Ever since cosmetics came into the world, they have been criticized. In 17th-century England, a marriage could be annulled if a man proved in court that he was “misled” by his wife’s makeup and perfume. And later, Queen Victoria declared cosmetics vulgar and indecent and allowed only girls of the oldest profession to use them.

Today, the main complaint about cosmetic products is somewhat different. First of all, it is hiding potentially toxic ingredients. Considering how many cosmetic “chemicals” we put on our skin every day, including shampoos, shower gels, makeup, various creams, masks and serums, maybe we should really be more vigilant in reading labels?

Lists of harmful ingredients

The Internet space is simply flooded with information about the “harmfulness” of certain substances; there are entire organizations advocating “safe cosmetics.” There are databases about the harmfulness of cosmetic ingredients that are actively being promoted. It is from them that most consumers learned that “parabens cause cancer.” However, such sites mainly only scare people by disseminating unprofessional information.

In each country there are special authorities that check cosmetic products for the content of truly dangerous substances. Cosmetics that are harmful to humans simply will not end up on store shelves.

Should you believe the research?

For example, caffeic acid has been recognized as a human carcinogen based on several small studies showing that ingesting (!) large quantities of it causes papillomas in mice. Further experiments in the same rodents for 3 years did not cause the emergence of new papillomas. However, caffeic acid has already gained a reputation as a “dangerous element”.

Another challenge is that research is conducted on individual compounds, while hundreds of such substances circulate in the human body, combining with agonists/antagonists. What happens during their interactions, whether a synergistic effect appears or, conversely, they “extinguish” each other, is not always known.

Developers consider potential harm

Without exception, all brands understand that consumers need an effective and safe product. It makes no sense to lose millions in courts with buyers. Therefore, when developing cosmetics, all the nuances are taken into account. For example, certain dyes are allowed at 6% concentration in hair dyes, but are prohibited in mascara, eyebrow and eyelash dyes. In general, the substance will be introduced into a cosmetic formula, but in such dosages as to eliminate harmful effects.

Another example is that all preservatives cause skin irritation if the permissible concentration is significantly exceeded. But for cosmetics, a mixture of preservatives is used, which reduces the overall dosage but increases effectiveness.

During development, the reactivity of the ingredients must be taken into account. After all, an ordinary cream is just a “soup” of chemicals. It is important that they all react with each other “correctly”, without releasing harmful substances. An ingredient that has reacted “correctly” changes its shape and is not dangerous in the final product. An example is ammonium hydroxide (adjusts pH) - reacting with acidic components, it is neutralized to a safe salt.

Another example: SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) - an aggressive surfactant - and its derivative SLES (sodium laureth sulfate). When combining these two surfactants with betaines, side effects are almost completely eliminated, and the effectiveness and environmental friendliness of the formula increases significantly even compared to mild surfactants, while the price does not increase.

Horror stories about skin penetration

There is very popular talk that cosmetics will poison you - they say, women eat kilograms of lipstick with mercury every year, all of which accumulates in the body. And everything you put on your skin is absorbed.

But if you are at least a little familiar with the structure of the skin, you know that its main function is protective. The skin is not a “sponge” that absorbs chemicals, it is a “stone wall” that allows almost nothing to pass through. Millions have been spent on research into the penetration of substances through the skin. And now it is known for sure that only caffeine, nicotine and nitroglycerin pass into the skin. And most components do not penetrate the living layers of the skin, do not enter the bloodstream, but are only retained in the layers of the stratum corneum and are subsequently removed in the most natural way during exfoliation.

The cosmetics industry is a constantly evolving mechanism that keeps pace with the development of science and must take into account a huge amount of research. If there is a real risk, the industry solves the problem. However, under pressure from a concerned public, even a hypothetical risk turns into a reason for panic. As you know, fear + ignorance = hatred, and some very skillfully use this formula for their own PR. I hope I was able to convince you that fears regarding toxic cosmetics are completely unfounded.

Tatiana Morrison

Photo istockphoto.com

In the not-too-distant past, makeup was a risky, if not dangerous, endeavor. Buying decorative cosmetics was like Russian roulette. Manufacturers of cosmetics cared little about the health of their customers, and for the women themselves, the primary task was to disguise the flaws of their appearance and highlight its advantages as clearly as possible.

