Essay on Harmful Chemicals in Cosmetics

The very first artificial dye was created by accident in 1856 by William Perkin9. Perkin’s dye chemistry set the stage for pharmaceuticals, plastics, etc. These products were not intended to be used for consumption, yet we eat them daily and use them in numerous other products, such as supplements, medicines, mouthwash, shampoo, and hand sanitizers (Gavigan, 2013). Gavigan’s general claim in the article is that petroleum based dyes are not safe. He goes on to also claim that “FD&C Red No. 40 may accelerate the appearance of immune-system tumors in mice; causes hypersensitivity (allergy – like) reactions and hyperactivity in children”. The article also gives a breakdown of the other 7 food dyes and their health risks.

With the buyers as audience it may change their minds when purchasing cosmetic products as to look for cruelty free products and to make a movement to stand up for animal rights.

When you're at the point where yanking out a strand or two out just doesn't cut it anymore, you may be tempted to run out and grab a box of hair dye. Take a moment to reconsider, though. Research has shown that the synthetic chemicals in most commercial hair dyes can be harmful to your health.

Ever since the finding of pigments and color in plants, plants have been used to alter the colour of people’s hair. It has been vocalized that Cleopatra colored her hair with “henna before bathing in the Nile” (Adams 1). Contrasting types of plant specimens, such as wood ash and oak, were being used to colour the different hues of hair. During the time of the Roman Empire, both men and women began to give up their customs and traditions of simplicity and frugality. Many of these men and women wanted to find ways to ornament themselves.

The majority of Americans apply products to their body multiple times a day without knowing what ingredients are in those products. Most of the products sold in the United States are considered toxic because of their ingredients. Shockingly, U.S Law states that “cosmetic products and ingredients do not need Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval before they go on the market” (Prohibited & Restricted Laws). Without regulation, harmful ingredients are slipped into products. These harmful ingredients can cause dangerous side effects such as cancer, skin irritations, hormone disrupters, and more. With a push for FDA product regulation, toxic ingredients in cosmetics could eventually be prohibited in regards to our country’s safety.

Many of America’s favorite go-to skin care products and cosmetics are tested on animals. Despite that, there are products on the market that use alternative testing procedures yet are still considered safe and effective. In the article titled Animal Testing on Cosmetics written by author Ian Murnaghan, the controversy of animal testing in cosmetics is referred to when he says, “The practice is particularly controversial because animals may experience discomfort, suffering and ultimately die, all in the name of aesthetics and 'looking good.’”. Much of what he says in this quote can be applied to extremely popular cosmetic brands like Sephora , Almay, and Revlon who all use animal testing to build their products to maximum use. Brands that compare to these are ELF, Too Faced, and Physicians Formula who all claim to using alternative procedures to show the importance of being

Another toxic ingredient in commercial hair and cosmetic products is SLS, (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), a known carcinogen that can seep through your pores and accumulation in internal organs, like propylene glycol. Alcohol causes hair and skin to dry out and become brittle.

On a regular basis, consumers like you and I buy items everyday not knowing the total chemicals that are in them. We trust that cosmetic products we buy everyday will be safe, but there are ingredients in our daily products that could or has caused conditions that we don’t know of. In 1820, the very first meeting the U.S had gathered physicians to create regulations on drugs in the United States. The general purpose of The FDA was to have a standard on the drugs that were being imported into the United States. It wasn’t until 1848 the Drug Importation Act was passed by Congress. It required U.S. Customs Service inspection to stop entry of adulterated drugs from overseas. In the middle of 1906, 58 years later the food and drugs act was passed. The original Food and Drugs Act was passed by Congress on June 30 and signed by President Theodore Roosevelt. It prohibits interstate commerce in misbranded and adulterated foods, drinks and drugs (FDA).

With all of the exposure to these chemicals in makeup, they can cause different effects

2. Parabens - Used as preservatives, these have been associated with increased risk of breast cancer, although a link has not been clearly established by authorities. These chemicals also mimic hormones which can potentially affect various hormone-regulated processes in your body.

Formaldehyde is a known to be a human carcinogen. (Ntp.nies.nih.gov..,2016). This agent is used as a preservative and is a cancer causing agent. Product labels do not state if formaldehyde is present, even though the manufacturers use this to prevent mold and bacteria from growing and spoiling the products. The FDA does not restrict the amount of formaldehyde that can be present in cosmetics sold in the U.S. (Facts. G...Concern, C.. & Preservatives. F., 2016). According to the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA), 1 in 5 cosmetic products contain formaldehyde. A caution proclamation on products may be listed when some unsafe ingredients may be existent. For example, ingredients may be safe in products such as lotions when washed off your skin, but not safe when left on the skin for hours. Another example is ingredients that are safe for use on the hair or nails may be unsafe when used on skin or near the

As the consumer attitude gradually changes, people are more in favor of the natural and safe products in cosmetic market. Australia consumers are not exception. They respected green-added cosmetics, namely, they are increasingly in pursuit of natural, pollution-free cosmetics with no chemicals added. Consequently, the products of chemical-free will gain competitive advantages in Australian cosmetic market to meet the consumer’s psychological needs for green, organic skin care products.

The cosmetology industry has been infamously known for their lack of regulations on companies that produce beauty products. The companies do not operate through the FDA, so they are able to exclude important information from labels. In the past, manufacturers could omit ingredients from labels, claiming the right to protect trade secrets (Nguyen 2). More than 9,000 chemicals are found in cosmetic products; however, only half of them can be found on the labels (Pak 2). Because of the label loopholes, the chemicals in the products have also become unregulated. According to Nguyen at Organic Consumers Association, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not saftey test ingredients used in cosmetic or personal care products before they are sold to the public (2). This leads to toxic chemicals being circulated in the public market. Additionally, if there is not a way to

Cosmetics are substances that are applied onto the body and/or face to enhance a person’s looks or scent. Cosmetics can be make-up which is mostly used by women and it is to enhance a female’s appearance. It is normally applied to face, hair, and body. Cosmetics has been used throughout society since Ancient times. In Ancient Egypt, cosmetic chemistry was being used before anyone knew it related to chemistry. Cosmetics was being used for many reasons in Ancient times. It is said that Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk to keep skin smooth, this is an example to show that chemistry is being used for the benefit of skin care. Skin care is another example of cosmetic chemistry being used. Skin care has been an important factor in society. Skin care has been around since 3000 BC in Ancient Egypt. This was prepared by natural materials.

Consumers are concerned about product safety and the use of animal testing by cosmetic companies.