Chemicals In Cosmetics :: Beauty :: Makeup

Chemicals In Cosmetics
by author Klaus Ferlow

Organic, natural cosmetics allow healthy beauty to shine; mainstream products chemically preserve. It’s your choice.

Are you aware that the mainstream cosmetics industry in North America is big business, with over $30 billion in sales each year? Their products are sold through a "brainwashing" type of advertising by multimedia: television, radio, magazines and newspapers. Claims are made, but do we really know what the ingredients are? Even if they are listed on the product label, few people understand which ones are dangerous.

In Canada, there are no labelling laws for cosmetics. In the United States, the law provides for mandatory labelling of ingredients, but only chemists understand their purpose and dermatologists, their problems. A large percentage of the population suffers adverse reactions and consequences from using personal care products that contain harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients.

Be aware that there are over 900 chemicals available for use in cosmetics that are toxic and pose a danger to health and well-being. Companies selling personal care products hide controversial ingredients under the label of "trade secrets." Because of intense competition in the industry, if a company uses an ingredient that is relatively new, or one that makes their product unique, it can petition the Food and Drug Administration in the US (in Canada, the Health Protection Branch) to prevent disclosure of that ingredient by granting trade secret status! This spells delight for the company–and disaster for you.

Many people are very health and beauty conscious and are willing to spend large amounts of money on cosmetics that promise to firm saggy skin, remove wrinkles, nourish dry skin or remove blemishes. Brand name cosmetic companies have developed a profitable industry selling products that imply many non-existing virtues and cures!

Every chemical cosmetic product on the market is formulated for shelf life of over three years. Therefore, each contains a large amount of preservatives (usually four synthetic parabens) to prevent spoilage. These are cellular toxins; otherwise, they couldn’t kill microbes. They penetrate the skin to a certain extent and many have been shown to cause allergic reactions and dermatitis.

More than 90 percent of all ingredients in commercially available cosmetic products are of synthetic origin-with all the associated health risks. On the other hand, there is a wealth of disclosed information and practical knowledge available about natural products that have been used successfully for thousands of years. A reputable natural cosmetic company can offer consumers a good selection of personal care products, minus the dangers.

Source: alive #215, September 2000

Make Your Own Lip Balm
That innocent lip balm you're using may contain harmful or unwholesome ingredients! Luckily, there are many natural lip products made from organic ingredients and with natural preservives from which to choos.

Preserving Your Skin Naturally
Cosmetics are manufactured in large vats and shipped all over the world. They are vulnerable to contamination and therefore, contain strong preservatives. Even if a product is hypoallergenic and dermatologically approved, this doesn't mean that you won't have an adverse reaction.

Wear a Festive Face
When that important date looms, you look into the mirror and what do you see? A rash of pimples, big dark bags under the eyes, dry, red, chapped skin or flaky lips. Well hang in there. Natural cosmetics are coming to the rescue.

The Art of Beauty
Many of the ingredients in our body and beauty care products originate from the same petroleum that runs our cars and heats our homes. While most of us wouldn't sip engine oil, we often lick it from our lipsticks, rub it into our eyes, and soak in it in the bathtub.

A Natural Beauty
Since cosmetics can be a big part of our lives, we should be sure the cosmetics we use on our bodies are pure and healthful. Many products to which we expose ourselves can enter our bloodstreams and affect our health and sense of well-being.

Lip Service
Since a woman who wears lipstick daily could swallow four pounds of it in her lifetime, it's important to consider what goes into these colour sticks. The best way to choose your lipstick, as well as many of your other personal care products, is to be a label reader. Choose products with the simplest ingredient list so you can look fabulous and feel even better about your purchase.

Brush Up!
Are your makeup brushes harbouring bugs? Are those sponges looking suspect? Great makeup starts with clean beauty products and tools. We use cosmetics to take care of ourselves, but we also need to take care of our beauty gear.

Facing the Night
When it comes to makeup, it's easier than you think to transform a neutral daytime palette into something chic and sultry for a night on the town. The rules for day still apply, but with a twist.

The Organic Minefield
Organic beauty products are so popular that, with high-profile designers like Stella McCartney leading the way, mass manufacturers are scrambling to jump on the organic beauty bandwagon.