SIDE EFFECTS OF COSMETICS

What are cosmetics?

The U.S. FDA which regulates cosmetics in the United States defines
cosmetics as:

“Intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying,

promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting
the body’s structure or functions.”

Cosmetics are substances used to enhance or protect the appearance

or odor of the human body.

Broad field of cosmetics are:

 Skin care creams and lotions

 Powders
 Perfumes
 Lipsticks & lip-gloss
 Permanent waves
 Eye and facial make-up
 Hair colors, hair sprays and gel
 Shampoos and other hair products
Side effects of cosmetics

Cosmetics contain a variety of ingredients, some good, some not so

well, and some even potentially dangerous. Because so many people
use makeup daily, an alarming amount can actually be absorbed into the
skin, or breathed in to the lungs. Certain chemicals have been linked to
health problems as severe as cancer.

According to Dr. Shuai Xu:

“Unlike drugs and medical devices, cosmetics permeate daily life,” Xu

said by email. “We’re exposed to hundreds of chemicals a day from
these products.”
Bubble baths and bath oil “Adverse events to cosmetics matter to
patients mostly because nearly everyone uses a cosmetic or personal
care product every single day - this includes new-borns infants and
pregnant women,” said senior study author Dr. Shuai Xu, a dermatology
researcher at North-western University Feinberg School of Medicine in
Chicago.

Shampoo:-

It contains average 15 numbers of chemicals. Most worrying chemicals are sodium

lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol, methylisothiazoline.

Side effects:-

Neurological damage in fetus, irritation, possible eye damage.

Eye shadow:-

It contains 26 numbers of chemicals. Most worrying chemical is polyethylene

terephthalate

Side effects:-

Cause cancer, infertility, hormonal disruptions and damage to body’s organs.

Hair spray:-

It contains 11 numbers of chemicals. Most worrying chemicals are octinoxate,

isophthalates.

Side effects:-

Allergies, hormonal disruption, irritation to eyes, nose and throat, changes in cell
structure.

Deodorant:-

It contains 32 numbers of chemicals which includes aluminum zirconium, isopropyl

myristae.

Side effects:-

Organ irritation, hormonal disruption.

Lipstick:-

It contains 33 chemicals in which polymenthyl.methacrylate.

Side effects:-

Allergies, cancer.

Blush:-

It contains 16 chemicals including ethylparabens, methylparaben.

Side effects:-

Irritation, hormonal disruption.

Foundation:-

It contains 24 chemicals polymethyl methacrylate is more common.

Side effects:-

Disrupt immune system, allergies, cancer.

Nail varnish:-

It contains 31 chemicals phthalates is more common.

Side effects:-

Hormonal disruption, fertility issues, causes cancer.

Body lotion:-

it contains 32 chemicals including methylparaben,propylparaben,polythylene glycol.

Side effects:-

Rash, irritation, hormonal disruption.

Perfumes:-

It contains 250 chemicals most common are benzaldehyde and toulene.

Side effects:-

Sperm damage, cancer, organ irritation and hormonal disruption.

Cosmetics cause different types of diseases:

1. Hair Problems

With changing trends in fashion, there is also a wave of hair trends that
comes along. Hair products like hair gels, hair serums, shampoos,
conditioners, and hair sprays contain several harmful chemicals which
set your hair the way you want but end up damaging your hair in the
long run. Extensive use of chemical based hair products could lead to
dandruff, scalp redness, thinning of hair, and even loss of hair. Long
term use of hair colors could also lead to hair discoloration.

2. Acne

This is common side effect of makeup that most women would have
experienced. Your skin is as much a part of your body as any other
organ. It also needs to breathe and grow. When you cover your skin
with makeup, you also end up clogging it. Some types of makeup which
are in the form of liquids and creams clog the pores in your skin. This
leads to the formation of blackheads, which when not cleaned regularly
can form acne. So make sure you clean your makeup thoroughly with a
natural cleanser before going to bed.

3. Skin Allergies

Chemicals known as Parabens which include ethyl-paraben, butyl-

paraben, and isopropyl-paraben are used as preservatives to prevent
bacterial growth in cosmetics. Parabens can cause various allergic
reactions like skin irritation, blotches, and blemishes on the skin.
Another common allergen in cosmetics is Salicylate which can cause
an outbreak of painful rashes or hives if you have sensitive skin. In
many cases, the allergic reaction is not apparent until the symptoms
become severe.

4. Eye Infections

Eye makeup is used extensively even by women who don’t use heavy
makeup. But it’s important to remember that your eyes and the skin
around them is the most sensitive area of your face. Layers of eye
makeup can be damaging to your eyes as it also slips into your eyes
through the corners causing irritation. Too much mascara and eyeliner
inhibits the growth of eyelashes and also becomes a breeding ground
for bacteria which could lead to irritations and infections.

5. Premature Ageing

When you use skin products for a longer period of time, the chemicals
present tend to permanently damage your skin. With time, you could
begin to see skin ageing signs likes wrinkles or patchiness on your face
and body. While makeup does help you hide or cover flaws in your
skin, the long term effects could be counterproductive. Also,
considering how big the anti-ageing products market is, cosmetic
companies have no incentive to reduce the ageing effects of makeup.

6. Hormonal Imbalance

Prolonged use of cosmetics can have an impact on your endocrine

system and interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Triclosan
is a commonly used chemical compound and can be found in products
like acne-removal scrubs and deodorants to keep them free of germs.
With regular use, triclosan gets absorbed and accumulated in your
body and affects the thyroid gland causing an imbalance in the
hormonal secretions. This could lead to thyroid related conditions like
headaches, weight gain, and depression.
 7. Cancer

Many of the chemical based cosmetics available in the stores today

contain toxic ingredients that could cause cancer.

Some chemicals are:

 Phenacetin
 Coal tar
 Benzene
 Untreated or mildly treated mineral oils
 Ethylene oxide
 Chromium
 Cadmium and its compounds
 Arsenic
 Crystalline silica (or quartz)

8– Breathing Disorders.

Chemically reactive beauty products not only ruin your physical

appearance and cause painful allergies, they can go so far as to
interfere with your respiratory system, causing serious breathing
disorders. For example, salicylates and lead-containing lipsticks can
lead to breathing difficulties that are similar to asthmatic attacks. Even
the harmless bubble bath you buy can be a potential cause of
respiratory disorders, especially if it contains the foaming agent
“alkylarylsulphonate”.

9. Skin Discoloration

Skin products like sunscreens, moisturizers, toners, and creams

contain agents that bleach or darken the skin. Cosmetic products that
use poor quality ingredients which have not been regulated can lead to
skin discoloration. The effect could be patches, pigmentation, uneven
skin tone, redness, and freckles. Though your skin is meant to protect
you, it is also very sensitive and needs to treated with care. So avoid
using chemical products for your daily skincare routine.

Healthier Skin

Many newer makeups actually contain ingredients that are good for the
skin. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial products help make makeup
safer and healthier for skin. Antibacterial ingredients ward off acne and
help reduce redness, counter-acting some conditions that may be
caused by other cosmetics. Many lines also include vitamins and
evenmoisturizers that keep skin looking beautiful even after the
makeup is washed off. Some foundations or moisturizers also include
SPF, helping to avoid sun damaged skin or possibly even melanoma.
Using chemical based cosmetics regularly can have adverse effects
on your skin and could even lead to permanent damage. The best way
to avoid these side effects of makeup is by reducing the use of
cosmetics and switching to natural or herbal products. And always
remember to read the label for harmful chemicals before you buy.

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