7 chemicals in cosmetics that can damage your skin
Have you ever thought what makes your skin red, itchy and bumpy after applying some of your favourite personal skin care products like creams and sunscreen?
Sumesh Sood, chief operating officer of personal care brand Organic Harvest Company, says chemicals like parabens and phthalates present in products are capable of damaging skin. Not just the skin, chemicals in cosmetics are possibly linked to many more health problems including cancer. Here’s a list of chemicals commonly found in cosmetics:
1. Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemicals that disrupt hormonal balance in women. They are found in several skin care products like moisturisers and shampoos. They may lead to early puberty in girls and may be risk factor for later-life breast cancer.
2. Parabens: Parabens are a group of compounds used to prevent contamination of cosmetics and skincare products with fungus, bacteria and other cultures. Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl parabens are common preservatives used in all toiletries, dental and hair products. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and may cause breast cancer. They are also likely to irritate skin, eyes and lungs.
3. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA): PABA is a common ingredient present in sunscreens. It has been linked with cancer, skin irritation and rashes. The chemical also damages the liver and deepens the skin pigmentation. Read more on how to choose the best sunscreen
4. Mineral oil: Mineral oil coats the skin like a plastic wrap, disrupting the skin’s natural ability to breathe and absorb the ‘natural moisture factor’. This causes burning, stinging, redness and irritation. Lack of moisture also leads to premature ageing of skin. Here are 5 home remedies for ageing skin
5. Isopropyl alcohol: It is commonly used to blend colours in cosmetics. It has been linked to neurological damage and increasing the risk of cancer.
6. Talc (magnesium silicate): Magnesium silicate is used in makeup and powders. It causes irritation the lungs and may be carcinogenic; possible link to ovarian cancer.
7. Coal tar: Coal tar is used as a colorant in cosmetics such as blushers and eye liners. Some companies also use it in anti-dandruff shampoos. Coal tar may trigger nausea, mood swings, and headaches and has been found to be linked with cancer.
Source: The Health Site
Published: 24 Feb 2014
