Over the past several years, Americans have become increasingly worried about the harmful chemicals and ingredients found in the foods they eat. But what about beauty products? Get settled in your seats because it’s about to get scary.
So far, the FDA has only prohibited 11 ingredients from being used in cosmetics. Considering that Canada has already banned over 500 ingredients and Europe prohibits more than 1,300, it’s pretty clear that the United States is in desperate need of some catching up.
A huge part of the trouble lies within the FDA’s limited authority over the matter. In October, the FDA addressed the issue in a letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein admitted that the agency’s regulatory authority regarding cosmetics has not been updated since 1938.
Thankfully, Cosmopolitan magazine recently published an article on November 8 to caution consumers about 10 ingredients found in many common beauty products that potentially cause serious risk to your health and why:
- Formaldehyde: Could cause irritation, allergic reactions, and is even linked to cancer. Used in hair-smoothing products and nail polish.
- Triphenyl Phosphate: Could cause hormone disruption. Used in Nail.
- Petroleum: Could cause cancer. Used in skin and hair products.
- Propyl Paraben: Could cause reduced fertility. Used in makeup, skin products, and hair products.
- Fragrance: Could cause endocrine disruption and cancer. Used in perfume, skin products, and hair products.
- Hydroquinone: Could destroy cells and chromosomes. Used in skin care products.
- Phthalates: Could cause hormone disruption. Used in plastics containers for beauty products.
- P-Phenylenediamine: Could cause allergic reaction and sensitivity. Used in darkening hair dyes.
- Avobenzone: Could cause the release of harmful free radicals. Used in chemical sunscreens.
- Oxybenzone: Could cause cancer. Used in chemical sunscreens.