It is no coincidence that decorative cosmetics were often called simply “paint” or “plaster”. Indeed, “heavy” foundations, lipsticks and shadows with caustic dyes were little better than the finishing materials mentioned above in terms of the effect they had on the skin. Caring mothers and grandmothers quite rightly warned their daughters and granddaughters against abusing decorative cosmetics. The substances contained in makeup products had a bad effect on the condition of the skin and provoked its premature aging.

A lot has changed since then. Consumers of decorative cosmetics radically changed their priorities, finally putting their own health at the forefront, and cosmetics manufacturers, of course, could not ignore these changes. Demand gave rise to supply. Today in the cosmetics industry, concern for women's health comes first. Cosmetics have evolved from “paints for painting the face” into a means for correcting appearance and skin care.

However, although the “monster” died, his fame still lives on. The older generation of women, mothers and grandmothers of today's young girls, grew up in fear of the monster of cosmetics, which brings rapid old age. Many older women still find it difficult to believe that decorative cosmetics can be safe and even beneficial, so they resist with all their might their daughters and granddaughters doing makeup, and do not understand at all why, instead of gratitude, they hear irritated exclamations in response.

However, are representatives of the older generation so wrong? Let's try to figure it out. The truth, as you probably understand, lies in the golden mean between the belief that “mom is always right” and the belief that “mom doesn’t understand anything at all.”

Indeed, young skin should not be overloaded with decorative cosmetics without good reason. If you have healthy skin, a beautiful complexion, bright juicy lips and clear eyebrows, you absolutely do not need to “draw” what you have from nature again. Apply minimal makeup. Moreover, it is not the “clown mask”, but the “natural face” that is considered a classic of competent makeup.

If the condition of your skin leaves much to be desired, you cannot do without cosmetics. However, do not try to hide pimples, freckles or spider veins under a thick layer of makeup. Firstly, you won’t succeed anyway, and secondly, there are special makeup techniques that allow you to hide flaws in your appearance using a minimum of products. Master the art of natural makeup and proper facial care - it will be much more useful and effective than covering your face with 5 layers of foundation and powder.

The abundance of decorative cosmetics, even very high-quality ones, negatively affects the condition of healthy skin and aggravates the disease of problematic skin. Cosmetics clog pores and cause comedones. Foundations, blush and lipstick are especially dangerous in this regard. Therefore, it is advisable for the owner of problem skin to use not foundation, but light powder or foundation with a light texture. Blush should be replaced with eye shadow of a suitable shade.

As for the question of the dangers of cosmetics themselves, the opinion of mothers and grandmothers is already outdated. Decorative products themselves do not worsen the condition of the skin. Moreover, modern cosmetics contain components that have a beneficial effect on her health. Of course, you cannot expect it to cure acne or help cope with other dermatological problems. It is not yet capable of this, although it contains nourishing and moisturizing components. However, decorative cosmetics can protect your face from the influence of many environmental factors. Mineral screens protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, microsponges absorb excess sebum, antioxidants and anti-radicals fight harmful substances and slow down photoaging.

The pharmacy sells decorative cosmetics that have a certain healing effect. For example, you can find foundation creams that control the sebaceous glands and have an anti-inflammatory or antibacterial effect. Such products are often used in conjunction with medications to treat seborrhea and mild forms of acne. Pharmacies also have sunscreen foundations that mask and prevent exacerbation of vitiligo (white spots), lupus erythematosus, photosensitivity and other photodermatoses. Some foundations are prescribed after surgery for scar tissue changes.

However, ordinary decorative cosmetics sold in stores also contain substances that have a beneficial effect on the skin. Among them are vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, squalene, aloe vera gel, herbal extracts (chamomile, rosemary, calendula), avocado and jojoba oils. Thus, chamomile, calendula and aloe have antiseptic and healing effects, moisturize the skin and promote the regeneration of its cells. In addition, they are strong antioxidants.

Rosemary is also an antioxidant. The substances contained in its extract and oil bind free radicals that cause irreparable harm to our skin, and avocado and jojoba oils heal wounds and strengthen the immune system.

Hyaluronic acid creates a protective film on the skin that prevents cell dehydration.

