5 Toxic Ingredients That Can Be In Your Beauty Products

The hygiene and personal care routine involves the use of various beauty products that help remove dirt and impurities that sometimes end up affecting the quality of the skin and hair.

Due to this, the cosmetic industry has been responsible for developing all kinds of aesthetic items to meet the different needs of consumers. Therefore, they are offered in various presentations and different prices.

And although many are beneficial and of high quality, there is a warning that some contain harmful chemical compounds, which if used for a long time can cause negative consequences.

In addition, many of these substances are added intentionally in order to preserve or give a certain texture to the product; others, for their part, are created by the interaction between ingredients.

Whichever way they get into cosmetics, the truth is that they are toxic and could be associated with the development of various diseases.

For this reason, in our space today we are going to reveal the 5 harmful ingredients that could be in some of your aesthetic products.

1. Parabens

This study, published by the Complutense University of Madrid , defines them as molecules used as preservatives in medicines, food and cosmetic products. Likewise, he continues to explain that its use is in question due to the possibility of producing adverse effects as an endocrine disruptor, which leads to reproductive problems and carcinogenic effects, and also at the topical level, causing dermatitis and other problems.

This compound is used as an additive with antimicrobial action. Its function is to preserve the products and, in the same way, they are also used in certain food products. For this reason they are used in the elaboration of various cosmetics.

Why are they harmful?

Concerns about this substance have arisen because of how easily it is absorbed through the skin.

Through various investigations, it has been shown that it could interfere with hormonal function because it could mimic the estrogens present in the body.

These have been found in some breast cancer tissues. For all this, a possible relationship between cosmetics and this variety of pathology is being studied.

In what beauty products could it be present?

They appear in most products that contain water:

• Fragrances
• Deodorants
• Makeup for the face.
• Lipstick.
• Shampoos
• Conditioner.
• Bath gel.

On the labels it can also appear as:

• Methylparaben.
• Ethylparaben.
• Propylparaben.
• Butylparaben.

2. Phthalates

They are a group of chemicals that are used as solvents, colorants, and plasticizers  in various cosmetics and perfumes.

Why are they harmful?

In this study, they are defined as a group of industrial chemicals that are linked to a range of adverse health effects on sexual function and fertility, the reproductive system, and prenatal and postnatal development.

Its action in the body has been related to kidney, liver, lung and reproductive system damage, both in men and women. Because of this, Phthalates have been associated with various health and reproductive disorders.

In addition, these are not only absorbed through the skin, but can also be inhaled when present in colognes and perfumes.

In what beauty products could it be present?

• Perfumes or colognes.
• Shampoos
• Handcream.
• Eyeliner.
• Eyeshadow.
• Mascara.
• Lipstick.
• Bronzer.
• Nail polish.
• Hair gels.
• Deodorants
• Lacquers.
• Aftershave.

3. Formaldehyde

Also known as methanal, it is a highly toxic and volatile chemical compound, released by various preservatives used in cosmetic products.

Why is it harmful?

This study defines it as, it is a colorless gas with a strong and irritating odor that at temperatures below -20 ° C is a transparent and colorless liquid which allows it to be irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract even at low concentrations, causing sensation burning at higher concentrations.

This substance has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a potent carcinogen. In addition, it is proven that it can cause skin irritations. For all this it is recommended to avoid its use and check the cosmetics of daily use to avoid it.

In what beauty products could it be present?

• Nail polishes.
• Shampoos
• Liquid hand soaps.
•  Nail glues.
• Toothpastes
• Hair gels.

4. 1,4-dioxane

1,4-Dioxane is an unwanted by-product obtained from an ethoxylation processing method used to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Although it is easy for manufacturers to remove them from the product before it is sold, there are those who skip this step without worrying about the damage it can cause.

Why is it harmful?

1,4-Dioxane has been classified as a probable human carcinogen. It is associated with various organ toxicity and birth defects. This is shown by various investigations, such is the case with this information.

In what beauty products could it be present?

• Shampoos
• Liquid soaps.
• Hair straighteners.
• Shaving foams.

5. Siloxanes

Siloxanes are widely used to soften, soften and moisten cosmetics that require this type of consistency.

Why are they harmful?

So far it is suspected that they could interfere with hormonal functions by mimicking the action of estrogens. Because of this they can cause infertility and liver toxicity. For this reason, it is recommended to review the products to avoid them as much as possible.

In what beauty products could it be present?

• Body creams.
• Mascara.
• Eye-shadow.
• Liquid soaps.
• Shampoos

Surprised? Now that you know what these harmful compounds are and how they affect you, it would be advisable to avoid them. So it may be a good idea to make a list and review it each time you purchase new cosmetics.