- Hidden Dangers: Harmful Ingredients in Cosmetic Products
- Benzophenone: UV Filter Linked to Hormone Disruption and Liver Toxicity
- Carbon Black, Ethanolamines, and Formaldehyde: Irritants and Carcinogenic Concerns
If you have ever glanced at the back of a shampoo, foundation, or bar of soap, you will be familiar with the seemingly endless list of presumed safe ingredients.
However, some dermatologists and aesthetic specialists assert that a number of these compounds are irritating to the skin, polluting the environment, and, in some instances, toxic.
Not only can these chemicals cause allergic reactions in some individuals, but many are also suspected carcinogens, according to experts.
The compound Benzophenone
Sunscreens, nail polish, foundation, hairspray, and even some soaps contain benzophenone.
It is designed to shield the epidermis from UV rays and prevent products from losing their scent and color when exposed to sunlight.
Studies indicate that, even though benzophenone is safe in small concentrations, it can act as a hormone disruptor by mimicking the female sex hormone estrogen in the body, thereby impairing growth, fertility, and reproduction.
Mary Sommerlad, a consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, stated, “This is a common UV filter found in sunscreens.
Several limited studies suggest that it and its derivatives oxybenzone and avobenzone are hormone disruptors.
She continued, “This has led to the use of alternative UV filters in numerous cosmetic formulations while additional research is ongoing.”
Animal studies imply that benzophenone is also toxic to liver cells.
The European Food Safety Authority classifies benzophenone as a poison because it causes liver hypertrophy.
The color black
Carbon black is a pigment utilized in eyeliner, mascara, and cosmetics.
It is also used in some activated charcoal-containing products, such as face masks and cleansers.
According to dermatologists, it can irritate the epidermis.
This is activated charcoal, which is used in cosmetics to reduce sebum production. Therefore, it is commonly found in cosmetics for sensitive skin,’ explains Dr. Sommerlad.
She added, “It’s not known to be toxic, but it can be drying and irritant to the skin.”
The ethylene amines
Ethanolamines are substances composed of amino acids and alcohols.
The odorless, viscous liquids are extensively used in the manufacture of toiletries such as shampoo, soap, and shaving cream.
It is not a restricted substance and may be utilized in cosmetics.
However, there are concerns that it may be carcinogenic.
Dr. Sommerlad stated, “The concern here is that ethanolamines can undergo a reaction to produce carcinogenic nitrosamines in certain circumstances.”
Nitrosamines, which have been known to cause cancer for decades, are accidentally added to products.
This is only possible when ethanolamines like TEA and DEA are employed as preservatives.
The chemical formaldehyde
According to Simon Thorpe, an advanced aesthetics practitioner at Thames Valley Aesthetics in Berkshire, formaldehyde is found in nail varnish, hair straightening products, and lash glue.
When formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, such as quaternion-15, DMDM hydantoin, and Diazolidinyl urea, are added to cosmetics to increase their shelf-life and prevent bacterial contamination, the chemical is released.
Mr. Thorpe advises avoiding formaldehyde-containing products because they can irritate the skin and cause contact dermatitis, a type of eczema.
Health officials warn that excessive use can result in sores and hives.
However, there are regulations designed to control the adverse effects of the chemical.
Some products utilize formalin, quaternion-15, and diazolidinyl urea as preservatives, according to London-based aesthetic nurse Amanda Azzopardi of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics.
Over time, they can emit formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation and allergies.
The chemical is also a carcinogen, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Formaldehyde has been linked to leukemia and nasal tumors in laborers exposed to large amounts of the chemical for many years, according to experts.
However, short-term exposure is unlikely to pose the same degree of danger.