Squalene, a natural hydrocarbon belonging to the group of carotenoids, is found in olive, cottonseed, flaxseed and some other vegetable oils, in wheat germ oil, as well as in many animal and plant tissues and even in some microorganisms. It penetrates into the deep layers of the skin and transports active components, softens it and fights free radicals.

When choosing decorative cosmetics for young skin, purchase products containing the listed components. However, we should not forget that each person may have an individual intolerance to any substances included in cosmetics. Even the “hypoallergenic” mark on the packaging of a cosmetic product does not guarantee its absolute safety. Therefore, if you experience irritation, itching, peeling, or redness while using decorative cosmetics, do not rush to blame the manufacturers of the product. Contact an allergist and find out which substances are contraindicated for your skin.

We would like to emphasize that everything previously said applies exclusively to high-quality decorative cosmetics. Cheap counterfeit products, even if disguised as well-known brands, in most cases have the same detrimental effect on the skin as the decorative cosmetics from the youth of our grandmothers and mothers.

Decorative cosmetics are considered to be of high quality if they have passed the following safety tests: it should not irritate the skin or cause allergies, have a pleasant color, smell and consistency appropriate for its intended purpose. For example, lipstick should be soft enough to glide on easily, but firm enough not to smear. If the cosmetic product is applied unevenly, does not cover the skin well and wears off quickly, most likely you are faced with a cheap fake.

One more nuance. Any, even the highest quality cosmetics, does not “live” forever. The expiration date is always indicated on the packaging. And these are not just “numbers” that manufacturers print for their own pleasure, but an important characteristic of the quality and safety of a cosmetic product. For example, lipstick lasts no more than 1 year, and mascara needs to be changed every 3 months.

What to do with expired cosmetics? The answer is clear: throw it away. When a cosmetic product changes its color, smell, or consistency, there is no doubt: it is simply dangerous to apply it to the face. However, even if you do not notice external signs of spoilage of the product, get rid of it anyway. Otherwise, very soon these signs will appear on your face. Don’t buy cosmetics for future use and don’t leave products that don’t suit you for later in the hope that your tastes will change in the future. If this happens, the old cosmetics will still become unusable.

And one last thing. Sometimes, while carefully selecting decorative cosmetics and monitoring their condition, we forget about the means of applying them. Sponges, brushes, brushes need care: they should be cleaned periodically.

Rate this article

Marina Ignatieva

Reading time: 5 minutes

A A

Every day we use dozens of cosmetics to maintain youth and have a flawless appearance. However, we rarely think about what this or that cosmetic consists of, whether it is really effective and how safe it is for our health. Therefore, today we will tell you what harmful components of cosmetics can harm our health.

Harmful cosmetics: additives that are not safe for health

Shampoo, shower gel, soap, bubble bath - cosmetic products that every woman has in her arsenal. However, when purchasing them, rarely does anyone think that they can cause serious harm to human health. The most harmful substances in hair and body care cosmetics:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – one of the most dangerous drugs that detergents contain. Some unscrupulous manufacturers try to disguise it as natural, saying that this component is obtained from coconuts. This component really helps remove oil from hair and skin, but at the same time leaves an invisible film on their surface, which contributes to the appearance of dandruff and hair loss. In addition, it can penetrate the skin and accumulate and linger in the tissues of the brain, eyes, and liver. SLS is an active conductor of nitrates and carcinogenic dioxins. It is very dangerous for children because it can change the protein composition of eye cells and cause a delay in the child’s development;
• Sodium Chloride – used by some manufacturers to improve viscosity. However, it can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. In addition, microparticles of salt dry out and seriously damage the skin.
• Coal Tar – used for anti-dandruff shampoos. Some manufacturers hide this component under the abbreviation FDC, FD, or FD&C. May cause severe allergic reactions and affect the nervous system. In European countries, this substance is prohibited for use;
• Diethanolamine (DEA) – a semi-synthetic substance that is used to form foam, as well as to thicken cosmetics. Dries the skin and hair, causes itching and severe allergic reactions.

Decorative cosmetics Almost all of it contains harmful and toxic substances. While doing our morning makeup, we never think about the fact that lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, foundation and powder can cause irreparable harm to our health.

