Make Up Chemicals to Avoid

Is that lipstick worth risking your health?? Is having thick eyelashes or that beautiful bronzer??? Read the labels on your cosmetics products and approach with caution, especially here in the U.S., because cosmetics products sold here do NOT need FDA approval or safety testing. The following is just a small listing of the many chemicals found in cosmetic products.

Phthlates, DBP or DEHP; these are endocrine disrupters which can cause birth defects and damage to the reproductive system. These are also carcinogens linked to premature breast development, damage to the testicles, liver, lung and kidney cancers. These chemicals are already banned in the European Union ( E.U.) These are typically found in nail polish, hair spray, hair straighteners, body lotions, and deodoraants.

Lauryl Sulfates (SLS) and Sodium Laurel Sulfates (SLES): these are disrupters of the nervous system, known skin irritants, can damage the eyes, suspected carcinogen linked to liver and kidney damage. These are banned in the E. U. and in South American. Typically found in toothpaste, shampoo, bath salts, bath and body gels.

Parabens: These mimic estrogen in the body and have been strongly linked to breast cancer. These also act as a hormone disrupter and can cause skin rashes as well. These chemical preservatives are found in a huge list of products including hair styling products, foundations, concealers, mascaras, skin creams, deodorants, sunscreens, and hair color. They are currently banned in Sweden and Japan and will most likely soon be banned in Britian.

Formaldehyde: Can be listed under a large number of other names, including Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDH Hydantoin, Formalin, Methanal, Methylene Oxide, Morbicid Acid, Oxymethylene to name a few. Banned in the E.U. This is a known carcinogen, and can disrupt the immune system. Additionally it causes allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, headaches and is an irritant to the mucous membranes. It has been linked to eye damage, joint pain, chest pain, depression, and fatigue. This is a cheap disinfectant that mixes easily with water. It is typically found in shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, liquid antiseptic hand washes, skin lotions, bubble bath, hair care products, antiperspirants, nail polish, talcs, mascara, mouthwash and make-up removers.

Amines (DEA) (TEA) (MEA): This chemical family is banned in the E.U. This preservative and foaming agent can disrupt hormones, is corrosive to eyes, causes contact dermatitis and reacts with a host of other chemicals to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. These are linked to both kidney and liver cancers. Typically found in shampoos, soaps, hairsprays, sunscreens, foundations, concealers, eyeliner, talc, face powders, shaving creams, and hair coloring products for BOTH men and women.

Propylene and Butylene: These chemicals are banned in the E.U. This moisture retainer is a cheap substitute for glycerine. It is linked to brain, liver and kidney abnormalities, depression of the central nervous system, pulmonary edema, hypoglycemia, skin rashes, dermatitis, respiratory and throat irritation. This chemical group is a neuro-toxin that weakens proteins and cellular structure. These are typically found in deodorants, body lotions, body washes, hair conditioners, hair gels, creams, hand wipes and lipsticks.

Thimerasol: This chemical contains mercury which causes brain damage and is linked to birth defects in babies exposed in the womb. Mainly found in mascaras.

As you can see, by the end of the day, unless you are using natural and organic skin care products, you will have exposed yourself to a literal chemical soup. The cosmetics companies cannot, or will not, tell us how these toxins accumulate in the body, how they all interact or what the long term effects might be.

While many all natural and organic products may cost a bit more because they are are not using cheap chemicals, aren't you worth it ?? Visit http://www.naturesownstore.com/, and find eco-certified mascara and foundation, along with a host of other good-for-you products! To find out what is in YOUR cosmetics, visit the Skin Deep Cosmetics Data Base