The price of beauty: toxic ingredients in makeup

Many beauty products may pose health risks, such as cancer and endocrine disruption, due to their toxic chemicals.

1. Blush, eye shadow, powder, and other colour cosmetics commonly contain talc. This ingredient has asbestiform fibres, a toxin associated with mesothelioma.
   *Avoid this chemical, and learn its other names: talcum powder, cosmetic talc, magnesium silicate
2. Lip products often contain parabens and other chemicals largely associated with breast and skin cancer. Methylparaben is a commonly “hidden” preservative in lipsticks – you wouldn’t find in the ingredient list!
   *Avoid this chemical and similar ingredients, such as ethylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, benzylparaben
3. Carbon black is a toxin commonly found in eye cosmetics. Carbon-based products pose a risk of cancer; a long exposure to it may cause lung disease, such as fibrosis.
   *Avoid this chemical, and learn its other names: D&C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black
4. PTFE or Teflon is a toxin commonly found in daily moisturisers, especially in anti-aging product. It may give a smooth filter to your skin, but it could potentially trigger a risk of cancer and chronic inflammation.
   *Avoid this chemical, and learn its other names: Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether and DEA-C8-18 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phospate
5. Mostly found in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone is a must-avoid active ingredient that may cause allergy and hormone disruptions. A high exposure may also increase the risk of breast cancer.
   *Avoid this chemical, and learn its other names: Benzophenone-3, milestab 9, eusolex 4360, escalol 567, kahscreen bz-3
6. Alcohol and fragrance are two common ingredients found in face wash. Both can irritate the skin, but fragrance contains many chemicals that may cause allergies, asthma, and other health issues
   *Avoid these chemicals by choosing alcohol-free and unscented products
7. Though they are not products to be absorbed into our skin, brushes may contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and phthalates – which can cause irritations and affect our hormone function.
   *Avoid these chemicals and use makeup brushes made of bamboo, wood, or synthetic materials like nylon or taklon instead
8. Synthetic musk, mainly found in body sprays and colognes, is often an unlisted ingredient in fragrance products. It may endanger the brain and lung cells – even your hormone system!
   *Avoid this chemical, and learn its other names: fragrance, musk ketone, musk xylene, galaxolide, and tonalide