Hey there, friend! Let’s grab a mirror and take a good, hard look at what’s inside your makeup bag. You might love that foundation that gives you a flawless finish or that lipstick that never seems to fade, but have you ever wondered what’s really in those products? Spoiler alert: it’s not all roses and rainbows. Today, we’re diving into the world of cosmetics to uncover the hidden dangers lurking in your beauty routine and why you might want to think twice before applying that next layer of mascara.
The chemical cocktail in your cosmetics
First off, let’s get one thing straight: the cosmetics industry is like the Wild West – barely any rules and a whole lot of dangerous stuff getting by under the radar. Since 2009, nearly 600 manufacturers have admitted to using 88 chemicals in over 73,000 products, that have been linked to birth defects and reproductive cancer. We’re talking about things like formaldehyde (yes, the stuff used to embalm bodies) and phthalates (hormone disruptors that can mess with your reproductive system). These chemicals aren’t just hiding in a few shady products – they’re everywhere. And to make it worse, they’re often hidden under the term “fragrance”, which is basically a loophole that lets companies avoid telling you what’s really inside (EWG).
Why are these chemicals still allowed?
You might be wondering how the hell these harmful chemicals are still allowed in products that are supposed to make us look and feel better. The truth is, the cosmetics industry is one of the least regulated industries out there. The FDA doesn’t require pre-market approval for cosmetics (except for color additives), which means companies can pretty much put whatever they want in their products without having to prove they’re safe.
To make matters worse, the term “fragrance” on a label can hide a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals, as companies aren’t required to disclose the individual ingredients due to trade secret protections. This lack of transparency makes it nearly impossible for consumers to know what they’re really putting on their skin.
However, there is an ever so slight bright side. California Assembly Bill 2762, the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act is working on a solution. They’re attempting to ban:
- Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
- Paraformaldehyde, a type of formaldehyde.
- Methylene glycol, a type of formaldehyde.
- Quaternium 15, which releases formaldehyde.
- Mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
- Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system.
- Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens, which disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.
- The long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS, which have been linked to cancer.
- M- and o-phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, which irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA and can cause cancer.
All of these toxic chemicals have already been banned by the European Union and many other nations, and many have been slated for removal from the store brands of major U.S. retailers, including Target, Rite Aid, Walgreens and CVS Health. For example, as of the end of 2019, CVS Health prohibits the use of formaldehyde, many chemicals that release formaldehyde, many parabens, dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate. Some of these are already banned from products sold in Whole Foods.
It seems like some folks are finally pulling their heads out of their asses and starting to tackle this toxic mess in the cosmetics industry—better late than never, right?
The natural alternatives
Don’t panic just yet—there are safer options out there. Many brands are now offering natural and organic cosmetics that avoid the use of harmful chemicals. Here’s how you can make the switch:
- Support Clean Beauty Brands: Brands like RMS Beauty, Ilia, and BeautyCounter are known for their commitment to clean, non-toxic beauty. Supporting these brands encourages the industry to prioritize safety and transparency.
- Read the Labels: Educate yourself on harmful ingredients and always check the label before buying. Look for products labeled as paraben-free, phthalate-free, and fragrance-free.
- Choose Certified Organic: Certified organic products are made with ingredients that are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. They’re also free from many harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional cosmetics.
- DIY Beauty: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making your own beauty products at home. Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils can be used to create everything from lip balm to moisturizer.
the gist
the good shit
•INSTANT GLAM: Achieve that flawless look quickly without long-lasting formulas. Your makeup will stay on through anything, even if you have no idea what’s in it.
•WIDE AVAILABILITY: Conventional cosmetics are everywhere, from drugstores to high-end boutiques. Convenience is key – too bad it comes with a side of chemicals.
•AFFORDABLE: You can find these products at every price point. But remember, you often get what you pay for, and that might include some unwanted extras.
THE BULLSHIT
•MAY CONTAIN PARABENS: Synthetic chemicals to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Sounds useful right? Well, here’s the kicker – they’re know to mimic estrogen in the body, which can throw your hormones out of whack & is linked to increased risk of breast cancer.
•MAY CONTAIN PHTHALATES: Leads to reproductive issues, birth defects, and even developmental problems in kids. Basically, phthalates are the unwanted guests that crash your beauty routine and leave a trail of chaos in their wake.
•MAY CONTAIN FORMALDEHYDE: It’s a known carcinogen, which means it’s been linked to causing cancer, and it can also cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. So while it might keep your manicure looking fresh, it’s definitely not doing any favors for your health.
If you’re concerned about chemicals like formaldehyde lurking in your beauty products, don’t miss my post on The Hidden Dangers in Your Everyday Products, where I discuss other common household items that could be putting your health at risk.
•LACK OF REGULATION: The beauty industry is a bit of a Wild West, with minimal oversight and plenty of loopholes. Companies can sell you just about anything without proving it’s safe.
•ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The production and disposal of chemical-laden cosmetics contribute to pollution and harm wildlife. Your lipstick might be cute, but it’s not so great for the planet.
•POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS: Regular exposure to the chemicals in conventional cosmetics can lead to long-term health issues, including reproductive harm and neurological problems. Not exactly worth it for a killer contour.
the verdict
Your makeup bag might be hiding more than just a few outdated products—it could be filled with chemicals that are doing serious damage to your health. By being more mindful of what you’re putting on your skin and choosing safer alternatives, you can protect yourself from these hidden dangers. It’s time to demand better from the beauty industry and make informed choices that prioritize your health over profits.
Stay informed, stay empowered, and remember: knowledge is your best defense against bullshit!
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