Makeup Exposed

Some people feel exposed without their makeup, but today we’re going to expose the makeup itself. Do you know what ingredients lurk in your beauty products?

Most people can relate: we want to look and feel beautiful. But, most of the makeup and beauty products on the market today are loaded with ingredients and chemicals that can cause us great harm in the long run, making looking beautiful too expensive to pay the cost. Many ingredients in common makeup products can lead to allergies, are toxic to the organs, and disrupt the endocrine system as well as the hormones, metabolism, fertility, and the immune system. And if that wasn’t enough, they also can lead to cancer! Yikes!

Certainly, there are natural, clean, and simple makeup and beauty products that do not contain dangerous ingredients and chemicals. Such products will be mineral based, organic, and simple.

When choosing makeup products, it’s important to know what to look for to avoid putting these detrimental ingredients on your skin and in your body. If you see any of the following ingredients on your label, don’t use it!

Phthalates

This can also be seen as dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or diethyl phthalate (DEP) on labels. These ingredients are known to cause endocrine and hormone disruptions and can lead to early puberty and an increased cancer risk, especially breast cancer. These ingredients are most commonly found in nail polishes and scented makeup.

BHA & BHT

This ingredient can also be seen as salicylic acid, salicylate, sodium salicylate, willow extract, tropic acid, trethocanic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene on labels. These ingredients are also known to upset endocrine function and can lead to cancer. They’re most commonly used as a preservative in makeup products. Many acne-fighting products also contain this ingredient.

Titanium Dioxide

Also seen as TiO2 on labels, this ingredient can lead to cancer, especially when inhaled. It’s most commonly found in loose powder makeups.

1,3 Butadiene

This ingredient is a known carcinogen and can interfere with reproductive health and growth and development of children and young adults. It’s most commonly found in foundation makeup products.

Formaldehyde Releasers

Can also be seen on a label as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine 3-chloroallylo chloride, quarternium-15, bronopol, or hydroxymethylglycinate. This ingredient helps to activate formaldehyde, which leads to cancer. These ingredients are most commonly found in many makeup products as a preservative agent.

Octinoxate

This can also be seen on a label as parsol, parsol MCX, escalol, 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) or OMC. These ingredients are also known endocrine disruptors; they mimic estrogen in the body and can interfere with thyroid function and reproductive health. They’re primarily found in lipstick, nail polish, and sunscreen.

Carbon Black

Also seen on a label as D&C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, or thermal black. This ingredient can lead to cancer and can also increase the chance of developing lung and cardiovascular disease. It’s most commonly found in eyeliner, mascara, nail polish, eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, and foundation.

Benzophenone

This ingredient can also be seen as phenyl ketone, diphenyl ketone, benzyl benzene, or benzyl phenyl. This ingredient can cause cancer and endocrine disruptions and can also disturb growth and development. It’s most commonly found in nail polish, SPF lip balm, Chapstick, and foundation.

As a rule of thumb, always opt for organic, truly natural, simple cosmetics and beauty products with few ingredients.

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