It’s interesting how we tend to ignore the risks of things we do every day.
Whether it be a bad diet or an inactive lifestyle, we like to forget the dangers they pose or turn a blind eye to their dark sides.
Such a side to makeup and beauty products also exists. A side that is deliberately overlooked and ignored by influential figures who have the ability to create change.
Not everyone pays attention to the side effects of makeup and what goes into the products that they apply on their skin every day. Some ingredients in makeup products pose significant health risks to your body, and it’s important that you are aware of them.
As of 2023, the cosmetic industry is poised to be worth over $571 billion.
People around the world use beauty products every day. It makes them feel confident about their looks. Also, fashion trends are studied and reported on by famous magazines and social media influencers. This is a large market with several powerful players.
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The Downside of Beauty Products
Studies have shown that those who use chemical-based hair straighteners are more prone to uterine cancer. Uterine cancer is classified into two types – endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma.
Treatment of the former involves, among other steps, the removal of the uterus. As you can imagine, this makes the potential for a hair straighteners uterine cancer lawsuit very high. A side effect that causes women to lose their ability to bear children is a major cause of concern.
The lawsuit aims to help those who have suffered health effects from using chemical hair straighteners, and several lawyers are already investigating reports of such side effects in people.
One example involved a woman by the name of ‘Jennifer Mitchell’ who had developed uterine cancer after using L’OREAL hair straightening products for over eight years.
Mitchell, along with several other women, has accused the company of targeting black women in their advertising campaigns.
Why is this relevant?
It turns out that black women are at risk of uterine cancer much more than other ethnicities. The fact that these companies knew of the health risks and still decided to specifically target black women in their advertising is shocking. As public outcry continues to grow, the number of lawsuits is expected to rise.
What Other Beauty Products Affect Your Health?
Hair straighteners are but one of the many products with such negative side effects. Some of the other products that affect one’s health negatively include:
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen products that contain the active ingredients oxybenzone and Octinoxate have been found to have negative health effects. These ingredients can be absorbed into the skin and have been linked to hormonal changes and allergic reactions.
These chemicals have also been found to be harmful to coral reefs and marine life. Physical sunscreens, which use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients, are considered to be safer alternatives as they do not have the same negative effects on the skin and the environment. - Nail polish: Many nail polishes contain chemicals such as toluene and formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
Toluene is a solvent that can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Some nail polishes labeled as “toxin-free” or “3-free” do not contain these chemicals, but they may still contain other harmful chemicals.
- Fragrances: Many personal care products, such as perfumes, colognes, and body sprays, contain synthetic fragrances, which can cause allergic reactions to sensitive skin, headaches, and respiratory problems.
These fragrances are considered trade secrets, so their composition is not always disclosed on the label, making it difficult to know what specific chemicals are present. - Hair dyes: Some hair dyes contain chemicals such as p-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Long-term use of hair dyes has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, specifically bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
To stay safe, choose hair dyes that are free of PPD and other harmful chemicals, and take a patch test before using the product.
What Steps Can You Take To Protect Yourself?
The products mentioned above are only a selection, and almost every makeup product has some sort of negative effect, if not on humans, then on the environment. If you want to know how to protect yourself from harmful chemicals, read on.
- Read the ingredient list: Make sure to check the ingredient list of the products you use and avoid those that contain potentially harmful chemicals.
- Research products before purchasing: Look up the products online and read reviews to see if they have any known negative effects.
- Choose natural and organic products: Products labeled as “natural” or “organic” are less likely to contain harmful chemicals.
- Patch test products before use: Before using any new product, especially hair dyes and hair straighteners, always do a patch test to see if you have any adverse reactions.
- Use products in moderation: Try to use products sparingly and alternate between different products to reduce your overall exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Dispose of products that have expired or that you are no longer using: Old and expired products can lose their effectiveness and may contain harmful microorganisms.
- Support organizations and campaigns that advocate for safer cosmetics and personal care products.
- Consider using alternatives: For example, using natural oils and butter for skin care, mineral-based makeup, and using natural methods for hair styling and hair coloring.
Conclusion
Makeup products can contain a variety of potentially harmful chemicals that have negative effects on our health. Ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, lead, and formaldehyde have been linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental harm, and neurological damage.
Learning to be aware of the ingredients in the products you use and choosing products that are free from potentially harmful chemicals whenever possible is key. Reading the ingredient list, researching products before purchasing, and choosing natural and organic products are all ways to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
Additionally, try to use cosmetics in moderation, avoid wearing too much makeup, throw away or dispose of expired products, and support organizations and campaigns that advocate for safer personal care products.