In the “Harmful Cosmetics” category you can find a lot of useful information regarding health hazards. After all, when using shampoos, toothpaste, hair dye and all types of cosmetics, you need to remember that most of them consist of chemicals (with the exception of some natural products). Researchers from the United States and Canada have found that some diseases are caused by waste from cosmetics factories washing into rivers. Of course, regular use of cosmetics can lead to illness.

You can give as many examples as possible of the harm it can cause. Thus, mineral oil leads to the effect of “excessive hydration” of the skin. It becomes very wet and in the future this may cause it to dry out quickly. The substance propylene glycol used in cosmetics can cause allergies to it. Scientists estimate that about a third of all cosmetics contain substances that can cause cancer. To date, manufacturers have not abandoned them. However, only 11% of the total number of ingredients is usually indicated on the labels. Therefore, the information you read here may encourage you to give up certain types of cosmetics.

Take care of your health!

After reading the article by dermatologist Dr. Jetski Ulti, you will learn the whole truth about whether mineral oil is harmful or beneficial in cosmetics.

Do you know what baby wipes and aviation antifreeze have in common? In both cases, the main component is propylene glycol. What is its harm and difference from butylene glycol

Do you already know why sulfates, such as sodium laureth sulfate in shampoos, are harmful? In this article, I have compiled a rating of the best shampoos without SLS and parabens.

Why are chemicals in cosmetics dangerous? What are the most dangerous and harmful substances that can be contained in cosmetics? Read this article and find out!

Any rash on the skin may be a symptom that our body is rejecting certain components of cosmetic products. Let's try to understand what an allergy to cosmetics is and what causes it.

Complete nonsense! What is taken as an indicator of naturalness is in fact not intended for people at all. These are tags for robots. Yes, yes, exactly for them.

Harmful and potentially dangerous ingredients of cosmetics, possible consequences of their use, reasons for use by manufacturers, a list of harmful substances in different groups of cosmetic products.

The content of the article:

Harmful substances in cosmetics are those ingredients that, upon contact with the body, can cause negative reactions in the form of damage, allergies, and various diseases, not only during use, but also in the distant future. The danger of using products with harmful elements lies precisely in the possibility of a delayed reaction. Some components immediately cause irritation, so a person refuses to use such cosmetics. Others act “secretly”, unnoticed, gradually accumulating in the tissues, they are waiting in the wings to manifest all their harm.

Why are harmful substances added to cosmetics?

Every family has at least one cosmetic product in the bathroom, on the dressing table, on the bedside table. But often their number is much larger. Nowadays, not only women use cosmetics products. Numerous care products for children and men have flooded the market.

The word “cosmetics” means not only products for decorative improvement of appearance - lipsticks, eye shadows, foundations and the like. This concept is quite broad and includes non-medicinal products designed to improve the characteristics of skin, hair, and nails. These are hair and body washes, shaving and after-shaving products, sunscreen sprays, oils and creams, caring cosmetics, anti-aging and much more.

Depending on the purpose of the cosmetic product, various active substances are added to the formulation to solve a particular problem of the skin, hair, and nails. Special filters are introduced into sunscreens, vitamins and moisturizing components into children's creams, and antioxidants and substances that promote tissue regeneration into anti-aging cosmetics. The list goes on and on.

However, the buyer makes a choice not only based on potential benefits, but also in accordance with the so-called consumer characteristics. Consumer properties are those qualities of a product that appear during its use by the consumer. They provide ease of use and satisfaction of individual needs determined by the purpose of the product. Therefore, they are a combination of aesthetic, economic and technical qualities of a product.

In addition to functional and environmental properties, consumers are also interested in others - ergonomic and aesthetic. Among them:

• Visual appeal. Now we are talking not only about packaging, but also about the characteristics of the product itself. External attractiveness includes color, consistency, uniformity, absence of sediment, aroma, etc.
• Ease of use. Here again we are talking about consistency, viscosity, uniformity, which allow you to easily and without problems apply the product, for example, apply and distribute the cream, squeeze out and lather the shampoo
• Reliability. In relation to cosmetics, the concept of reliability is applicable in terms of the preservation of useful properties throughout the shelf life of the product.

