How often and how closely you read the label before you buy cosmetics? Promises manufacturers usually insufficient to gain confidence in the safety of a particular agent.
The researchers suggest that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in the production of various cosmetics, relates to industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides destroying substances hormones and so on. Cosmetics, which consists of these substances, it is strongly recommended to avoid.
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxy toluene)
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Used as a preservative in the manufacture of lipsticks, moisturizers and other types of cosmetics. They are also used as food preservatives.
These substances may cause an allergic skin reaction. It is classified as a possible human carcinogen and, in addition, may disrupt the action of hormones in the body.
Under laboratory conditions, prolonged exposure to BHA and BHT in mice and rats caused liver problems, thyroid, and kidney have a negative effect on lung function and blood clotting. In some cases, BHT promote tumor growth. There are yet very limited, data indicating the fact that BHT can mimic estrogen and prevent expression of the male sex hormones, which leads to disruption of reproductive function.
The use of these substances is quite tightly regulated in some regions. For example, EU rules prohibit the use of BHA as an aromatic additive in the manufacture of cosmetics. The laws of the US state of California oblige manufacturers to place on the packaging of cosmetics, which is composed of BHA, warning that this ingredient can cause cancer.
P-phenylenediamine and other dyes - coal tar derivatives
These substances are indicated on the packaging of the letters CI and the following five-digit numbers. They are widely used in cosmetics, in particular hair dyes.
Coal tar - a mixture of different chemicals, oil derivatives. Dyes derived from coal tar are potential carcinogens; moreover, they may contain small amounts of heavy metals - the substances that are toxic to the brain. Some of these dyes are used in the manufacture of lipstick and food.
Laboratory studies have shown that p-phenylenediamine is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. In another study it was found that women who for a long time use hair dyes, increases the likelihood of developing cancer of the lymphatic system. However, these findings are not yet reliable evidence, and many dye derived from coal tar, is still widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics.
Diethanolamine (DEA)
DHEA and its compounds are used primarily for the manufacture of soaps, cleansing gels, shampoos. These substances can cause mild to moderate irritation of the eyes and skin. Exposure to high doses of DHEA induced in experimental animals with liver cancer
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. In addition, the interaction with the contained cosmetics with certain nitrites, DHEA may form nitrosamines, which are possible human carcinogens.
Dibutilftalat
Dibutyl phthalate is used as solvent inks, as well as part of the nail polish as a plasticizer.
Dibutyl phthalate absorbed through the skin. It can enhance the ability of other chemicals to cause genetic mutations, but by itself is not a mutagen. In laboratory experiments, it was found that dibutiftalat may cause defects in development, changes in the cells of the testicles and prostate, as well as reduce the sperm count. In many countries, the use dibutiftalata is strictly limited by law.
Substances that release formaldehyde
These substances are indicated on the packaging as:
- DMDM hydantoin;
- Diazolidinyl urea;
- Imidazolidinyl urea;
- Methenamine;
- quaternium-15;
- Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
They are used in many cosmetic products. These substances are dangerous, as they slowly and steadily released in a small amount of formaldehyde. They may evaporate during use of cosmetics, and the main risk of developing cancer when exposed to these substances is associated with the inhalation of formaldehyde. Some researchers have suggested that formaldehyde in cosmetics can be absorbed through the skin.
In the EU, on the packaging of cosmetics, containing more than 0.05% of substances which release formaldehyde must be labeled ("contains formaldehyde).
Parabens
Parabens are used in cosmetics as preservatives and aromatic substances. They can easily penetrate the skin and can disrupt hormone function, in particular under parabens mimic estrogen
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, The main female sex hormone. These substances have been found in cancers of the tissues of the breast, because of what has been suggested that parabens may be associated with the development of cancer. Furthermore, it is assumed that parabens may interfere with reproduction in males. However, these are only suggestions, not received compelling evidence, and the use of parabens in cosmetics manufacturing a limited, but not forbidden.
Petrolatum
Petrolatum is a part of some cosmetics, gives shine to hair; it is also an ingredient in some lip balms, lipsticks and moisturizers. Is a product of oil refining pertolatum may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which prolonged contact with the skin can cause cancer. For this reason, the EU pertolatum classified as a carcinogen and its use in cosmetics is strictly limited. Contained in pertolatume PAHs can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Triclosan
Used as an ingredient in cosmetics and antibacterial triclosan antiprespirantov by prolonged exposure of the body may cause disruption of the endocrine system. Very frequent and intensive use could cause resistance trakilozana living in the body of bacteria to certain antibiotics.
