Makeup products are all the rage these days, with more than $460 billion profit in 2014 alone.
While only an estimate, the cosmetic market will continue to significantly rise in the next 5 years, at an annual rate of 3.8 percent. In addition, these products have taken over social media sites like YouTube, with almost 130,000,000 beauty subscribers in 2015.
A study carried out by The Renfrew Center Foundation found that practically half (44%) of all women said they felt unattractive without makeup. But the problem with counting on makeup to build your self-confidence does not end there. A growing number of medical practitioners, scientists, and consumers are becoming increasingly interested in how makeup affects our physical health.
According to a study, nearly 44 percent of women feel unattractive without makeup. However, relying on makeup is not the only issue, as these products take their toll on our physical health, too.
The Dangers Of Makeup Products
Nearly all makeup products are packed with chemicals, most of which are extremely detrimental to your health. They are connected with skin dryness, flaking, and often an allergy. These chemicals permeate the layers of our skin and eventually reach the blood stream.
A study done back in 1991 discovered that eye makeup from third-world nations contained high levels of lead. Nevertheless, it ends up that things haven’t rather changed since. A relatively new study found that nearly half of all children’s Halloween makeup products tested contained banned and harmful chemical.
Some Of The Harmful Chemicals Found By The BCF Study
Cadmium
This bluish-white metal is associated with bone disease, kidney failure, and even cancer. It is believed to be toxic at levels below limits sets by the World Health Organization.
A test on heavy metals done by the FDA found cadmium in Gamble, Mary Kay, Jafra Cosmetics, l’Oreal, Yves Rocher, Revlon, Proctor, and several Estee Lauder, including eye primers, foundation, cream eye shadows, and powder eye shadows.
Toluene
Toluene, which is normally found in hair dyes and nail products, has been linked to damage of the nervous system and neurological conditions such as dementia.
Benzophenones
According to a short article published in Dermatitis, these chemicals may lead to allergies like skin rashes and anaphylactic shock. Being used to protect against UV light, they are found in fragrances, hair shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, lip balms, foundation, nail polish, and baby sun sunscreens.
Parabens
Parabens are endocrine disruptors which are added to cosmetic items to prevent bacteria from growing. As such, they are used in fragrances and colognes, however also in lotions, conditioners, hair shampoos, and shower gels.
Lead
Lead is often found in products like eye liner, eye shadow, foundation, and lipstick. It is also added to blushes, hair dyes, and lip liners. The problem with this metal is that it is related to infertility, neurological conditions, as well as cancer. According to a FDA lab study, lead was likewise found in products like lotions and talcum powder.
Talc
Talc used in powder makeup like blush and pressed powder foundation is frequently polluted with asbestos, a well-known carcinogen. According to a review released in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention, many studies link this chemical with ovarian cancer.
It is often found in feminine hygiene products, lipsticks, facemask, baby powders, antiperspirants, powdered eyeshadows, and foundations.
Conclusion
With this being said, exposure to these chemicals on a regular basis might be a reason for concern. To stay on the safe side, read the labels, reduce the amount of makeup you use, or try some natural makeup products you can make yourself!
