Be on the look out of the following ingredients in beauty products that can be harmful to your health over long term use.
Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is mostly found in hair straightening treatments, some nail polish and eyelash glue. It’s a known carcinogen and can cause breathing issues. It’s legal to include in US made cosmetics, however it is banned in Europe
Petroleum:
Petroleum is derived from the same stuff that fuels your car. It goes by other names such as mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin oil. Experts question whether any of these ingredients are safe to use long term because your body doesn’t metabolize it. Whatever gets into your body just kind of… sits there?
Parabens:
Parabens, known by many different names (including methylparaben, isopropylparaben, pentylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, and benzylparaben) are a preservative that has a tendency to mimic estrogen in the body hence wreaking havoc on your hormonal system. Their impact may even be enough to reduce fertility in men. Parabens are extremely common in most skin and hair products.
Triclosan:
May cause antibiotics resistance. This ingredient is common in soaps and toothpastes.
Hydroquinone:
It’s the main ingredient found in products designed to brighten or lighten the skin. Hydroquinone kills cells and chromosomes if it is used too much, which sets the stage for some forms of cancer. While high doses of hydroquinone are banned in the US, prescription level amounts of 4% are readily available. There’s no evidence that this dosage doesn’t lead to cancer, so its best to avoid hydroquinone completely.
P-Phenylenediamine:
Otherwise known as PPD, this ingredient is derived from coal tar. It leads to allergic reactions and can be found in a huge number of conventional hair dyes.
Quaternium-15:
Manufacturers use Quaternium-15 to help their makeup last as long as possible, but with time quatemium can release formaldehyde which causes cancer and breathing issues. You’re most likely to find this ingredient in facial cosmetics, especially powders.
Talc:
Talc is common in cosmetics and hair care products that help get rid of oil (dry shampoo, powdered makeup, deodorants and even baby powder). While it’s great at getting rid of grease, it’s also quite good at containing asbestos and increasing your risk of lung growths and cancer.
https://www.consumersafety.org/health/talcum-powder-cancer/
Titanium:
Titanium nanoparticles are a common ingredient in conventional sunscreen. These particles do block UV rays, but because of their small size they’re also able to penetrate your skin. There is growing concern that these particles may have a toxic effect on the brain, increase your risk of nerve damage, and cause cancer.
Avobenzone:
Avobenzone is an ingredient that’s very unstable, and breaks down easily. When it does, it releases free radicals, destructive molecules that hurt your cells, cause early aging, and may even lead to cancer. You’re most likely to find it in sunscreen.