turn the package over and read the label. Many beauty products, including makeup and soaps, contain harmful ingredients, according to a report in The Washington Post .

What? Aren't Cosmetics Regulated By the Government?

Most ingredients used in makeup are not pre-approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before being used to formulate beauty products. The only exception is color additives, according to the FDA . Cosmetics companies are allowed to self-regulate the quality and safety of ingredients used in beauty products.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid

Since soap, makeup, lotions, toothpaste and other beauty products soak into the skin, they have the potential to cause allergic reactions and poor health, much like food and beverages. Harmful ingredients to look for include diethanolamine, phthalates, parabens and formaldehye.

These ingredients can cause imbalances in bodily hormones, allergic reactions, reproduction problems, neurological problems, skin irritation and have been linked to cancer, according to Stacy Malkan, author of Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry.

Making Healthy Beauty Product Choices

Ready to make a change? Start by picking up beauty products stamped with an organic label. If the product carries the official USDA Organic logo, even better. The ingredients in organic products are grown and processed without the use of manmade chemicals. But, since the products aren't regulated, it's best to do some research on the manufacturer before making a purchase. And, choose products with the fewest ingredients.

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