The price of beauty: toxic ingredients in makeup
Being a conscious consumer by learning how to read product labels can protect your health!
From lipsticks to moisturisers, everyone has had a hand in trying out cosmetic products to enhance their looks. Although it is known what these products are doing to enhance our outer appearance, are we aware of what is happening under our skin?
Some cosmetic products contain toxic ingredients that can be hazardous to our health if used in large quantities. As conscious consumers, we can take steps to prevent harm when purchasing cosmetic products.
Keeping it clean
Everyday cosmetic products may contain undesirable ingredients, and one way to keep our bodies safe is to look for clean cosmetic products instead. While “clean” in the beauty industry is rather broad, it generally refers to products free of toxic ingredients in their formulation. These clean cosmetic products are essential to avoid developing health complications down the line.
Below are just some of the potential risks one might run into when consuming toxic ingredients found in most cosmetic products:
- Talc and asbestiform powders: While not toxic by itself, as a naturally occurring mineral, talc is often formed beside asbestos, which is toxic. This increases the risk of contamination of products that do use talc, such as eyeshadows and powder blushes. Long-term asbestos exposure can lead to several cancers, such as lung and ovarian cancer.
- Parabens: Often found in lip products, parabens and other chemicals, they are found to cause health problems, including breast and skin cancer, when used in excessive amounts.
- Fragrances: For those especially sensitive to allergens, fragrances found in cosmetic products such as sunscreen and face wash can become irritants for the skin, even causing allergies to act up. This is mainly for leave-on and makeup products with prolonged skin contact.
Exploring vegan alternatives
Made without any animal or animal by-products, vegan cosmetic products are a great alternative. The ingredients used are often natural and do not contain the abovementioned additives, lowering the chances of health issues arising.
Spotting vegan products is also easier than ever. Vegan cosmetic companies are registered with renowned organisations and carry their logo or mark on their products. For companies yet to be fully registered, knowing what some common animal-based ingredients are can help decide if their product is vegan. One example would be having carmine from insects used in lipsticks for its red hue.
Safeguarding our bodies
Being a conscious consumer goes a long way in keeping our bodies away from harm. Taking measures to protect ourselves from potential incidents is a step forward that will be beneficial in the long run.
The potential dangers of unknown toxic ingredients can be as serious as developing certain cancers or fertility issues.
Stay protected with our health insurance coverage and find out more about the Great Eastern Rewards Health – Stay Skin Smart, here.
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