In this case, to give the desired consumer characteristics, cosmetics manufacturers add a variety of excipients that are not able to have a positive effect on the appearance and health of the skin, hair and nails. Thus, the use of auxiliary elements is justified by marketing considerations that pursue the goal of increasing sales volumes.

Excipients, as well as active substances, are divided into groups. However, the same substance can have several properties, and therefore fits into the description of several groups at once.

The main groups of auxiliary elements:

1. Emulsifiers. Provide mixing of components. Allows you to create a homogeneous mass.
2. Preservatives. They block the development of microorganisms, thereby protecting the cosmetic product from spoilage. Responsible for the stability of the composition. Help extend shelf life. If all preservatives are completely excluded from the product, then the shelf life of such a product will not exceed 7 days. Particularly dangerous is Bronopol, which is often used and can release the carcinogen nitrosamine. Many experts believe that cosmetics contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms pose a great danger, believing that the harm from preservatives has not been proven.
3. Dyes. Provide the necessary shade to the product. Natural ingredients, when mixed with other ingredients, can result in unsightly colors. Bleachers and some dyes come to the rescue.
4. Fillers. They are used to increase the volume of the product and ensure the required concentration of substances. The use of fillers often reduces the cost of goods.
5. Flavors. They give the products the necessary aroma. The essential oils used are often safe and even beneficial.

Among the excipients, there are both safe and harmful. Many of them are interchangeable. However, some safe components have a higher cost, so they are actively replaced by cheaper auxiliary ones, which can have a negative impact on health and beauty. Their origin is most often not natural, but synthetic. However, the high price of a product is not a guarantee of high quality and safety of use.

What danger do harmful substances in cosmetics pose to humans?

Cosmetics, as a mass-produced product, contain many different ingredients, each of which performs a number of functions. At the moment, the vast majority of components have been studied and described in some detail, which allows each person to become familiar with the main characteristics, properties, both useful and dangerous, and assess the degree of safety of use.

For useful components, marketers develop an extended exalting description of the properties, on which the advertising campaign of the cosmetic product is built. However, the presence of even the most useful and safe natural components may well be overshadowed by the addition of dangerous substances.

The presence of harmful elements and their possible dangerous properties, on the contrary, are kept silent in advertising campaigns. And they, in turn, can cause harm to the body of varying severity.

Harmful effects may occur as follows:

• Allergic reaction. It may manifest itself in the appearance of rashes, redness, itching, and dryness. With frequent and prolonged contact with dangerous cosmetics, the skin becomes more sensitive. A common reaction of the body is swelling. Sometimes hair loss occurs, a cough or smooth muscle spasm appears.
• Carcinogenic effect. It can cause irreversible damage and changes in the genetic apparatus, which contributes to the appearance and development of tumors of various types - both benign and malignant.
• Mutagenic effect. This is a negative effect on genetic material. The mutagenic effect is understood as damage to the hereditary apparatus in different tissues, i.e. genes and chromosomes. It is noteworthy that disorders can appear even after several years and not only in a person who comes into contact with dangerous cosmetics, but also in his offspring. Acquired mutations are passed on from generation to generation.
• Phototoxicity. This concept refers to the ability of certain substances to enhance the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Due to a decrease in the resistance of cells to the negative effects of the sun, the synthesis of necessary proteins and substances is disrupted in them, free radicals and toxins accumulate. The skin becomes dehydrated, ages faster, acquires an unsightly shade and becomes flabby. Recovery processes slow down significantly.
• Microflora disturbance. Some substances disrupt the balance of microorganisms, promoting the death of beneficial ones and the development of pathogenic ones. So, it is possible that, for example, a fungal infection may occur.
• Other consequences. Changes in hormonal levels, effects on reproductive function, development of diseases of various organs and systems of the body.

The possible consequences sound quite scary. But modern statistics show that the most common negative effect is allergies, and the likelihood of others is quite small. However, there is ongoing research and debate on this topic. In this regard, you should not completely abandon cosmetics, but take the time to study the composition and principles of use of all categories of substances by honest manufacturers.

It is noteworthy that out of the existing 70 thousand components for various types of cosmetics, only 3 thousand are permitted. Moreover, these statistics are relevant for European countries. In Russia the situation is different, because here many ingredients prohibited in Europe and the USA are allowed for use.

