Health and beauty practice is often linked with make-up, and there are literally thousands of products out there that range in both price and quality. Quality and value are two of the most important factors when it comes to choosing make-up, but there’s also another important factor that many people overlook when it comes to their make-up and toiletry products, and that is the chemicals used.

Due to the often international nature of make-up products, a competitive marketplace and sometimes a lack of clear regulations, some common makeup products in your home could be far more dangerous to your long-term health than you realize. We have created a shortlist of some of the dangerous chemicals you will commonly find in a supermarket near you. Check out your make-up cabinet for any of these names and choose products that use safer alternatives.

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

This common chemical is often found in shaving creams, shampoos and conditioners as it is a synthetic foaming agent. Recent studies have linked this chemical with skin irritation, eye irritation, and most alarmingly cancer. On top of this, this chemical has been found to contain other contaminants also linked to cancer, such as 1,4 Dioxane.

Phthalates

This is often found in perfume products and nail polish products, and unfortunately, due to legal reasons related to company formulas, you may not even see this toxic chemical on the label (often it will be hidden simply under the term fragrance). It’s linked to birth defects, thyroid problems and problems involving sperm count and genital development in men.

While this product is banned in Europe, it’s still commonly available, and it is worth researching your make-up, health and beauty products to make sure it doesn’t contain this chemical.

Parabens

Parabens are commonly found in deodorants and products with high water content. They often have the prefix methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, and they have been found to create problems with hormone function in the body. This can lead to cancer, tumors and a suspected range of other problems. Look for products branded paraben-free when you next shop for health and beauty products.

Diazolidinyl and Imidazolidinyl Urea

These chemicals, along with a host of others, are linked to the formaldehyde family, which are known to be carcinogenic and can cause a range of irritations and allergic reactions. They can be found in everything from shampoo to sunscreen, and the use of these chemicals is banned in Europe. Mascara, make-up remover and nail polish also have been known to feature these chemicals. Source: https://wordmaze.net/

Amine Family – Triethanolamine (TEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Amonoethanolamine (MEA)

These are foaming agents are found in a range of different make-up and beauty products. From hairspray to facial powders and much more, this chemical is currently under review in the USA, UK, and Europe. This chemical has been linked to cancer and when mixed with other common chemicals have been known to produce carcinogenic results.

This is just a small list of the common chemicals you will find in everyday products. For more comprehensive information, you can search one of the leading cosmetics databases at cosmeticsdatabase.com.