Some Dangerous Compounds in Cosmetics

It's a hard fact: some harmful compounds that can be found in skin care and cosmetic products.

There are numerous compounds used in the production of cosmetic and skin care commodities are can be very harmful to health immediately and in later life for the user. While known that these products are not completely safe or are actively dangerous, manufacturers use them to improve the bottom line, as these products are inexpensive.

Listed below are a few of the dangerous chemicals you need to be looking out for when purchasing products for use on the body.

By taking a few minutes to read through the list of ingredients on the product's label, you can save yourself a lot of grief and expense.

Preservatives

Some product preservatives contain parabens. Some UK studies determined that these chemicals may be responsible for the increased incidents of breast cancer. They have also been known to cause skin irritation.

The following products are suspected of causing eye problems and affect the development of babies' eyes. They are also suspected of having log-term effects as they are absorbed easily to accumulate in vital organs like the brain, liver, heart and lungs. A wide variety of cleansing products contain these ingredients which are derived from coconuts. These compounds are Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate and (ALS)Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

Alcohol

Isopropyl Alcohol can irritate the skin. Its cleansing action can result in an environment on the skin that is ideal for the growth of undesirable skin diseases.

The substances, MEA (Monoethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and DEA (Diethanolamine), can irritate the skin and result in allergic reactions. Some of these ingredients have also been known agents for cancer in the kidneys and the liver.

Propylene glycol has been known to damage the liver and kidneys and results in several skin ailments.

Aluminum

Aluminum, mostly found in sweat suppressing sprays, is suspected of causing Alzheimer's

Mineral Oil

Oils made from paraffin and petroleum, often used as a base for creams and cosmetic products, can irritate the skin resulting in skin ailments like acne and itchy rashes similar to shingles.

By upsetting the skin's moisture levels PEGs (polyethylene glycol) can cause the skin age early and make it susceptible to bacterial attack.

Talc

Talc is suspected of significantly increasing the incidents of cancer of the ovaries if used around the genitals and is harmful when inhaled.

You may also search the Internet for sites, like the Environmental Working Grou p, that provide information on the toxicity of ingredients found in beauty and personal health products. You are well advised to opt for products that contain only natural compounds, but be warned, many products making this claim can include the very compounds you are trying to avoid. When in doubt, don't select the product.

* BodyBurden: Cosmetics , Environmental Working Group, EWG.org