Posted by Janet Harriett on Jan.13, 2009

The average woman ingests about four pounds of lipstick in her lifetime.  Who knows how much toothpaste and mouthwash we accidentally swallow keeping our pearly whites white?  If that is not reason enough to be concerned about the ingredients in makeup and personal care products, consider that the reason transdermal patches for nicotine addiction and hormone replacement therapy work is that the skin is an efficient absorber of the chemicals spread on it.

Cosmetics in the U.S. are required to state the ingredients on the label. However, there is little regulation about what those ingredients can be. Here are five ingredients to watch out for in your cosmetics and personal care products.

Lead

What is lead?

A heavy metal, found as a contaminant rather than an intentional ingredient in cosmetics.

What products is lead found in?

While lead contamination is possible in any number of products, particularly those containing petroleum derivatives, traditional kohl (also called surma or kajal, not to be confused with kohl-colored eyeliner) is often made with lead compounds.

What does lead do to the human body?

Lead acts as a neurotoxin and can lead to developmental disorders

How can I tell if lead is in my personal care products?

There is no quick and easy home test for lead in cosmetics, and since lead is almost always a contaminant of one of the component ingredients, it will not be listed as an ingredient.  If you use kohl eyeliner, avoid those made with galena, another term for lead sulfate.

Phthalates

What are phthalates? Plasticizers

What products are phthalates found in? Nail polish, perfume, hairspray and baby care products

What do phthalates do to the human body? While the proof is inconclusive in humans, rodent studies have shown high levels of phthalates correspond with liver damage.  In humans, excessive prenatal phthalate exposure correlates with signs of endocrine disruption, although the overall health impact of this is not yet clear.

How can I tell if phthalates are in my personal care products?

Look for dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), or diethylphthalate (DEP) on the ingredient list.

1,4 Dioxane

What is 1,4 Dioxane?

1,4 Dioxane is a type of solvent sometimes created during chemical reactions in manufacturing personal care product.

What products is 1,4 Dioxane found in?

Deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and mouthwash

What does 1,4 Dioxane do to the human body?

1,4 Dioxane may cause eye and respiratory irritation.  It is also classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

How can I tell if 1,4 Dioxane is in my personal care products?

Like lead, 1,4 Dioxane is a contaminant rather than an intentional ingredient, so it will not often be listed in the ingredients.  Look for PEG, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethene,” ceteareth, or anything that ends with “-xynol” on the ingredient list. These are precursors to the chemical reaction that results in 1,4 Dioxane.

Nanoparticles

What are nanoparticles?

Particles of any substance reduced to between 1 and 100 nanometers.  In cosmetics and personal care items, the nanoparticles are most often titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

What products are nanoparticles found in?

Sunscreens, lotions and cosmetics

What do Nanoparticles do to the human body?

Because of their small size, nanoparticles can work their way farther into the body than larger particles.  The health effects of nanoparticles are largely unknown.  Nanoparticles of a substance can have very different properties from larger particles of the same substance.  For example, nano-silver has anti-microbial properties not found in larger silver pieces.

How can I tell if Nanoparticles are in my personal care products?

Nanoparticles are a hot buzzword.  Makeup that includes nanoparticles will often advertise the fact.  Similarly, recent backlash against nanoparticles in personal care products is leading some manufacturers to label their products as nanoparticle-free.  While titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the most common nanoparticles in personal care products, the presence of those ingredients does not necessarily mean they are in nanoparticle form.

Bismuth Oxychloride

What is bismuth oxychloride?

A mineral, usually purified from byproducts of lead and copper refining.

What products is bismuth oxychloride found in?

Mineral makeup

What does bismuth oxychloride do to the human body?

May cause skin irritation

How can I tell if Bismuth oxychloride is in my personal care products?

Check the ingredient lists.  Bismuth oxychloride will be listed.  In trace amounts, bismuth oxychloride might not cause any problems in non-sensitive individuals.  The further down on the ingredient list it is, the less of it the product contains.

When shopping for natural makeup and personal care products, take care with the organic label. “Organic” and “All-natural” are terms that have no legal definition in the marketing of cosmetics and personal care products.  No law or regulation exists to prevent companies from calling their personal care products “organic” even if they are laden with artificial chemicals, pesticides and toxins. However, some manufacturers get their products certified organic by the same agencies that certify organic foods, and those agencies hold the personal care products to the same standards as the organic foods they certify.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a list of cosmetic manufacturers who have signed an agreement to abide by the European Union’s strict policies against hazardous materials in cosmetics.  This can be a great place to start looking for personal care products that are safe for the whole family.

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Posted under Beauty, Beauty Products.