So it makes you look good but is it good for you?

As it turns out many of the ingredients that are used in beauty products to help us look good aren't exactly good for us. The ingredients in cosmetics and make-up are not subjected to stringent pre market evaluations and processes. Cosmetic and make-up companies are also not required to submit any information on the harmful effects of chemicals used in their makeup formulations. This situation creates a system where virtually any make-up product, regardless of safety, can be sold to the public.

Look for natural ingredients in products. This means reading the labels carefully to not only avoid potentially hazardous chemicals but also avoiding dyes, tars and even possibly synthetic fragrances.


Ingredients commonly found in cosmetic preparations that may pose potential hazards to users

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  Petrolatum is used in many cosmetics simply because it is cheap. The problem is not only is it an inferior product but it causes the skin to become photo sensitive, it clogs pores, and it causes skin to eventually become dry and irritated with continued use. The very problems that this chemical is used in cosmetics to address, dry skin ointments, lip balms, moisturizers, are the very problems that it exacerbates. Propylene Glycol — Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. Has been known to cause allergic and toxic reactions.
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  Proylene Glycol(MSDS) Called a humectant in cosmetics, it is really "industrial anti-freeze" and the major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluid. Tests show it can be a strong skin irritant. This ingredient is commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, lotions and beauty creams. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on Propylene Glycol warn to avoid skin contact as it is systemic and can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.
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  Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40) A very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin's natural acid mantle, making us more vulnerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses. It is made from propylene, a petroleum derivative. It may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.
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  Talc Many scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in the genital area is associated with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.
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  PVP/VA Copolymer is a petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs.
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  Sodium Lauryl Sulfate a synthetic substance used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It is often passed off as a natural ingredient by stating that it is derived from coconut however, this chemical causes irritations, rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions
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  Stearalkonium Chloride is often used in chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Originally used as fabric softener by the textile industry it’s inexpensive cost and ability to soften made it a popular substitute in the cosmetic industry as an alternative to higher priced softeners such as proteins, herbs, and oils. The b\problem is that this chemical is known to cause allergic reactions and is toxic..
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  Synthetic colors along with hair dyes should be avoided at all cost. Labeled as FD &C or D & C and followed by a number, these chemical synthetic agents are suspected of being carcinogenic.
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  Synthetic Fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. With such a large number of possible chemicals regulations stipulate merely listing “fragrance” on the label. This makes it virtually impossible to pinpoint any allergic reaction to a specific chemical that a fragrance may contain. Some problems associated with fragrance sensitivities are headaches, vomiting, nausea, skin irritation, dizziness, and hyper pigmentation. 10. Triethanolamine is used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which in turns it into a cleanser. Commonly known as TEA, Triethanolamine causes allergic reactions such as eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and is potentially toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.
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  Kohl The FDA has issued an alert for Eye Makeup products such as kohl, kajal, al-kahl, or surma, typically applied as Eyeliner. These traditional Eye Makeup products often contain lead and are not permitted in any cosmetic or personal care product in the U.S.
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  Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea — these are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are well established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals have a good antifungal, and must be combined with other preservatives. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde at just over 10°. These chemicals are toxic.
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  Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben — Used as preservatives to prevent microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Known to be toxic and cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Highly toxic.