Modern quality control methods provide for the establishment of standards that regulate the possibility of using harmful components, i.e. completely prohibit inclusion in the composition or partially restrict it. In the case of a restriction, maximum permissible levels of a particular ingredient are developed at which the substance is not capable of causing harm. Based on this, we can conclude that all elements classified as “harmful” can be divided into dangerous and potentially dangerous.

The full composition of each product can be found only by examining the packaging, which contains the entire list of substances used.

The exact content of a particular component is a trade secret. The description of the composition of any product has one important pattern - the substances used are listed in descending order by percentage. Components at the end of the list have a smaller share in the total composition. Conversely, those components that are located at the top have the largest share of the total mass. Components adjacent to each other in the list may have equal percentages. Therefore, when choosing a product, you should rely only on the manufacturer’s honesty in meeting the standards.

Characteristics of harmful substances in cosmetic products

Products produced by well-known companies deserve more trust, because... such products are always under scrutiny. They spend large sums on research and implementation of developments. Pass certification confirming the fulfillment of all prescribed standards. The opposite are counterfeit products. One of the indicators of a counterfeit product is a lower price than the original. In this case, you should be wary of criminals using cheaper substitutes for safe ingredients that are harmful to the body.

Harmful substances in decorative cosmetics

Decorative cosmetics include lipsticks, contour pencils, eyeliners, blush, powder, foundation and other concealers, eye shadow, mascara, nail polishes, manicure products and much more.

As you can see, this group of goods has many subgroups. Their composition is significantly different. But even in this case, it is possible to identify harmful substances in the composition of cosmetics for this purpose, which lead not only to deterioration of appearance, but also cause negative reactions - dryness, irritation, premature aging.

The harmful components of decorative cosmetics include:

1. Benzene (Benzene). Its large doses cause poisoning and have a carcinogenic effect. Prolonged contact with this substance causes drug addiction. Extremely large doses are fatal. Benzene negatively affects the blood, the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, etc. But it is allowed for use in a limited concentration - up to 5 mg per m 3.
2. Phthalates. This is a whole group of substances that are used to impart softness, to dissolve substances, as a binding component capable of creating an oil film. May cause fetal malformations and reproductive dysfunction. Found under the names DEP, DBP, DEHP, BBP, DIDP, etc.
3. Talc. In liquid form it is low hazardous. Toxic in powder form. Causes cancer if inhaled.
4. Formaldehyde. Used in cosmetics as a preservative. The permissible dose in creams is up to 0.2%. Prohibited for use in aerosol products. Has a high degree of toxicity. Synonyms: formalin, MDM hydantion, DMDM ​​hydantoin.
5. Butylated hydroxyanisole. Used as a preservative and antioxidant. There is no exact data on carcinogenicity, but it is considered a toxic component.
6. Parabens. Butylparaben is a rather aggressive preservative, toxic when inhaled, on mucous membranes, the level of danger depends on the concentration. Ethylparaben is a naturally occurring preservative, dangerous in high concentrations, causing breast cancer. Isobutylparaben is safe for topical use on healthy skin and is prohibited in foods. Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Methylparaben are also often used

Conditionally hazardous harmful substances in cosmetics for face and body:

• Bentonite. Multifunctional substance. Emulsifier, filler, thickener, retains moisture, prevents caking, absorbs fats. May cause dry skin and irritation. It is believed that it disrupts air exchange, which contributes to metabolic disorders in the skin.
• Aluminum. It is considered a safe dye, but upon penetration into the body it can cause damage to nerve tissue and memory impairment.
• Paraffin. Filler, thickener, improves the lubricating properties of the product. Due to the fact that it is a petroleum derivative, many consider its use dangerous. However, if thoroughly cleaned, it is not capable of causing harm.
• Zinc stearate. Used as a filler, water repellent and lubricant. Not absorbed by skin. Causes irritation on mucous and sensitive skin. If ingested, it can accumulate in the body.
• Benzyl Benzoate. Solvent, stabilizer. Affects the nervous system when ingested. It is not absorbed by the skin. But it can cause irritation if you are hypersensitive. There is debate about the toxicity of this component. Safe when used correctly.
• Polymethyl Methacrylate. Stabilizer, filler. There are unconfirmed reports that it may cause cancer. According to other data, it is safe in the absence of individual intolerance.
• Triclosan. Can accumulate when ingested. At the same time, it causes disturbances in the work of the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine systems. Some experiments have shown the ability of triclosan to cause mutations at the cellular level. When used externally, it may cause skin irritation.

