6 Carcinogens That Are Found in Cosmetics
Susan Bard, MD is a board certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. Dr. Bard is a native of New York City. She received her medical degree from the State University of New York – Downstate, where she graduated top of her... more
Did you know that not so long ago, many cosmetic products contained many dangerous elements? Hazardous substances were also present in cosmetics in ancient times. Egyptian queens lined their eyes with lead. Fortunately, cosmetics don’t contain such dangerous substances today. But while some toxic components may accidentally enter cosmetics during production, others are used intentionally to stabilize the formula, add viscosity to the texture or increase the shelf life of the product.
However, it’s difficult to determine a dangerous cream component. Below are the facts about carcinogens in cosmetics that will help you understand which cream is better for your skin.
1. Parabens
Parabens which are often found in shampoos, moisturizers, and shaving products are designed to prevent bacterial growth and mold in the product. The function of parabens is extremely important. Although many manufacturers have switched to paraben-free formulas (because scientists still don’t know how they affect the body with regular low exposure), we have no guarantee that these formulas are better. Methylchloroisothiazolinone which is often used as an alternative to parabens is an allergen that can cause irritation and a rash throughout the body in people with allergies.
Before using cosmetics with parabens, people with allergies should consult a manhattan dermatologist in order to avoid exacerbation of allergic reactions.
2. Phthalates
Phthalates were contained in almost all types of cosmetics, but today they are found only in perfumes. Changes in the market occurred after studies associated the effects of plasticizers with impaired human reproductive function. The most common of phthalates is diethyl phthalate (DEP). It’s known that only one phthalate can cause cancer and this is definitely not DEP. In order to reduce any risks, experts recommend not to apply perfume at night or make sure that there are no phthalates in its composition.
3. Formaldehyde
Gel polishes and varnishes may contain potentially hazardous formaldehyde. By the way, long-term hair styling also contains this component. National Cancer Institute classifies formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans. But the truth is that the health of salon clients is not in danger, unlike the salon worker’s health who spend hours every day inhaling these toxic compounds. But if the product doesn’t contain formaldehyde, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain other dangerous ingredients.
4. Lead
Lead is sometimes found in lipstick and eyeliner but in safe trace amounts. According to the FDA, kayal and antimony contain more heavy metals than are permissible. Lead is a neurotoxin which in extreme cases can lead to brain damage.
5. Sulfates
Sulfates are chemicals used as cleansing agents. They’re often found in shampoos and have a bad reputation among consumers. But experts say that the only groups of people who really need sulfate-free shampoos have very sensitive scalps and dyed hair. In the first case, sulfates can cause itching and irritation, and in the second case, they can provoke leaching of color by raising the hair cuticle.
6. Triclosan
Triclosan is another cosmetic component designed to prevent the growth of bacteria in shower gels, antibacterial soaps, and some kinds of toothpaste. Science is still investigating triclosan but data from several studies suggest that it can bind to the thyroid hormone which regulates metabolic processes in the body. In addition, it has been suggested that triclosan is able to make individual bacteria more resistant to antibiotics but all these conclusions certainly require careful verification.
