10 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in your Makeup!
- Melissa Raposo
- Oct 18, 2020
- 4 min read
Are there any makeup lovers out there? So I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Although you wouldn't know it today because I keep my look super simple and easy, but I used to do makeup professionally for a few years before I got into the hair industry! I went to a Sfx makeup school in Toronto and learned from the best. Although there was one major thing they definitely failed to teach you about in makeup school (or hair school for that matter) is what is actually in the products you are using on a daily basis and how they can greatly impact your health.
I love makeup but was shocked and horrified when I learned about the long line of toxic ingredients in the products I was using. I could not believe that I was paying to put chemicals on my skin. Did you know that what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream in less than 30 seconds? Check out the list below to learn more. Here is a list you can save or print out the next time you are shopping for cosmetics. So I have to admit.. even once I had learned about the dangers in so many of the ingredients I was STILL skeptical and hesitant to switch because I was used to soo many brand names whos performance was like no other. I'm sure some of you can relate to the fact that once you are used to a certain standard, its hard to lower them. It took me a while to find products that actually performed (to my expectations) and I am happy to say that as of today I 100% use vegan, non-toxic cosmetics and have completely ditched the other brands I was using. (Check out what I use here). I also have a lot more peace of mind knowing that my makeup is not harming me or the environment and the best part is that not only do the products perform, I actually find them more effective than the toxic stuff I was using before!
Scroll below to see 10 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid and see me in action with my Toxin Free Skincare and Makeup Routine... all done in under 7 minutes (with the time lapse its only 2min)!
This information was taken from the Environmental Defence website. Some parts were trimmed in order to refer to cosmetics specifically.
1. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) & butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): used as preservatives in hair products, makeup, sunscreen, deodorant, fragrances, and creams. They are linked to (hormone) disruption and skin irritation.
2. Formaldehyde & formaldehyde releasing agents: Formaldehyde releasing agents (such as diazolidinyl urea and quaternium-15) are often used as preservatives in cosmetics and release formaldehyde. These chemicals are linked to cancer and skin sensitivity. Formaldehyde (also known as methylene glycol) is often used as hardeners in nail polishes.
3. N-Ethylpentedrone (NEP) & N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP): Typically used in synthetic eyelash and nail glues, nail polish removers and lotions. These chemicals can cause skin, eye and lung irritation and are potentially toxic to development when exposure is chronic. Exposure at developmentally critical periods during pregnancy may affect the health and weight of the fetus.
4. Oxybenzone: Blocks ultraviolet light in sunscreens. This chemical is an endocrine (hormone) disruptor and is harmful to coral reefs, fish, and other marine animals like dolphins. 5. Parabens: Ingredients that end with the word “paraben” such as methyl-, butyl-, propyl-, and ethyl-paraben. Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products. These chemicals are suspected endocrine (hormone) disruptors. 6. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Ingredients with “fluoro” in name. Also known as “forever chemicals” for being extremely persistent in the environment, are often added to personal care products and cosmetics such as moisturizers, dental floss, foundation, and concealer to make them waterproof or give them a “slippery” feel. These chemicals can accumulate in the body and are linked to cancer and thyroid disease among other adverse health effects. 7. Phthalates: Phthalates are added to fragrance mixtures as stabilizers and to make them last longer on the skin. These chemicals are hormone disruptors, toxic to reproduction, and impair brain development. Phthalates are increasingly being linked to the decrease in male fertility. 8. Siloxanes: Cyclomethicone, siloxane D4, D5 and D6 Siloxanes are silicone-based compounds used in personal care products to moisten or prime skin and hair. These chemicals are linked to skin irritation. When washed down the drain, they are released into waterways and are toxic and persistent in aquatic ecosystems and fish. 9. Talc: This chemical is an absorbent in pressed and loose powders, such as baby powder. It is linked to ovarian cancer if applied to genital area. Inhaling talc in loose powder form may be harmful to the lungs. 10. Toluene: May be listed as benzene or methylbenzene on ingredient list. Toluene is used in nail polish to make the polish stick to the nail. It is a respiratory toxicant and may cause headaches, dizziness and irritation.
コメント