In the United States, cosmetics are loosely regulated by the FDA– it is not required by law for most ingredients to be approved before they are released on the market, which is the exact reason as to why there are so many scary ingredients floating around out in our everyday products.
Essentially, there are two laws that pertain to cosmetics in the United States: the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act. Both acts basically require that products be labeled and include ample directions for safety purposes.
Unfortunately for consumers and cosmetic shoppers, this leaves a lot of space for toxic and harmful products and ingredients to be used as long as the ingredients are disclosed, and the product shows how to safely use it.
A FEW TOXIC CHEMICALS AND CARCINOGENS THAT ARE LEGAL IN THE USA
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Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing preservatives (FRPs) can be found in products like nail polish, eye shadow, mascara, and various shampoos. It is used to prevent bacteria growth and to prolong the shelf life of products.
Although the amount of FPRs is limited to a concentration of up to 0.2%, it is still worth mentioning that exposure to larger amounts can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and the respiratory system as a whole.
The use of it is strictly prohibited in Japan, and is also restricted in the EU by the European Commission.
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Parabens are definitely one of the most talked about ingredients to avoid, and already have an incredibly negative reputation in the world of cosmetics, unsurprisingly.
They appear in moisturizers, shampoos, spray tan products, and shaving creams to name just a few. Various parabens can cause breast and skin cancer, and can even decrease sperm count in men.
This one is particularly unsettling because of how powerfully they can upset your hormones, disrupt growth, development, and reproduction.
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Triclosan can be found in antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, shower gels, and other products that claim to have antimicrobial properties. This chemical that is also used as a preservative and a preventative measure against bacterial growth, has been linked to thyroid issues upon long term exposure.
Newer studies have also shown that it is possible that triclosan can actually create bacteria resistant to antibiotics. A number of studies are looking into the development of skin cancer after prolonged exposure to triclosan, which is really scary to think about.
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Phenacetin was previously used as a pain reliever and fever reducer until it was banned by the FDA in 1983 because of its carcinogenic properties. The fact that it is no longer used as a drug but is instead used in smaller amounts in cosmetics is deeply concerning!
Products containing bleach like facial hair dyes and hair removal agents often utilize phenacetin. It can cause health problems like kidney failure and anemia, and can even be linked to malignant mammary tumors.
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Coal tar is a known carcinogen, and a product of coal processing. It is used in a wide range of products from hair dyes, shampoos, dandruff treatments, and skin redness treatments. It is associated with cancers of the lungs, bladder, kidney, and digestive tract.
If you need yet another reason to be turned off from this chemical, it is also considered to be toxic to aquatic animals– not only is it bad for us, it can seriously and negatively impact the environment as well.
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Benzene is a toxin that can cause harm by being inhaled and ingested, and is used in the production of plastics, hair conditioners, and hair styling products.
Occupational exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia, and can cause serious damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory system, nervous system, and blood.
The European Commission prohibits its use in cosmetics, which makes you wonder why it is still used in the United States.
Other ingredients to look out for include silicones, which are often said to be more than they actually are, or PEGs that are causing harm to your skin.
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