Chemicals in cosmetics can be harmful to human skin
Blog : Global chemical price

Published on March 1, 2014

The morning make-up routine will apparently be your goal to improve your appearance, but how is that ostensibly harmless, perfectly applied layer of powder really affecting your skin and experiences skin redness, itchy and bumpy after applying your favorite personal skin care products? However, when it comes to beauty products, the effects of the ingredients they contain can be more than just skin cavernous. Most of the cosmetics industry uses thousands of synthetic chemicals in their products from face cream to body lotions and lipsticks to shaving cream. The few of the chemicals that are used in the cosmetic products are used in industrial manufacturing processes to clean industrial equipment, greasing gears and stabilizing pesticides. Moreover we do agree at a point that chemicals that effectively polish a garage floor may not be the best choice for a facial cleanser.

Number of cosmetics and skin care products are easily available at all cosmetic stores and salons and with these cosmetic products it is easier to achieve a healthy, smooth and beautiful skin for both men and women. However with the high amount of usage of synthetic chemicals in the products can make your skin harsh and can slow down the breathing process of your skin. Few of the chemicals used in the cosmetic can even result to breast and ovarian cancer.

According to the chief operating officer of personal care brand Organic Harvest Company Sumesh Sood, chemicals that are used in cosmetic such as parabens and phthalates are capable of damaging skin and can even cause frequent health problems including cancer. The major seven chemicals which are harmful and commonly found in the cosmetic products are linked to cancer, infertility or birth defects.

About 7 Chemicals which are commonly found in all cosmetic products:

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of endocrine disrupting chemicals which is mostly found in cosmetic products such as nail polish and in synthetic fragrance, it also disturbs the hormonal balance in women. This chemical is mostly found in number of skin care products like moisturizers and shampoos. The exposure of this chemical is nearly seen in adolescent girls which may later cause a risk factor such as breast cancer. In cell culture systems, few of this chemical acts as a weak estrogens.

Parabens

Parabens are a group of composites which is generally used to prevent contamination of cosmetics and skincare products such as antifungal agent, preservative and antimicrobial in creams, lotions, ointments and other cosmetics, including deodorants. Chemicals such as Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens are commonly used as preservatives in all toiletries, dental and hair products, these chemical when absorbed through the skin are likely to cause irritation in skin, eyes and lungs. They have also been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. The parabens chemical is mostly found in all cosmetic products from moisturizers to antiperspirants to shaving gel to sun creams to shower gels.

Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)

Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) is a common ingredient which is a naturally occurring substance that is often used in sunscreen products. According to the research analyst, this chemical has been allied with cancer, skin irritation and rashes and also damages the liver and intensifies skin pigmentation.

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil which is generally know as petroleum jelly are cheap and it is the most common derivative used for moisturizing skin and lips. This mineral oil coats the skin like plastic wrap, and blocks pores and thwarts the natural ability of skin to respire and absorb the natural moisture factor. As per the studies done by the research analyst this chemical has showed the risk of rise in tumours by 21% and causes burning, stinging, redness and irritation of skin. It also leads to premature ageing of skin.

Isopropyl Alcohol

The isopropyl alcohol is mainly used to blend colours in cosmetics and has been allied to neurological damage and rising the risk of cancer.

Talc

The chemical ingredients that are used in talcum powder have silicates which are normally used in make-up and powders. Talc is mostly used to avoid perspiration as it absorbs moisture which in turn causes much damage to a human skin. The magnesium silicate used in talcum powder causes irritation in the lungs which may be carcinogenic and is possible linked to ovarian cancer.

Coal tar

Coal tar is a thick liquid or semi-solid extracted from bituminous coal. It is used as a colorant in cosmetics such as blushers and eye liners and might cause nausea, mood swings and headaches. Few of the companies also use this chemical in anti-dandruff shampoos.

However, these cosmetic products are effective but all of the products are not safe for human skin. Cosmetics are supposed to help the woman to look beautiful but it is full of harmful synthetic chemicals which can terribly harsh skin. Moreover, it can hinder your skin from gasp, harbor bacteria and help external impurities triggering skin problems.