There is a rise in the market for beauty products. These products are made to give you a better and healthier look. However, some of these products contain chemicals that might harm your body.
Some of them are carcinogens which can lead to cancer in the long run. So, it is always better to use wisely, as not every product equally suits your skin and body type. Here are some beauty products that are harmful to the health of women.
Parabens
The most common parabens used in cosmetics are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens are preservatives in many products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. They’re also found in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.
Parabens can mimic estrogen when interacting with the body’s cells, causing abnormal cell growth that can lead to cancer. The Sister Study, an 11-year study performed by the NIEHS, a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sought to determine the risk factors for breast cancer and other illnesses. The study’s results revealed that women who use chemical hair straightening products get uterine cancer at a rate that is twice that of those who do not.
The relationship between hair straightening products and uterine cancer diagnosis needs further investigation. However, this NIH study has demonstrated that women who use hair straightening products frequently experience increased incidences of uterine cancer. And this is the very basis of the hair straighteners uterine cancer lawsuit.
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used in cosmetics to add flexibility and durability to plastic products, such as nail polishes, perfumes, hair sprays, eye shadows, and lipsticks. They may also be found in everyday beauty items such as deodorants and moisturizers. According to an MDPI study, they have been demonstrated to be endocrine disruptors and are detrimental to human health.
Phthalates have been linked to reproductive issues. They are known to cause infertility and miscarriage by interfering with hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. In men, phthalate exposure has been linked to low sperm count, while in women, it has been associated with early menopause.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS, sodium lauryl sulfate, is a surfactant widely used in bath products. It can be found in some toothpaste, mouthwashes, shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps. The chemical has a high potential for skin irritation, according to WebMD.
SLS can also irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if it comes into contact with them at high concentrations. It causes swelling of mucous membranes in the eyes and throat, symptoms similar to hay fever or asthma. It may vary from mild discomfort to severe pain depending on how much of the chemical was swallowed or touched by your skin.
Lead in Lipstick
Did you know that lead is a neurotoxin? It can cause brain damage and kidney damage. Lead also causes anemia, which means blood can’t carry oxygen to all body parts. Lead is a known human carcinogen meaning it causes cancer. The World Health Organization has stated that humans have no safe levels of lead exposure.
It means it’s essential to read the ingredients on products before purchasing them, just like with food items. If you see any ingredient ending with “-ate,” such as “lead acetate” or “calcium carbonate,” these are often made from toxic metals such as lead and arsenic, respectively. So avoid those ingredients at all costs.
Oxybenzone
You might have seen a lot of sunscreens products that contain oxybenzone. The chemical is used in sunscreens to protect us from UV rays but can also cause harmful side effects. It’s been linked to allergic skin reactions, hormone disruption, and cancer.
The FDA says “there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans” on oxybenzone in sunscreen or lotion to prove its safety or effectiveness, so they recommend avoiding products containing it if possible.
Triclosan
Triclosan is used in many personal care products, including toothpaste and face wash. It can be found in antibacterial soaps, detergents, and hand sanitizers at your local drugstore. Triclosan has been linked to endocrine disruption in animals and humans, meaning it interferes with our body’s hormone system. However, research on its effects on humans has yet to be conclusive.
In addition to interfering with hormones, Triclosan also has been shown to irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. If you’re looking for an alternative to triclosan-containing products that you should avoid using, check out these six natural cleaners for your home.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for products that are good for your skin, remember to research which ones can be harmful. Though most beauty products are safe, some women may not know which ingredients can cause irritation or cancer. We hope this article has helped you learn more about these dangerous products so you can make informed decisions when buying makeup, shampoo, or any other beauty product.