Harmful substances in skin care products

Skin care products are designed to perform many functions. These include moisturizing, nutrition, stimulation of regeneration processes, normalization of pigmentation, elimination of signs of aging, etc. However, even the most useful creams and lotions can be somewhat dangerous.

It is worth considering the need to purchase skin care products if they contain the following substances and compounds:

1. Mineral Oil. Synthetic drug. Safe when subject to proper cleaning procedures. Forms a protective layer on the skin, which is difficult to wash off, retains moisture. May clog pores and cause irritation. In general, it improves the lubricity of any cream. If swallowed, it is not dangerous, because not absorbed in the digestive tract.
2. Lanolin. Acts as an emulsifier, has a softening and moisture-retaining effect. Harmful for sensitive skin. Non-toxic even if swallowed.
3. Propylene Glycol. Solvent and preservative. Has low toxicity. Approved for use in cosmetics in limited doses. When ingested, it breaks down into harmless components.
4. Petrolatum (Vaseline). Filler, lubricant. Used as a moisturizer and to protect the skin from external factors. Capable of clogging pores.
5. Glycerine. Moisturizes the skin. Stabilizes cosmetic compositions. It should not be applied to damaged areas. It is considered safe in acceptable doses. It is able to draw moisture from skin cells, dehydrating the skin, but this is only under the condition of low air humidity.
6. Cacao oil (Cocoa butter). Promotes the removal of fluid from cells into the intercellular space. Stimulates the flow of energy processes. May cause premature aging of the skin.
7. Stearalconlum chloride. Acts as a substitute for plant extracts, because it has a lower cost. Characterized by toxicity and may cause allergies.
8. Germall. Synonyms - Diazolidinyl urea, Germol, Imidazolidinyl urea. Toxic at high doses. Prohibited in food, not recommended in products intended for treating mucous membranes.
9. Zinc Sulfate. Designed to replenish zinc reserves and serve as an antiseptic. However, this form of the substance is not capable of saturating cells with zinc, so the component is useless in this regard. Zinc sulfate can also cause digestive disorders, accompanied by vomiting, loose stools, etc. Possible disruption of breathing and kidney and muscle function. Worsens blood counts. But when used correctly it does not cause harm.
10. Sorbitan isostearate. Emulsifier. The permissible dosage is up to 10%. Causes irritation of mucous membranes. It is able to be absorbed by the skin, taking with it both beneficial and harmful components.
11. Fragrance,DMDM Hydantoin, Hydroquinone, Ceteareth and PEG. These are common and unwanted components of face creams.
12. Oxybenzone and DMDM ​​Hydantoin. Used in sunscreens.

In addition, pay attention to phthalates, Lactic acid, AHA and BHA, Glycolic acid.

In most cases, even with the above ingredients in the composition, the product can be quite safe. To do this, you should conscientiously follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and precautions.

When purchasing sunscreens, it is better to avoid purchasing and using those made in the form of sprays. They carry great danger, especially if they contain nanoparticles that can penetrate the lungs, injure their cells and then be transported throughout the body through the blood. Due to their miniature size, they can get inside cells and disrupt their structure.

Harmful components in hygienic cosmetic products

Hygienic cosmetics - soap, shower gel, cleansing milk, mouth rinse, shaving products, etc. - are intended to clean the skin and mucous membranes. Sometimes manufacturers expand the functionality with additional properties, including additional ingredients.

