While the chemicals in cosmetics make us look, feel, and smell better, research strongly suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of these chemicals may contribute to the development of cancer in people. But because personal care products contain a diverse combination of chemicals, it's nearly impossible to show a definite cause and effect for any specific chemical on its own. Still, many of these chemicals are considered hormone disruptors.
Hormone disruptors can affect how estrogen and other hormones act in the body, by blocking them or mimicking them, which throws off the body's hormonal balance. Because estrogen can make hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer develop and grow, many women choose to limit their exposure to these chemicals that can act like estrogen.
While cosmetics and personal care products are made up of a number of ingredients, there are two groups of chemicals that are being studied for links to breast cancer.
Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing and is a known carcinogen. Still, it is used in cosmetic products such as hair dyes, dandruff and scalp treatments, shampoos and treatment for skin conditions like redness and rosacea. Coal tar was first linked to cancer when young chimney sweeps started suffering from scrotal cancer due to exposure. Coal tar can also cause lung, kidney, digestive tract and bladder cancers. Exposure to coal tar can also lead to bladder, lung and skin tumors and cause non-cancer issues such as reproductive toxicity.
Parabens are the most talked about skincare ingredients to avoid. They are found in beauty products such as moisturizers, shampoos, spray-tan products, shaving creams and makeup. The FDA has acknowledged several studies that claim parabens can cause breast and skin cancer and decreased sperm count. Parabens are added to most products to prevent bacteria from growing in your product, but they are extremely dangerous.
Studies have shown parabens can disrupt the endocrine. This means they can upset your hormones and alter your growth, development, and reproduction. Triclosan is a famous carcinogen found in over-the-counter cosmetics. As with parabens, manufacturers add them to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
You can find triclosan in body washes, toothpaste and antibacterial soaps. According to the FDA, high levels of triclosan can affect thyroid hormones and cause germs to grow. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders.
It often indicates a user profile. Log out. US Markets Loading H M S In the news. Hilary Brueck. Trace amounts of asbestos were recently found in eye shadow and concealer. The US beauty industry is barely regulated , and the US has not enacted new cosmetic regulations in over eight decades. Some products may be safe, but many are untested. Here are the risky chemicals that could lurk in your products. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Phthalates used to be almost ubiquitous in cosmetics, and they're still in many fragrances today. Studies link the plasticizers to reproductive and development issues. Parabens are also common in shampoo, shaving cream, moisturizers, and other makeup. A chemical called 1,4 dioxane is not purposefully put in cosmetics, but it can show up as part of the makeup manufacturing process, and it is dangerous.
Talc and asbestos are commonly found in makeup in trace amounts. Coal tar dyes are sometimes in eyeshadow and hair color because they're great at tinting. Nail hardeners and nail polishes can include formaldehyde, and some hair-smoothing products release formaldehyde gas into the air when heated. Triclosan is another ingredient meant to prevent bacterial growth. It's in some toothpastes, antibacterial soaps, and body washes. Lead is sometimes found in trace amounts in lipstick, and it's also in certain traditional eyeliners.
PEG polyethylene glycol compounds are petroleum-based and used to make cosmetics absorb more quickly into the skin. Sulfates — harsh soaps that are common shampoo ingredients — have developed a bad reputation. But they're not problematic for everyone. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA and butylated hydroxytoluene BHT are preservatives often used in lipsticks and moisturizers. In general, we know very little about what exactly is in cosmetics.
But avoiding chemicals altogether isn't a good solution to the problem. Loading Something is loading. Email address. Deal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.
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