The most harmful substances in cosmetics for body and oral hygiene:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Filler, emulsifier, excellent foaming agent. Dissolves fats. Considered non-toxic when used externally. May cause irritation on mucous membranes. Many experts claim that its carcinogenicity has not been proven. It is a safer alternative to Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Powerful cleaner, degreaser, emulsifier. The degree of toxic effects is determined by the degree of purification, concentration and duration of contact with the body. Dries the skin, damages the hair, irritates the mucous membranes. Accumulates in the body. To remove this substance, the body expends a lot of energy. Not dangerous if cleaned correctly. Although it is impossible for the buyer to check the degree of purification. The list can be supplemented with two more representatives - Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate.
• Diethanolamine. Emulsifier. Toxic to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract upon penetration into the body. Causes irritation of mucous membranes. Little dangerous for the skin. As well as Monoethanolamine and Triethanolamine.
• Propylene Glycol. Described above.
• Alcohol. Acts as a solvent. In small doses it evaporates quite quickly from the surface of the skin. If ingested, it has a negative effect on health. May dry the skin with prolonged contact, which is not possible when using the component in diluted form.
• Sodium Fluoride. Toxic in powder form, has a negative effect on the respiratory system. If it enters the gastrointestinal tract in large quantities, it causes poisoning.
• Other. Triclosan, Fragrance, DMDM ​​Hydantoin, substances with the PEG prefix, etc.

Cheap cosmetics with a long shelf life cannot be absolutely safe.

Harmful substances in hair care products

The list of cosmetics for hair care is also quite wide. These include washing products (shampoo, conditioner, conditioner), styling products (mousse, gel, hairspray), coloring and curling products.

They may also contain hazardous substances. These are sodium and ammonium sulfates with the prefixes lauryl-, laureth-, Propylene glycol, Ethanolamines Mono-, Di- and Tri-, Butylated hydroxyanisole, as well as formaldehyde, animal fats, parabens, Benzyl Benzoate, Cocomidopropyl Betaine, Lanolin, Cyclopentasiloxane, etc.

Other harmful ingredients in hair care products:

1. Stearalkonium Chloride. A cheap substitute for natural proteins and herbs essential for healthy hair. It is toxic and may cause allergies.
2. Synthetic Colors. These are synthetic dyes. Marked on packaging as D&C and FD&C. There is speculation that they are carcinogenic and can cause cancer.
3. Synthetic Fragrances. Often cause cough, rash, headache and dizziness, indigestion. Marked as part of “fragrance”.
4. Tetrasodium EDTA. It is toxic only in high concentrations, therefore it is a conditionally dangerous component. It is considered indispensable in products that contain surfactants.

Harmful substances in children's cosmetic products

Is it worth talking about the danger of some elements and compounds for a child’s unadapted organism, which requires nutrients and gentle care for the proper growth of all tissues and overall development.

Let's list those ingredients that are often found on the labels of children's cosmetics, but their presence is extremely undesirable in products intended for baby care:

• Talc. In dry form (powder) it negatively affects respiratory functions, mucous membranes of the mouth, and eyes.
• Boric acid. In other words, boric acid. It is considered an ineffective antiseptic and is therefore prohibited for use by pregnant women and children. Extremely dangerous if ingested.
• Oxybenzone. Active sunscreen component. There are debates about its safety. The issue of carcinogenicity is being considered. Some studies show that it can accumulate in the body and is poorly excreted. May cause excessive skin sensitivity.
• DMDM Hydantoin. It is an antiseptic and perfectly fights the development of microorganisms. Possesses carcinogenic properties. Absorbed by the skin, accumulates, and can cause poisoning.
• B.H.A.. Belongs to the group of preservatives and antioxidants. It is used everywhere - in food, cosmetics. Banned in many countries. Has toxic properties. And even at low concentrations it is dangerous for humans.
• Other. Sodium borate - sodium borate, Triclosan, phthalates.

Manufacturers often use a marketing ploy: they indicate on the packaging in large letters information about the absence of one or another harmful component. This is especially true for children's products. However, the presence of “Free” marks on the packaging with any prefix, for example, Fragrance, paraben, or others, does not guarantee the absence of the mentioned substance or group of substances. Self-respecting companies often do not resort to such marketing ideas, but simply describe the composition in detail on the packaging.

How to choose cosmetics without harmful substances - watch the video:

With the modern way of life and high demands on the breadth of assortment on the part of buyers, with the strong desire of most manufacturers to reduce the cost of goods produced by reducing the usefulness of the product and increasing its danger to the body, cosmetics without harmful substances may well become something fantastic. Nature gives us the most useful and safe care products. But many popular cosmetic products, for example, hair dye, nail art products, etc., cannot be made without synthetic components.